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Van Es MA. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; clinical features, differential diagnosis and pathology. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 176:1-47. [PMID: 38802173 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a late-onset syndrome characterized by the progressive degeneration of both upper motor neurons (UMN) and lower motor neurons (LMN). ALS forms a clinical continuum with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), in which there are progressive language deficits or behavioral changes. The genetics and pathology underlying both ALS and FTD overlap as well, with cytoplasmatic misvocalization of TDP-43 as the hallmark. ALS is diagnosed by exclusion. Over the years several diagnostic criteria have been proposed, which in essence all require a history of slowly progressive motor symptoms, with UMN and LMN signs on neurological examination, clear spread of symptoms through the body, the exclusion of other disorder that cause similar symptoms and an EMG that it is compatible with LMN loss. ALS is heterogeneous disorder that may present in multitude ways, which makes the diagnosis challenging. Therefore, a systematic approach in the diagnostic process is required in line with the most common presentations. Subsequently, assessing whether there are cognitive and/or behavioral changes within the spectrum of FTD and lastly determining the cause is genetic. This chapter, an outline on how to navigate this 3 step process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Van Es
- Department of Neurology, Brain Center UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Corcia P, Couratier P, Ingre C. Could PLS represent a UMN-predominant ALS syndrome? Rev Neurol (Paris) 2024:S0035-3787(24)00529-0. [PMID: 38782644 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2024.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a motor neuron condition marked by pure upper motor neuron (UMN) degeneration. PLS represents around 3% of all motor neuron diseases. Classically the prognosis of PLS is less severe than those of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This explains the necessity to distinguish both conditions as early as possible. The key hallmark between the two diseases is the involvement of the lower motor neuron (LMN) system which is classically considered spared in PLS contrary to ALS. Although it seemed clinically easy to distinguish PLS from ALS with the aid of clinical and complementary examinations, there is a large body of evidence highlighting that the LMN system might be impaired in PLS. This led us to suggest that PLS might be considered as an almost pure UMN ALS phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Corcia
- Coordination Centre for Rare Disease Reference Centres (CRMR) ALS and other motor neurone diseases (FILSLAN), CHRU Bretonneau, 2, boulevard Tonnellé, 37000 Tours, France; UMR 1253 iBrain, Tours University, Inserm, 10, boulevard Tonnellé, 37000 Tours, France.
| | - P Couratier
- Coordination Centre for Rare Disease Reference Centres (CRMR) ALS and other motor neurone diseases (FILSLAN), CHU de Limoges, 2, Avenue Martin Luther King, 87000 Limoges, France
| | - C Ingre
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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de Boer EMJ, Demaegd KC, de Bie CI, Veldink JH, van den Berg LH, van Es MA. Familial motor neuron disease: co-occurrence of PLS and ALS (-FTD). Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024; 25:53-60. [PMID: 37679883 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2023.2255621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report the frequency and characteristics of patients diagnosed with primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) with a positive family history for motor neuron diseases (MND) in the Netherlands and to compare our findings to the literature. METHODS Patients were identified through our ongoing, prospective population-based study on MND in The Netherlands, which also includes a standardized collection of patient characteristics, genetic testing, and family history. Only patients meeting the latest consensus criteria for definite PLS were included. The family history was considered positive for MND if any family members had been diagnosed with PLS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)(-FTD), or progressive muscular atrophy (PMA). Additionally, the literature was reviewed on PLS cases in which MND co-occurred within the same family. RESULTS We identified 392 definite PLS cases, resulting in 9 families with a PLS patient and a positive family history for MND (2.3%). In only one of these pedigrees, a pathogenic variant (C9orf72 repeat expansion) was found. Our literature review revealed 23 families with a co-occurrence of PLS and MND, with 12 of them having a potentially pathogenic genetic variant. CONCLUSIONS The consistent observation of PLS patients with a positive family history for MND, evident in both our study and the literature, implies the presence of shared underlying genetic factors between PLS and ALS. However, these factors are yet to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva M J de Boer
- Department of Neurology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands and
| | - Koen C Demaegd
- Department of Neurology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands and
| | - Charlotte I de Bie
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jan H Veldink
- Department of Neurology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands and
| | - Leonard H van den Berg
- Department of Neurology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands and
| | - Michael A van Es
- Department of Neurology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands and
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4
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Vacchiano V, Bonan L, Liguori R, Rizzo G. Primary Lateral Sclerosis: An Overview. J Clin Med 2024; 13:578. [PMID: 38276084 PMCID: PMC10816328 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13020578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder which causes the selective deterioration of the upper motor neurons (UMNs), sparing the lower motor neuron (LMN) system. The clinical course is defined by a progressive motor disability due to muscle spasticity which typically involves lower extremities and bulbar muscles. Although classically considered a sporadic disease, some familiar cases and possible causative genes have been reported. Despite it having been recognized as a rare but distinct entity, whether it actually represents an extreme end of the motor neuron diseases continuum is still an open issue. The main knowledge gap is the lack of specific biomarkers to improve the clinical diagnostic accuracy. Indeed, the diagnostic imprecision, together with some uncertainty about overlap with UMN-predominant ALS and Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP), has become an obstacle to the development of specific therapeutic trials. In this study, we provided a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature, including neuropathological, clinical, neuroimaging, and neurophysiological features of the disease, and highlighting the controversies still unsolved in the differential diagnoses and the current diagnostic criteria. We also discussed the current knowledge gaps still present in both diagnostic and therapeutic fields when approaching this rare condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veria Vacchiano
- IRCCS, Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Clinica Neurologica, 40139 Bologna, Italy; (V.V.); (R.L.)
| | - Luigi Bonan
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Rocco Liguori
- IRCCS, Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Clinica Neurologica, 40139 Bologna, Italy; (V.V.); (R.L.)
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Rizzo
- IRCCS, Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Clinica Neurologica, 40139 Bologna, Italy; (V.V.); (R.L.)
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5
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Oliveira Santos M, Swash M, de Carvalho M. Current challenges in primary lateral sclerosis diagnosis. Expert Rev Neurother 2024; 24:45-53. [PMID: 38093670 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2295010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a rare, adult-onset and slowly progressive motor neuron disorder whose clinical core is characterized by upper motor neuron (UMN) dysfunction. Its formal diagnosis is clinically based and disease duration-dependent. Differentiating PLS from other disorders involving UMN can be challenging, particularly in the early stages. AREAS COVERED Our review covers and discusses different aspects of the PLS field, including the diagnostic criteria and its limitations, its differential diagnosis and their major pitfalls, and the actual role of neurophysiology, neuroimaging, genetics, and molecular biomarkers. Symptomatic treatment of the different manifestations is also addressed. The authors searched MEDLINE and Scopus. They also searched the reference lists of articles identified by our search strategy and reviewed and selected those deemed relevant. They selected papers and studies based on the quality of the report, significance of the findings, and on the author's critical appraise and expertise. EXPERT OPINION It is important to investigate novel molecular biomarkers and plan multicenter clinical trials for PLS. However, this will require a large international project to recruit enough patients, particularly given the diagnostic uncertainty of the current clinical criteria. A better understanding of PLS pathophysiology is crucial for designing disease-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Oliveira Santos
- Institute of Physiology, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Centro de Estudos Egas Moniz, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Michael Swash
- Institute of Physiology, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Centro de Estudos Egas Moniz, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Mamede de Carvalho
- Institute of Physiology, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Centro de Estudos Egas Moniz, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
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Petri S, Grehl T, Grosskreutz J, Hecht M, Hermann A, Jesse S, Lingor P, Löscher W, Maier A, Schoser B, Weber M, Ludolph AC. Guideline "Motor neuron diseases" of the German Society of Neurology (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Neurologie). Neurol Res Pract 2023; 5:25. [PMID: 37316950 DOI: 10.1186/s42466-023-00251-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2021, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Neurology published a new guideline on diagnosis and therapy of motor neuron disorders. Motor neuron disorders affect upper motor neurons in the primary motor cortex and/or lower motor neurons in the brain stem and spinal cord. The most frequent motor neuron disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive disease with an average life expectancy of 2-4 years with a yearly incidence of 3.1/100,000 in Central Europe (Rosenbohm et al. in J Neurol 264(4):749-757, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-017-8413-3 ). It is considered a rare disease mainly due to its low prevalence as a consequence of short disease duration. RECOMMENDATIONS These guidelines comprise recommendations regarding differential diagnosis, neuroprotective therapies and multidisciplinary palliative care including management of respiration and nutrition as well as provision of assistive devices and end-of-life situations. CONCLUSION Diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines are necessary due the comparatively high number of cases and the aggressive disease course. Given the low prevalence and the severe impairment of patients, it is often impossible to generate evidence-based data so that ALS guidelines are partially dependent on expert opinion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Petri
- Klinik für Neurologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Torsten Grehl
- Neurologie, Alfried-Krupp-Krankenhaus, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Martin Hecht
- Neurologie, Bezirkskrankenhaus Kaufbeuren, Kaufbeuren, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Wolfgang Löscher
- Neurologie, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- ÖGN, Vienna, Austria
| | - André Maier
- Neurologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Marcus Weber
- Muskelzentrum, Kantonspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
- SNG, St. Gallen, Switzerland
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Herrmann C, Dorst J. Differenzialdiagnose der Amyotrophen Lateralsklerose in der
klinischen Praxis. KLIN NEUROPHYSIOL 2023. [DOI: 10.1055/a-2012-2736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
ZusammenfassungDie Diagnose der Amyotrophen Lateralsklerose (ALS) beruht vorwiegend auf
klinischen Kriterien und kann aufgrund des heterogenen Erscheinungsbildes gerade
in frühen Krankheitsstadien mitunter schwierig sein. Wegweisend sind der
Nachweis einer kombinierten Pathologie des oberen und unteren Motoneurons, der
fokale Onset, das Ausbreitungsmuster (Spreading), das typische Verteilungsmuster
der Paresen, das Vorhandensein oder Fehlen nicht-motorischer Zusatzsymptome
sowie Art und Geschwindigkeit der Krankheitsprogredienz. Dieser Review stellt
Charakteristika der ALS sowohl im Hinblick auf die klinische Untersuchung als
auch apparativer Zusatzdiagnostik in Abgrenzung zu den wichtigsten
Differenzialdiagnosen in Form von Einschlusskörperchenmyositis,
Chronisch Inflammatorischer Demyelinisierender Polyneuropathie (CIDP),
Mulifokaler Motorischer Neuropathie (MMN), adulter Form der Spinalen
Muskelatrophie (SMA), Kennedy-Syndrom und Hereditärer Spastischer
Paralyse (HSP) dar.
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8
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Marzoughi S, Pfeffer G, Cashman N. Primary lateral sclerosis. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 196:89-99. [PMID: 37620095 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-98817-9.00021-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Like motor neuron diseases (MNDs) refer to a constellation of primarily sporadic neurodegenerative diseases characterized by a progressive loss of upper and/or lower motor neurons. Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is considered a neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by a gradually progressive course affecting the central motor systems, designated by the phrase "upper motor neurons." Despite significant development in neuroimaging, neurophysiology, and molecular biology, there is a growing consensus that PLS is of unknown etiology. Currently there is no disease-modifying treatment for PLS, or prospective randomized trials being carried out, partly due to the rarity of the disease and lack of significant understanding of the underlying pathophysiology. Consequently, the approach to treatment remains largely symptomatic. In this chapter we provide an overview of primary lateral sclerosis including clinical and electrodiagnostic considerations, differential diagnosis, updates in genetics and pathophysiology, and future directions for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Marzoughi
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Gerald Pfeffer
- Department of Neurosciences, Division of Neurology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Neil Cashman
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Mitsumoto H, Jang G, Lee I, Simmons Z, Sherman AV, Heitzman D, Sorenson E, Cheung K, Andrews J, Harms M, Shneider NA, Santella R, Paganoni S, Ajroud-Driss S, Fernandes JAM, Burke KM, Gwathmey K, Habib AA, Maragakis NJ, Walk D, Fournier C, Heiman-Patterson T, Wymer J, Diaz F, Scelsa SN, Elman L, Genge A, Goutman SA, Hayat G, Jawdat O, Johnston WS, Joyce NC, Kasarskis EJ, Kisanuki YY, Lomen-Hoerth C, Pulley MT, Shah JS, Shoesmith C, Zinman L. Primary lateral sclerosis natural history study - planning, designing, and early enrollment. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2022:1-11. [PMID: 36576200 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2022.2161912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Introduction/Aims. Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is exceedingly rare and has been an enigmatic disease. Recent progress has drastically changed this perception, with early biomarkers being investigated and potential medications for PLS emerging at the preclinical stage. The aim of this paper is to describe a study of PLS natural history and discuss the limitations and proposed solutions to the study of a rare and slowly progressive disease. Methods. The PLS Natural History Study is a 30-site, 24-month, prospective study that is supported by multiple funding sources. The study aims to enroll 50 early PLS (disease duration ≤4 years) and 50 definite PLS (disease duration 4 to 15 years) participants using modified PLS Diagnostic Criteria. Smartphone-based assessments including semi-quantitative and quantitative measures and patient-reported outcomes are utilized. In-person quantitative measures are also completed during site visits. The change in the PLS Functional Rating Scale score is the primary outcome. The study utilizes the NeuroBANK® patient-centric data capture and management platform. The biostatistical analysis plan has been developed. Results. In one year, 28 participants have been recruited. Enrollment has been much slower than anticipated due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the rarity of PLS, and potential study competition for internal resources from ALS clinical trials. Discussion. We discuss the need for more innovative methods to enroll and study individuals with such rare diseases and propose a number of mechanisms by which more efficient enrollment could be facilitated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Mitsumoto
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Grace Jang
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ikjae Lee
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zachary Simmons
- Department of Neurology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Alexander V Sherman
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Eric Sorenson
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ken Cheung
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jinsy Andrews
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matthew Harms
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Neil A Shneider
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Regina Santella
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sabrina Paganoni
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - J Americo M Fernandes
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Katherine M Burke
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kelly Gwathmey
- Department of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Ali A Habib
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas J Maragakis
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David Walk
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | | | - James Wymer
- Department of Neurology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Frank Diaz
- Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Stephen N Scelsa
- Department of Neurology, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lauren Elman
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Angela Genge
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Ghazala Hayat
- Department of Neurology, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Omar Jawdat
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Wendy S Johnston
- Division of Neurology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Nanette C Joyce
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | | | - Yaz Y Kisanuki
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Michael T Pulley
- Department of Neurology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Jaimin S Shah
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | | | - Lorne Zinman
- Department of Neurology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Aiello EN, Feroldi S, De Luca G, Guidotti L, Arrigoni E, Appollonio I, Solca F, Carelli L, Poletti B, Verde F, Silani V, Ticozzi N. Primary progressive aphasia and motor neuron disease: A review. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1003792. [PMID: 36158556 PMCID: PMC9492890 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1003792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aims at reviewing, within the framework of motor neuron disease-frontotemporal degeneration (MND-FTD)-spectrum disorders, evidence on the co-occurrence between primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and MND in order to profile such a complex at pathological, genetic and clinical levels. Methods This review was pre-registered (osf.io/ds8m4) and performed in accordance with the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. Case reports/series and group studies were included if addressing (1) progressive non-fluent aphasia (PNFA) or semantic dementia (SD) with MND or (2) MND patients with co-morbid PNFA/SD. Results Out of 546 initial records, 56 studies were included. As to case reports/series (N = 35), which included 61 PPA-MND patients, the following findings yielded: (1) PNFA is more frequent than SD in PPA-MND; (2) in PPA-MND, the most prevalent motor phenotypes are amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and predominant-upper MND, with bulbar involvement being ubiquitous; (3) extrapyramidal features are moderately frequent in PPA-MND; (4) PPA-MND patients usually display frontotemporal, left-greater-than-right involvement; (5) TDP-43-B is the typical pathological substrate of PPA-MND; (6) TBK1 mutations represent the most frequent genetic risk factors for PPA-MND. As to group studies, including 121 patients, proportional meta-analytic procedures revealed that: (1) the lifetime prevalence of MND in PPA is 6%; (2) PPA occurs in 19% of patients with co-morbid MND and FTD; (3) MND is more frequent in PNFA (10%) than in SD patients (3%). Discussion Insights herewith delivered into the clinical, neuropathological and genetic features of PPA-MND patients prompt further investigations aimed at improving clinical practice within the MND-FTD spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Nicolò Aiello
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Ph.D. Program in Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- *Correspondence: Edoardo Nicolò Aiello,
| | - Sarah Feroldi
- Ph.D. Program in Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Giulia De Luca
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Lucilla Guidotti
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Arrigoni
- Ph.D. Program in Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Ildebrando Appollonio
- Neurology Section, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Federica Solca
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Carelli
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Poletti
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Verde
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, “Dino Ferrari” Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Silani
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, “Dino Ferrari” Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Ticozzi
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, “Dino Ferrari” Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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11
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Vázquez-Costa JF, Payá-Montes M, Martínez-Molina M, Jaijo T, Szymanski J, Mazón M, Sopena-Novales P, Pérez-Tur J, Sevilla T. Presenilin-1 Mutations Are a Cause of Primary Lateral Sclerosis-Like Syndrome. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:721047. [PMID: 34526879 PMCID: PMC8435856 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.721047] [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: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a progressive upper motor neuron (UMN) disorder. It is debated whether PLS is part of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) spectrum, or a syndrome encompassing different neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, new diagnostic criteria for PLS have been proposed. We describe four patients of two pedigrees, meeting definite PLS criteria and harboring two different mutations in presenilin 1 (PSEN1). Methods Patients underwent neurological and neuropsychological examination, MRI, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), amyloid-related biomarkers, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) testing. Results Four patients, aged 25–45 years old, presented with a progressive UMN syndrome meeting clinical criteria of definite PLS. Cognitive symptoms and signs were mild or absent during the first year of the disease but appeared or progressed later in the disease course. Brain MRI showed microbleeds in two siblings, but iron-related hypointensities in the motor cortex were absent. Brain FDG-PET showed variable areas of hypometabolism, including the motor cortex and frontotemporal lobes. Amyloid deposition was confirmed with either cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or imaging biomarkers. Two heterozygous likely pathogenic mutations in PSEN1 (p.Pro88Leu and p.Leu166Pro) were found in the NGS testing. Conclusion Clinically defined PLS is a syndrome encompassing different neurodegenerative diseases. The NGS testing should be part of the diagnostic workup in patients with PLS, at least in those with red flags, such as early-onset, cognitive impairment, and/or family history of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Francisco Vázquez-Costa
- Neuromuscular Unit and ERN-NMD Group, Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - María Payá-Montes
- Neuromuscular Unit and ERN-NMD Group, Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marina Martínez-Molina
- Neuromuscular Unit and ERN-NMD Group, Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Teresa Jaijo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, Valencia, Spain.,Genetics Department, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jazek Szymanski
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Institut de Biomedicina de València-CSIC, Valencia, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Valencia, Spain
| | - Miguel Mazón
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging Research Group GIBI230, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Pablo Sopena-Novales
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Jordi Pérez-Tur
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Institut de Biomedicina de València-CSIC, Valencia, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Valencia, Spain.,Mixed Unit of Neurology and Genetics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, València, Spain
| | - Teresa Sevilla
- Neuromuscular Unit and ERN-NMD Group, Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Corcia P, Lunetta C, Couratier P, Vourc'h P, Gromicho M, Desnuelle C, Soriani MH, Pinto S, de Carvalho M. Familial clustering of primary lateral sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Supplementary evidence for a continuum. Eur J Neurol 2021; 28:2780-2783. [PMID: 34110677 DOI: 10.1111/ene.14960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a motor neuron disorder characterized by a pure upper motor neuron degeneration in the bulbar and spinal regions. The key difference with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the lower motor neuron system integrity. Despite important literature on this disease, the pathophysiology of PLS remains unknown, and the link with ALS still balances between a continuum and a separate entity from ALS. METHODS We report nine families in which both PLS and ALS cases occurred, in general among first-degree relatives. RESULTS The patients with PLS and ALS had a typical disease presentation. Genetic studies revealed mutations in SQSMT1, TBK1, and TREM2 genes in two PLS patients and one ALS patient. CONCLUSIONS These results strongly support a phenotypic continuum between PLS and ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Corcia
- ALS Center, CHU Bretonneau Tours, Tours, France.,UMR 1253 iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France
| | - Christian Lunetta
- NEMO Clinical Center, Serena Onlus Foundation, Milan, Italy.,NEMO Lab, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Patrick Vourc'h
- UMR 1253 iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France.,Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, CHU Tours, Tours, France
| | - Marta Gromicho
- Faculty of Medicine, Instituto de Fisiologia, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | | | - Susana Pinto
- Faculty of Medicine, Instituto de Fisiologia, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mamede de Carvalho
- Faculty of Medicine, Instituto de Fisiologia, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital de Santa Maria-Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
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Fullam T, Statland J. Upper Motor Neuron Disorders: Primary Lateral Sclerosis, Upper Motor Neuron Dominant Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11050611. [PMID: 34064596 PMCID: PMC8151104 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11050611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Following the exclusion of potentially reversible causes, the differential for those patients presenting with a predominant upper motor neuron syndrome includes primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), or upper motor neuron dominant ALS (UMNdALS). Differentiation of these disorders in the early phases of disease remains challenging. While no single clinical or diagnostic tests is specific, there are several developing biomarkers and neuroimaging technologies which may help distinguish PLS from HSP and UMNdALS. Recent consensus diagnostic criteria and use of evolving technologies will allow more precise delineation of PLS from other upper motor neuron disorders and aid in the targeting of potentially disease-modifying therapeutics.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The current review will provide recent updates in the clinical management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). RECENT FINDINGS Although there is no cure for ALS, there are new treatments, growing knowledge of genetics, development of clinical staging systems, and the recent coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic that have recently impacted the clinical management of ALS. Increased understanding of genetics has helped provide insights into pathophysiology, the staging systems and clinical measures help to provide tools for monitoring disease clinically, and the recent coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has provided opportunities to develop telemedicine and remote monitoring of disease thereby increasing accessibility to care and reducing burden of travel to centers for people living with the disease and their caregivers. SUMMARY ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes degeneration of the motor neurons which leads to paralysis and respiratory failure. Despite the lack of a cure, multidisciplinary care, proactive respiratory management, nutritional care and management of symptoms as well as pharmacological interventions that can improve quality of life and survival.
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