Progressive encephalopathy with edema, hypsarrhythmia, and optic nerve atrophy (PEHO)-like syndrome: what diagnostic characteristics are defining?

Progressive encephalopathy with edema, hypsarrhythmia, and optic nerve atrophy (PEHO) syndrome is a rare, apparently autosomal recessive condition in which characteristic dysmorphic features are associated with subcutaneous edema, visual deficit, early arrest of psychomotor development, seizures, and cerebellar atrophy. A condition similar to PEHO syndrome, but without the neuroradiologic or ophthalmologic signs, is known as PEHO-like syndrome. We present the case of a child with PEHO-like syndrome and underline the need for a careful follow-up of these patients to identify signs and symptoms that can have a later onset, such as optic atrophy.