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Hosseinpour S, Bemanalizadeh M, Mohammadi P, Ashrafi MR, Heidari M. An overview of early-onset cerebellar ataxia: a practical guideline. Acta Neurol Belg 2024:10.1007/s13760-024-02595-w. [PMID: 38951452 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-024-02595-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Early onset ataxias (EOAs) are a heterogeneous group of rare neurological disorders that not only involve the central and peripheral nervous system but also involve other organs. They are mainly manifested by degeneration or abnormal development of the cerebellum occurring before the age of 25 years and typically the pattern of inheritance is autosomal recessive.The diagnosis of autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxias (ARCAs) is confirmed by the clinical, laboratory, electrophysiological examination, neuroimaging findings, and mutation analysis when the causative gene is detected. Correct diagnosis is crucial for appropriate genetic counseling, estimating the prognosis, and, in some cases, pharmacological intervention. The wide variety of genotypes with a heterogeneous phenotypic manifestation makes the diagnostic work-up challenging, time-consuming, and expensive, not only for the clinician but also for the children and their parents. In this review, we focused on the step-by-step approach in which cerebellar ataxia is a prominent sign. We also outline the most common disorders in ataxias with early-onset manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sareh Hosseinpour
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Vali-e-Asr Hospital, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 61, Gharib Street, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, 1419733151, Iran
| | - Maryam Bemanalizadeh
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 61, Gharib Street, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, 1419733151, Iran
- Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Pouria Mohammadi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Reza Ashrafi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 61, Gharib Street, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, 1419733151, Iran.
- Growth and Development Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Morteza Heidari
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 61, Gharib Street, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, 1419733151, Iran.
- Growth and Development Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Rodden LN, McIntyre K, Keita M, Wells M, Park C, Profeta V, Waldman A, Rummey C, Balcer LJ, Lynch DR. Retinal hypoplasia and degeneration result in vision loss in Friedreich ataxia. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2023; 10:1397-1406. [PMID: 37334854 PMCID: PMC10424660 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is an inherited condition caused by a GAA triplet repeat (GAA-TR) expansion in the FXN gene. Clinical features of FRDA include ataxia, cardiomyopathy, and in some, vision loss. In this study, we characterize features of vision loss in a large cohort of adults and children with FRDA. METHODS Using optical coherence tomography (OCT), we measured peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in 198 people with FRDA, and 77 controls. Sloan letter charts were used to determine visual acuity. RNFL thickness and visual acuity were compared to measures of disease severity obtained from the Friedreich Ataxia Clinical Outcomes Measures Study (FACOMS). RESULTS The majority of patients, including children, had pathologically thin RNFLs (mean = 73 ± 13 μm in FRDA; 98 ± 9 μm in controls) and low-contrast vision deficits early in the disease course. Variability in RNFL thickness in FRDA (range: 36 to 107 μm) was best predicted by disease burden (GAA-TR length X disease duration). Significant deficits in high-contrast visual acuity were apparent in patients with an RNFL thickness of ≤68 μm. RNFL thickness decreased at a rate of -1.2 ± 1.4 μm/year and reached 68 μm at a disease burden of approximately 12,000 GAA years, equivalent to disease duration of 17 years for participants with 700 GAAs. INTERPRETATION These data suggest that both hypoplasia and subsequent degeneration of the RNFL may be responsible for the optic nerve dysfunction in FRDA and support the development of a vision-directed treatment for selected patients early in the disease to prevent RNFL loss from reaching the critical threshold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layne N. Rodden
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Kellie McIntyre
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Medina Keita
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Mckenzie Wells
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Courtney Park
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Victoria Profeta
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Amy Waldman
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | | | - Laura J. Balcer
- Departments of Neurology, Population Health and OphthalmologyNYU Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - David R. Lynch
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
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Rezende TJR, Adanyeguh IM, Arrigoni F, Bender B, Cendes F, Corben LA, Deistung A, Delatycki M, Dogan I, Egan GF, Göricke SL, Georgiou-Karistianis N, Henry PG, Hutter D, Jahanshad N, Joers JM, Lenglet C, Lindig T, Martinez ARM, Martinuzzi A, Paparella G, Peruzzo D, Reetz K, Romanzetti S, Schöls L, Schulz JB, Synofzik M, Thomopoulos SI, Thompson PM, Timmann D, Harding IH, França MC. Progressive Spinal Cord Degeneration in Friedreich's Ataxia: Results from ENIGMA-Ataxia. Mov Disord 2023; 38:45-56. [PMID: 36308733 PMCID: PMC9852007 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29261] [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: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal cord damage is a hallmark of Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA), but its progression and clinical correlates remain unclear. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to perform a characterization of cervical spinal cord structural damage in a large multisite FRDA cohort. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional analysis of cervical spinal cord (C1-C4) cross-sectional area (CSA) and eccentricity using magnetic resonance imaging data from eight sites within the ENIGMA-Ataxia initiative, including 256 individuals with FRDA and 223 age- and sex-matched control subjects. Correlations and subgroup analyses within the FRDA cohort were undertaken based on disease duration, ataxia severity, and onset age. RESULTS Individuals with FRDA, relative to control subjects, had significantly reduced CSA at all examined levels, with large effect sizes (d > 2.1) and significant correlations with disease severity (r < -0.4). Similarly, we found significantly increased eccentricity (d > 1.2), but without significant clinical correlations. Subgroup analyses showed that CSA and eccentricity are abnormal at all disease stages. However, although CSA appears to decrease progressively, eccentricity remains stable over time. CONCLUSIONS Previous research has shown that increased eccentricity reflects dorsal column (DC) damage, while decreased CSA reflects either DC or corticospinal tract (CST) damage, or both. Hence our data support the hypothesis that damage to the DC and damage to CST follow distinct courses in FRDA: developmental abnormalities likely define the DC, while CST alterations may be both developmental and degenerative. These results provide new insights about FRDA pathogenesis and indicate that CSA of the cervical spinal cord should be investigated further as a potential biomarker of disease progression. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago JR Rezende
- Department of Neurology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
- Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Isaac M Adanyeguh
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Filippo Arrigoni
- Neuroimaging Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Benjamin Bender
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Fernando Cendes
- Department of Neurology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
- Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Louise A Corben
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Bruce Lefroy Centre, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Andreas Deistung
- University Clinic and Outpatient Clinic for Radiology, Department for Radiation Medicine, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Halle (Saale), Germany
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational and Behavioral Neuroscience “(C-TNBS), Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Martin Delatycki
- Bruce Lefroy Centre, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Imis Dogan
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Center Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Gary F Egan
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Sophia L Göricke
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Nellie Georgiou-Karistianis
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Pierre-Gilles Henry
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Diane Hutter
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Neda Jahanshad
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark and Mary Stevens Institute for Neuroimaging and Informatics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA, USA
| | - James M Joers
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Christophe Lenglet
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Tobias Lindig
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Alberto RM Martinez
- Department of Neurology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
- Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Andrea Martinuzzi
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Conegliano-Pieve di Soligo Research Centre, Conegliano, Italy
| | - Gabriella Paparella
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Conegliano-Pieve di Soligo Research Centre, Conegliano, Italy
| | - Denis Peruzzo
- Neuroimaging Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Kathrin Reetz
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Center Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Sandro Romanzetti
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Center Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Ludger Schöls
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Center of Neurology and Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research,University Tuübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jörg B Schulz
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Center Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Matthis Synofzik
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Center of Neurology and Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research,University Tuübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sophia I Thomopoulos
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark and Mary Stevens Institute for Neuroimaging and Informatics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA, USA
| | - Paul M Thompson
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark and Mary Stevens Institute for Neuroimaging and Informatics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA, USA
| | - Dagmar Timmann
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational and Behavioral Neuroscience “(C-TNBS), Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ian H Harding
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Marcondes C. França
- Department of Neurology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
- Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
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4
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Pandolfo M, Reetz K, Darling A, Rodriguez de Rivera FJ, Henry PG, Joers J, Lenglet C, Adanyeguh I, Deelchand D, Mochel F, Pousset F, Pascual S, Van den Eede D, Martin-Ugarte I, Vilà-Brau A, Mantilla A, Pascual M, Martinell M, Meya U, Durr A. Efficacy and Safety of Leriglitazone in Patients With Friedreich Ataxia. Neurol Genet 2022; 8:e200034. [DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000200034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background and ObjectivesFriedreich ataxia (FRDA) is an autosomal recessive ataxia with no approved treatments. Leriglitazone is a selective peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ agonist that crosses the blood-brain barrier and, in preclinical models, improved mitochondrial function and energy production. We assessed effects of leriglitazone in patients with FRDA in a proof-of-concept study.MethodsIn this double-blind, randomized controlled trial, eligible participants (age 12–60 years) had genetically confirmed FRDA, a Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) total score <25, and a SARA item 1 score of 2–6, inclusive. Key exclusion criteria were age at FRDA onset ≥25 years and history of cardiac dysfunction. Participants were randomly assigned (2:1) to receive a daily, oral, individualized dose of leriglitazone or placebo for 48 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline to week 48 in spinal cord area (C2-C3) (measured by MRI). Secondary endpoints included the change from baseline to week 48 in iron accumulation in the dentate nucleus (quantitative susceptibility mapping) and totalN-acetylaspartate to myo-inositol (tNAA/mIns) ratio.ResultsOverall, 39 patients were enrolled (mean age 24 years; 43.6% women; mean time since symptom onset 10.5 years): 26 patients received leriglitazone (20 completed) and 13 received placebo (12 completed). There was no difference between groups in spinal cord area from baseline to week 48 (least-squares [LS] mean change [standard error (SE)]: leriglitazone, −0.39 [0.55] mm2; placebo, 0.08 [0.72] mm2;p= 0.61). Iron accumulation in the dentate nucleus was greater with placebo (LS mean change [SE]: leriglitazone, 0.10 [1.33] ppb; placebo, 4.86 [1.84] ppb;p= 0.05), and a numerical difference was seen in tNAA/mIns ratio (LS mean change [SE]: leriglitazone, 0.03 [0.02]; placebo, −0.02 [0.03];p= 0.25). The most frequent adverse event was peripheral edema (leriglitazone 73.1%, placebo 0%).DiscussionThe primary endpoint of change in spinal cord area was not met. Secondary endpoints provide evidence supporting proof of concept for leriglitazone mode of action and, with acceptable safety data, support larger studies in patients with FRDA.Trial Registration InformationClinicalTrials.gov:NCT03917225; EudraCT: 2018-004405-64; submitted April 17, 2019; first patient enrolled April 2, 2019.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03917225?term=NCT03917225&draw=2&rank=1.Classification of EvidenceThis study provides Class I evidence that individualized dosing of leriglitazone, compared with placebo, is not associated with changes in spinal cord area in patients with FRDA.
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5
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Joers JM, Adanyeguh IM, Deelchand DK, Hutter DH, Eberly LE, Iltis I, Bushara KO, Lenglet C, Henry PG. Spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy detect early-stage alterations and disease progression in Friedreich ataxia. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac246. [PMID: 36300142 PMCID: PMC9581897 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia is the most common hereditary ataxia. Atrophy of the spinal cord is one of the hallmarks of the disease. MRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopy are powerful and non-invasive tools to investigate pathological changes in the spinal cord. A handful of studies have reported cross-sectional alterations in Friedreich ataxia using MRI and diffusion MRI. However, to our knowledge no longitudinal MRI, diffusion MRI or MRS results have been reported in the spinal cord. Here, we investigated early-stage cross-sectional alterations and longitudinal changes in the cervical spinal cord in Friedreich ataxia, using a multimodal magnetic resonance protocol comprising morphometric (anatomical MRI), microstructural (diffusion MRI), and neurochemical (1H-MRS) assessments.We enrolled 28 early-stage individuals with Friedreich ataxia and 20 age- and gender-matched controls (cross-sectional study). Disease duration at baseline was 5.5 ± 4.0 years and Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale total neurological score at baseline was 42.7 ± 13.6. Twenty-one Friedreich ataxia participants returned for 1-year follow-up, and 19 of those for 2-year follow-up (cohort study). Each visit consisted in clinical assessments and magnetic resonance scans. Controls were scanned at baseline only. At baseline, individuals with Friedreich ataxia had significantly lower spinal cord cross-sectional area (-31%, P = 8 × 10-17), higher eccentricity (+10%, P = 5 × 10-7), lower total N-acetyl-aspartate (tNAA) (-36%, P = 6 × 10-9) and higher myo-inositol (mIns) (+37%, P = 2 × 10-6) corresponding to a lower ratio tNAA/mIns (-52%, P = 2 × 10-13), lower fractional anisotropy (-24%, P = 10-9), as well as higher radial diffusivity (+56%, P = 2 × 10-9), mean diffusivity (+35%, P = 10-8) and axial diffusivity (+17%, P = 4 × 10-5) relative to controls. Longitudinally, spinal cord cross-sectional area decreased by 2.4% per year relative to baseline (P = 4 × 10-4), the ratio tNAA/mIns decreased by 5.8% per year (P = 0.03), and fractional anisotropy showed a trend to decrease (-3.2% per year, P = 0.08). Spinal cord cross-sectional area correlated strongly with clinical measures, with the strongest correlation coefficients found between cross-sectional area and Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (R = -0.55, P = 7 × 10-6) and between cross-sectional area and Friedreich ataxia Rating Scale total neurological score (R = -0.60, P = 4 × 10-7). Less strong but still significant correlations were found for fractional anisotropy and tNAA/mIns. We report here the first quantitative longitudinal magnetic resonance results in the spinal cord in Friedreich ataxia. The largest longitudinal effect size was found for spinal cord cross-sectional area, followed by tNAA/mIns and fractional anisotropy. Our results provide direct evidence that abnormalities in the spinal cord result not solely from hypoplasia, but also from neurodegeneration, and show that disease progression can be monitored non-invasively in the spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dinesh K Deelchand
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research and Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Diane H Hutter
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research and Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Lynn E Eberly
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Isabelle Iltis
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research and Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Khalaf O Bushara
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | | | - Pierre-Gilles Henry
- Correspondence to: Pierre-Gilles Henry, Ph.D Associate Professor, Center for Magnetic Resonance Research 2021 6th Street SE Minneapolis MN 55455, USA E-mail:
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6
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Kessler C, Serna-Higuita LM, Wilke C, Rattay TW, Hengel H, Reichbauer J, Stransky E, Leyva-Gutiérrez A, Mengel D, Synofzik M, Schöls L, Martus P, Schüle R. Characteristics of serum neurofilament light chain as a biomarker in hereditary spastic paraplegia type 4. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2022; 9:326-338. [PMID: 35171517 PMCID: PMC8935322 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective While the anticipated rise of disease‐modifying therapies calls for reliable trial outcome parameters, fluid biomarkers are lacking in spastic paraplegia type 4 (SPG4), the most prevalent form of hereditary spastic paraplegia. We therefore investigated serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) as a potential therapy response, diagnostic, monitoring, and prognostic biomarker in SPG4. Methods: We assessed sNfL levels in 93 patients with SPG4 and 60 healthy controls. The longitudinal study of sNfL levels in SPG4 patients covered a baseline, 1‐year follow‐up and 2‐year follow‐up visit. Results Levels of sNfL were significantly increased in patients with genetically confirmed SPG4 compared to healthy controls matched in age and sex (p = 0.013, r = 0.2). Our cross‐sectional analysis revealed a greater difference in sNfL levels between patients and controls in younger ages with decreasing fold change of patient sNfL elevation at older ages. Over our observational period of 2 years, sNfL levels remained stable in SPG4 patients. Disease severity and progression did not correlate with sNfL levels. Interpretation: Our longitudinal data indicate a stable turnover of sNfL in manifest SPG4; therefore, sNfL levels are not suitable to monitor disease progression in SPG4. However, sNfL may be valuable as a therapy response biomarker, since its turnover could be modified by interventions. As the course of sNfL levels appears to be most dynamic around the onset of SPG4, the ability to detect a therapy response appears to be especially promising in younger patients, matching the need to initiate treatment in early disease stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Kessler
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lina Maria Serna-Higuita
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Applied Biostatistics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Carlo Wilke
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tim W Rattay
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Holger Hengel
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jennifer Reichbauer
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Elke Stransky
- Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Alejandra Leyva-Gutiérrez
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - David Mengel
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matthis Synofzik
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ludger Schöls
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Peter Martus
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Applied Biostatistics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rebecca Schüle
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
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7
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Hernandez ALCC, Rezende TJR, Martinez ARM, de Brito MR, França MC. Tract-Specific Spinal Cord Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Friedreich's Ataxia. Mov Disord 2021; 37:354-364. [PMID: 34713932 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal cord (SC) damage is a hallmark in Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA). Neuroimaging has been able to capture some SC macroscopic changes, but no study has evaluated microstructural SC white matter (WM) damage in vivo. OBJECTIVES We designed a cross-sectional study to evaluate microstructural integrity in SC WM tracts of FRDA patients using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) with an automated analysis pipeline. METHODS Thirty patients and 30 matched healthy controls underwent 3 Tesla (T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We obtained cervical SC T2 and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) acquisitions. Images were processed using the Spinal Cord Toolbox v.4.3.0. For levels C2-C5, we measured cross-sectional area (CSA) and WM DTI parameters (axial diffusivity [AD], fractional anisotropy [FA], radial diffusivity [RD], and mean diffusivity [MD]). Age, duration, and FARS scores were also obtained. RESULTS Mean age and disease duration of patients were 31 ± 10 and 11 ± 9 years, respectively. There was CSA reduction in FRDA amongst all levels. Between-group differences in FA, MD, and RD in total white matter (TWM), dorsal columns (DC), fasciculus gracilis (FG), fasciculus cuneatus (FC), and corticospinal tracts (CST) were present in all levels. FA and RD from TWM, DC, FC, and CST correlated with FARS scores, and in CST they also correlated with disease duration. CONCLUSION DTI uncovered abnormalities in SC WM tracts, which correlated with clinical features in FRDA. CSA and CST FA in C2 correlated best with disease severity, whereas DC FA showed the largest effect size to differentiate patients and healthy controls. SC WM microstructure is a potential neuroimaging biomarker to be explored in the disease. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Luisa C C Hernandez
- Department of Neurology and Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN), School of Medical Sciences - University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Thiago J R Rezende
- Department of Neurology and Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN), School of Medical Sciences - University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Alberto R M Martinez
- Department of Neurology and Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN), School of Medical Sciences - University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Mariana R de Brito
- Department of Neurology and Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN), School of Medical Sciences - University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Marcondes C França
- Department of Neurology and Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN), School of Medical Sciences - University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
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8
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Harding IH, Lynch DR, Koeppen AH, Pandolfo M. Central Nervous System Therapeutic Targets in Friedreich Ataxia. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 31:1226-1236. [PMID: 33238751 PMCID: PMC7757690 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is an autosomal recessive inherited multisystem disease, characterized by marked differences in the vulnerability of neuronal systems. In general, the proprioceptive system appears to be affected early, while later in the disease, the dentate nucleus of the cerebellum and, to some degree, the corticospinal tracts degenerate. In the current era of expanding therapeutic discovery in FRDA, including progress toward novel gene therapies, a deeper and more specific consideration of potential treatment targets in the nervous system is necessary. In this work, we have re-examined the neuropathology of FRDA, recognizing new issues superimposed on classical findings, and dissected the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS) aspects of the disease and the affected cell types. Understanding the temporal course of neuropathological changes is needed to identify areas of modifiable disease progression and the CNS and PNS locations that can be targeted at different time points. As most major targets of long-term therapy are in the CNS, this review uses multiple tools for evaluation of the importance of specific CNS locations as targets. In addition to clinical observations, the conceptualizations in this study include physiological, pathological, and imaging approaches, and animal models. We believe that this review, through analysis of a more complete set of data derived from multiple techniques, provides a comprehensive summary of therapeutic targets in FRDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian H Harding
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David R Lynch
- Division of Neurology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Arnulf H Koeppen
- Research, Neurology, and Pathology Services, Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Departments of Neurology and Pathology, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Massimo Pandolfo
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
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9
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Neuro-Ophthalmological Findings in Friedreich's Ataxia. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11080708. [PMID: 34442352 PMCID: PMC8398238 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11080708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by a severe autosomal recessive genetic disorder of the central nervous (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), affecting children and young adults. Its onset is before 25 years of age, with mean ages of onset and death between 11 and 38 years, respectively. The incidence is 1 in 30,000–50,000 persons. It is caused, in 97% of cases, by a homozygous guanine-adenine-adenine (GAA) trinucleotide mutation in the first intron of the frataxin (FXN) gene on chromosome 9 (9q13–q1.1). The mutation of this gene causes a deficiency of frataxin, which induces an altered inflow of iron into the mitochondria, increasing the nervous system’s vulnerability to oxidative stress. The main clinical signs include spinocerebellar ataxia with sensory loss and disappearance of deep tendon reflexes, cerebellar dysarthria, cardiomyopathy, and scoliosis. Diabetes, hearing loss, and pes cavus may also occur, and although most patients with FRDA do not present with symptomatic visual impairment, 73% present with clinical neuro-ophthalmological alterations such as optic atrophy and altered eye movement, among others. This review provides a brief overview of the main aspects of FRDA and then focuses on the ocular involvement of this pathology and the possible use of retinal biomarkers.
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10
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Hernandez-Castillo CR, Diaz R, Rezende TJR, Adanyeguh I, Harding IH, Mochel F, Fernandez-Ruiz J. Cervical Spinal Cord Degeneration in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2021; 42:1735-1739. [PMID: 34210665 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a7202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease caused by a cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) repeat expansion. Clinically, spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 is characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia, pyramidal signs, and macular degeneration. In vivo MR imaging studies have shown extensive gray matter degeneration in the cerebellum and, to a lesser extent, in a range of cortical cerebral areas. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the disease in the spinal cord and its relationship with the patient's impairment. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using a semiautomated procedure applied to MR imaging data, we analyzed spinal cord area and eccentricity in a cohort of 48 patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 and compared them with matched healthy controls. The motor impairment in the patient group was evaluated using the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia. RESULTS Our analysis showed a significantly smaller cord area (t = 9.04, P < .001, d = 1.31) and greater eccentricity (t = -2.25, P =. 02, d = 0.32) in the patient group. Similarly, smaller cord area was significantly correlated with a greater Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia score (r = -0.44, P = .001). A multiple regression model showed that the spinal cord area was strongly associated with longer CAG repetition expansions (P = .002) and greater disease duration (P = .020). CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that cervical spinal cord changes are progressive and clinically relevant features of spinocerebellar ataxia type 7, and future investigation of these measures as candidate biomarkers is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- C R Hernandez-Castillo
- From the Faculty of Computer Science (C.R.H.-C.), Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - R Diaz
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine (R.D., J.F.-R.), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuidad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - T J R Rezende
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Laboratory (T.J.R.R.), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil; Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Sorbonne Universités, Paris Brain Institute, Paris, France
| | | | - I H Harding
- Department of Neuroscience (I.H.), Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - F Mochel
- Department of Genetics (F.M.), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - J Fernandez-Ruiz
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine (R.D., J.F.-R.), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuidad de Mexico, Mexico
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11
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Perez-Lloret S, van de Warrenburg B, Rossi M, Rodríguez-Blázquez C, Zesiewicz T, Saute JAM, Durr A, Nishizawa M, Martinez-Martin P, Stebbins GT, Schrag A, Skorvanek M. Assessment of Ataxia Rating Scales and Cerebellar Functional Tests: Critique and Recommendations. Mov Disord 2020; 36:283-297. [PMID: 33022077 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We assessed the clinimetric properties of ataxia rating scales and functional tests, and made recommendations regarding their use. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted to identify the instruments used to rate ataxia symptoms. The identified rating scales and functional ability tests were reviewed and ranked by the panel as "recommended," "suggested," or "listed" for the assessment of patients with discrete cerebellar disorders, using previously established criteria. RESULTS We reviewed 14 instruments (9 rating scales and 5 functional tests). "Recommended" rating scales for the assessment of symptoms severity were: for Friedreich's ataxia, the Friedreich's Ataxia Rating Scale, the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS), and the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA); for spinocerebellar ataxias, ICARS and SARA; for ataxia telangiectasia: ICARS and SARA; for brain tumors, SARA; for congenital disorder of glycosylation-phosphomannomutase-2 deficiency, ICARS; for cerebellar symptoms in multiple sclerosis, ICARS; for cerebellar symptoms in multiple system atrophy: Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale and ICARS; and for fragile X-associated tremor ataxia syndrome, ICARS. "Recommended" functional tests were: for Friedreich's ataxia, Ataxia Functional Composite Score and Composite Cerebellar Functional Severity Score; and for spinocerebellar ataxias, Ataxia Functional Composite Score, Composite Cerebellar Functional Severity Score, and SCA Functional Index. CONCLUSIONS We identified some "recommended" scales and functional tests for the assessment of patients with major hereditary ataxias and other cerebellar disorders. The main limitations of these instruments include the limited assessment of patients in the more severe end of the spectrum and children. Further research in these populations is warranted. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Perez-Lloret
- National Research Council (CAECIHS-UAI, CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Faculty of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Bart van de Warrenburg
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Department of Neurology, Center of Expertise for Parkinson and Movement Disorders, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Malco Rossi
- Movement Disorders Section, Raul Carrea Institute for Neurological Research, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Theresa Zesiewicz
- Department of Neurology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Jonas A M Saute
- Medical Genetics Division, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Neurology Division, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Postgraduate Program in Medicine: Medical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Internal Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Alexandra Durr
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau-Paris Brain Institute (ICM), AP-HP, INSERM, CNRS, University Hospital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | | | - Pablo Martinez-Martin
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Glenn T Stebbins
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Anette Schrag
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, UCL Institute of Neurology, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matej Skorvanek
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, P. J. Safarik University, Kosice, Slovak Republic.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital L. Pasteur, Kosice, Slovak Republic
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12
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Rummey C, Zesiewicz TA, Perez-Lloret S, Farmer JM, Pandolfo M, Lynch DR. Test-retest reliability of the Friedreich's ataxia rating scale. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2020; 7:1708-1712. [PMID: 32779859 PMCID: PMC7480910 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The modified Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale (mFARS) is a disease specific, exam-based neurological rating scale commonly used as a outcome measure in clinical trials. While extensive clinimetric testing indicates it's validity in measuring disease progression, formal test-retest reliability was lacking. To fill this gap, we acquired results from screening and baseline visits of several large clinical trials and calculated intraclass correlation coefficients, coefficients of variance, standard error, and the minimally detectable changes. This study demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability of the mFARS, and it's upright stability subscore.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Santiago Perez-Lloret
- Institute of Cardiological Research, University of Buenos Aires, National Research Council (ININCA-UBA-CONICET), Marcelo T. de Alvear 2270, Buenos Aires, C1122, Argentina.,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Massimo Pandolfo
- Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - David R Lynch
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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13
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van de Stadt SIW, van Ballegoij WJC, Labounek R, Huffnagel IC, Kemp S, Nestrasil I, Engelen M. Spinal cord atrophy as a measure of severity of myelopathy in adrenoleukodystrophy. J Inherit Metab Dis 2020; 43:852-860. [PMID: 32077106 PMCID: PMC7383492 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
All men and most women with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) develop myelopathy in adulthood. As clinical trials with new potential disease-modifying therapies are emerging, sensitive outcome measures for quantifying myelopathy are needed. This prospective cohort study evaluated spinal cord size (cross-sectional area - CSA) and shape (eccentricity) as potential new quantitative outcome measures for myelopathy in ALD. Seventy-four baseline magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, acquired in 42 male ALD patients and 32 age-matched healthy controls, and 26 follow-up scans of ALD patients were included in the study. We used routine T1 -weighted MRI sequences to measure mean CSA, eccentricity, right-left and anteroposterior diameters in the cervical spinal cord. We compared MRI measurements between groups and correlated CSA with clinical outcome measures of disease severity. Longitudinally, we compared MRI measurements between baseline and 1-year follow-up. CSA was significantly smaller in patients compared to controls on all measured spinal cord levels (P < .001). The difference was completely explained by the effect of the symptomatic subgroup. Furthermore, the spinal cord showed flattening (higher eccentricity and smaller anteroposterior diameters) in patients. CSA correlated strongly with all clinical measures of severity of myelopathy. There was no detectable change in CSA after 1-year follow-up. The cervical spinal cord in symptomatic ALD patients is smaller and flattened compared to controls, possibly due to atrophy of the dorsal columns. CSA is a reliable marker of disease severity and can be a valuable outcome measure in long-term follow-up studies in ALD. SYNOPSIS: A prospective cohort study in 42 adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) patients and 32 controls demonstrated that the spinal cord cross-sectional area of patients is smaller compared to healthy controls and correlates with severity of myelopathy in patients, hence it could be valuable as a much needed surrogate outcome measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie I. W. van de Stadt
- Department of Pediatric NeurologyEmma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical CentersAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Wouter J. C. van Ballegoij
- Department of Pediatric NeurologyEmma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical CentersAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - René Labounek
- Division of Clinical Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of PediatricsUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Irene C. Huffnagel
- Department of Pediatric NeurologyEmma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical CentersAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Stephan Kemp
- Laboratory Genetic Metabolic DiseasesAmsterdam University Medical CentersAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Igor Nestrasil
- Division of Clinical Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of PediatricsUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of RadiologyUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Marc Engelen
- Department of Pediatric NeurologyEmma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical CentersAmsterdamThe Netherlands
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14
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Neurochemical profiles in hereditary ataxias: A meta-analysis of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 108:854-865. [PMID: 31838195 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is applied to investigate the neurochemical profiles of degenerative hereditary ataxias. This meta-analysis provides a quantitative review and reappraisal of MRS findings in spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA) and Friedreich ataxia (FA) available to date. From each study, changes in N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), choline-containing compounds (Cho) and myo-Inositol (mI) ratios to total creatine (Cr) were calculated for groups of patients (1499 patients in total: SCA1 = 223, SCA2 = 298, SCA3 = 711, SCA6 = 165, and FA = 102) relative to their own control group, mostly in cerebellum and pons. SCA1, 2, 3, 6, and FA patients showed overall decreased NAA/Cr compared to controls. Decreased Cho/Cr was visible in SCA1, 2, and 3 and elevated mI/Cr in SCA2 patients in cerebellum. In SCA6 and FA Cho/Cr and mI/Cr did not differ with respect to controls but SCA6 patients indicated higher Cho/Cr compared to SCA1 patients in cerebellum. SCA2 subjects showed the lowest NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr in cerebellum and the highest mI/Cr compared to controls and other genotypes, and therefore the most promising results for a potential biomarker.
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15
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Schilling KG, By S, Feiler HR, Box BA, O'Grady KP, Witt A, Landman BA, Smith SA. Diffusion MRI microstructural models in the cervical spinal cord - Application, normative values, and correlations with histological analysis. Neuroimage 2019; 201:116026. [PMID: 31326569 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.116026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Multi-compartment tissue modeling using diffusion magnetic resonance imaging has proven valuable in the brain, offering novel indices sensitive to the tissue microstructural environment in vivo on clinical MRI scanners. However, application, characterization, and validation of these models in the spinal cord remain relatively under-studied. In this study, we apply a diffusion "signal" model (diffusion tensor imaging, DTI) and two commonly implemented "microstructural" models (neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging, NODDI; spherical mean technique, SMT) in the human cervical spinal cord of twenty-one healthy controls. We first provide normative values of DTI, SMT, and NODDI indices in a number of white matter ascending and descending pathways, as well as various gray matter regions. We then aim to validate the sensitivity and specificity of these diffusion-derived contrasts by relating these measures to indices of the tissue microenvironment provided by a histological template. We find that DTI indices are sensitive to a number of microstructural features, but lack specificity. The microstructural models also show sensitivity to a number of microstructure features; however, they do not capture the specific microstructural features explicitly modelled. Although often regarded as a simple extension of the brain in the central nervous system, it may be necessary to re-envision, or specifically adapt, diffusion microstructural models for application to the human spinal cord with clinically feasible acquisitions - specifically, adjusting, adapting, and re-validating the modeling as it relates to both theory (i.e. relevant biology, assumptions, and signal regimes) and parameter estimation (for example challenges of acquisition, artifacts, and processing).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt G Schilling
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Samantha By
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Haley R Feiler
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Bailey A Box
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kristin P O'Grady
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Atlee Witt
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Bennett A Landman
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Electrical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Seth A Smith
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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16
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Dogan I, Romanzetti S, Didszun C, Mirzazade S, Timmann D, Saft C, Schöls L, Synofzik M, Giordano IA, Klockgether T, Schulz JB, Reetz K. Structural characteristics of the central nervous system in Friedreich ataxia: an in vivo spinal cord and brain MRI study. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2019; 90:615-617. [PMID: 29945881 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2018-318422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Imis Dogan
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Forschungszentrum Jülich, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sandro Romanzetti
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Forschungszentrum Jülich, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Claire Didszun
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Shahram Mirzazade
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Forschungszentrum Jülich, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Dagmar Timmann
- Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Carsten Saft
- Department of Neurology, Huntington Centre NRW, St Josef Hospital, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Ludger Schöls
- Department of Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research (HIH), Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matthis Synofzik
- Department of Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research (HIH), Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ilaria A Giordano
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas Klockgether
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Jörg B Schulz
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Forschungszentrum Jülich, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Reetz
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany .,JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Forschungszentrum Jülich, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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17
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Rezende TJR, Martinez ARM, Faber I, Girotto Takazaki KA, Martins MP, de Lima FD, Lopes-Cendes I, Cendes F, França MC. Developmental and neurodegenerative damage in Friedreich's ataxia. Eur J Neurol 2018; 26:483-489. [PMID: 30326180 DOI: 10.1111/ene.13843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is the most common autosomal-recessive ataxia worldwide. It is characterized by early onset, sensory abnormalities and slowly progressive ataxia. All magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based studies have focused on the evaluation of adult patients. Therefore, we designed a cross-sectional multimodal MRI-based study to investigate the anatomical substrates involved in the early stages of FRDA. METHODS We enrolled 37 patients (12 children) and 38 controls. All subjects underwent MRI in a 3T device to assess gray and white matter. We used measures from FreeSurfer and CERES to evaluate the cerebral and cerebellar cortices. The T1 multiatlas assessed deep gray matter. The diffusion tensor imaging multiatlas was used to investigate microstructural abnormalities in brain white matter and SpineSeg was used to assess the cervical spinal cord. All analyses were corrected for multiple comparisons. RESULTS Comparison with age-matched controls showed that pediatric patients have spinal cord, inferior cerebellar peduncle and red nucleus damage. In contrast, adult patients showed more widespread white matter damage than pediatric patients. With regard to gray matter, we found cortical thinning at the left central sulcus and volumetric reduction in the thalami and hippocampi only in adult patients. Finally, values of fractional anisotropy in adult patients and radial diffusivity in pediatric patients from the inferior cerebellar peduncle correlated with disease duration and ataxia severity, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Structural damage in FRDA begins in the spinal cord and inferior cerebellar peduncle as well as the red nucleus, and progresses to cerebral areas in adulthood. These results shed some light on the early stages of FRDA and highlight potential neuroimaging markers for therapeutic trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- T J R Rezende
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas
| | - A R M Martinez
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas
| | - I Faber
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas
| | - K A Girotto Takazaki
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas
| | - M P Martins
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas
| | - F D de Lima
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas
| | - I Lopes-Cendes
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - F Cendes
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas
| | - M C França
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas
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18
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Mascalchi M, Vella A. Neuroimaging Applications in Chronic Ataxias. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2018; 143:109-162. [PMID: 30473193 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2018.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) are the main instruments for neuroimaging investigation of patients with chronic ataxia. MRI has a predominant diagnostic role in the single patient, based on the visual detection of three patterns of atrophy, namely, spinal atrophy, cortical cerebellar atrophy and olivopontocerebellar atrophy, which correlate with the aetiologies of inherited or sporadic ataxia. In fact spinal atrophy is observed in Friedreich ataxia, cortical cerebellar atrophy in Ataxia Telangectasia, gluten ataxia and Sporadic Adult Onset Ataxia and olivopontocerebellar atrophy in Multiple System Atrophy cerebellar type. The 39 types of dominantly inherited spinocerebellar ataxias show either cortical cerebellar atrophy or olivopontocerebellar atrophy. T2 or T2* weighted MR images can contribute to the diagnosis by revealing abnormally increased or decreased signal with a characteristic distribution. These include symmetric T2 hyperintensity of the posterior and lateral columns of the cervical spinal cord in Friedreich ataxia, diffuse and symmetric hyperintensity of the cerebellar cortex in Infantile Neuro-Axonal Dystrophy, symmetric hyperintensity of the peridentate white matter in Cerebrotendineous Xanthomatosis, and symmetric hyperintensity of the middle cerebellar peduncles and peridentate white matter, cerebral white matter and corpus callosum in Fragile X Tremor Ataxia Syndrome. Abnormally decreased T2 or T2* signal can be observed with a multifocal distribution in Ataxia Telangectasia and with a symmetric distribution in the basal ganglia in Multiple System Atrophy. T2 signal hypointensity lining diffusely the outer surfaces of the brainstem, cerebellum and cerebrum enables diagnosis of superficial siderosis of the central nervous system. The diagnostic role of nuclear medicine techniques is smaller. SPECT and PET show decreased uptake of radiotracers investigating the nigrostriatal system in Multiple System Atrophy and in patients with Fragile X Tremor Ataxia Syndrome. Semiquantitative or quantitative MRI, SPECT and PET data describing structural, microstructural and functional changes of the cerebellum, brainstem, and spinal cord have been widely applied to investigate physiopathological changes in patients with chronic ataxias. Moreover they can track diseases progression with a greater sensitivity than clinical scales. So far, a few small-size and single center studies employed neuroimaging techniques as surrogate markers of treatment effects in chronic ataxias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Mascalchi
- Meyer Children Hospital, Florence, Italy; Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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19
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Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion, characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia and pyramidal signs. Non-motor and extracerebellar symptoms may occur. MRI-based studies in SCA1 focused in the cerebellum and connections, but there are no data about cord damage in the disease and its clinical relevance. To evaluate in vivo spinal cord damage in SCA1, a group of 31 patients with SCA1 and 31 age- and gender-matched healthy controls underwent MRI on a 3T scanner. We used T1-weighted 3D images to estimate the cervical spinal cord area (CA) and eccentricity (CE) at three C2/C3 levels based on a semi-automatic image segmentation protocol. The scale for assessment and rating of ataxia (SARA) was used to quantify disease severity. The groups were significantly different regarding CA (47.26 ± 7.4 vs. 68.8 ± 5.7 mm2, p < 0.001) and CE values (0.803 ± 0.044 vs. 0.774 ± 0.043, p < 0.05). Furthermore, in the patient group, CA presented significant correlation with SARA scores (R = -0.633, p < 0.001) and CAGn expansion (R = -0.658, p < 0.001). CE was not associated with SARA scores (p = 0.431). In the multiple variable regression, CA was strongly associated with disease duration (coefficient -0.360, p < 0.05) and CAGn expansion (coefficient -1.124, p < 0.001). SCA1 is characterized by cervical cord atrophy and anteroposterior flattening. Morphometric analyses of the spinal cord MRI might be a useful biomarker in the disease.
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20
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Bürk K, Sival DA. Scales for the clinical evaluation of cerebellar disorders. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2018; 154:329-339. [PMID: 29903450 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63956-1.00020-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Clinical scales represent an important tool not only for the initial grading/scoring of disease and assessment of progression, but also for the quantification of therapeutic effects in clinical trials. There are several scales available for the clinical evaluation of cerebellar symptoms. While some scales have been developed and evaluated for specific cerebellar disorders such as Friedreich ataxia, others reliably capture cerebellar symptoms with no respect to the underlying etiology. Each scale has its strengths and weaknesses. Extensive scales are certainly useful for thorough documentation of specific features of certain phenotypes, but this gain of information is not always essential for the purpose of a study. Therefore, compact and manageable scales like the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) or Brief Ataxia Rating Scale (BARS) are often preferred compared to more complex scales in observational and therapeutic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Bürk
- Paracelsus-Elena-Klinik Kassel, and University of Marburg, Germany.
| | - Deborah A Sival
- Beatrix Kinderziekenhuis, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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21
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Selvadurai LP, Harding IH, Corben LA, Georgiou-Karistianis N. Cerebral abnormalities in Friedreich ataxia: A review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 84:394-406. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2017] [Revised: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Koeppen AH, Becker AB, Qian J, Feustel PJ. Friedreich Ataxia: Hypoplasia of Spinal Cord and Dorsal Root Ganglia. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2017; 76:101-108. [PMID: 28082326 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlw111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
After Friedreich's description in 1877, depletion of myelinated fibers in the dorsal columns, dorsal spinocerebellar and lateral corticospinal tracts, and neuronal loss in the dorsal nuclei of Clarke columns were considered unique and essential neuropathological features of Friedreich ataxia (FA). Lack of large neurons in dorsal root ganglia (DRG), thinning of dorsal roots (DR), and poor myelination in sensory nerves are now recognized as key components of FA. Here, we measured cross-sectional areas of the mid-thoracic spinal cord (SC) and neuronal sizes in lumbosacral DRG of 24 genetically confirmed FA cases. Mean thoracic SC areas in FA (24.17 mm2) were significantly smaller than those in 12 normal controls (37.5 mm2); DRG neuron perikarya in FA (1362 µm2) were also significantly smaller than normal (2004 µm2). DRG neuron sizes were not correlated with SC areas. The FA patients included a wide range of disease onset and duration suggesting that the SC undergoes growth arrest early and remains abnormally small throughout life. Immunohistochemistry for phosphorylated neurofilament protein, peripheral myelin protein 22, and myelin proteolipid protein confirmed chaotic transition of axons into the SC in DR entry zones. We conclude that smaller SC areas and lack of large DRG neurons indicate hypoplasia rather than atrophy in FA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnulf H Koeppen
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Albany, NY, USA.,Department of Pathology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Alyssa B Becker
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Jiang Qian
- Department of Pathology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Paul J Feustel
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
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23
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Bürk K. Friedreich Ataxia: current status and future prospects. CEREBELLUM & ATAXIAS 2017; 4:4. [PMID: 28405347 PMCID: PMC5383992 DOI: 10.1186/s40673-017-0062-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia (FA) represents the most frequent type of inherited ataxia. Most patients carry homozygous GAA expansions in the first intron of the frataxin gene on chromosome 9. Due to epigenetic alterations, frataxin expression is significantly reduced. Frataxin is a mitochondrial protein. Its deficiency leads to mitochondrial iron overload, defective energy supply and generation of reactive oxygen species. This review gives an overview over clinical and genetic aspects of FA and discusses current concepts of frataxin biogenesis and function as well as new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Bürk
- University of Marburg, and Paracelsus-Elena Klinik, Klinikstr. 16, 34128 Kassel, Germany
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24
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Vogel AP, Wardrop MI, Folker JE, Synofzik M, Corben LA, Delatycki MB, Awan SN. Voice in Friedreich Ataxia. J Voice 2017; 31:243.e9-243.e19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2016.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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de Albuquerque M, Branco LMT, Rezende TJR, de Andrade HMT, Nucci A, França MC. Longitudinal evaluation of cerebral and spinal cord damage in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2017; 14:269-276. [PMID: 28203530 PMCID: PMC5294732 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2017.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Objective To evaluate MRI-based parameters as biomarkers of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) progression. Methods Twenty-seven patients and 27 controls performed two clinical and MRI acquisitions 8 months apart. ALSFRS-R scale was used to quantify disease severity at both time points. Multimodal analyses of MRI included cortical thickness measurements (FreeSurfer software), analysis of white matter integrity using diffusion-tensor imaging (tract-based spatial statistics-TBSS) and measurement of cervical spinal cord cross-sectional area (SpineSeg software). All analyses were corrected for multiple comparisons. The standardized response mean (SRM = mean score change / standard deviation of score change) was calculated for all methods herein employed and used for comparison purposes. Results There were 18 men and mean age at first examination was 51.9 years. Mean ALSFRS-R scores at baseline and follow-up were 34.0 and 29.0, respectively. There was no region with progressive cortical thinning, but there was significant brainstem volumetric reduction (p = 0.001). TBSS analyses revealed progressive increase of AD (axial diffusivity) and MD (mean diffusivity) at the corpus callosum (p < 0.05), whereas SpineSeg showed progressive cord area reduction (p = 0.002). Cervical spinal cord cross-sectional area reduction was the only MRI parameter that correlated with ALSFRS-R change (r = 0.309, p = 0.038). SRM for ALSFRS-R was 0.95, for cord area 0.95, for corpus callosum AD 0.62 and MD 0.65, and for brainstem volume 0.002. Conclusions Structural MRI is able to detect short term longitudinal changes in ALS. Cervical spinal cord morphometry is a promising neuroimaging marker to assess ALS course. We identified reduction of the cervical spine area in patients with ALS. Clinical score and cervical spinal cord area were correlated in patients. Brainstem atrophy in ALS patients is progressive over 8 months. There is evidence of progressive damage to the corpus callosum and cervical cord. The progressive reduction in cord area correlates with clinical deterioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena de Albuquerque
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas - UNICAMP Rua Tessália Vieira de Camargo, 126, Cidade Universitaria "Zeferino Vaz" Campinas, SP 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Lucas Melo T Branco
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas - UNICAMP Rua Tessália Vieira de Camargo, 126, Cidade Universitaria "Zeferino Vaz" Campinas, SP 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Thiago Junqueira R Rezende
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas - UNICAMP Rua Tessália Vieira de Camargo, 126, Cidade Universitaria "Zeferino Vaz" Campinas, SP 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Helen Maia Tavares de Andrade
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas - UNICAMP Rua Tessália Vieira de Camargo, 126, Cidade Universitaria "Zeferino Vaz" Campinas, SP 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Anamarli Nucci
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas - UNICAMP Rua Tessália Vieira de Camargo, 126, Cidade Universitaria "Zeferino Vaz" Campinas, SP 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Marcondes Cavalcante França
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas - UNICAMP Rua Tessália Vieira de Camargo, 126, Cidade Universitaria "Zeferino Vaz" Campinas, SP 13083-887, Brazil
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26
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Santos TA, Maistro CEB, Silva CB, Oliveira MS, França MC, Castellano G. MRI Texture Analysis Reveals Bulbar Abnormalities in Friedreich Ataxia. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2015; 36:2214-8. [PMID: 26359147 PMCID: PMC7964265 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a4455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Texture analysis is an image processing technique that can be used to extract parameters able to describe meaningful features of an image or ROI. Texture analysis based on the gray level co-occurrence matrix gives a second-order statistical description of the image or ROI. In this work, the co-occurrence matrix texture approach was used to extract information from brain MR images of patients with Friedreich ataxia and a control group, to see whether texture parameters were different between these groups. A longitudinal analysis was also performed. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty patients and 21 healthy controls participated in the study. Both groups had 2 sets of T1-weighted MR images obtained 1 year apart for every subject. ROIs chosen for analysis were the medulla oblongata and pons. Texture parameters were obtained for these ROIs for every subject, for the 2 sets of images. These parameters were compared longitudinally within groups and transversally between groups. RESULTS The comparison between patients and the control group showed a significant differences for the medulla oblongata (t test, P < .05, Bonferroni-corrected) but did not show a statistically significant difference for the pons. Longitudinal comparison of images obtained 1 year apart did not show differences for either patients or for controls, in any of the analyzed structures. CONCLUSIONS Gray level co-occurrence matrix-based texture analysis showed statistically significant differences for the medulla oblongata of patients with Friedreich ataxia compared with controls. These results highlight the medulla as an important site of damage in Friedreich ataxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- T A Santos
- From the Neurophysics Group (T.A.S., C.E.B.M., M.S.O., G.C.), Gleb Wataghin Physics Institute Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN) (São Paulo Research Foundation) (T.A.S., C.E.B.M., C.B.S., M.S.O., M.C.F., G.C.), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - C E B Maistro
- From the Neurophysics Group (T.A.S., C.E.B.M., M.S.O., G.C.), Gleb Wataghin Physics Institute Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN) (São Paulo Research Foundation) (T.A.S., C.E.B.M., C.B.S., M.S.O., M.C.F., G.C.), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - C B Silva
- Department of Neurology (C.B.S., M.C.F.), Medical Sciences School, University of Campinas, Brazil Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN) (São Paulo Research Foundation) (T.A.S., C.E.B.M., C.B.S., M.S.O., M.C.F., G.C.), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - M S Oliveira
- From the Neurophysics Group (T.A.S., C.E.B.M., M.S.O., G.C.), Gleb Wataghin Physics Institute Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN) (São Paulo Research Foundation) (T.A.S., C.E.B.M., C.B.S., M.S.O., M.C.F., G.C.), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - M C França
- Department of Neurology (C.B.S., M.C.F.), Medical Sciences School, University of Campinas, Brazil Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN) (São Paulo Research Foundation) (T.A.S., C.E.B.M., C.B.S., M.S.O., M.C.F., G.C.), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - G Castellano
- From the Neurophysics Group (T.A.S., C.E.B.M., M.S.O., G.C.), Gleb Wataghin Physics Institute Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN) (São Paulo Research Foundation) (T.A.S., C.E.B.M., C.B.S., M.S.O., M.C.F., G.C.), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
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27
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Fahl CN, Branco LMT, Bergo FPG, D'Abreu A, Lopes-Cendes I, França MC. Spinal cord damage in Machado-Joseph disease. THE CEREBELLUM 2015; 14:128-32. [PMID: 25370748 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-014-0619-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Machado-Joseph disease (SCA3) is the most frequent spinocerebellar ataxia worldwide and characterized by remarkable phenotypic heterogeneity. MRI-based studies in SCA3 focused in the cerebellum and connections, but little is known about cord damage in the disease and its clinical relevance. To evaluate the spinal cord damage in SCA3 through quantitative analysis of MRI scans. A group of 48 patients with SCA3 and 48 age and gender-matched healthy controls underwent MRI on a 3T scanner. We used T1-weighted 3D images to estimate the cervical spinal cord area (CA) and eccentricity (CE) at three C2/C3 levels based on a semi-automatic image segmentation protocol. The scale for assessment and rating of ataxia (SARA) was employed to quantify disease severity. The two groups-SCA3 and controls-were significantly different regarding CA (49.5 ± 7.3 vs 67.2 ± 6.3 mm(2), p < 0.001) and CE values (0.79 ± 0.06 vs 0.75 ± 0.05, p = 0.005). In addition, CA presented a significant correlation with SARA scores in the patient group (p = 0.010). CE was not associated with SARA scores (p = 0.857). In the multiple variable regression, we found that disease duration was the only variable associated with CA (coefficient = -0.629, p = 0.025). SCA3 is characterized by cervical cord atrophy and antero-posterior flattening. In addition, the spinal cord areas did correlate with disease severity. This suggests that quantitative analyses of the spinal cord MRI might be a useful biomarker in SCA3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila N Fahl
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Laboratory, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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28
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Abrahão A, Pedroso JL, Braga-Neto P, Bor-Seng-Shu E, de Carvalho Aguiar P, Barsottini OGP. Milestones in Friedreich ataxia: more than a century and still learning. Neurogenetics 2015; 16:151-60. [PMID: 25662948 DOI: 10.1007/s10048-015-0439-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is the most common autosomal recessive ataxia worldwide. This review highlights the main clinical features, pathophysiological mechanisms, and therapeutic approaches for FRDA patients. The disease is characterized by a combination of neurological involvement (ataxia and neuropathy), cardiomyopathy, skeletal abnormalities, and glucose metabolism disturbances. FRDA is caused by expanded guanine-adenine-adenine (GAA) triplet repeats in the first intron of the frataxin gene (FXN), resulting in reduction of messenger RNA and protein levels of frataxin in different tissues. The molecular and metabolic disturbances, including iron accumulation, lead to pathological changes characterized by spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia atrophy, dentate nucleus atrophy without global cerebellar volume reduction, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. DNA analysis is the hallmark for the diagnosis of FRDA. There is no specific treatment to stop the disease progression in FRDA patients. However, a number of drugs are under investigation. Therapeutic approaches intend to improve mitochondrial functioning and to increase FXN expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agessandro Abrahão
- Division of General Neurology and Ataxia Unit, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo 650 Vila Clementino, São Paulo, 04039-002, SP, Brazil,
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29
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Casseb RF, Martinez ARM, de Paiva JLR, França MC. Neuroimaging in Sensory Neuronopathy. J Neuroimaging 2015; 25:704-9. [PMID: 25678358 DOI: 10.1111/jon.12210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Revised: 10/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory neuronopathies (SN) are a group of disorders characterized by primary damage to the dorsal root ganglia neurons. Clinical features include multifocal areas of hypoaesthesia, pain, dysautonomia, and sensory ataxia, which is the major source of disability. Diagnosis relies upon clinical assessment and nerve conductions studies, but sometimes it is difficult to distinguish SN from similar conditions, such as axonal polyneuropathies and some myelopathies. In this scenario, underdiagnosis is certainly an important issue for SN patients and additional diagnostic tools are needed. MRI is able to evaluate the dorsal columns of the spinal cord and has proven useful in the workup of SN patients. Although T2 weighted hyperintensity restricted to the posterior fasciculi without contrast enhancement is the typical finding, additional abnormalities have been recently reported. The aim of this review is to gather available information on neuroimaging findings of SN, discuss their clinical correlates and the potential impact of novel MRI-based techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Fernandes Casseb
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Laboratory-School of Medicine, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Alberto Rolim Muro Martinez
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Laboratory-School of Medicine, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Jean Levi Ribeiro de Paiva
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Laboratory-School of Medicine, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Marcondes Cavalcante França
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Laboratory-School of Medicine, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
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Bonilha da Silva C, Bergo FPG, D'Abreu A, Cendes F, Lopes-Cendes I, França MC. Dentate nuclei T2 relaxometry is a reliable neuroimaging marker in Friedreich's ataxia. Eur J Neurol 2014; 21:1131-1136. [DOI: 10.1111/ene.12448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. Bonilha da Silva
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Laboratory; Faculty of Medicine; University of Campinas - UNICAMP; Campinas SP Brazil
| | - F. P. G. Bergo
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Laboratory; Faculty of Medicine; University of Campinas - UNICAMP; Campinas SP Brazil
| | - A. D'Abreu
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Laboratory; Faculty of Medicine; University of Campinas - UNICAMP; Campinas SP Brazil
| | - F. Cendes
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Laboratory; Faculty of Medicine; University of Campinas - UNICAMP; Campinas SP Brazil
| | - I. Lopes-Cendes
- Department of Medical Genetics; Faculty of Medicine; University of Campinas - UNICAMP; Campinas SP Brazil
| | - M. C. França
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Laboratory; Faculty of Medicine; University of Campinas - UNICAMP; Campinas SP Brazil
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31
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Branco LMT, De Albuquerque M, De Andrade HMT, Bergo FPG, Nucci A, França MC. Spinal cord atrophy correlates with disease duration and severity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2013; 15:93-7. [DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2013.852589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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