hyperreflexia

Spastic Paraplegia 11

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

Gaze evoked nystagmus and pigmentation in the macula are components of this syndrome and adults have some degree of retinal degeneration with poor vision eventually.  Optic atrophy and ptosis have been reported but rarely.   

Systemic Features: 

his progressive condition nay have its onset in childhood or early adolescence although rarely it first appears in adulthood.  Obesity is a component in older individuals.  Loss of ambulation usually occurs within 10 years of the onset of gait difficulties.  Hyperreflexia and spasticity develop early while ataxia, urinary sphincter disturbances, extensor plantar responses, and dysarthria appear later.  Amyotrophy is frequently seen in the thenar and hypothenar muscles.  Children have learning difficulties while cognitive decline and frank mental retardation occur somewhat later.  

Peripheral nerve biopsy may reveal hypomyelination and loss of unmyelinated nerve fibers.  MRI imaging in some individuals shows a thin or absent corpus callosum and cortical atrophy. 

Genetics

Homozygous mutations in the gene SPG11 (15q21.1) encoding spatacsin are responsible for this disorder. 

See spastic paraplegia 15 (Kjellin syndrome) (270700) and spastic paraplegia 7 (607259) for other disorders with retinal degeneration, optic atrophy, and nystagmus.

Pedigree: 
Autosomal recessive
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

None known.

References
Article Title: 

Mutations in SPG11, encoding spatacsin, are a major cause of spastic paraplegia with thin corpus callosum

Stevanin G, Santorelli FM, Azzedine H, Coutinho P, Chomilier J, Denora PS, Martin E, Ouvrard-Hernandez AM, Tessa A, Bouslam N, Lossos A, Charles P, Loureiro JL, Elleuch N, Confavreux C, Cruz VT, Ruberg M, Leguern E, Grid D, Tazir M, Fontaine B, Filla A, Bertini E, Durr A, Brice A. Mutations in SPG11, encoding spatacsin, are a major cause of spastic paraplegia with thin corpus callosum. Nat Genet. 2007 Mar;39(3):366-72.

PubMed ID: 
17322883

PEHO Syndrome

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

Optic atrophy is a common feature.  There may be lack of visual fixation from birth or sometimes several months later, attributed to cortical inattention.  Flash visual evoked potentials may be unrecordable. Pupillary responses to light are 'weak' and sluggish. Epicanthal folds may be seen.

Systemic Features: 

Infants are usually born with a normal head circumference but fall behind (2 SD or more) in the first year.  They have neonatal and infantile central hypotonia with brisk peripheral tendon reflexes during early childhood.  They are sometimes described as drowsy or lethargic.  Facial and limb edema can be extensive but transient sometimes and can disappear later in childhood.  The fingers are tapered.  The cheeks are full, the mouth is usually open and the upper lip appears 'tented'.  Global developmental delay is common and normal milestones are seldom attained.  Some patients have been described as severely retarded mentally.  Infantile spasms and myoclonic jerkingcan be seen within the first months of life while frank seizures with hypsarrhythmia are common in the first year of life.  Status epilepticus is a common occurrence.  General drowsiness and poor feeding are often features.  Death usually occurs in infancy or early childhood.  Midface hypoplasia and micrognathia are often present.

Brain imaging (MRI) and histology show severe alterations in myelination and cellular organization.  Neuronal loss is seen in the inner granular layer of the cerebellum but there is relative preservation of Purkinje cells.  General and progressive atrophy of the cerebellum and brain stem have been described.

Genetics

Homozygous frameshift mutations in ZNHIT3 (17q12) have been identified in affected members of several consanguineous families.  The presumed mutation seems to be most prevalent in Finland.

A somewhat similar disorder known as PEHO-like syndrome (617507) is the result of homozygous mutations in the CCDC88A gene.

Pedigree: 
Autosomal recessive
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

Physical therapy to prevent contractures and general supportive care can be helpful.  Supplemental feeding may be required. 

References
Article Title: 

The PEHO syndrome

Riikonen R. The PEHO syndrome. Brain Dev. 2001 Nov;23(7):765-9. Review.

PubMed ID: 
11701291

Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia 3

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

Optic atrophy is an inconsistent feature (sometimes even unilateral) of patients with PCH.  Cortical blindness has also been described.  There may be dysmorphic facial features such as wide palpebral fissures, epicanthal folds, and prominent eyes. 

Systemic Features: 

Infants are generally small and hypotonic at birth.  The skull is small and often brachycephalic.  The ears are large and low-set and  facial dysmorphism (full cheeks, long philtrum) is present.  Infants have poor head control and truncal ataxia.  Later, hyperreflexia and spasticity become evident.  Seizures are common.  Developmental delays, both somatic and mental, are nearly universal and large joint contractures are often seen. Many of these signs are progressive.  

Brain imaging generally reveals cerebral and cerebellar atrophy, a hypoplastic corpus callosum, a small cerebellar vermis, and a hypoplastic brainstem.  Short stature is a feature and early death often occurs.

Genetics

PCH3 is one of at least 10 syndromes belonging to a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of conditions known as pontocerebellar hypoplasias.  Members of this group, while individually rare, nevertheless collectively account for a significant proportion of what was once labeled cerebral palsy.

PCH3 results from homozygous mutations in the PCLO gene (7q21). 

Pedigree: 
Autosomal recessive
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

No treatment is available for the general disorder.

References
Article Title: 

Loss of PCLO function underlies pontocerebellar hypoplasia type III.

Ahmed MY, Chioza BA, Rajab A, Schmitz-Abe K, Al-Khayat A, Al-Turki S, Baple EL, Patton MA, Al-Memar AY, Hurles ME, Partlow JN, Hill RS, Evrony GD, Servattalab S, Markianos K, Walsh CA, Crosby AH, Mochida GH. Loss of PCLO function underlies pontocerebellar hypoplasia type III. Neurology. 2015 Apr 28;84(17):1745-50.

PubMed ID: 
25832664

Peroxisomol Fatty Acyl-CoA Reductase 1 Disorder

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

At least some patients have cataracts which may be congenital in origin.  Highly arched eyebrows are part of the facial dysmorphism.

Systemic Features: 

Neonatal hypotonia is common while postnatal psychomotor development, somatic growth delay, microcephaly, and seizures become evident later.  The coarse facial dysmorphism includes large ears, a flattened nasal root, thin upper lip, a long philtrum, and a flattening of the nasal root.  Cognitive deficits are often present and some individuals have significant mobility problems. 

Red blood cell plasmalogen may be decreased.

Genetics

This condition results from homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in FAR1 gene (11p15.2) resulting in complete loss of enzyme activity consistent with a defect in peroxisomes.

There is some clinical resemblance to rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata (215100) in which congenital cataracts also occur but lacks the skeletal features and results from a different mutation. 

Pedigree: 
Autosomal recessive
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

No treatment has been reported for the generalized condition but physical therapy and special education could be helpful.  Cataract removal is an option that may be considered.

References
Article Title: 

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

Chorioretinopathy with Microcephaly 2

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

Microphthalmia and microcornea are seen in most individuals and one patient had unilateral clinical anophthalmia. Hyperopia and cataracts may be present. Nystagmus is common.  One patient had a corneal opacity.  The chorioretinopathy has not been described beyond evidence of the maculopathy, attenuated retinal vessels, and occasionally hyperpigmented zones.  The ERG is either not recordable or consistent with a severe rod-cone dystrophy.  Vitreous inclusions and a 'vitreoretinal dystrophy' with falciform retinal folds were noted in several patients.  A traction detachment was present in one and bilateral serous detachments were noted in another.

Systemic Features: 

Patients have mild to severe microcephaly (up to -15 SD) with psychomotor delays.  Profound intellectual disability is a consistent feature.  Physical growth is retarded and patients have shortness of stature.  Most patients are unable to sit, stand, or walk unassisted.  One patient died at 5.5 years of age while another was alive at 20 years of age.  Rare patients may have hearing loss and seizures.

Scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis may be seen while  other skeletal malformations seem to occur sporadically e.g., triphalangeal thumbs, brachydactyly, postaxial polydactyly, and restricted large joint motion.  

The forehead slopes markedly.  Neuroimaging shows a consistent reduction in cortex size with simple gyral folding while the cerebellum and the brain stem are also small.  Subarachnoid cysts have been noted in several patients and the corpus callosum may be short or otherwise malformed.

Genetics

Homozygous mutations in the PLK4 gene (4q28.2) segregate with this condition.  Its product localizes to centrioles and plays a central role in centriole duplication.

For a somewhat similar condition but without the sloping forhead see Chorioretinoapathy with Microcephaly 1 (251270) but resulting from homozygous mutations in TUBGCP6.

Pedigree: 
Autosomal recessive
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

No treatment is know.

References
Article Title: 

Mutations in PLK4, encoding a master regulator of centriole biogenesis, cause microcephaly, growth failure and retinopathy

Martin CA, Ahmad I, Klingseisen A, Hussain MS, Bicknell LS, Leitch A, Nurnberg G, Toliat MR, Murray JE, Hunt D, Khan F, Ali Z, Tinschert S, Ding J, Keith C, Harley ME, Heyn P, Muller R, Hoffmann I, Daire VC, Dollfus H, Dupuis L, Bashamboo A, McElreavey K, Kariminejad A, Mendoza-Londono R, Moore AT, Saggar A, Schlechter C, Weleber R, Thiele H, Altmuller J, Hohne W, Hurles ME, Noegel AA, Baig SM, Nurnberg P, Jackson AP. Mutations in PLK4, encoding a master regulator of centriole biogenesis, cause microcephaly, growth failure and retinopathy. Nat Genet. 2014 Dec;46(12):1283-92.

PubMed ID: 
25344692

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

Spastic Paraplegia 2

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

Nystagmus is common but variable in age of onset, and half of affected individuals have optic atrophy.

Systemic Features: 

This is a complex form of spastic paraplegia in which primarily lower limb spasticity is associated with dysarthria, sensory disturbances, cognitive deficits, muscle wasting and mild ataxia.  There is, however, considerable variability in age of onset and rate of symptom progression.  The first motor symptoms are often evident when children start walking, which is often delayed and clumsy.  However, evidence of spasticity may be present in children under 1 year of age.   Some patients have normal mental functions while others are considered mentally retarded.  The MRI reveals patchy leukodystrophy and degeneration of both corticospinal and spinocerebellar tracks was found in an autopsied individual.  Progression is relentless with many individuals requiring assistive devices such as crutches or walkers by early adult life.

Genetics

This is an X-linked disorder secondary to a mutation in the PLP1 gene at Xq22.2which codes for 2 major proteins found in myelin.  SPG2 is allelic to the more severe Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (312080).

Treatment
Treatment Options: 

Mobility devices and physical therapy can be helpful, especially in younger individuals.

References
Article Title: 

Spinocerebellar Ataxia, Autosomal Recessive 7

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

Nystagmus and saccadic pursuit eye movements are common signs.  Some patients complain of diplopia.  No other ocular abnormalities are present.

Systemic Features: 

Symptoms have their onset in late childhood and are slowly progressive.  Walking and balancing are difficult.  Dysarthria, postural tremor, and limb ataxia are evident in adults.  Fine motor movements are difficult and there is often a tremor in the hands.  Deep tendon reflexes are abnormally brisk and extensor plantar responses are seen in some individuals.  Vibration sense may be diminished.  These signs are variable as is the rate of progression.  Usually patients remain mobile and productive through the fourth decade of life.  They may become wheelchair-bound by the fifth or sixth decade.  There is no cognitive impairment.

Genetics

This is an autosomal recessive condition secondary to homozygous mutations in TPP1(11p15).

The same gene is mutated in neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 2 (CLN2, 204500), a far more serious condition with epilepsy, optic atrophy, retinal degeneration, and a rapidly progressive course leading to early death in many individuals. It has been suggested that mutations resulting in the more severe CLN2 phenotype completely or nearly completely abolish TPP1 enzyme activity whereas those that cause SCAR7 simply result in diminished activity.

Pedigree: 
Autosomal recessive
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

No effective treatment is known for the neurological symptoms but physical therapy and mobility devices could be helpful in maintaining ambulation.  Speech therapy could be useful for dysarthria.

References
Article Title: 

Autosomal Recessive Spinocerebellar Ataxia 7 (SCAR7) is Caused by Variants in TPP1, the Gene Involved in Classic Late-Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 2 Disease (CLN2 Disease)

Sun Y, Almomani R, Breedveld GJ, Santen GW, Aten E, Lefeber DJ, Hoff JI, Brusse E, Verheijen FW, Verdijk RM, Kriek M, Oostra B, Breuning MH, Losekoot M, den Dunnen JT, van de Warrenburg BP, Maat-Kievit AJ. Autosomal Recessive Spinocerebellar Ataxia 7 (SCAR7) is Caused by Variants in TPP1, the Gene Involved in Classic Late-Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 2 Disease (CLN2 Disease). Hum Mutat. 2013 Feb 15. [Epub ahead of print].

PubMed ID: 
23418007

Spastic Paraplegia 46

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

Congenital cataracts (not further described) have been reported in several individuals with this type of complicated spastic paraplegia.  Optic atrophy and nystagmus have not been reported.

Systemic Features: 

Stiffness and weakness of the lower limbs begins between 2 and 20 years of age.  This is slowly progressive although most individuals are still mobile with mild to moderate handicaps into the 4th decade.  The gait is spastic with weakness, hyperreflexia, and extensor plantar responses in the lower limbs.  The upper limbs are variably involved and movements are dysmetric.  Dysarthria and bladder dysfunction are often present.  Cerebellar ataxia is common and some patients first present with this as a prominent sign in the first and second decades.  Early cognitive development is normal but mild cognitive decline appears eventually.  Pes cavus and scoliosis may occur.

Brain imaging can show thinning of the corpus callosum, with mild cerebellar and cerebral atrophy.

Genetics

Linkage analysis identified a locus at 9p13.3 and sequencing confirmed homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in GBA2.  The presence of parental consanguinity in some families supports autosomal recessive inheritance.

This database contains two other types of autosomal spastic paraplegia with ocular signs: spastic paraplegia 15 (270700) with a "flecked retina", and spastic paraplegia 7 (607259) with optic atrophy and nystagmus.  Cataracts have not been reported in these two conditions.

Pedigree: 
Autosomal recessive
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

No effective treatment is known for the neurological deficits but cataract surgery may be beneficial for visually significant cataracts.

References
Article Title: 

Mutations in GBA2 cause autosomal-recessive cerebellar ataxia with spasticity

Hammer MB, Eleuch-Fayache G, Schottlaender LV, Nehdi H, Gibbs JR, Arepalli SK, Chong SB, Hernandez DG, Sailer A, Liu G, Mistry PK, Cai H, Shrader G, Sassi C, Bouhlal Y, Houlden H, Hentati F, Amouri R, Singleton AB. Mutations in GBA2 cause autosomal-recessive cerebellar ataxia with spasticity. Am J Hum Genet. 2013 Feb 7;92(2):245-51. PubMed PMID: 23332917.

PubMed ID: 
23332917

Loss of function of glucocerebrosidase GBA2 is responsible for motor neuron defects in hereditary spastic paraplegia

Martin E, Sch?ole R, Smets K, Rastetter A, Boukhris A, Loureiro JL, Gonzalez MA, Mundwiller E, Deconinck T, Wessner M, Jornea L, Oteyza AC, Durr A, Martin JJ, Schols L, Mhiri C, Lamari F, Z?ochner S, De Jonghe P, Kabashi E, Brice A, Stevanin G. Loss of function of glucocerebrosidase GBA2 is responsible for motor neuron defects in hereditary spastic paraplegia. Am J Hum Genet. 2013 Feb 7;92(2):238-44. PubMed PMID: 23332916.

PubMed ID: 
23332916

A new locus (SPG46) maps to 9p21.2-q21.12 in a Tunisian family with a complicated autosomal recessive hereditary spastic paraplegia with mental impairment and thin corpus callosum

Boukhris A, Feki I, Elleuch N, Miladi MI, Boland-Aug?(c) A, Truchetto J, Mundwiller E, Jezequel N, Zelenika D, Mhiri C, Brice A, Stevanin G. A new locus (SPG46) maps to 9p21.2-q21.12 in a Tunisian family with a complicated autosomal recessive hereditary spastic paraplegia with mental impairment and thin corpus callosum. Neurogenetics. 2010 Oct;11(4):441-8.

PubMed ID: 
20593214

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