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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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Alshimemeri S, Abo Alsamh D, Zhou L, Furtado S, Kraft S, Bruno V, Duquette A, Brais B, Suchowersky O, Munhoz RP, Slow E. Demographics and Clinical Characteristics of Autosomal Dominant Spinocerebellar Ataxia in Canada. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2023; 10:440-451. [PMID: 36949783 PMCID: PMC10026276 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.13666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Autosomal dominant (AD) spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) encompass a large group of rare disorders, which occurs in individuals of different ethnic backgrounds. To date, demographics, and clinical descriptions of AD SCA in Canada are lacking. Methods A retrospective chart review of patients with a genetically confirmed diagnosis of AD SCAs was performed at five tertiary centers across Canada in the provinces of Quebec, Alberta, and Ontario. Demographic, genetic, and clinical information were collected and analyzed. Results A total of 203 patients with AD SCA were identified. Weighted estimated prevalence of AD SCA in three large Canadian provinces was calculated (2.25 cases per 100.000) which is in keeping with the figures documented worldwide. We found that the distribution of the most common SCA differed when comparing provinces. The most prevalent SCA diagnosis in Ontario was SCA3 (49%), while the most prevalent SCA diagnosis in Alberta and Quebec was SCA2 in 26% and 47%, respectively. SCA6 was the third most prevalent SCA subtype in Quebec (14%), which was not seen as commonly in other provinces. SCA1 was uncommonly seen in both Alberta and Quebec, despite being common in Ontario. Conclusions In this largest Canadian study, we describe the prevalence, distribution, and clinical characteristics of AD SCA. We found that the distribution of the most common SCA differed in the three provinces studied. This finding reflects the heterogenous nature of the Canadian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohaila Alshimemeri
- King Saud UniversityRiyadhSaudi Arabia
- University of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | | | - Lily Zhou
- University of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Renato P. Munhoz
- University of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
- University Health NetworkTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Elizabeth Slow
- University of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
- University Health NetworkTorontoOntarioCanada
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Pradeep S, Mehanna R. Gastrointestinal disorders in hyperkinetic movement disorders and ataxia. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2021; 90:125-133. [PMID: 34544654 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2021.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders have been thoroughly investigated in hypokinetic disorders such as Parkinson's disease, but much less is known about GI disorders in hyperkinetic movement disorders and ataxia. The aim of this review is to draw attention to the GI disorders that are associated with these movement disorders. METHODS References for this systematic review were identified by searches of PubMed through May 2020. Only publications in English were reviewed. RESULTS Data from 249 articles were critically reviewed, compared, and integrated. The most frequently reported GI symptoms overall in hyperkinetic movement disorders and ataxia are dysphagia, sialorrhea, weight changes, esophago-gastritis, gastroparesis, constipation, diarrhea, and malabsorption. We report in detail on the frequency, characteristics, pathophysiology, and management of GI symptoms in essential tremor, restless legs syndrome, chorea, and spinocerebellar ataxias. The limited available data on GI disorders in dystonias, paroxysmal movement disorders, tardive dyskinesias, myoclonus, and non-SCA ataxias are also summarized. CONCLUSION The purpose of our systematic review is to draw attention that, although primarily motor disorders, hyperkinetic movement disorders and ataxia can involve the GI system. Raising awareness about the GI symptom burden in hyperkinetic movement disorders and ataxia could contribute to a new research interest in that field, as well as improved patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Pradeep
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Raja Mehanna
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA.
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Abstract
SUMMARY It has been generally recognized that, in most cases of Parkinson’s disease (PD), the causes are a result of the complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Only approximately 10–15% of PD cases appear to be rare forms with a Mendelian genetic cause. There has been an increasing need and demand in daily clinical work to look for a molecular diagnosis, although a number of neurologists feel uneasy when dealing with the growing number of possible genes and risk factors related to PD that are accessible for diagnosis. Research has highlighted the consequences not only for hereditary but also sporadic forms of PD. This review will provide an overview of the principal aspects of the genetics of PD. It will focus on their differences and similarities, and discuss several useful tools for clinicians, and the role and importance of a neurogeneticist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebba Lohmann
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, & Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tübingen, Germany; and Istanbul University, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
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Torrens L, Burns E, Stone J, Graham C, Wright H, Summers D, Sellar R, Porteous M, Warner J, Zeman A. Spinocerebellar ataxia type 8 in Scotland: frequency, neurological, neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric findings. Acta Neurol Scand 2008; 117:41-8. [PMID: 18095954 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2007.00904.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to: (i) establish whether the spinocerebellar ataxia type 8 (SCA 8) expansion is associated with ataxia in Scotland; (ii) test the hypothesis that SCA 8 is associated with neuropsychological impairment; and (iii) review neuroradiological findings in SCA 8. METHODS The methods included: (i) measurement of SCA 8 expansion frequencies in ataxic patients and healthy controls; (ii) comprehensive neuropsychological assessment of patients with SCA 8 and matched controls, neuropsychiatric interview; and (iii) comparison of patient and matched control magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. RESULTS (i) 10/694 (1.4%) unrelated individuals with ataxia had combined CTA/CTG repeat expansions >100 compared to 1/1190 (0.08%) healthy controls (P < 0.0005); (ii) neuropsychological assessment revealed a dysexecutive syndrome among SCA 8 patients, not readily explained by motor or mood disturbance; neuropsychiatric symptoms occurred commonly; (iii) cerebellar atrophy was the only salient MRI abnormality in the patient group. CONCLUSIONS The SCA 8 expansion is associated with ataxia in Scotland. The disorder is associated with a dysexecutive syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Torrens
- The Robert Fergusson Unit, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
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