RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical features and genetic diagnostic method of cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A systematic study on the clinical manifestations, neuroimaging characteristics, therapeutic measures and molecular genetics was performed. An investigation on the onset and hereditary pattern of the family was also done.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The main clinical features including poor memory and history of stroke were found. And no risk factors of hypertension and arteriosclerosis were found. A positive family history was confirmed. Neuroimaging examination showed multiinfarct lesions and leukoencephalopathy. All these features are in conformity with those of CADASIL. A mutation in the third and fourth exon of the NOTCH3 gene was identified in the 10 cases of 4 generations. The clinical or subclinical onset in the 10 cases was consistent with classical autosomal dominant inheritance.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The clinical and molecular genetic features of the family accord with CADASIL.</p>