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Capacci E, Bagnoli S, Giacomucci G, Rapillo CM, Govoni A, Bessi V, Polito C, Giotti I, Brogi A, Pelo E, Sorbi S, Nacmias B, Ferrari C. The Frequency of Intermediate Alleles in Patients with Cerebellar Phenotypes. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 23:1135-1145. [PMID: 37906407 PMCID: PMC11102406 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-023-01620-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Cerebellar syndromes are clinically and etiologically heterogeneous and can be classified as hereditary, neurodegenerative non-hereditary, or acquired. Few data are available on the frequency of each form in the clinical setting. Growing interest is emerging regarding the genetic forms caused by triplet repeat expansions. Alleles with repeat expansion lower than the pathological threshold, termed intermediate alleles (IAs), have been found to be associated with disease manifestation. In order to assess the relevance of IAs as a cause of cerebellar syndromes, we enrolled 66 unrelated Italian ataxic patients and described the distribution of the different etiology of their syndromes and the frequency of IAs. Each patient underwent complete clinical, hematological, and neurophysiological assessments, neuroimaging evaluations, and genetic tests for autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia (SCA) and fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). We identified the following diagnostic categories: 28% sporadic adult-onset ataxia, 18% cerebellar variant of multiple system atrophy, 9% acquired forms, 9% genetic forms with full-range expansion, and 12% cases with intermediate-range expansion. The IAs were six in the FMR1 gene, two in the gene responsible for SCA8, and one in the ATXN2 gene. The clinical phenotype of patients carrying the IAs resembles, in most of the cases, the one associated with full-range expansion. Our study provides an exhaustive description of the causes of cerebellar ataxia, estimating for the first time the frequency of IAs in SCAs- and FXTAS-associated genes. The high percentage of cases with IAs supports further screening among patients with cerebellar syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Capacci
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Bagnoli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Giacomucci
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Costanza Maria Rapillo
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Govoni
- Neuromuscular-Skeletal and Sensory Organs Department, AOU Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Valentina Bessi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Irene Giotti
- SODc Diagnostica Genetica, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Alice Brogi
- SODc Diagnostica Genetica, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Pelo
- SODc Diagnostica Genetica, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Sandro Sorbi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Florence, Italy
| | - Benedetta Nacmias
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Florence, Italy
| | - Camilla Ferrari
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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Stankovic I, Fanciulli A, Sidoroff V, Wenning GK. A Review on the Clinical Diagnosis of Multiple System Atrophy. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 22:825-839. [PMID: 35986227 PMCID: PMC10485100 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-022-01453-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare, adult-onset, progressive neurodegenerative disorder with major diagnostic challenges. Aiming for a better diagnostic accuracy particularly at early disease stages, novel Movement Disorder Society criteria for the diagnosis of MSA (MDS MSA criteria) have been recently developed. They introduce a neuropathologically established MSA category and three levels of clinical diagnostic certainty including clinically established MSA, clinically probable MSA, and the research category of possible prodromal MSA. The diagnosis of clinically established and clinically probable MSA is based on the presence of cardiovascular or urological autonomic failure, parkinsonism (poorly L-Dopa-responsive for the diagnosis of clinically established MSA), and cerebellar syndrome. These core clinical features need to be associated with supportive motor and non-motor features (MSA red flags) and absence of any exclusion criteria. Characteristic brain MRI markers are required for a diagnosis of clinically established MSA. A research category of possible prodromal MSA is devised to capture patients manifesting with autonomic failure or REM sleep behavior disorder and only mild motor signs at the earliest disease stage. There is a number of promising laboratory markers for MSA that may help increase the overall clinical diagnostic accuracy. In this review, we will discuss the core and supportive clinical features for a diagnosis of MSA in light of the new MDS MSA criteria, which laboratory tools may assist in the clinical diagnosis and which major differential diagnostic challenges should be borne in mind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Stankovic
- Neurology Clinic, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Victoria Sidoroff
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gregor K Wenning
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Etoom M, Jahan AM, Alghwiri A, Lena F, Modugno N. Ataxia Rating Scales: Content Analysis by Linking to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10122459. [PMID: 36553983 PMCID: PMC9778645 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10122459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Ataxia management is mainly based on rehabilitation, symptomatic management, and functional improvement. Therefore, it is important to comprehensively assess ataxic symptoms and their impact on function. Recently, the movement disorders society recommended four generic ataxia rating scales: scale for assessment and rating of ataxia (SARA), international cooperative ataxia rating scales, Friedreich's ataxia rating scale (FARS), and unified multiple system atrophy rating scale (UMSARS). The aim of the study was to analyze and compare the content of the recommended ataxia rating scales by linking them to the international classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF). A total of 125 meaningful concepts from 93 items of the four included scales were linked to 57 different ICF categories. The ICF categories were distributed in body structure (n = 8), body function (n = 26), activity and participation (n = 20), and environmental factors (n = 3) components. UMSARS and FARS were the only ones that have addressed the body structure or environmental factors component. The content analysis of ataxia rating scales would help clinicians and researchers select the most appropriate scale and understand ataxic symptoms and their impact on function. It seems that SARA is the optimal scale for rapid assessment of ataxia or in busy clinical settings. UMSARS or FARS are more appropriate for the investigating the impact of ataxia on overall health, and monitoring ataxia progression and disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Etoom
- Physical Therapy Department, Aqaba University of Technology, Aqaba 77110, Jordan
- Correspondence:
| | - Alhadi M. Jahan
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4W7, Canada
- Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medical Technology, Misrata 51, Libya
| | - Alia Alghwiri
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Francesco Lena
- Department of Medicine and Health, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
- IRCCS INM Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
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Coenzyme Q10: Role in Less Common Age-Related Disorders. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11112293. [DOI: 10.3390/antiox11112293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In this article we have reviewed the potential role of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in the pathogenesis and treatment of a number of less common age-related disorders, for many of which effective therapies are not currently available. For most of these disorders, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and inflammation have been implicated in the disease process, providing a rationale for the potential therapeutic use of CoQ10, because of its key roles in mitochondrial function, as an antioxidant, and as an anti-inflammatory agent. Disorders reviewed in the article include multi system atrophy, progressive supranuclear palsy, sporadic adult onset ataxia, and pulmonary fibrosis, together with late onset versions of Huntington’s disease, Alexander disease, lupus, anti-phospholipid syndrome, lysosomal storage disorders, fibromyalgia, Machado-Joseph disease, acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency, and Leber’s optic neuropathy.
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Berciano J, Gazulla J, Infante J. History of Ataxias and Paraplegias with an Annotation on the First Description of Striatonigral Degeneration. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 21:531-544. [PMID: 34731448 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-021-01328-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to carry out a historical overview of the evolution of the knowledge on degenerative cerebellar disorders and hereditary spastic paraplegias, over the last century and a half. Original descriptions of the main pathological subtypes, including Friedreich's ataxia, hereditary spastic paraplegia, olivopontocerebellar atrophy and cortical cerebellar atrophy, are revised. Special attention is given to the first accurate description of striatonigral degeneration by Hans Joachim Scherer, his personal and scientific trajectory being clarified. Pathological classifications of ataxia are critically analysed. The current clinical-genetic classification of ataxia is updated by taking into account recent molecular discoveries. We conclude that there has been an enormous progress in the knowledge of the nosology of hereditary ataxias and paraplegias, currently encompassing around 200 genetic subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Berciano
- Service of Neurology, University Hospital "Marqués de Valdecilla (IDIVAL)", University of Cantabria, and "Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)", Santander, Spain.
| | - José Gazulla
- Service of Neurology, "Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet", Saragossa, Spain
| | - Jon Infante
- Service of Neurology, University Hospital "Marqués de Valdecilla (IDIVAL)", University of Cantabria, and "Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)", Santander, Spain
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Screening for RFC-1 pathological expansion in late-onset ataxias: a contribution to the differential diagnosis. J Neurol 2022; 269:5431-5435. [PMID: 35633373 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11192-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
We screened 62 late-onset ataxia patients for the AAGGG pathological expansion in the RFC-1 gene that, when biallelic, causes Cerebellar Ataxia, Neuropathy, Vestibular Areflexia Syndrome (CANVAS). Nine patients tested positive. Six had a previous diagnosis of sporadic adult-onset ataxia (SAOA) and three of multisystem atrophy type C (MSA-C). Further six patients were heterozygous for the pathological RFC-1 expansion, four with an initial diagnosis of MSA-C and two of SAOA. In comparison with CANVAS, MSA-C patients had faster progression and shorter disease duration to walking with aids. An abnormal DaTscan does not seem to contribute to differential diagnosis between CANVAS and MSA-C.
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Lipid Dyshomeostasis and Inherited Cerebellar Ataxia. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:3800-3828. [PMID: 35420383 PMCID: PMC9148275 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02826-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Cerebellar ataxia is a form of ataxia that originates from dysfunction of the cerebellum, but may involve additional neurological tissues. Its clinical symptoms are mainly characterized by the absence of voluntary muscle coordination and loss of control of movement with varying manifestations due to differences in severity, in the site of cerebellar damage and in the involvement of extracerebellar tissues. Cerebellar ataxia may be sporadic, acquired, and hereditary. Hereditary ataxia accounts for the majority of cases. Hereditary ataxia has been tentatively divided into several subtypes by scientists in the field, and nearly all of them remain incurable. This is mainly because the detailed mechanisms of these cerebellar disorders are incompletely understood. To precisely diagnose and treat these diseases, studies on their molecular mechanisms have been conducted extensively in the past. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that some common pathogenic mechanisms exist within each subtype of inherited ataxia. However, no reports have indicated whether there is a common mechanism among the different subtypes of inherited cerebellar ataxia. In this review, we summarize the available references and databases on neurological disorders characterized by cerebellar ataxia and show that a subset of genes involved in lipid homeostasis form a new group that may cause ataxic disorders through a common mechanism. This common signaling pathway can provide a valuable reference for future diagnosis and treatment of ataxic disorders.
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Kauppila LA, Ten Holter SE, van de Warrenburg B, Bloem BR. A Guide for the Differential Diagnosis of Multiple System Atrophy in Clinical Practice. JOURNAL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2022; 12:2015-2027. [PMID: 36057832 PMCID: PMC9661336 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-223392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a sporadic and progressive neurodegenerative disorder with a complex differential diagnosis. A range of disorders- also of nondegenerative etiology- can mimic MSA, expanding its differential diagnosis. Both misdiagnosis and diagnostic delays are relatively common in clinical practice. A correct diagnosis is vital for daily clinical practice, in order to facilitate proper counselling and to timely install therapies in treatable disorders that mimic MSA. A correct diagnosis is also essential for including properly classified individuals into research studies that aim to better understand the pathophysiology of MSA, to develop specific biomarkers or to evaluate novel symptomatic or disease-modifying therapies. Here, we offer some practical guidance to support the diagnostic process, by highlighting conditions that may be considered as MSA lookalikes, by emphasizing some key clinical aspects of these mimics, and by discussing several useful ancillary diagnostic tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Azevedo Kauppila
- CNS – Campus Neurológico, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Neurology, Center of Expertise for Parkinson & Movement Disorders, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Susanne E.M. Ten Holter
- Department of Neurology, Center of Expertise for Parkinson & Movement Disorders, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bart van de Warrenburg
- Department of Neurology, Center of Expertise for Parkinson & Movement Disorders, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bastiaan R. Bloem
- Department of Neurology, Center of Expertise for Parkinson & Movement Disorders, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Tamaš O, Kostić M, Kačar A, Stefanova E, Ðokić BS, Stanisavljević D, Milovanović A, Ðorđević M, Glumbić N, Dragašević-Mišković N. Social Cognition in Patients With Cerebellar Neurodegenerative Disorders. Front Syst Neurosci 2021; 15:664223. [PMID: 34497494 PMCID: PMC8419701 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2021.664223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Cerebellar neurodegenerative disorders (CDs) are a heterogeneous group of disorders. It is known that the cerebellum plays a role not only in motor, but also in cognitive and social cognitive functions. The aim of this study was to investigate social cognition in patients with different CDs. Materials and Methods Social cognition was examined in 34 patients, 12 with spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1), 6 with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2), and 16 with idiopathic late onset cerebellar ataxia (ILOCA). All patients were clinically evaluated using the Scale for the Rating and Assessment of Ataxia. In addition, 34 age, sex, and education-matched healthy control (HC) subjects were similarly analyzed. Social cognition was studied using two tests: the Faux Pas Recognition Test and the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET). An appropriate array of neuropsychological tests was used to assess the global cognitive status as well as the frontal functions and mood. Results CD patients achieved significantly worse results on both tests of social cognition compared to the HCs. The SCA1 + 2 group achieved the poorest results on the Faux Pas Recognition Test and exhibited poor performance on all cognitive tests, but was only significantly worse compared to the ILOCA group on the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT) – recognition. The patients in the SCA1 + 2 and ILOCA groups obtained similar scores on RMET. In the SCA1 + 2 group the findings significantly correlated with clinical parameters of disease severity and duration and executive functions (EFs), and with mood and executive functions in the ILOCA group. In the SCA group EFs appeared as the only significant predictor of RMET achievement. The Boston Naming Test (BTN) was a significant predictor of the CD patients’ achievement on RMET, while the BTN, the Trail Making Test Part A and FCSRT – Delayed free recall predicted their performance on the Faux Pas Recognition Test. Conclusion Patients with CD have social cognitive impairments as demonstrated by the Faux Pas Test and the RMET test results. The SCA1 and 2 patients exhibited a more pronounced impairment compared with the ILOCA patients. The independent cognitive predictors of social cognition impairment were EFs and language.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivera Tamaš
- Neurology Clinic, Clinical Center of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milutin Kostić
- Institute of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Kačar
- Neurology Clinic, Clinical Center of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Elka Stefanova
- Neurology Clinic, Clinical Center of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Biljana Salak Ðokić
- Neurology Clinic, Clinical Center of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dejana Stanisavljević
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Andona Milovanović
- Neurology Clinic, Clinical Center of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Mirjana Ðorđević
- Faculty of Special Education and Rehabilitation, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nenad Glumbić
- Faculty of Special Education and Rehabilitation, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nataša Dragašević-Mišković
- Neurology Clinic, Clinical Center of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Krygier M, Mazurkiewicz-Bełdzińska M. Milestones in genetics of cerebellar ataxias. Neurogenetics 2021; 22:225-234. [PMID: 34224032 PMCID: PMC8426223 DOI: 10.1007/s10048-021-00656-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cerebellar ataxias (CAs) comprise a group of rare, neurological disorders characterized by extensive phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity. The core clinical feature is the cerebellar syndrome, which is often accompanied by other neurological or non-neurological signs. In the last 30 years, our understanding of the CA etiology has increased significantly, and numerous ataxia-associated genes have been discovered. Conventional variants or tandem repeat expansions, localized in the coding or non-coding DNA sequences, lead to hereditary ataxia, which can display different patterns of inheritance. Advances in molecular techniques have enabled a rapid and cost-effective detection of causative variants in a significant number of CA patients. However, despite performing extensive investigations, a definite diagnosis is still unknown in the majority of affected individuals. In this review, we discuss the major advances in the genetics of CAs over the last 30 years, focusing on the impact of next-generation sequencing on the genetic landscape of childhood- and adult-onset CAs. Additionally, we outline possible directions for further genetic research in hereditary and sporadic CAs in the era of increasing application of whole-genome sequencing and genome-wide association studies in various neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Krygier
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, ul. Dębinki 7 80-952, Gdańsk, Poland.
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Jacobi H, Minnerop M. [Adult-onset ataxias]. DER NERVENARZT 2021; 92:379-389. [PMID: 33751151 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-021-01099-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Adult-onset ataxias are clinically and etiologically heterogeneous disorders affecting the cerebellum and its afferent and efferent connections. Early symptoms are usually a progressive ataxia of gait and stance, followed by limb ataxia, cerebellar dysarthria and oculomotor disturbances. In addition, various neurological and non-neurological symptoms may occur. Hereditary, acquired, and sporadic degenerative ataxias are distinguished. A detailed medical history and clinical examination as well as cranial magnetic resonance imaging are essential for the diagnostic work-up; however, specific biochemical or genetic tests are often required to make a definitive diagnosis. Besides rehabilitative therapies, specific drugs or dietary recommendations are available for some types of ataxia. An early and precise diagnosis is important to avoid redundant diagnostics and for counselling of patients and their relatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Jacobi
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Uniklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Deutschland.
| | - Martina Minnerop
- Institut für Neurowissenschaften und Medizin (INM-1), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Deutschland.,Institut für klinische Neurowissenschaften und medizinische Psychologie, Medizinische Fakultät, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Deutschland.,Klinik für Neurologie, Zentrum für Bewegungsstörungen und Neuromodulation, Medizinische Fakultät, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Deutschland
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Pedroso JL, de Rezende Pinto WBV, Barsottini OGP, Oliveira ASB. Should we investigate mitochondrial disorders in progressive adult-onset undetermined ataxias? CEREBELLUM & ATAXIAS 2020; 7:13. [PMID: 32922825 PMCID: PMC7444269 DOI: 10.1186/s40673-020-00122-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Despite the broad development of next-generation sequencing approaches recently, such as whole-exome sequencing, diagnostic workup of adult-onset progressive cerebellar ataxias without remarkable family history and with negative genetic panel testing for SCAs remains a complex and expensive clinical challenge. Case presentation In this article, we report a Brazilian man with adult-onset slowly progressive pure cerebellar ataxia, which developed neuropathy and hearing loss after fifteen years of ataxia onset, in which a primary mitochondrial DNA defect (MERRF syndrome - myoclonus epilepsy with ragged-red fibers) was confirmed through muscle biopsy evaluation and whole-exome sequencing. Conclusions Mitochondrial disorders are a clinically and genetically complex and heterogenous group of metabolic diseases, resulting from pathogenic variants in the mitochondrial DNA or nuclear DNA. In our case, a correlation with histopathological changes identified on muscle biopsy helped to clarify the definitive diagnosis. Moreover, in neurodegenerative and neurogenetic disorders, some symptoms may be evinced later during disease course. We suggest that late-onset and adult pure undetermined ataxias should be considered and investigated for mitochondrial disorders, particularly MERRF syndrome and other primary mitochondrial DNA defects, together with other more commonly known nuclear genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Luiz Pedroso
- Ataxia Unit, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Pedro de Toledo Street, 650. ZIP CODE: 04039-002. Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP Brazil
| | | | - Orlando Graziani Povoas Barsottini
- Ataxia Unit, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Pedro de Toledo Street, 650. ZIP CODE: 04039-002. Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP Brazil
| | - Acary Souza Bulle Oliveira
- Division of Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP Brazil
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Gisatulin M, Dobricic V, Zühlke C, Hellenbroich Y, Tadic V, Münchau A, Isenhardt K, Bürk K, Bahlo M, Lockhart PJ, Lohmann K, Helmchen C, Brüggemann N. Clinical spectrum of the pentanucleotide repeat expansion in the RFC1 gene in ataxia syndromes. Neurology 2020; 95:e2912-e2923. [PMID: 32873692 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000010744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the clinical significance of an intronic biallelic pentanucleotide repeat expansion in the gene encoding replication factor C subunit 1 (RFC1) in patients with late-onset cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy, and vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS), in patients with other ataxias, and in healthy controls by comprehensive genetic analyses. METHODS In this case-control study, we included 457 individuals comprising 26 patients with complete or incomplete CANVAS, 70 patients with late-onset cerebellar ataxia, 208 healthy controls, and 153 individuals from 39 multigenerational families without ataxia to determine repeat stability. All 96 patients were screened for the repeat expansion by duplex PCR. To further characterize the repeat type and lengths, we used fragment length analysis, repeat-primed PCR, Sanger sequencing, and Southern blotting. Expression of RFC1 and the neighboring gene WDR19 were determined by quantitative PCR. RESULTS Massive biallelic pentanucleotide expansions were found in 15/17 patients with complete CANVAS (88%), in 2/9 patients with incomplete CANVAS (22%), in 4/70 patients with unspecified, late-onset cerebellar ataxia (6%), but not in controls. In patients, the expansion comprised 800-1,000 mostly AAGGG repeats. Nonmassively expanded repeat numbers were in the range of 7-137 repeats and relatively stable during transmission. Expression of RFC1 and WDR19 were unchanged and RFC1 intron retention was not found. CONCLUSIONS A biallelic pentanucleotide repeat expansion is a frequent cause of CANVAS and found in a considerable number of patients with an incomplete clinical presentation or other forms of cerebellar ataxia. The mechanism by which the repeat expansions are causing disease remains unclear and warrants further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gisatulin
- From the Institute of Neurogenetics (M.G., V.D., V.T., K.L., N.B.), Institute of Human Genetics (C.Z., Y.H.), Institute of Systems Motor Science (A.M.), and Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (N.B.), University of Lübeck; Department of Neurology (V.T., C.H., N.B.), University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck; Department of Neurology (K.I.), Klinikum Aschaffenburg; Department of Neurology (K.B.), Kliniken Schmieder, Stuttgart, Germany; Population Health and Immunity Division (M.B.), The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research; Department of Medical Biology (M.B.), University of Melbourne; Bruce Lefroy Centre (P.J.L.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute; and Department of Pediatrics (P.J.L.), University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Valerija Dobricic
- From the Institute of Neurogenetics (M.G., V.D., V.T., K.L., N.B.), Institute of Human Genetics (C.Z., Y.H.), Institute of Systems Motor Science (A.M.), and Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (N.B.), University of Lübeck; Department of Neurology (V.T., C.H., N.B.), University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck; Department of Neurology (K.I.), Klinikum Aschaffenburg; Department of Neurology (K.B.), Kliniken Schmieder, Stuttgart, Germany; Population Health and Immunity Division (M.B.), The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research; Department of Medical Biology (M.B.), University of Melbourne; Bruce Lefroy Centre (P.J.L.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute; and Department of Pediatrics (P.J.L.), University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christine Zühlke
- From the Institute of Neurogenetics (M.G., V.D., V.T., K.L., N.B.), Institute of Human Genetics (C.Z., Y.H.), Institute of Systems Motor Science (A.M.), and Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (N.B.), University of Lübeck; Department of Neurology (V.T., C.H., N.B.), University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck; Department of Neurology (K.I.), Klinikum Aschaffenburg; Department of Neurology (K.B.), Kliniken Schmieder, Stuttgart, Germany; Population Health and Immunity Division (M.B.), The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research; Department of Medical Biology (M.B.), University of Melbourne; Bruce Lefroy Centre (P.J.L.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute; and Department of Pediatrics (P.J.L.), University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yorck Hellenbroich
- From the Institute of Neurogenetics (M.G., V.D., V.T., K.L., N.B.), Institute of Human Genetics (C.Z., Y.H.), Institute of Systems Motor Science (A.M.), and Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (N.B.), University of Lübeck; Department of Neurology (V.T., C.H., N.B.), University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck; Department of Neurology (K.I.), Klinikum Aschaffenburg; Department of Neurology (K.B.), Kliniken Schmieder, Stuttgart, Germany; Population Health and Immunity Division (M.B.), The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research; Department of Medical Biology (M.B.), University of Melbourne; Bruce Lefroy Centre (P.J.L.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute; and Department of Pediatrics (P.J.L.), University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vera Tadic
- From the Institute of Neurogenetics (M.G., V.D., V.T., K.L., N.B.), Institute of Human Genetics (C.Z., Y.H.), Institute of Systems Motor Science (A.M.), and Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (N.B.), University of Lübeck; Department of Neurology (V.T., C.H., N.B.), University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck; Department of Neurology (K.I.), Klinikum Aschaffenburg; Department of Neurology (K.B.), Kliniken Schmieder, Stuttgart, Germany; Population Health and Immunity Division (M.B.), The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research; Department of Medical Biology (M.B.), University of Melbourne; Bruce Lefroy Centre (P.J.L.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute; and Department of Pediatrics (P.J.L.), University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alexander Münchau
- From the Institute of Neurogenetics (M.G., V.D., V.T., K.L., N.B.), Institute of Human Genetics (C.Z., Y.H.), Institute of Systems Motor Science (A.M.), and Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (N.B.), University of Lübeck; Department of Neurology (V.T., C.H., N.B.), University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck; Department of Neurology (K.I.), Klinikum Aschaffenburg; Department of Neurology (K.B.), Kliniken Schmieder, Stuttgart, Germany; Population Health and Immunity Division (M.B.), The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research; Department of Medical Biology (M.B.), University of Melbourne; Bruce Lefroy Centre (P.J.L.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute; and Department of Pediatrics (P.J.L.), University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Klaus Isenhardt
- From the Institute of Neurogenetics (M.G., V.D., V.T., K.L., N.B.), Institute of Human Genetics (C.Z., Y.H.), Institute of Systems Motor Science (A.M.), and Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (N.B.), University of Lübeck; Department of Neurology (V.T., C.H., N.B.), University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck; Department of Neurology (K.I.), Klinikum Aschaffenburg; Department of Neurology (K.B.), Kliniken Schmieder, Stuttgart, Germany; Population Health and Immunity Division (M.B.), The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research; Department of Medical Biology (M.B.), University of Melbourne; Bruce Lefroy Centre (P.J.L.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute; and Department of Pediatrics (P.J.L.), University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katrin Bürk
- From the Institute of Neurogenetics (M.G., V.D., V.T., K.L., N.B.), Institute of Human Genetics (C.Z., Y.H.), Institute of Systems Motor Science (A.M.), and Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (N.B.), University of Lübeck; Department of Neurology (V.T., C.H., N.B.), University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck; Department of Neurology (K.I.), Klinikum Aschaffenburg; Department of Neurology (K.B.), Kliniken Schmieder, Stuttgart, Germany; Population Health and Immunity Division (M.B.), The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research; Department of Medical Biology (M.B.), University of Melbourne; Bruce Lefroy Centre (P.J.L.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute; and Department of Pediatrics (P.J.L.), University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melanie Bahlo
- From the Institute of Neurogenetics (M.G., V.D., V.T., K.L., N.B.), Institute of Human Genetics (C.Z., Y.H.), Institute of Systems Motor Science (A.M.), and Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (N.B.), University of Lübeck; Department of Neurology (V.T., C.H., N.B.), University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck; Department of Neurology (K.I.), Klinikum Aschaffenburg; Department of Neurology (K.B.), Kliniken Schmieder, Stuttgart, Germany; Population Health and Immunity Division (M.B.), The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research; Department of Medical Biology (M.B.), University of Melbourne; Bruce Lefroy Centre (P.J.L.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute; and Department of Pediatrics (P.J.L.), University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul J Lockhart
- From the Institute of Neurogenetics (M.G., V.D., V.T., K.L., N.B.), Institute of Human Genetics (C.Z., Y.H.), Institute of Systems Motor Science (A.M.), and Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (N.B.), University of Lübeck; Department of Neurology (V.T., C.H., N.B.), University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck; Department of Neurology (K.I.), Klinikum Aschaffenburg; Department of Neurology (K.B.), Kliniken Schmieder, Stuttgart, Germany; Population Health and Immunity Division (M.B.), The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research; Department of Medical Biology (M.B.), University of Melbourne; Bruce Lefroy Centre (P.J.L.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute; and Department of Pediatrics (P.J.L.), University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katja Lohmann
- From the Institute of Neurogenetics (M.G., V.D., V.T., K.L., N.B.), Institute of Human Genetics (C.Z., Y.H.), Institute of Systems Motor Science (A.M.), and Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (N.B.), University of Lübeck; Department of Neurology (V.T., C.H., N.B.), University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck; Department of Neurology (K.I.), Klinikum Aschaffenburg; Department of Neurology (K.B.), Kliniken Schmieder, Stuttgart, Germany; Population Health and Immunity Division (M.B.), The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research; Department of Medical Biology (M.B.), University of Melbourne; Bruce Lefroy Centre (P.J.L.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute; and Department of Pediatrics (P.J.L.), University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christoph Helmchen
- From the Institute of Neurogenetics (M.G., V.D., V.T., K.L., N.B.), Institute of Human Genetics (C.Z., Y.H.), Institute of Systems Motor Science (A.M.), and Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (N.B.), University of Lübeck; Department of Neurology (V.T., C.H., N.B.), University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck; Department of Neurology (K.I.), Klinikum Aschaffenburg; Department of Neurology (K.B.), Kliniken Schmieder, Stuttgart, Germany; Population Health and Immunity Division (M.B.), The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research; Department of Medical Biology (M.B.), University of Melbourne; Bruce Lefroy Centre (P.J.L.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute; and Department of Pediatrics (P.J.L.), University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Norbert Brüggemann
- From the Institute of Neurogenetics (M.G., V.D., V.T., K.L., N.B.), Institute of Human Genetics (C.Z., Y.H.), Institute of Systems Motor Science (A.M.), and Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (N.B.), University of Lübeck; Department of Neurology (V.T., C.H., N.B.), University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck; Department of Neurology (K.I.), Klinikum Aschaffenburg; Department of Neurology (K.B.), Kliniken Schmieder, Stuttgart, Germany; Population Health and Immunity Division (M.B.), The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research; Department of Medical Biology (M.B.), University of Melbourne; Bruce Lefroy Centre (P.J.L.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute; and Department of Pediatrics (P.J.L.), University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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14
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Jiang X, Faber J, Giordano I, Machts J, Kindler C, Dudesek A, Speck O, Kamm C, Düzel E, Jessen F, Spottke A, Vielhaber S, Boecker H, Klockgether T, Scheef L. Characterization of Cerebellar Atrophy and Resting State Functional Connectivity Patterns in Sporadic Adult-Onset Ataxia of Unknown Etiology (SAOA). THE CEREBELLUM 2020; 18:873-881. [PMID: 31422550 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-019-01072-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Sporadic adult-onset ataxia of unknown etiology (SAOA) is a non-genetic neurodegenerative disorder of the cerebellum of unknown cause which manifests with progressive ataxia without severe autonomic failure. Although SAOA is associated with cerebellar degeneration, little is known about the specific cerebellar atrophy pattern in SAOA. Thirty-seven SAOA patients and 49 healthy controls (HCs) were included at two centers. We investigated the structural and functional characteristics of SAOA brains using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and resting-state functional imaging (rs-fMRI). In order to examine the functional consequence of structural cerebellar alterations, the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and degree centrality (DC) were analyzed, and then assessed their relation with disease severity, disease duration, and age of onset within these regions. Group differences were investigated using two-sample t tests, controlling for age, gender, site, and the total intracranial volume. The VBM analysis revealed a significant, mostly bilateral reduction of local gray matter (GM) volume in lobules I-V, V, VI, IX, X, and vermis VIII a/b in SAOA patients, compared with HCs. The GM volume loss in these regions was significantly associated with disease severity, disease duration, and age of onset. The disease-related atrophy regions did not show any functional alternations compared with HCs but were functionally characterized by high ALFF and poor DC compared with intact cerebellar regions. Our data revealed volume reduction in SAOA in cerebellar regions that are known to be involved in motor and somatosensory processing, corresponding with the clinical phenotype of SAOA. Our data suggest that the atrophy occurs in those cerebellar regions which are characterized by high ALFF and poor DC. Further studies have to show if these findings are specific for SAOA, and if they can be used to predict disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyan Jiang
- Clinical Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany.
| | - J Faber
- Clinical Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - I Giordano
- Clinical Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - J Machts
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ch Kindler
- Clinical Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - A Dudesek
- Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - O Speck
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ch Kamm
- Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - E Düzel
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - F Jessen
- Clinical Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - A Spottke
- Clinical Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - St Vielhaber
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - H Boecker
- Clinical Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany.,Department of Radiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - T Klockgether
- Clinical Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - L Scheef
- Clinical Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany.,Department of Radiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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15
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Faber J, Giordano I, Jiang X, Kindler C, Spottke A, Acosta-Cabronero J, Nestor PJ, Machts J, Düzel E, Vielhaber S, Speck O, Dudesek A, Kamm C, Scheef L, Klockgether T. Prominent White Matter Involvement in Multiple System Atrophy of Cerebellar Type. Mov Disord 2020; 35:816-824. [PMID: 31994808 DOI: 10.1002/mds.27987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sporadic degenerative ataxia patients fall into 2 major groups: multiple system atrophy with predominant cerebellar ataxia (MSA-C) and sporadic adult-onset ataxia (SAOA). Both groups have cerebellar volume loss, but little is known about the differential involvement of gray and white matter in MSA-C when compared with SAOA. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to identify structural differences of brain gray and white matter between both patient groups. METHODS We used magnetic resonance imaging to acquire T1-weighted images and diffusion tensor images from 12 MSA-C patients, 31 SAOA patients, and 55 healthy controls. Magnetic resonance imaging data were analyzed with voxel-based-morphometry, tract-based spatial statistics, and tractography-based regional diffusion tensor images analysis. RESULTS Whole-brain and cerebellar-focused voxel-based-morphometry analysis showed gray matter volume loss in both patient groups when compared with healthy controls, specifically in the cerebellar areas subserving sensorimotor functions. When compared with controls, the SAOA and MSA-C patients showed white matter loss in the cerebellum, whereas brainstem white matter was reduced only in the MSA-C patients. The tract-based spatial statistics revealed reduced fractional anisotropy within the pons and cerebellum in the MSA-C patients both in comparison with the SAOA patients and healthy controls. In addition, tractography-based regional analysis showed reduced fractional anisotropy along the corticospinal tracts in MSA-C, but not SAOA. CONCLUSION Although in our cohort extent and distribution of gray and white matter loss were similar between the MSA-C and SAOA patients, magnetic resonance imaging data showed prominent microstructural white matter involvement in the MSA-C patients that was not present in the SAOA patients. Our findings highlight the significance of microstructural white matter changes in the differentiation between both conditions. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Faber
- Clinical Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Bonn, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
| | - Ilaria Giordano
- Clinical Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Bonn, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
| | - Xueyan Jiang
- Clinical Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christine Kindler
- Clinical Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Bonn, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
| | - Annika Spottke
- Clinical Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Bonn, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Peter J Nestor
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Neuroscience and Cognitive Health Program, Mater Hospital, South Brisbane, Australia
| | - Judith Machts
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Magdeburg, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Emrah Düzel
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Magdeburg, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Vielhaber
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Magdeburg, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Oliver Speck
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Magdeburg, Germany.,Department of Biomedical Magnetic Resonance, Faculty for Natural Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ales Dudesek
- Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Christoph Kamm
- Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Lukas Scheef
- Clinical Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Bonn, Germany.,Department of Radiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas Klockgether
- Clinical Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Bonn, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
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16
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17
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Lieto M, Roca A, Santorelli FM, Fico T, De Michele G, Bellofatto M, Saccà F, De Michele G, Filla A. Degenerative and acquired sporadic adult onset ataxia. Neurol Sci 2019; 40:1335-1342. [PMID: 30927137 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-019-03856-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The diagnosis of sporadic adult onset ataxia is a challenging task since a large collection of hereditary and non-hereditary disorders should be taken into consideration. Sporadic adult onset ataxias include degenerative non-hereditary, hereditary, and acquired ataxias. Multiple system atrophy and idiopathic late cerebellar ataxia are degenerative non-hereditary ataxias. Late-onset Friedreich's ataxia, spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 and 2, and fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome account for most sporadic hereditary ataxias. Alcoholic cerebellar degeneration, paraneoplastic and other autoimmune cerebellar degeneration, vitamin deficiencies, and toxic-induced and infectious cerebellar syndrome are the main causes of acquired cerebellar degeneration. The diagnostic approach should include a history taking, disease progression, general and neurological examination, brain MRI, and laboratory and genetic tests. Novel opportunities in massive gene sequencing will increase the likelihood to define true etiologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lieto
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Roca
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Tommasina Fico
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna De Michele
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Marta Bellofatto
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Saccà
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Michele
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Filla
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
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18
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Feil K, Strobl R, Schindler A, Krafczyk S, Goldschagg N, Frenzel C, Glaser M, Schöberl F, Zwergal A, Strupp M. What Is Behind Cerebellar Vertigo and Dizziness? THE CEREBELLUM 2018; 18:320-332. [DOI: 10.1007/s12311-018-0992-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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