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Guay SP, Paquette M, Poulin V, Levtova A, Baass A, Bernard S. The 20-Year Diagnostic Odyssey of a Milder Form of Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis. JCEM CASE REPORTS 2024; 2:luae004. [PMID: 38249444 PMCID: PMC10799294 DOI: 10.1210/jcemcr/luae004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Tendinous xanthomas are usually a sign of genetic dyslipidemias and are said to be pathognomonic for familial hypercholesterolemia. However, the differential diagnosis must also include rarer forms of genetic dyslipidemias such as cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX). In this report, we present the diagnostic odyssey of a French-Canadian patient presenting with Achilles tendon xanthomas and an unusual mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia. Comprehensive biochemical and genetic investigations confirmed the diagnosis of CTX, 20 years after the onset of her first symptoms. We also describe a new variant in the CYP27A1 gene associated with this atypical case and expand the clinical phenotype of this rare genetic condition. CTX is thought to be underdiagnosed, and early diagnosis and treatment of this disease is essential as it has been shown to greatly improve the patient's symptoms and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon-Pierre Guay
- Genetic Dyslipidemias Clinic, Montreal Clinical Research Institute, Montréal, Québec H2W 1R7, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Martine Paquette
- Genetic Dyslipidemias Clinic, Montreal Clinical Research Institute, Montréal, Québec H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Valérie Poulin
- Genetic Dyslipidemias Clinic, Montreal Clinical Research Institute, Montréal, Québec H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Alina Levtova
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medecine, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM) and Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H2X 0C1, Canada
| | - Alexis Baass
- Genetic Dyslipidemias Clinic, Montreal Clinical Research Institute, Montréal, Québec H2W 1R7, Canada
- Department of Medecine, Divisions of Experimental Medicine and Medical Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Sophie Bernard
- Genetic Dyslipidemias Clinic, Montreal Clinical Research Institute, Montréal, Québec H2W 1R7, Canada
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Badura-Stronka M, Hirschfeld AS, Winczewska-Wiktor A, Budzyńska E, Jakubiuk-Tomaszuk A, Piontek A, Steinborn B, Kozubski W. First case series of Polish patients with cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis and systematic review of cases from the 21st century. Clin Genet 2021; 101:190-207. [PMID: 34689324 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is an inborn error of metabolism caused by recessive variants in the cytochrome P450 CYP27A1 gene. CTX is said to manifest with childhood-onset chronic diarrhea and the classic triad of juvenile-onset cataracts, Achilles tendons xanthomas, and progressive ataxia. It is currently one of the few inherited neurometabolic disorders amenable to a specific treatment. The diagnosis may be significantly delayed resulting in permanent neurological impairment. A retrospective review of the clinical characteristics and diagnostic findings in case series of six Polish patients with CTX. Additional retrospective review of symptoms and pathogenic variants of 568 CTX available cases and case series from the past 20 years. To the best of our knowledge, this is the widest review of CTX cases reported in years 2000-2021. We report the largest cohort of Polish patients ever published, with the identification of two hot-spot mutations. During the review of available 568 cases, we found significant differences in the clinical phenotypes and the localization of variants within the gene between Asian and non-Asian populations. These findings may facilitate molecular testing in the Polish and Asian populations. Invariably better screening for CTX and wider awareness is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Badura-Stronka
- Department of Medical Genetics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.,Centers for Medical Genetics GENESIS, Poznan, Poland
| | | | | | - Edyta Budzyńska
- Central Teaching Hospital, The Medical University of Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna Jakubiuk-Tomaszuk
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Rehabilitation, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland.,Medical Genetics Unit, Mastermed Medical Center, Poland
| | - Anita Piontek
- Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Barbara Steinborn
- Department of Child Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Wojciech Kozubski
- Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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Guenzel AJ, DeBarber A, Raymond K, Dhamija R. Familial variability of cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis lacking typical biochemical findings. JIMD Rep 2021; 59:3-9. [PMID: 33977023 PMCID: PMC8100391 DOI: 10.1002/jmd2.12197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of bile acid synthesis caused by pathogenic variants in the CYP27A1 gene encoding the mitochondrial enzyme sterol 27-hydroxylase. Patients with CTX can present with a wide range of symptoms, but most often have evidence of tendon xanthomas along with possible cataracts, atherosclerosis, or neurological dysfunction. Regardless of clinical phenotype, CTX patients typically exhibit levels of cholestanol and bile acid precursors in the circulation that are many fold increased over normal control concentrations. Here we report two siblings, one with the rare spinal xanthomatosis phenotype and the other with a very mild form of CTX manifesting as minor tendon xanthomatosis and gastrointestinal complaints who both carry compound heterozygous variants in CYP27A1: NM_000784.3: c.410G > A (p.Arg137Gln) and c.1183C > T (p.Arg395Cys). However, biochemical analysis of these patients revealed normal levels of serum cholestanol and relatively mild elevations of the bile acid precursors 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one and 7α,12α-dihydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one. The atypical biochemical presentation of these cases represents a diagnostic challenge for a disorder once thought to have a sensitive biomarker in cholestanol and highlight the need for thorough investigation of patients with symptomatology consistent with CTX that includes bile acid precursor biochemical testing and molecular analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J. Guenzel
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and PathologyMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Andrea DeBarber
- Department of Chemical Physiology and BiochemistryOregon Health and Science UniversityPortlandOregonUSA
| | - Kimiyo Raymond
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and PathologyMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Radhika Dhamija
- Department of Clinical Genomics and NeurologyMayo ClinicScottsdaleArizonaUSA
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Atallah I, Millán DS, Benoît W, Campos-Xavier B, Superti-Furga A, Tran C. Spinal cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis: A case report and literature review. Mol Genet Metab Rep 2021; 26:100719. [PMID: 33659184 PMCID: PMC7890005 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgmr.2021.100719] [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: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Classic cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX; OMIM #213700) manifests with chronic diarrhea, juvenile cataracts, tendon xanthomas and neurological symptoms. It is due to biallelic inactivation of CYP27A1 wich leads to cholestanol accumulation in the central nervous system, eyes and tendons. Less commonly, the disease can present in young adults as spastic paraparesis in the absence of xanthomas. Case presentation We report a 38-year old woman who presented with chronic diarrhea and progressive spastic paraparesis in her twenties. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed cerebral atrophy with diffuse periventricular white matter hyperintensities. Spinal MRI was normal. CYP27A1 gene sequencing confirmed the diagnosis of CTX. Chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) treatment was introduced with remission of diarrhea. Unfortunately, the treatment had to be discontinued several times and the patient developed psychosis and an severe ataxospastic gait. Spinal MRI revealed new linear hyperintensities of the corticospinal and gracile tracts. Thirty-three spinal CTX patients were identified by searching in Pubmed, EMBASE™ and Web of Science databases. All patients presented pyramidal signs and 48% had dorsal column signs. Juvenile cataracts were described in 78% of patients, chronic diarrhea in 65%, and tendon xanthomas in 31%. Disease improvement or stabilization with chenodeoxycholic acid was observed in 69% of patients. A higher prevalence of the Arg395Cys allele was observed in patients with spinal CTX as compared to CTX in general (ᵡ2; p < 0.00001). Conclusions The diagnosis of spinal CTX can be easily missed or delayed in absence of xanthomas. There is a higher prevalence of the Arg395Cys allele in spinal CTX as compared to classic childhood-onset CTX. CDCA treatment seems to stabilize or improve clinical symptoms in most patients. However, as seen in our patient and in two previously reported cases, sudden interruption of CDCA may lead to irreversible neurological complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isis Atallah
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Diego San Millán
- Neuroradiology unit, Service of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Valais Hospital, Sion, Switzerland
| | - Wicki Benoît
- Service of Neurology, Valais Hospital, Sion, Switzerland
| | | | - Andrea Superti-Furga
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christel Tran
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Cao LX, Yang M, Liu Y, Long WY, Zhao GH. Chinese patient with cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis confirmed by genetic testing: A case report and literature review. World J Clin Cases 2020; 8:5446-5456. [PMID: 33269283 PMCID: PMC7674721 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v8.i21.5446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is a treatable autosomal recessive inherited metabolic disorder. It results from a deficiency of sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1), which is a mitochondrial cytochrome P450 enzyme that catalyzes the hydroxylation of cholesterol and modulates cholesterol homeostasis. Patients with CYP27A1 deficiency show symptoms related to excessive accumulation of cholesterol and cholestanol in lipophilic tissues such as the brain, eyes, tendons, and vessels, resulting in juvenile cataracts, tendon xanthoma, chronic diarrhea, cognitive impairment, ataxia, spastic paraplegia, and peripheral neuropathy. CTX is underdiagnosed as knowledge of the disorder is mainly based on case reports.
CASE SUMMARY A Chinese family with CTX consisting of one patient and four heterozygous carriers was studied. The patient is a 47-year-old male, who mainly had psychiatric signs but without some cardinal features of CTX such as cataracts, cerebellar ataxia, pyramidal signs and chronic diarrhea. There was a significant increase in the concentration of free fatty acid compared to normal range. Doppler ultrasound of the urinary system showed multiple left kidney stones, a right kidney cyst, and a hypoechoic area in the bladder, which could move with body position. Sagittal and axial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the right ankle joint showed apparent enlargement of the right Achilles tendon and upper medial malleolus flexor tendon, abnormal thickening of the plantar fat, and a small amount of exudation around the fascia in front of the Achilles tendon. Cerebral MRI suggested white matter (WM) demyelination and slight cerebral atrophy. The diagnosis was confirmed by targeted sequencing, which identified compound heterozygous mutations in exon 2 and intron 7 of the CYP27A1 gene (c.435G>T, c.1263+1G>A). Treatment for 3 wk with a combination of lipid-lowering and antipsychotic therapy improved his psychiatric symptoms and normalized the levels of serum free fatty acid. Sediments in the bladder disappeared after therapy.
CONCLUSION CYP27A1 genetic analysis should be the definitive method for CTX diagnosis. This case suggests that urinary system diseases may be neglected in CTX patients. The clinical, biological, radiological, and genetic characteristics of CTX are summarized to promote early diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan-Xiao Cao
- Department of Neurology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Mi Yang
- Department of Neurology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Central Laboratory, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Wen-Ying Long
- Central Laboratory, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Guo-Hua Zhao
- Department of Neurology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, Zhejiang Province, China
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Abate M, Salini V, Andia I. Tendons Involvement in Congenital Metabolic Disorders. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 920:117-22. [PMID: 27535253 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-33943-6_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Congenital metabolic disorders are consequence of defects involving single genes that code for enzymes. Blocking metabolic pathways, the defect leads to the shortage of essential compounds, and/or to the accumulation of huge quantities of precursors, which interfere with normal functions. Only few of these diseases are characterized by a clinically significant tendon involvement.Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolaemia results from the inheritance of a mutant low-density lipoprotein receptor gene; patients show high cholesterol levels, precocious coronary artery disease, and may develop tendon xanthomata (mainly in Achilles tendon). The detection of xanthomata is important, because it allows an early diagnosis and treatment of the disorder. Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis is a rare genetic metabolic disorder of cholesterol and bile acid metabolism, characterized by accumulation of cholestanol in brain and tendons. Tendon abnormalities are similar to those reported in Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolaemia. Alkaptonuria is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme homogentisic acid oxidase. Due to the accumulation of the homogentisic acid, tendons and ligaments are characterized by a typical ochre/yellow pigmentation (ochronosis), with ensuing inflammation, calcification and rupture. In Congenital Hypergalactosemia an increased tendon collagen cross-linking by non-enzymatic galactosylation can be observed. Finally, Congenital Hypophosphatasia may be associated to deposition of hydroxyapatite crystals in rotator cuff, elbow, and Achilles tendons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Abate
- Department of Medicine and Science of Aging, University G. d'Annunzio, Via dei Vestini 31, Chieti-Pescara, 66013, Chieti Scalo (CH), Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Salini
- Department of Medicine and Science of Aging, University G. d'Annunzio, Via dei Vestini 31, Chieti-Pescara, 66013, Chieti Scalo (CH), Italy
| | - Isabel Andia
- Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, BioCruces Health Research Institute, Cruces University Hospital, 48903, Barakaldo, Spain
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