"Chromatolytic" neurons in lateral geniculate body in Werdnig-Hoffmann disease.

In a case of Werdnig-Hoffmann disease, we have observed pathologic changes in the neuronal cell bodies of the lateral geniculate nucleus. These changes are similar to those seen in lower motor neurons and dorsal root ganglia. As the lateral geniculate nucleus and its projections are entirely central, this observation raises questions as to the possible etiologic role of root entry zone glial bundles in the evolution of neuronal alterations in severe spinal muscular atrophy.