Right orbitofrontal tumor with pedophilia symptom and constructional apraxia sign.

BACKGROUND

Orbitofrontal abnormalities are associated with poor impulse control, altered sexual behavior, and sociopathy.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a patient with acquired pedophilia and a right orbitofrontal tumor who was unable to inhibit sexual urges despite preserved moral knowledge.

DESIGN

Case report.

RESULTS

The patient displayed impulsive sexual behavior with pedophilia, marked constructional apraxia, and agraphia. The behavioral symptoms and constructional deficits, including agraphia, resolved following tumor resection.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with acquired sociopathy and paraphilia, an orbitofrontal localization requires consideration. This case further illustrates that constructional apraxia can arise from right prefrontal lobe dysfunction. Agraphia may represent a manifestation of constructional apraxia in the absence of aphasia and ideomotor apraxia.