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Buchignani B, Cicala G, Moriconi F, Ricci M, Capasso A, Coratti G, Casiraghi J, Albamonte E, Cristofani P, Cutrona C, Pera MC, Antonaci L, Roncoroni C, Chieffo D, Sansone VA, Battini R, Pane M, Mercuri E. Profile of cognitive abilities in spinal muscular atrophy type II and III: what is the role of motor impairment? Neuromuscul Disord 2023; 33:711-717. [PMID: 37709650 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
There has recently been some concern on possible cognitive impairment in patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). The aim of this study was to assess cognitive profiles in type II and III SMA with a focus on individual indexes and possible correlations with motor function. 57 type II and III individuals, aged 3.5-17 years, were consecutively enrolled in a prospective, multicentric study. Cognitive function was assessed using age-appropriate Weschler Scales. Motor function was concomitantly assessed using disease-specific functional scales. Only 2 individuals (3%) had a intellectual disability of mild degree while the others were within normal range, with no significant difference in relation to SMA type, gender or functional status. While the overall quotients were mostly within normal range, some indexes showed wider variability. A significant positive medium correlation was found between Processing Speed Index and motor functional scores. Working memory had lower scores in type III patients compared to type II. Intellectual disability is uncommon in type II and III SMA. Motor functional abilities may play a role in some of the items contributing to the overall cognitive profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Buchignani
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy; Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Cicala
- Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Moriconi
- Psychology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Ricci
- Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Capasso
- Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Coratti
- Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Jacopo Casiraghi
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, University of Milan, Centro Clinico Nemo, Niguarda Hospital, Milano, Italy
| | - Emilio Albamonte
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, University of Milan, Centro Clinico Nemo, Niguarda Hospital, Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Cristofani
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Costanza Cutrona
- Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria C Pera
- Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Antonaci
- Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Roncoroni
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, University of Milan, Centro Clinico Nemo, Niguarda Hospital, Milano, Italy
| | - Daniela Chieffo
- Psychology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria A Sansone
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, University of Milan, Centro Clinico Nemo, Niguarda Hospital, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberta Battini
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marika Pane
- Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio Mercuri
- Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
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Cottam NC, Bamfo T, Harrington MA, Charvet CJ, Hekmatyar K, Tulin N, Sun J. Cerebellar structural, astrocytic, and neuronal abnormalities in the SMNΔ7 mouse model of spinal muscular atrophy. Brain Pathol 2023; 33:e13162. [PMID: 37218083 PMCID: PMC10467044 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.13162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinalmuscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disease that affects as many as 1 in 6000 individuals at birth, making it the leading genetic cause of infant mortality. A growing number of studies indicate that SMA is a multi-system disease. The cerebellum has received little attention even though it plays an important role in motor function and widespread pathology has been reported in the cerebella of SMA patients. In this study, we assessed SMA pathology in the cerebellum using structural and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging, immunohistochemistry, and electrophysiology with the SMNΔ7 mouse model. We found a significant disproportionate loss in cerebellar volume, decrease in afferent cerebellar tracts, selective lobule-specific degeneration of Purkinje cells, abnormal lobule foliation and astrocyte integrity, and a decrease in spontaneous firing of cerebellar output neurons in the SMA mice compared to controls. Our data suggest that defects in cerebellar structure and function due to decreased survival motor neuron (SMN) levels impair the functional cerebellar output affecting motor control, and that cerebellar pathology should be addressed to achieve comprehensive treatment and therapy for SMA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas C. Cottam
- Department of Biological SciencesDelaware State UniversityDoverDelawareUSA
| | - Tiffany Bamfo
- Department of Biological SciencesDelaware State UniversityDoverDelawareUSA
| | | | - Christine J. Charvet
- Delaware Center for Neuroscience ResearchDelaware State UniversityDoverDelawareUSA
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and PharmacologyAuburn UniversityAuburnAlabamaUSA
- Department of PsychologyDelaware State UniversityDoverDEUnited States
| | - Khan Hekmatyar
- Center for Biomedical and Brain ImagingUniversity of DelawareNewarkDelawareUSA
- Bioimaging Research Center for Biomedical and Brain ImagingUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGeorgiaUSA
| | - Nikita Tulin
- Department of NeuroscienceTemple UniversityPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Jianli Sun
- Department of Biological SciencesDelaware State UniversityDoverDelawareUSA
- Delaware Center for Neuroscience ResearchDelaware State UniversityDoverDelawareUSA
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Nancy M, Andrea OC, Tarannum B, Maryam O. Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A Scoping Review. J Neuromuscul Dis 2023:JND221567. [PMID: 37125560 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-221567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 5q Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a prototypical lower motor neuron disorder. However, the characteristic early motor impairment raises the question on the scope of brain involvement with implications for further investigations on the brain as a potential therapeutic target. OBJECTIVE To review changes across the SMA clinical spectrum reported on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS We conducted a scoping review of existing literature on PubMed and EMBASE. Two reviewers searched and retrieved relevant articles on magnetic resonance brain imaging in individuals with SMA censoring to April 2022. Full-text articles published in peer-reviewed journals or abstracts accepted to conferences in English and French were included. RESULTS Twelve articles were identified describing a total of 39 patients [age range: 11 days to 41 years old, type 0 (n = 5), type 1 (n = 4), type 2 (n = 2), type 3 (n = 22), type 4 (n = 6)]. All reported structural changes and did not explore other MRI modalities. In individuals with infantile onset SMA, cortical and subcortical brain abnormalities in white matter, basal ganglia, thalamus, hippocampus, and high intensity areas around lateral ventricles and thalami were reported over time. In individuals with later-onset SMA, reduced cerebellar and lobular volume were observed as well as increased grey matter density in motor areas. CONCLUSIONS Limited data on brain imaging in SMA highlights both cortical and subcortical involvement in SMA, supporting the hypothesis that changes are not restricted to lower motor neuron pathways. Further studies are needed to determine the extent and prevalence of structural and functional brain changes across SMA types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mugisha Nancy
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Oliveira-Carneiro Andrea
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Behlim Tarannum
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Oskoui Maryam
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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McKenna MC, Corcia P, Couratier P, Siah WF, Pradat PF, Bede P. Frontotemporal Pathology in Motor Neuron Disease Phenotypes: Insights From Neuroimaging. Front Neurol 2021; 12:723450. [PMID: 34484106 PMCID: PMC8415268 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.723450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal involvement has been extensively investigated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) but remains relatively poorly characterized in other motor neuron disease (MND) phenotypes such as primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), progressive muscular atrophy (PMA), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), spinal bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), post poliomyelitis syndrome (PPS), and hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). This review focuses on insights from structural, metabolic, and functional neuroimaging studies that have advanced our understanding of extra-motor disease burden in these phenotypes. The imaging literature is limited in the majority of these conditions and frontotemporal involvement has been primarily evaluated by neuropsychology and post mortem studies. Existing imaging studies reveal that frontotemporal degeneration can be readily detected in ALS and PLS, varying degree of frontotemporal pathology may be captured in PMA, SBMA, and HSP, SMA exhibits cerebral involvement without regional predilection, and there is limited evidence for cerebral changes in PPS. Our review confirms the heterogeneity extra-motor pathology across the spectrum of MNDs and highlights the role of neuroimaging in characterizing anatomical patterns of disease burden in vivo. Despite the contribution of neuroimaging to MND research, sample size limitations, inclusion bias, attrition rates in longitudinal studies, and methodological constraints need to be carefully considered. Frontotemporal involvement is a quintessential clinical facet of MND which has important implications for screening practices, individualized management strategies, participation in clinical trials, caregiver burden, and resource allocation. The academic relevance of imaging frontotemporal pathology in MND spans from the identification of genetic variants, through the ascertainment of presymptomatic changes to the design of future epidemiology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Clare McKenna
- Computational Neuroimaging Group, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Philippe Corcia
- Department of Neurology-Neurophysiology, CRMR ALS, Tours, France.,UMR 1253 iBrain, University of Tours, Tours, France.,LITORALS, Federation of ALS Centres: Tours-Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Philippe Couratier
- LITORALS, Federation of ALS Centres: Tours-Limoges, Limoges, France.,ALS Centre, Limoges University Hospital (CHU de Limoges), Limoges, France
| | - We Fong Siah
- Computational Neuroimaging Group, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Peter Bede
- Computational Neuroimaging Group, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
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Weissman AS, Kennedy KR, Powell MR, Davis LS. Skin necrosis in spinal muscular atrophy: Case report and review of the literature. Pediatr Dermatol 2021; 38:632-636. [PMID: 33619801 DOI: 10.1111/pde.14538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 0 is the most severe phenotype of SMA and is characterized by hypotonia, muscle weakness, and respiratory distress. Cutaneous necrosis, first described in an SMA mouse model, can occur in patients with severe disease; the use of targeted treatment versus supportive measures in the setting of skin necrosis is debated. We present a male infant with SMA type 0 with cutaneous necrosis of proximal and distal limbs who improved with supportive care. The seven previously reported cases of SMA skin necrosis are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kelsey R Kennedy
- Department of Dermatology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Matthew R Powell
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Loretta S Davis
- Department of Dermatology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
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Masson R, Brusa C, Scoto M, Baranello G. Brain, cognition, and language development in spinal muscular atrophy type 1: a scoping review. Dev Med Child Neurol 2021; 63:527-536. [PMID: 33452688 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.14798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
AIM To summarize the current knowledge on brain involvement in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1, focusing on brain pathology, cognition, and speech/language development. METHOD A scoping review was performed using the methodology of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Five databases and references from relevant articles were searched up to December 2019. Articles were screened on the basis of titles and abstracts. Full-text papers published in peer-reviewed journals in English were selected. RESULTS Nineteen articles met eligibility criteria. Eight case series/reports on brain pathology showed abnormalities in few SMA type 0/1 cases, supported by findings in three post-mortem examinations in mice. Four studies (three case-control, one cross-sectional) on cognition reported contradictory results, with impaired cognitive performances in recent, small groups with SMA type 1. Four studies (three cross-sectional, one observational) on speech/language showed that untreated SMA type 1 patients rarely achieve functional and intelligible speech, with data limited to parent reports/non-formal evaluations. INTERPRETATION Brain involvement is an under-investigated aspect of SMA type 1, requiring further exploration in longitudinal studies. A deeper knowledge of brain involvement would improve the interpretation of clinical phenotypes and the personalization of rehabilitation programmes supporting patients' autonomies and quality of life. Additionally, it may help to define further outcome measures testing the efficacy of current and new developing drugs on this domain. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS Brain involvement is under-investigated in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1. Neuropathological data suggest progressive brain involvement in severe forms of SMA. Impaired cognitive performances are reported in small groups with SMA type 1. Data on language in those with SMA type 1 are limited to parent reports and non-formal assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Masson
- Developmental Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Brusa
- The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL NIHR GOSH Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,Department of Neurosciences "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Department of Public Health and Paediatric Sciences, Section of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Mariacristina Scoto
- The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL NIHR GOSH Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Giovanni Baranello
- Developmental Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy.,The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL NIHR GOSH Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
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Cerebellar degeneration in adult spinal muscular atrophy patients. J Neurol 2020; 267:2625-2631. [PMID: 32388834 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-020-09875-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic motor neuron disease related to deletions in the SMN1 gene. There is mounting evidence that the disease is not restricted to motor neurons. In this neuroimaging study, we aimed to investigate the presence of in-vivo cerebellar damage in adult SMA patients not treated with disease-modifying treatment. METHODS Twenty-five molecularly confirmed patients with SMA type III or IV and 25 healthy controls underwent MRI with cerebellar focused structural analysis by the CERES automated pipeline. Volumetry (total and gray matter-GM) as well as cortical thickness of the cerebellar lobules were compared in both groups. Full clinical and demographic data were then assessed for correlations with cerebellar imaging findings. RESULTS Volumes of cerebellar lobules VIIIB (right), IX and X were significantly smaller in patients with SMA. Lobule IX also had GM atrophy in comparison to controls. We found no significant correlation between clinical findings and cerebellar damage. CONCLUSIONS Neuroimaging detects cerebellar structural changes in adult SMA patients, suggesting that neurodegeneration is not confined to the lower motor neurons in the disease.
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