ataxia

Spastic Paraplegia with Psychomotor Retardation and Seizures

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

The eyes are usually deeply set.  Nothing is known regarding visual acuity.  Strabismus is a common feature.  Retinal dystrophy (not further described) has been reported in 4 of 8 patients described.  The ERG in one individual was read as consistent with cone-rod dystrophy.

Systemic Features: 

Newborns are hypotonic and severe psychomotor retardation is evident a few months later.  Truncal ataxia and progressive lower limb spasticity are seen later.  Mobility is significantly impaired and many individuals are confined to bed or a wheelchair and never walk.  Dysarthria is frequently present and some individuals have a neurosensory hearing loss.  Myoclonic seizures may be evident.  Kyphoscoliosis, macrocephaly, and various foot deformities have been described.

CT scans of the brain may show generalized cerebral atrophy and a hypoplastic corpus callosum.  The ventricles may be enlarged and the EEG confirms the occurrence of myoclonic as well as tonic-clonic and focal epilepsy.

Genetics

This is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in the HACE1 gene (6q16).

Pedigree: 
Autosomal recessive
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

No treatment has been reported for this condition but physical therapy and assistive devices such as hearing and visual aids may be helpful.

References
Article Title: 

DDD study. Discovery of four recessive developmental disorders using probabilistic genotype and phenotype matching among 4,125 families

Akawi N, McRae J, Ansari M, Balasubramanian M, Blyth M, Brady AF, Clayton S, Cole T, Deshpande C, Fitzgerald TW, Foulds N, Francis R, Gabriel G, Gerety SS, Goodship J, Hobson E, Jones WD, Joss S, King D, Klena N, Kumar A, Lees M, Lelliott C, Lord J, McMullan D, O'Regan M, Osio D, Piombo V, Prigmore E, Rajan D, Rosser E, Sifrim A, Smith A, Swaminathan GJ, Turnpenny P, Whitworth J, Wright CF, Firth HV, Barrett JC, Lo CW, FitzPatrick DR, Hurles ME; DDD study. Discovery of four recessive developmental disorders using probabilistic genotype and phenotype matching among 4,125 families. Nat Genet. 2015 Nov;47(11):1363-9.

PubMed ID: 
26437029

HACE1 deficiency causes an autosomal recessive neurodevelopmental syndrome

Hollstein R, Parry DA, Nalbach L, Logan CV, Strom TM, Hartill VL, Carr IM, Korenke GC, Uppal S, Ahmed M, Wieland T, Markham AF, Bennett CP, Gillessen-Kaesbach G, Sheridan EG, Kaiser FJ, Bonthron DT. HACE1 deficiency causes an autosomal recessive neurodevelopmental syndrome. J Med Genet. 2015 Dec;52(12):797-803.

PubMed ID: 
26424145

Optic Atrophy 10

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

Low vision is noted in early childhood without systemic symptoms.  The optic nerves appear pale (age of onset uncertain).  The retinal nerve fiber layer may be reduced in thickness in all quadrants but only segmentally in some individuals.  No VEP can be recorded.  On brain MRI examination the optic tracts are thin.  The appearance of the optic nerve is consistent with mild hypoplasia in some patients.

Systemic Features: 

Some patients have ataxia, cognitive deficits, and seizures.  A brother and sister from a consanguineous Moroccan family and two unrelated individuals have been reported.  

Genetics

This autosomal recessive condition is caused by homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in the RTN4IP1 gene.

Pedigree: 
Autosomal recessive
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

No treatment is known.

References
Article Title: 

Recessive Mutations in RTN4IP1 Cause Isolated and Syndromic Optic Neuropathies

Angebault C, Guichet PO, Talmat-Amar Y, Charif M, Gerber S, Fares-Taie L, Gueguen N, Halloy F, Moore D, Amati-Bonneau P, Manes G, Hebrard M, Bocquet B, Quiles M, Piro-Megy C, Teigell M, Delettre C, Rossel M, Meunier I, Preising M, Lorenz B, Carelli V, Chinnery PF, Yu-Wai-Man P, Kaplan J, Roubertie A, Barakat A, Bonneau D, Reynier P, Rozet JM, Bomont P, Hamel CP, Lenaers G. Recessive Mutations in RTN4IP1 Cause Isolated and Syndromic Optic Neuropathies. Am J Hum Genet. 2015 Nov 5;97(5):754-60. 

PubMed ID: 
26593267

Short-Rib Thoracic Dysplasia 9

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

A pigmentary retinopathy resembling retinitis pigmentosa is present in the majority of individuals.  Reduced acuity is likely responsible for the associated nystagmus and occasional strabismus.  Night blindness is a feature although the age of onset is unknown.  Visual acuity is decreased in the first decade but at least one patient at age 40 years still had vision of 20/40-20/50.  The ERG shows decreased scotopic and photopic responses as early as 12 years of age.  The retinopathy has been described as an atypical nonpigmented retinal degeneration in the peripheral retina. However, bone-spicule pigmentary deposits have been noted.  The retinal disease is progressive. 

Systemic Features: 

The LFT140 mutation has widespread effects, impacting the kidney, liver and skeletal systems.  The thorax is shortened, while the ribs are abnormally short and may result in respiratory difficulties, recurrent infections, and an early demise.  The middle phalanges of the hands and feet often have cone-shaped epiphyses, especially notable in childhood and leading to brachydactyly.  The long bones are often shortened as well.  The femoral neck can be short while the femoral epiphyses are often flattened.  Microcephaly has been reported in several individuals.

The liver may be enlarged and become fibrotic.  The kidneys often are cystic and histologically may have sclerosing glomerulonephropathy.  Kidney disease has an onset in the first decade and its progression often defines the survival prognosis.  Renal transplantation can be lifesaving when nephronophthisis develops.  Psychomotor delays have been reported but are uncommon. 

Genetics

Homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in the IFT140 gene (16p13.3) have been identified.  However, there is some genetic heterogeneity since several patients having the typical phenotype have been reported with only heterozygous mutations.

This may be the same condition as Retinitis Pigmentosa 80 (617781) in which the same mutation occurs. 

Pedigree: 
Autosomal recessive
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

There is no treatment for the general disease.  Renal and pulmonary function needs to be monitored with intervention as needed.  Some patients have benefitted from renal transplantation.

References
Article Title: 

Combined NGS approaches identify mutations in the intraflagellar transport gene IFT140 in skeletal ciliopathies with early progressive kidney Disease

Schmidts M, Frank V, Eisenberger T, Al Turki S, Bizet AA, Antony D, Rix S, Decker C, Bachmann N, Bald M, Vinke T, Toenshoff B, Di Donato N, Neuhann T, Hartley JL, Maher ER, Bogdanovic R, Peco-Antic A, Mache C, Hurles ME, Joksic I, Guc-Scekic M, Dobricic J, Brankovic-Magic M, Bolz HJ, Pazour GJ, Beales PL, Scambler PJ, Saunier S, Mitchison HM, Bergmann C. Combined NGS approaches identify mutations in the intraflagellar transport gene IFT140 in skeletal ciliopathies with early progressive kidney Disease. Hum Mutat. 2013 May;34(5):714-24.

PubMed ID: 
23418020

Mainzer-Saldino syndrome is a ciliopathy caused by IFT140 mutations

Perrault I, Saunier S, Hanein S, Filhol E, Bizet AA, Collins F, Salih MA, Gerber S, Delphin N, Bigot K, Orssaud C, Silva E, Baudouin V, Oud MM, Shannon N, Le Merrer M, Roche O, Pietrement C, Goumid J, Baumann C, Bole-Feysot C, Nitschke P, Zahrate M, Beales P, Arts HH, Munnich A, Kaplan J, Antignac C, Cormier-Daire V, Rozet JM. Mainzer-Saldino syndrome is a ciliopathy caused by IFT140 mutations. Am J Hum Genet. 2012 May 4;90(5):864-70.

PubMed ID: 
22503633

Ataxia with Oculomotor Apraxia 4

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

Oculomotor apraxia is usually noted after the ataxia and dystonia are apparent.

Systemic Features: 

The mean age of first symptoms is 4.3 years with dystonia being the first symptom.  Cerebellar ataxia is usually the second symptom to appear.  Cognitive impairment is present in most but not all patients with this condition.  This can progress to severe dementia in some individuals.  Dystonia may become attenuated with time.  Peripheral neuropathy with decreased vibration sense and areflexia is often present.  Cerebellar atrophy is present in all patients.

Motor difficulties such as weakness and muscle atrophy may lead to loss of independent mobility by the second to third decades.

Genetics

Homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in the PNKP gene (19q13.33) are responsible for this disorder.

Mutations in this gene have also been associated with an infantile form of epileptic encephalopathy, microcephaly, and developmental delay (613402).

See also Ataxia with Oculomotor Apraxia 1 (208920) with hypoalbuminemia, Ataxia with Oculomotor Apraxia 2 (606002), and Ataxia with Oculomotor Apraxia 3 (615217).

Pedigree: 
Autosomal dominant
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

There is no general treatment for this condition but physical therapy may be helpful in the early stages.

References
Article Title: 

Perrault Syndrome

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

Nystagmus and limited extraocular movements are usually present in PRLTS1.  Optic atrophy and poor visual acuity have been reported. Ptosis may be present.  The clinical manifestations are variable among and within the types.  Rod dysfunction and ‘retinal atrophy’ were reported in one patient.  The majority of patients have had only limited ocular evaluations.

Systemic Features: 

This is a sex-influenced condition in which both sexes have a sensorineural hearing deficit and neurodegenerative disease (both central and peripheral) but only the females have gonadal dysgenesis.  Motor development is often delayed and ataxia along with a peripheral sensory neuropathy and a variable degree of limb weakness can be present.  Learning difficulties, cognitive decline, and frank mental retardation are frequently described.  The cerebellum may be atrophic.

There is considerable variability in the clinical signs.

Genetics

The combination of hearing loss in males and females, ovarian dysgenesis in females, and variable neurologic signs including external ophthalmoplegia and sometimes optic atrophy is known as Perrault syndrome.  The ocular movement abnormalities are seen primarily in PRLTS1. 

At least 5 unique mutations have been found accounting for types PRLTS1-5.  PRLTS1 (233400) results from mutations in HSD17B4 (5q23.1), type PRLTS2 (614926) is caused by mutations in the HARS2 gene, PPRLTS3 (614129) by mutations in the CLPP gene, PRLTS4 (615300) by mutations in the LARS2 gene, and PRLTS5 (616138) by mutations in C10orf2 (listed in this database as External Ophthalmoplegia, C10orf2, and mtDNA mutations,.

The inheritance pattern among different types may be autosomal recessive or autosomal dominant.

Pedigree: 
Autosomal dominant
Autosomal recessive
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

No effective treatment is known.

References
Article Title: 

Perrault syndrome: further evidence for genetic heterogeneity

Jenkinson EM, Clayton-Smith J, Mehta S, Bennett C, Reardon W, Green A, Pearce SH, De Michele G, Conway GS, Cilliers D, Moreton N, Davis JR, Trump D, Newman WG. Perrault syndrome: further evidence for genetic heterogeneity. J Neurol. 2012 May;259(5):974-6.

PubMed ID: 
22037954

Perrault syndrome in sisters

McCarthy DJ, Opitz JM. Perrault syndrome in sisters. Am J Med Genet. 1985 Nov;22(3):629-31.

PubMed ID: 
4061497

Epileptic Encephalopathy, Early Infantile 28

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

Infants with this lethal neuropathy often have minimal or absent eye contact from birth.  Responses to visual stimuli are often but not always absent.  Optic atrophy may be present and the ERG is abnormal in some individuals. The retinas may have "abnormal" pigmentation while scotopic and photopic flash ERG responses are reduced as are visual evoked potentials indicating delayed visual maturation with severe macular and optic nerve dysfunction. 

Systemic Features: 

Seizures begin within weeks after birth and are resistant to pharmacological treatment.  There is no spontaneous motility and little or no psychomotor development.  Normal developmental milestones are usually not achieved.  Spasticity and hyperreflexia are often present but some newborn infants are hypotonic.  MRI imaging reveals cortical atrophy with hippocampal hypoplasia and a hypoplastic corpus callosum. Progressive microcephaly has been described.

Infants generally do not live beyond two years of age and may die within weeks or a few months. Pulmonary dysfunction can be a significant cause of morbidity. 

Genetics

The transmission pattern is consistent with autosomal recessive inheritance.  Homozygous and compound heterozygous mutations in the WWOX gene (16q23) have been found in several families.

Among the limited number of patients reported, at least two with compound heterozygous mutations had normal brain imaging, appropriate visual responses, and some ability to interact with their environment.  Profound psychomotor delays, however, remained.  Hypotonia replaced spasticity as a neurological feature in some infants.

The same gene is mutated in autosomal recessive spinocerebellar ataxia 12 (614322), a less severe condition in which gaze-evoked nystagmus occurs.

Other forms of epileptic encephalopathy have been reported (see 617105, 617106, and 617113) including Early Onset Epileptic Encephalopathy 48 (617276).  For an autosomal dominant form of epileptic encephalopathy in this database, see Epileptic Encephalopathy, Early Onset 47 (617166).

 

Pedigree: 
Autosomal recessive
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

No treatment is known for this condition.

References
Article Title: 

WWOX-related encephalopathies: delineation of the phenotypical spectrum and emerging genotype-phenotype correlation

Mignot C, Lambert L, Pasquier L, Bienvenu T, Delahaye-Duriez A, Keren B, Lefranc J, Saunier A, Allou L, Roth V, Valduga M, Moustaine A, Auvin S, Barrey C, Chantot-Bastaraud S, Lebrun N, Moutard ML, Nougues MC, Vermersch AI, Heron B, Pipiras E, Heron D, Olivier-Faivre L, Gueant JL, Jonveaux P, Philippe C. WWOX-related encephalopathies: delineation of the phenotypical spectrum and emerging genotype-phenotype correlation. J Med Genet. 2015 Jan;52(1):61-70..

PubMed ID: 
25411445

Pigmentary Retinopathy with Congenital Sideroblastic Anemia

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

The ocular phenotype has not been fully described, but several patients with a pigmentary retinopathy resembling retinitis pigmentosa have been reported.

Systemic Features: 

Patients present at a median age of two months with typically severe microcytic sideroblastic anemia. Median hemoglobin levels are 7.1 g/dl.  Lymphopenia and panhypogammaglobulinemia are usually present and many children have periodic febrile illnesses.  The number of CD19+ B cells is reduced.  Aminoaciduria, hypercalcinuria, and nephrocalcinosis have been observed.  Cardiomyopathy has been seen in several patients and may be responsible for the early demise.  Developmental delays may be severe with variable neurodegeneration features such as seizures, cerebellar symptoms, and sensorineural hearing loss.  Achievement of milestones is generally delayed.  Median survival is 4 years although one patient has lived to the age of 19 years.

Genetics

Homozygous mutations in TRNT1 (3p25.1) are responsible for this disorder.

Pedigree: 
Autosomal recessive
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in one patient reversed the hematologic and immunologic anomalies although retinitis subsequently developed.

References
Article Title: 

Mutations in TRNT1 cause congenital sideroblastic anemia with immunodeficiency, fevers, and developmental delay (SIFD)

Chakraborty PK, Schmitz-Abe K, Kennedy EK, Mamady H, Naas T, Durie D, Campagna DR, Lau A, Sendamarai AK, Wiseman DH, May A, Jolles S, Connor P, Powell C, Heeney MM, Giardina PJ, Klaassen RJ, Kannengiesser C, Thuret I, Thompson AA, Marques L, Hughes S, Bonney DK, Bottomley SS, Wynn RF, Laxer RM, Minniti CP, Moppett J, Bordon V, Geraghty M, Joyce PB, Markianos K, Rudner AD, Holcik M, Fleming MD. Mutations in TRNT1 cause congenital sideroblastic anemia with immunodeficiency, fevers, and developmental delay (SIFD). Blood. 2014 Oct 30;124(18):2867-71.

PubMed ID: 
25193871

A novel syndrome of congenital sideroblastic anemia, B-cell immunodeficiency, periodic fevers, and developmental delay (SIFD)

Wiseman DH, May A, Jolles S, Connor P, Powell C, Heeney MM, Giardina PJ, Klaassen RJ, Chakraborty P, Geraghty MT, Major-Cook N, Kannengiesser C, Thuret I, Thompson AA, Marques L, Hughes S, Bonney DK, Bottomley SS, Fleming MD, Wynn RF. A novel syndrome of congenital sideroblastic anemia, B-cell immunodeficiency, periodic fevers, and developmental delay (SIFD). Blood. 2013 Jul 4;122(1):112-23.

PubMed ID: 
23553769

Spinocerebellar Ataxia 38

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

Gaze-evoked nystagmus is present with the onset of ataxia.  Some patients report diplopia.  Saccadic movements are described as slow.  Visual acuities and the appearance of the retina and optic nerve have not been reported.

Systemic Features: 

Truncal and gait ataxia are generally evident by age 40 years and progressively worsen.  Mobility requires assistance usually by age 50.  Mild sensory complaints are present in the majority of individuals.  Dysarthria is often a feature.

MRI reveals cerebellar atrophy with no evidence of brainstem involvement.

Genetics

Heterozygous mutations in the ELOVL5 gene (6p12.1) are responsible for this autosomal dominant disorder.  The gene is a member of family that encodes elongases that synthesize long chain fatty acids in the endoplasmic reticulum.

Pedigree: 
Autosomal dominant
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

None known.

References
Article Title: 

ELOVL5 mutations cause spinocerebellar ataxia 38

Di Gregorio E, Borroni B, Giorgio E, Lacerenza D, Ferrero M, Lo Buono N, Ragusa N, Mancini C, Gaussen M, Calcia A, Mitro N, Hoxha E, Mura I, Coviello DA, Moon YA, Tesson C, Vaula G, Couarch P, Orsi L, Duregon E, Papotti MG, Deleuze JF, Imbert J, Costanzi C, Padovani A, Giunti P, Maillet-Vioud M, Durr A, Brice A, Tempia F, Funaro A, Boccone L, Caruso D, Stevanin G, Brusco A. ELOVL5 mutations cause spinocerebellar ataxia 38. Am J Hum Genet. 2014 Aug 7;95(2):209-17.

PubMed ID: 
25065913

Temtamy Syndrome

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

Bilateral chorioretinal colobomas may be present and involve the optic nerve in one-third of patients.  Visual acuity is not measureable but significant vision impairment is evident in most patients and may be progressive in some individuals.  Several have been reported with dislocated lenses, ptosis, microcornea, cataracts, microphthalmia, myopia, and posterior staphylomas.

Systemic Features: 

Mild, nonspecific craniofacial dysmorphism is often present.  Some form of macrocephaly, with an elongated face, low-set ears, and micrognathia has been reported.  Short stature is of the proportionate type.  Significant developmental delay is evident during childhood and patients are nonverbal. A variety of cardiovascular anomalies such as septal defects, aortic dilation, and patent ductus arteriosus have been described. MRI shows mild hypoplasia of the corpus callosum.   The gait may be ataxic and some (59%) individuals have spasticity of limb muscles with or without contractures.  Seizures develop in early childhood, usually before the age of 3 years, and are difficult to control. 

Genetics

The inconsistent and highly variable phenotype hints that this is a genetically heterogeneous condition.  Many patients seem to have an autosomal recessive condition secondary to mutations in C12orf57 (12p13.31).

A syndrome consisting primarily of colobomas, ptosis, hypertelorism, and global delay (243310) has some similar clinical features but is caused by mutations in ACTG1.

Treatment
Treatment Options: 

No therapy is available for the syndrome but attempts to control the seizures should be made. 

References
Article Title: 

Exome sequencing identifies compound heterozygous mutations in C12orf57 in two siblings with severe intellectual disability, hypoplasia of the corpus callosum, chorioretinal coloboma, and intractable seizures

Platzer K, Huning I, Obieglo C, Schwarzmayr T, Gabriel R, Strom TM, Gillessen-Kaesbach G, Kaiser FJ. Exome sequencing identifies compound heterozygous mutations in C12orf57 in two siblings with severe intellectual disability, hypoplasia of the corpus callosum, chorioretinal coloboma, and intractable seizures. Am J Med Genet A. 2014 May 5. [Epub ahead of print].

PubMed ID: 
24798461

Whole-exome sequencing identifies mutated c12orf57 in recessive corpus callosum hypoplasia

Akizu N, Shembesh NM, Ben-Omran T, Bastaki L, Al-Tawari A, Zaki MS, Koul R, Spencer E, Rosti RO, Scott E, Nickerson E, Gabriel S, da Gente G, Li J, Deardorff MA, Conlin LK, Horton MA, Zackai EH, Sherr EH, Gleeson JG. Whole-exome sequencing identifies mutated c12orf57 in recessive corpus callosum hypoplasia. Am J Hum Genet. 2013 Mar 7;92(3):392-400.

PubMed ID: 
23453666

New autosomal recessive multiple congenital abnormalities/mental retardation syndrome with craniofacial dysmorphism absent corpus callosum, iris colobomas and connective tissue dysplasia

Temtamy SA, Salam MA, Aboul-Ezz EH, Hussein HA, Helmy SA, Shalash BA. New autosomal recessive multiple congenital abnormalities/mental retardation syndrome with craniofacial dysmorphism absent corpus callosum, iris colobomas and connective tissue dysplasia. Clin Dysmorphol. 1996 Jul;5(3):231-40. Review.

PubMed ID: 
8818452

Optic Atrophy, Ophthalmoplegia, Myopathy, and Neuropathy

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

Visual symptoms have an insidious onset in childhood with vision loss and progressive external ophthalmoplegia.  Ptosis may be evident later.  The optic atrophy is progressive.   ERG abnormalities have been reported but no pigmentary retinopathy has been seen.  Myopia is sometimes present.

Systemic Features: 

The extraocular signs and symptoms are variable and generally have a later onset.  Some patients have an early onset of sensorineural hearing loss.  Muscle cramps and hyperreflexia may occur with clonus and a spastic gait.  Ataxia seems to be common.  The neurological phenotype has been likened to muscular sclerosis, Kearns-Sayre syndrome, and spastic paraplegia.  Muscle biopsies show variable-sized and atrophic fibers.

Genetics

This is generally considered an autosomal dominant disorder secondary to mutations in the OPA1 gene.  It is allelic to optic atrophy 1 (165500) but may also be the same condition since the p.Arg247His mutation has been found in patients with both disorders.  This syndromic form of optic atrophy may also result from biallelic mutations in OPA1 in which the clinical disease is more severe and earlier in onset. 

Pedigree: 
Autosomal dominant
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

No treatment is available for the neurological disease but low vision aids should be considered to selected patients especially during childhood educational activities.

References
Article Title: 

Multi-system neurological disease is common in patients with OPA1 mutations

Yu-Wai-Man P, Griffiths PG, Gorman GS, Lourenco CM, Wright AF, Auer-Grumbach M, Toscano A, Musumeci O, Valentino ML, Caporali L, Lamperti C, Tallaksen CM, Duffey P, Miller J, Whittaker RG, Baker MR, Jackson MJ, Clarke MP, Dhillon B, Czermin B, Stewart JD, Hudson G, Reynier P, Bonneau D, Marques W Jr, Lenaers G, McFarland R, Taylor RW, Turnbull DM, Votruba M, Zeviani M, Carelli V, Bindoff LA, Horvath R, Amati-Bonneau P, Chinnery PF. Multi-system neurological disease is common in patients with OPA1 mutations. Brain. 2010 Mar;133(Pt 3):771-86.

PubMed ID: 
20157015

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