1
|
Lopes S, Francisco L, Moreira S, Varanda S, Araújo JM. Anti-CASPR2 Antibody-Associated Syndrome Presenting With Episodic Ataxia. Cureus 2024; 16:e59821. [PMID: 38846209 PMCID: PMC11156247 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59821] [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] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The anti-CASPR2 antibody-associated syndrome is a rare immune-mediated disorder. Most case reports describe neurologic symptoms that include encephalic signs, peripheral nerve hyperexcitability, dysautonomia, or neuropathic pain. We report the case of a 70-year-old man, admitted to the emergency department with complaints of slurred speech and imbalance. Neurological examination was relevant for dysarthria, hyperreflexia, and pancerebellar syndrome. Cranial CT and basic laboratory tests were normal and he spontaneously recovered after 14 hours. Over the next four months, the patient experienced three similar episodes in relation to stressful events (emotional and organic disturbances like prolonged fasting and vaccination). A contrast-enhanced MRI was performed, along with extensive laboratory testing, analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), paraneoplastic investigation, and next-generation sequencing panel for episodic ataxias. The results revealed oligoclonal bands in the CSF and positive anti-CASPR2 antibodies both in serum and CSF. Three-day-IV- methylprednisolone pulse followed by plasmapheresis and monthly intravenous immunoglobulins was performed with good response. In conclusion, the neurological manifestations that led to the diagnosis of anti-CASPR2 antibody-associated syndrome were intermittent self-limiting episodes of ataxia, often triggered by concurrent stress-inducing factors. This case supports the aim of other authors to add paroxysmal cerebellar ataxia to the spectrum of the anti-CASPR2 antibody syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Lopes
- Neurology Department, Unidade Local de Saúde de Braga, Braga, PRT
| | - Leonor Francisco
- Neurology Department, Unidade Local de Saúde Alto Minho, Viana do Castelo, PRT
| | - Stefanie Moreira
- Neurology Department, Unidade Local de Saúde de Braga, Braga, PRT
| | - Sara Varanda
- Neurology Department, Unidade Local de Saúde de Braga, Braga, PRT
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hassan A. Episodic Ataxias: Primary and Secondary Etiologies, Treatment, and Classification Approaches. Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov (N Y) 2023; 13:9. [PMID: 37008993 PMCID: PMC10064912 DOI: 10.5334/tohm.747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Episodic ataxia (EA), characterized by recurrent attacks of cerebellar dysfunction, is the manifestation of a group of rare autosomal dominant inherited disorders. EA1 and EA2 are most frequently encountered, caused by mutations in KCNA1 and CACNA1A. EA3-8 are reported in rare families. Advances in genetic testing have broadened the KCNA1 and CACNA1A phenotypes, and detected EA as an unusual presentation of several other genetic disorders. Additionally, there are various secondary causes of EA and mimicking disorders. Together, these can pose diagnostic challenges for neurologists. Methods A systematic literature review was performed in October 2022 for 'episodic ataxia' and 'paroxysmal ataxia', restricted to publications in the last 10 years to focus on recent clinical advances. Clinical, genetic, and treatment characteristics were summarized. Results EA1 and EA2 phenotypes have further broadened. In particular, EA2 may be accompanied by other paroxysmal disorders of childhood with chronic neuropsychiatric features. New treatments for EA2 include dalfampridine and fampridine, in addition to 4-aminopyridine and acetazolamide. There are recent proposals for EA9-10. EA may also be caused by gene mutations associated with chronic ataxias (SCA-14, SCA-27, SCA-42, AOA2, CAPOS), epilepsy syndromes (KCNA2, SCN2A, PRRT2), GLUT-1, mitochondrial disorders (PDHA1, PDHX, ACO2), metabolic disorders (Maple syrup urine disease, Hartnup disease, type I citrullinemia, thiamine and biotin metabolism defects), and others. Secondary causes of EA are more commonly encountered than primary EA (vascular, inflammatory, toxic-metabolic). EA can be misdiagnosed as migraine, peripheral vestibular disorders, anxiety, and functional symptoms. Primary and secondary EA are frequently treatable which should prompt a search for the cause. Discussion EA may be overlooked or misdiagnosed for a variety of reasons, including phenotype-genotype variability and clinical overlap between primary and secondary causes. EA is highly treatable, so it is important to consider in the differential diagnosis of paroxysmal disorders. Classical EA1 and EA2 phenotypes prompt single gene test and treatment pathways. For atypical phenotypes, next generation genetic testing can aid diagnosis and guide treatment. Updated classification systems for EA are discussed which may assist diagnosis and management.
Collapse
|
3
|
Gövert F, Abrante L, Becktepe J, Balint B, Ganos C, Hofstadt-van Oy U, Krogias C, Varley J, Irani SR, Paneva S, Titulaer MJ, de Vries JM, Boon AJW, Schreurs MWJ, Joubert B, Honnorat J, Vogrig A, Ariño H, Sabater L, Dalmau J, Scotton S, Jacob S, Melzer N, Bien CG, Geis C, Lewerenz J, Prüss H, Wandinger KP, Deuschl G, Leypoldt F. Distinct movement disorders in contactin-associated-protein-like-2 antibody-associated autoimmune encephalitis. Brain 2023; 146:657-667. [PMID: 35875984 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune encephalitis can be classified into antibody-defined subtypes, which can manifest with immunotherapy-responsive movement disorders sometimes mimicking non-inflammatory aetiologies. In the elderly, anti-LGI1 and contactin associated protein like 2 (CASPR2) antibody-associated diseases compose a relevant fraction of autoimmune encephalitis. Patients with LGI1 autoantibodies are known to present with limbic encephalitis and additionally faciobrachial dystonic seizures may occur. However, the clinical spectrum of CASPR2 autoantibody-associated disorders is more diverse including limbic encephalitis, Morvan's syndrome, peripheral nerve hyperexcitability syndrome, ataxia, pain and sleep disorders. Reports on unusual, sometimes isolated and immunotherapy-responsive movement disorders in CASPR2 autoantibody-associated syndromes have caused substantial concern regarding necessity of autoantibody testing in patients with movement disorders. Therefore, we aimed to systematically assess their prevalence and manifestation in patients with CASPR2 autoimmunity. This international, retrospective cohort study included patients with CASPR2 autoimmunity from participating expert centres in Europe. Patients with ataxia and/or movement disorders were analysed in detail using questionnaires and video recordings. We recruited a comparator group with anti-LGI1 encephalitis from the GENERATE network. Characteristics were compared according to serostatus. We identified 164 patients with CASPR2 autoantibodies. Of these, 149 (90.8%) had only CASPR2 and 15 (9.1%) both CASPR2 and LGI1 autoantibodies. Compared to 105 patients with LGI1 encephalitis, patients with CASPR2 autoantibodies more often had movement disorders and/or ataxia (35.6 versus 3.8%; P < 0.001). This was evident in all subgroups: ataxia 22.6 versus 0.0%, myoclonus 14.6 versus 0.0%, tremor 11.0 versus 1.9%, or combinations thereof 9.8 versus 0.0% (all P < 0.001). The small group of patients double-positive for LGI1/CASPR2 autoantibodies (15/164) significantly more frequently had myoclonus, tremor, 'mixed movement disorders', Morvan's syndrome and underlying tumours. We observed distinct movement disorders in CASPR2 autoimmunity (14.6%): episodic ataxia (6.7%), paroxysmal orthostatic segmental myoclonus of the legs (3.7%) and continuous segmental spinal myoclonus (4.3%). These occurred together with further associated symptoms or signs suggestive of CASPR2 autoimmunity. However, 2/164 patients (1.2%) had isolated segmental spinal myoclonus. Movement disorders and ataxia are highly prevalent in CASPR2 autoimmunity. Paroxysmal orthostatic segmental myoclonus of the legs is a novel albeit rare manifestation. Further distinct movement disorders include isolated and combined segmental spinal myoclonus and autoimmune episodic ataxia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felix Gövert
- Department of Neurology, Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Ligia Abrante
- Neuroimmunology, Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Jos Becktepe
- Department of Neurology, Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Bettina Balint
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christos Ganos
- Department of Neurology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Christos Krogias
- Department of Neurology, St Josef Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany
| | - James Varley
- Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Sarosh R Irani
- Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Sofija Paneva
- Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Maarten J Titulaer
- Department of Neurology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Juna M de Vries
- Department of Neurology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Agnita J W Boon
- Department of Neurology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marco W J Schreurs
- Department of Neurology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bastien Joubert
- Centre National de Référence pour les Syndromes Neurologiques Paranéoplasiques, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Neurologique, 69677 Bron, France.,Institut NeuroMyoGene INSERM U1217/CNRS UMR 5310, Université de Lyon-Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Jerome Honnorat
- Centre National de Référence pour les Syndromes Neurologiques Paranéoplasiques, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Neurologique, 69677 Bron, France.,Institut NeuroMyoGene INSERM U1217/CNRS UMR 5310, Université de Lyon-Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Alberto Vogrig
- Centre National de Référence pour les Syndromes Neurologiques Paranéoplasiques, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Neurologique, 69677 Bron, France.,Institut NeuroMyoGene INSERM U1217/CNRS UMR 5310, Université de Lyon-Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Helena Ariño
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS); Service of Neurology, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lidia Sabater
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS); Service of Neurology, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Dalmau
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS); Service of Neurology, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sangeeta Scotton
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK
| | - Saiju Jacob
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK
| | - Nico Melzer
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christian G Bien
- Department of Epileptology (Krankenhaus Mara), Bielefeld University, Medical School, Campus Bielefeld-Bethel, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Christian Geis
- Department of Neurology, University of Jena, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Jan Lewerenz
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Harald Prüss
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Berlin and Department of Neurology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Klaus-Peter Wandinger
- Neuroimmunology, Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, 23538 Lübeck, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University of Luebeck and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Günther Deuschl
- Department of Neurology, Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Frank Leypoldt
- Department of Neurology, Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, 24105 Kiel, Germany.,Neuroimmunology, Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lauxmann S, Sonnenberg L, Koch NA, Bosselmann C, Winter N, Schwarz N, Wuttke TV, Hedrich UBS, Liu Y, Lerche H, Benda J, Kegele J. Therapeutic Potential of Sodium Channel Blockers as a Targeted Therapy Approach in KCNA1-Associated Episodic Ataxia and a Comprehensive Review of the Literature. Front Neurol 2021; 12:703970. [PMID: 34566847 PMCID: PMC8459024 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.703970] [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: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Among genetic paroxysmal movement disorders, variants in ion channel coding genes constitute a major subgroup. Loss-of-function (LOF) variants in KCNA1, the gene coding for KV1.1 channels, are associated with episodic ataxia type 1 (EA1), characterized by seconds to minutes-lasting attacks including gait incoordination, limb ataxia, truncal instability, dysarthria, nystagmus, tremor, and occasionally seizures, but also persistent neuromuscular symptoms like myokymia or neuromyotonia. Standard treatment has not yet been developed, and different treatment efforts need to be systematically evaluated. Objective and Methods: Personalized therapeutic regimens tailored to disease-causing pathophysiological mechanisms may offer the specificity required to overcome limitations in therapy. Toward this aim, we (i) reviewed all available clinical reports on treatment response and functional consequences of KCNA1 variants causing EA1, (ii) examined the potential effects on neuronal excitability of all variants using a single compartment conductance-based model and set out to assess the potential of two sodium channel blockers (SCBs: carbamazepine and riluzole) to restore the identified underlying pathophysiological effects of KV1.1 channels, and (iii) provide a comprehensive review of the literature considering all types of episodic ataxia. Results: Reviewing the treatment efforts of EA1 patients revealed moderate response to acetazolamide and exhibited the strength of SCBs, especially carbamazepine, in the treatment of EA1 patients. Biophysical dysfunction of KV1.1 channels is typically based on depolarizing shifts of steady-state activation, leading to an LOF of KCNA1 variant channels. Our model predicts a lowered rheobase and an increase of the firing rate on a neuronal level. The estimated concentration dependent effects of carbamazepine and riluzole could partially restore the altered gating properties of dysfunctional variant channels. Conclusion: These data strengthen the potential of SCBs to contribute to functional compensation of dysfunctional KV1.1 channels. We propose riluzole as a new drug repurposing candidate and highlight the role of personalized approaches to develop standard care for EA1 patients. These results could have implications for clinical practice in future and highlight the need for the development of individualized and targeted therapies for episodic ataxia and genetic paroxysmal disorders in general.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Lauxmann
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Institute of Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lukas Sonnenberg
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Institute of Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nils A. Koch
- Institute of Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christian Bosselmann
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Natalie Winter
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Niklas Schwarz
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thomas V. Wuttke
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ulrike B. S. Hedrich
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Holger Lerche
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jan Benda
- Institute of Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Josua Kegele
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|