Eye-of-the-Tiger Sign

Eye-of-the-tiger sign refers to a low intensity globus pallidus with a central region of high intensity in the anteromedial globus pallidus.

This is classically described in Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome. The complete differential diagnosis includes:

• CO poisoning
• Corticobasal ganglionic degeneration
• Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome: low T2 signal globus pallidus represents excess iron deposition. The central high signal is thought to involve gliosis and/or demyelination and axonal swelling.
• Leigh syndrome
• Neurofibromatosis
• Parkinson disease
• Progressive supranuclear palsy (Steele-Richardson-Olszewski syndrome)
• Shy-Drager syndrome
• Toxins

Reference

• Guillerman RP. The Eye-of-the-Tiger Sign. Radiology. 2000;217:895-896.
• Neuroradiology: The Requisites, 2nd edition. pp 391-932.