Successful Relief of Abdominal Dystonia After Sequential GPi Pallidotomy with 2-Year Follow-Up

Background: Abdominal dystonia is very rare. To our knowledge, no clinical study has reported its specific treatment. Stereotactic therapy has been used to treat several movement disorders, including focal and general dystonia. We investigated the use of internal globus pallidum (GPi) pallidotomy for abdominal dystonia after failed oral medication. Case Description: A 48-year-old man presented with abdominal dystonia and complaints of involuntary undulating and contraction movements of his left abdominal wall for 5 years. Treatment with oral medication for 4 years was ineffective. Lesioning of the right GPi successfully relieved his symptoms. The symptoms recurred at 3 months and right GPi pallidotomy was repeated with complete resolution of symptoms after the second procedure. There was no recurrence or focal deficit at the 2-year follow-up. Conclusions: GPi pallidotomy is feasible and effective for the treatment of abdominal dystonia that is resistant to standard medical therapy.