Genotype-specific spinal cord damage in spinocerebellar ataxias: an ENIGMA-Ataxia study.

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord damage is a feature of many spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs), but well-powered in vivo studies are lacking and links with disease severity and progression remain unclear. Here we characterise cervical spinal cord morphometric abnormalities in SCA1, SCA2, SCA3 and SCA6 using a large multisite MRI dataset. METHODS: Upper spinal cord (vertebrae C1-C4) cross-sectional area (CSA) and eccentricity (flattening) were assessed using MRI data from nine sites within the ENIGMA-Ataxia consortium, including 364 people with ataxic SCA, 56 individuals with preataxic SCA and 394 nonataxic controls. Correlations and subgroup analyses within the SCA cohorts were undertaken based on disease duration and ataxia severity. RESULTS: Individuals in the ataxic stage of SCA1, SCA2 and SCA3, relative to non-ataxic controls, had significantly reduced CSA and increased eccentricity at all examined levels. CSA showed large effect sizes (d>2.0) and correlated with ataxia severity (r<-0.43) and disease duration (r<-0.21). Eccentricity correlated only with ataxia severity in SCA2 (r=0.28). No significant spinal cord differences were evident in SCA6. In preataxic individuals, CSA was significantly reduced in SCA2 (d=1.6) and SCA3 (d=1.7), and the SCA2 group also showed increased eccentricity (d=1.1) relative to nonataxic controls. Subgroup analyses confirmed that CSA and eccentricity are abnormal in early disease stages in SCA1, SCA2 and SCA3. CSA declined with disease progression in all, whereas eccentricity progressed only in SCA2. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal cord abnormalities are an early and progressive feature of SCA1, SCA2 and SCA3, but not SCA6, which can be captured using quantitative MRI.

Optic Disc and Retinal Architecture Changes in Patients with Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2.

BACKGROUND: ATXN2 is the causative gene of spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) and has been implicated in glaucoma pathogenesis. Therefore, studying ocular changes in SCA2 could uncover clinically relevant changes. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to investigate optic disc and retinal architecture in SCA2. METHODS: We evaluated 14 patients with SCA2 and 26 controls who underwent intraocular pressure measurement, fundoscopy, and macular and peripapillary spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). We compared SD-OCT measurements in SCA2 and controls, and the frequency of glaucomatous changes among SCA2, controls, and 76 patients with other SCAs (types 1, 3, 6, and 7). RESULTS: The macula, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber and inner plexiform layers were thinner in SCA2 than in controls. Increased cup-to-disc ratio was more frequent in SCA2 than in controls and other SCAs. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular changes are part of SCA2 phenotype. Future studies should further investigate retinal and optic nerve architecture in this disorder.

Prevalence and Diagnostic Journey of Friedreich's Ataxia in the State of São Paulo, Brazil.

Friedreich's Ataxia (FRDA) is the leading cause of ataxia worldwide, but data on epidemiology and diagnostic journey are scarce, particularly in Latin America. Herein we estimated the prevalence of FRDA in the most populous Brazilian state and characterized the diagnostic odyssey of the disease. We received anonymized data of patients with FRDA from advocacy groups and physicians. Prevalence was estimated dividing the number of patients by the population of the state as reported in the last census. Patients were invited to answer an online survey to describe clinical data and diagnostic journey of the disease. FRDA estimated prevalence was 0.367:100,000, with a slight predominance of women (58.2% vs 41.7%). One hundred and four patients answered the survey (mean age of 37.3 ± 13.8 years; 75.9% classical and 24.0% late onset). On average, 6.2 ± 4.1 physicians were visited before reaching the diagnosis. Mean diagnostic delay was 7.8 ± 6.7 years; no difference between classical and LOFA groups was found. Most of the patients reported unsteadiness and gait abnormalities as the first symptom. Neurologists and orthopedical surgeons were the main specialties first sought by patients. We found a prevalence of 0.36:100,000 for FRDA in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The disease is characterized by remarkable diagnostic delay, with no relevant differences between classical and LOFA patients.

Sarcoid optic neuropathy.

A 45-year-old woman presented with sudden complete vision loss in her left eye and retroorbital pain worsened by eye movements. A previous milder episode of vision loss had occurred in the same eye 1 year before, with complete recovery after high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone. She had no light perception in the left eye with a swollen optic disc, but with a normal right optic disc. There were no systemic manifestations or infections. MR scan of the brain showed extensive enlargement and enhancement of the left optic nerve and optic chiasm. After excluding infections and autoimmune markers, a left optic nerve biopsy confirmed non-caseating granulomas, leading to a diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis.

Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Validation to Brazilian Portuguese of the Cerebellar Cognitive Affective/Schmahmann Syndrome Scale.

Cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome (CCAS) is characterized by deficits in executive functions, language processing, spatial orientation, and affect regulation in patients with cerebellar disease. The symptoms can occur isolated or along with motor and coordination symptoms. The aim of our study was to translate and culturally adapt the CCAS scale to Brazilian Portuguese and validate the scale in our population. We performed a cross-sectional study with patients with primary and secondary ataxia. The study included 111 individuals, aged between 20 and 80 years, of both genders, 20 without cognitive and/or affective complaints who participated in the pre-test phase, 40 with cerebellar disease (hereditary/neurodegenerative ataxia or acquired/secondary cerebellar ataxia), and 51 healthy controls with no evidence of cognitive impairment and no affective symptoms matched for sex, age, and educational level. The scale was translated, culturally adapted, and validated. Statistical analysis of the data was performed, with association tests, mean comparison, and ROC curve analysis. Based on the analysis of the ROC curve, optimal cutoff values ​were found for each subitem of the scale. The translated and adapted scale has good internal consistency, is reproducible, has good reliability, and has the potential to be a reliable tool for screening cognitive symptoms in patients with cerebellar disease.

An Exploratory Survey on the Care for Ataxic Patients in the American Continents and the Caribbean.

Little is known about access of rare disease carriers to health care. To increase this knowledge, the Pan American Hereditary Ataxia Network (PAHAN) conducted an exploratory survey about care for hereditary ataxias in American continents and the Caribbean. A questionnaire was sent to health professionals about the hereditary ataxias identified; access to care; and local teaching and research. The number of ataxics under current care per 100,000 inhabitants was subtracted from the expected overall prevalence of 6/100,000, to estimate the prevalence of uncovered ataxic patients. Local Human Development Indexes (HDI) were used to measure socio-economic factors. Twenty-six sites participated. Twelve sites had very high, 13 had high, and one site had medium HDI. Participants reported on 2239 and 602 patients with spinocerebellar ataxias and recessive forms under current care. The number of patients under current care per inhabitants varied between 0.14 and 12/100,000. The estimated prevalence of uncovered ataxic patients was inversely proportional to HDIs (rho = 0.665, p = 0.003). Access to diagnosis, pre-symptomatic tests, and rehabilitation were associated with HDIs. More and better molecular diagnostic tools, protocols and guidelines, and professional training for ataxia care were the top priorities common to all respondents. Evidence of inequalities was confirmed. Lower HDIs were associated with high potential numbers of uncovered ataxic subjects, and with lack of molecular diagnosis, pre-symptomatic testing, and rehabilitation. More and better diagnostic tools, guidelines, and professional training were priorities to all sites. PAHAN consortium might help with the last two tasks.

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder myeloradiculopathy.

A 56-year-old woman developed progressive subacute lower limb weakness with sensory and autonomic abnormalities. She had received a living-donor kidney transplantation 21 years before for end-stage chronic kidney disease and took mycophenolate mofetil and prednisolone. MR scan of the spinal cord showed bilateral cauda equina gadolinium enhancement and MR scan of the brain showed enhancing nodular hyperintensities in the internal capsule and globus pallidus. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed a pleocytosis with extremely low glucose, and positive DNA-PCR for Epstein-Barr virus. Her condition worsened despite empirically guided antimicrobial treatment. CSF immunophenotyping later identified mature, clonal B lymphocytes of large size, expressing CD19, CD20, CD200 antigens, and kappa light chain immunoglobulin, with absent CD5 and CD10 expression. We diagnosed a myeloradiculopathy from a monomorphic post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder. This condition occurs after kidney transplantation and falls on the lymphoma spectrum. We review its clinical features, diagnosis and management.

Ischaemic lumbosacral plexopathy following aortic dissection.

A 57-year-old man was diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction and Stanford type A aortic dissection that had spread to the common iliac arteries. He underwent a Bentall procedure for vascular repair. Immediately after surgery, he developed numbness and severe weakness in his left leg. On examination, he had hypotonia, absent deep tendon reflexes, weakness in the left leg (Medical Research Council (MRC) scale for muscle strength - 0/5 distal, 3/5 proximal) and reduced sensation in the left leg. Electromyography confirmed subacute involvement of the left lumbar and lumbosacral plexus. MR scan of the lumbar plexus showed diffuse muscle oedema involving the left gluteus maximus. We diagnosed ischaemic lumbosacral plexopathy secondary to extensive aorta dissection and internal iliac artery occlusion. We discuss the clinical features of ischaemic plexopathy and the diagnostic approach and review the vascular anatomy of the lumbosacral plexus.

Characterization of Retinal Architecture in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 and Correlation with Disease Severity.

BACKGROUND: Neurodegeneration affects the brain and peripheral nervous system in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3). As the retina is also involved, studying the retinal architecture in a cohort of patients could reveal clinically relevant biomarkers. OBJECTIVE: The aim is to investigate retinal architecture in SCA3 to identify potential biomarkers. METHODS: We evaluated 38 patients with SCA3 and 25 healthy age-matched controls, who underwent visual acuity assessment, intraocular pressure measurement, and fundoscopy and macular and peripapillary spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). We measured the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness in each quadrant of the temporal-superior-nasal-inferior-temporal chart and the macular layer thicknesses in each sector of the inner circle of the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (IC-ETDRS) grid. Linear regression analysis was employed to test the associations between retinal parameters and age, disease duration, CAG repeats, and SARA (Scale of the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia) and ICARS (International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale) scores in SCA3. RESULTS: In all sectors, except for the temporal quadrant, pRNFL was significantly thinner in SCA3 patients than in controls. Average total macular, ganglion cell layer (GCL), and inner plexiform layer (IPL) thicknesses were significantly decreased in SCA3 patients in comparison to controls. The average total macular thickness and the average thicknesses of RNFL, GCL, and IPL negatively correlated with ICARS scores, whereas average GCL and IPL thicknesses negatively correlated with SARA scores. CONCLUSIONS: The retinal ganglion cells, their dendrites, and axons are selectively affected in SCA3 patients. The RNFL, GCL, and IPL thicknesses in SD-OCT correlate with the clinical phenotype and represent potential biomarkers for future clinical trials and natural history studies. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

RFC1-Related Disorder: In Vivo Evaluation of Spinal Cord Damage.

BACKGROUND: RFC1-related disorder is a novel heredodegenerative condition with a broad phenotypic spectrum. Its neuropathological bases are not yet fully understood, particularly regarding the pattern, extent, and clinical relevance of spinal cord (SC) damage. OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to determine the SC structural signature in RFC1-related disorder in vivo and to identify potential clinical correlates for these imaging abnormalities. METHODS: We enrolled 17 subjects with biallelic RFC1 (AAGGG)n expansions and 11 age- and sex-matched healthy controls that underwent multimodal magnetic resonance imaging SC acquisitions in a 3T Philips Achieva scanner. Both global morphometry and tract-specific analyses were then performed across all cervical levels. Between-group comparisons were assessed using nonparametric tests. RESULTS: In the patient group, mean age and disease duration were 62.9 ± 9.3 and 9.3 ± 4.0, respectively. Compared to controls, patients had remarkable SC cross-sectional area reduction along all cervical levels but anteroposterior flattening only in the lower cervical levels. There was also prominent SC gray matter atrophy. Diffusivity abnormalities were identified in the dorsal columns but not in the lateral corticospinal tracts. Disease severity did not correlate with these imaging parameters. CONCLUSION: SC damage is a hallmark of RFC1-related disorder and characterized by gray as well as white matter involvement. In particular, dorsal columns are severely and diffusely affected. The clinical correlates of these imaging abnormalities still deserve additional investigations. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Clinical and Genetic Characterization of Brazilian Patients with Ataxia and Oculomotor Apraxia.

BACKGROUND: Ataxia with oculomotor apraxia (AOA) is characterized by early-onset cerebellar ataxia associated with oculomotor apraxia. AOA1, AOA2, AOA3, and AOA4 subtypes may present pathogenic variants in APTX, SETX, PIK3R5, and PNKP genes, respectively. Mutations in XRCC1 have been found to cause autosomal recessive spinocerebellar ataxia-26 (SCAR26) now considered AOA5. OBJECTIVES: To examine a cohort of Brazilians with autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia plus oculomotor apraxia and determine the frequencies of AOA subtypes through genetic investigation. METHODS: We evaluated clinical, biomarkers, electrophysiological, and radiological findings of 52 patients with AOA phenotype and performed a genetic panel including APTX, SETX, PIK3R5, PNKP, and XRCC1. RESULTS: We found pathogenic variants in SETX (15 patients), PNKP (12), and APTX (5). No mutations in PIK3R5 or XRCC1 were identified. CONCLUSIONS: AOA2 and AOA4 were the most common forms of AOA in Brazil. Mutations in PIK3R5 and XRCC1 were not part of this genetic spectrum. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

The Intersection Between Cerebellar Ataxia and Neuropathy: a Proposed Classification and a Diagnostic Approach.

Neuropathy is a common associated feature of different types of genetic or sporadic cerebellar ataxias. The pattern of peripheral nerve involvement and its associated clinical features can be an invaluable aspect for narrowing the etiologic diagnosis in the investigation of cerebellar ataxias. In this review, we discuss the differential diagnosis of the intersection between peripheral nerve and cerebellar involvement, and classify them in accordance with the predominant features. Genetics, clinical features, neuroimaging, and neurophysiologic characteristics are discussed. Furthermore, a diagnostic approach for cerebellar ataxia with neuropathy is proposed according to the different clinical characteristics. This is an Educational and Descriptive review with the aim of medical education for the approach to the patients with cerebellar ataxia and neuropathy. The diagnostic approach to the patient with cerebellar ataxia with neuropathy requires a detailed medical history, phenotyping, characterization of disease progression and family history. Neuroimaging features and the neurophysiological findings play pivotal roles in defining the diagnosis. Establishing an organized classification method for the disorders based on the clinical features may be very helpful, and could be divided as those with predominant cerebellar features, predominant neuropathic feature, or conditions with both cerebellar ataxia and neuropathy. Second, determining the mode of inheritance is critical on cerebellar ataxias: autosomal dominant and recessive cerebellar ataxias, mitochondrial or sporadic types. Third, one must carefully assess neurophysiologic findings in order to better characterize the predominant pattern of involvement: damage location, mechanism of lesion (axonal or demyelinating), motor, sensory or sensory motor compromise, large or small fibers, and autonomic system abnormalities.

A Diagnostic Approach to Spastic ataxia Syndromes.

Spastic ataxia is characterized by the combination of cerebellar ataxia with spasticity and other pyramidal features. It is the hallmark of some hereditary ataxias, but it can also occur in some spastic paraplegias and acquired conditions. It often presents with heterogenous clinical features with other neurologic and non-neurological symptoms, resulting in complex phenotypes. In this review, the differential diagnosis of spastic ataxias are discussed and classified in accordance with inheritance. Establishing an organized classification method based on mode inheritance is fundamental for the approach to patients with these syndromes. For each differential, the clinical features, neuroimaging and genetic aspects are reviewed. A diagnostic approach for spastic ataxias is then proposed.

Diagnostic Yield of Whole Exome Sequencing for Adults with Ataxia: a Brazilian Perspective.

Previous studies using whole exome sequencing (WES) have shown that a significant proportion of adult patients with undiagnosed ataxia in European and North American cohorts have a known genetic cause. Little is known about the diagnostic yield of WES in non-Caucasian ataxic populations. Herein, we used WES to investigate a Brazilian cohort of 76 adult patients with idiopathic ataxia previously screened for trinucleotide expansions in known ataxia genes. We collected clinical and radiological data from each patient. WES was performed following standard procedures. Only variants labeled as pathogenic or likely pathogenic according to American college of medical genetics and genomics (ACMG) criteria were retrieved. We determined the diagnostic yield of WES for the whole cohort and also for subgroups defined according to presence or not of pyramidal signs, peripheral neuropathy, and cerebellar atrophy. There were 41 women and 35 men. Mean age at testing was 48 years. Pyramidal signs, peripheral neuropathy, tremor, and cerebellar atrophy were found in 38.1%, 13.1%, 10.5%, and 68.3% of all subjects, respectively. Diagnostic yield of WES was 35.5%. Thirty-six distinct mutations were found in 20 different genes, determining the diagnosis of 18 autosomal recessive and 9 autosomal dominant ataxias. SACS and SPG7 were the most frequently found underlying genes. WES performed better in the subgroup with vs the subgroup without spasticity (p = 0.005). WES was diagnostic in 35.5% of cases of the Brazilian cohort of ataxia cases. These results have implications for diagnosis, genetic counseling and eventually treatment.

Dystonia, Chorea, and Ataxia: Three Challenging Cases.

Movement disorders comprise a heterogeneous and complex group of neurological disorders that increase (hyperkinetic) or decrease (hypokinetic) the speed or amplitude of movements, or disrupt their coordinated sequencing. In this article, we describe three instructive cases, exemplifying classic movement disorders, namely dystonia, chorea, and ataxia. We highlight the diagnostic approach based on clinical clues, syndromic reasoning, evaluation, and management recommendations. Each case ends with key messages for the clinicians.

Brain Damage and Gene Expression Across Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Subtypes.

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord has been considered the main target of damage in hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs), but mounting evidence indicates that the brain is also affected. Despite this, little is known about the brain signature of HSPs, in particular regarding stratification for specific genetic subtypes. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to characterize cerebral and cerebellar damage in five HSP subtypes (9 SPG3A, 27 SPG4, 10 SPG7, 9 SPG8, and 29 SPG11) and to uncover the clinical and gene expression correlates. METHODS: We obtained high-resolution brain T1 and diffusion tensor image (DTI) datasets in this cross-sectional case-control study (n = 84). The MRICloud, FreeSurfer, and CERES-SUIT pipelines were employed to assess cerebral gray (GM) and white matter (WM) as well as the cerebellum. RESULTS: Brain abnormalities were found in all but one HSP group (SPG3A), but the patterns were gene-specific: basal ganglia, thalamic, and posterior WM involvement in SPG4; diffuse WM and cerebellar involvement in SPG7; cortical thinning at the motor cortices and pallidal atrophy in SPG8; and widespread GM, WM, and deep cerebellar nuclei damage in SPG11. Abnormal regions in SPG4 and SPG8 matched those with higher SPAST and WASHC5 expression, whereas in SPG7 and SPG11 this concordance was only noticed in the cerebellum. CONCLUSIONS: Brain damage is a conspicuous feature of HSPs (even for pure subtypes), but the pattern of abnormalities is genotype-specific. Correlation between brain structural damage and gene expression maps is different for autosomal dominant and recessive HSPs, pointing to distinct pathophysiological mechanisms underlying brain damage in these subgroups of the disease. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Brain Structural Signature of RFC1-Related Disorder.

BACKGROUND: The cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy, and vestibular areflexia syndrome was initially described in the early 1990s as a late-onset slowly progressive condition. Its underlying genetic cause was recently mapped to the RFC1 gene, and additional reports have expanded on the phenotypic manifestations related to RFC1, although little is known about the pattern and extent of structural brain abnormalities in this condition. OBJECTIVE: The aim is to characterize the structural signature of brain damage in RFC1-related disorder, correlating the findings with clinical symptoms and normal brain RFC1 expression. METHODS: We recruited 22 individuals with molecular confirmation of RFC1 expansions and submitted them to high-resolution 3T magnetic resonance imaging scans. We performed multimodal analyses to assess separately cerebral and cerebellar abnormalities within gray and white matter (WM). The results were compared with a group of 22 age- and sex-matched controls. RESULTS: The mean age and disease duration of patients were 62.8 and 10.9 years, respectively. Ataxia, sensory neuronopathy, and vestibular areflexia were the most frequent manifestations, but parkinsonism and pyramidal signs were also noticed. We found that RFC1-related disorder is characterized by widespread and relatively symmetric cerebellar and basal ganglia atrophy. There is brainstem volumetric reduction along all its segments. Cerebral WM is also involved-mostly the corpus callosum and deep tracts, but cerebral cortical damage is rather restricted. CONCLUSION: This study adds new relevant insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of RFC1-related disorder. It should no longer be considered a purely cerebellar and sensory pathway disorder. Basal ganglia and deep cerebral WM are additional targets of damage. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Retinal Architecture in Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS): Insights into Disease Pathogenesis and Biomarkers.

BACKGROUND: Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) causes unique retinal abnormalities, which have not been systematically investigated. OBJECTIVE: To deeply phenotype the retina in ARSACS in order to better understand its pathogenesis and identify potential biomarkers. METHODS: We evaluated 29 patients with ARSACS, 66 with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA), 38 with autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia (ATX), 22 with hereditary spastic paraplegia (SPG), 21 cases of papilledema, and 20 healthy controls (total n = 196 subjects). Participants underwent visual acuity assessment, intraocular pressure measurement, fundoscopy, and macular and peripapillary optical coherence tomography (OCT). Macular layers thicknesses in ARSACS were compared with those of age-matched healthy controls. Ophthalmologists analyzed the scans for abnormal signs in the different patient groups. Linear regression analysis was conducted to look for associations between retinal changes and age, age at onset, disease duration, and Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) scores in ARSACS. RESULTS: Only patients with ARSACS exhibited peripapillary retinal striations (82%) on fundoscopy, and their OCT scans revealed foveal hypoplasia (100%), sawtooth appearance (89%), papillomacular fold (86%), and macular microcysts (18%). Average peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) was thicker in ARSACS than in SCA, ATX, SPG, and controls; a cut-off of 121 µm was 100% accurate in diagnosing ARSACS. All macular layers were thicker in ARSACS when compared to healthy controls. RNFL thickness in the inferior sector of the macula positively correlated with SARA scores. CONCLUSIONS: Retinal abnormalities are highly specific for ARSACS, and suggest retinal hyperplasia due to abnormal retinal development. OCT may provide potential biomarkers for future clinical trials. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

A Proposal for Classification of Retinal Degeneration in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7.

The aim of this study is to propose a classification system for the spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 retinal degeneration (SCA7-RD). Twenty patients with molecularly confirmed SCA7 underwent slit lamp examination, fundus photography, and optical coherence tomography (Spectralis®). Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) and International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS) were applied, and age, sex, age at symptom onset, and number of CAG expansions were recorded. After analyzing the ophthalmological findings in each participant, a panel of retinal disease experts created a qualitative classification system for SCA7-RD comprising four stages. We assessed the correlations of retinal degeneration severity with SARA and ICARS scores, number of CAG repeats in ATXN7 allele, and age at symptom onset. We graded retinal degeneration as stage 1 in nine participants, as stage 2 in five, and as stage 3 in six. No differences in age and visual symptoms duration were found between groups. SARA and ICARS scores correlated with the severity of SCA7-RD on the classification system (p = 0.024 and p = 0.014, respectively). After adjusting for disease duration, retinal disease stage association with SARA and ICARS scores remained significant (ANCOVA, p < 0.05). The classification system for SCA7-RD was able to characterize different disease stages representing the landmarks in the cone-rod dystrophy natural history. Neurodegeneration appears to occur in parallel in the cerebellum and in the visual pathway. We conclude that retinal degeneration in SCA7 is a potential biomarker of the neurological phenotype severity.

Corticospinal tract involvement in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3: a diffusion tensor imaging study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the integrity of the corticospinal tracts (CST) in patients with SCA3 and age- and gender-matched healthy control subjects using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). We also looked at the clinical correlates of such diffusivity abnormalities. METHODS: We assessed 2 cohorts from different Brazilian centers: cohort 1 (n = 29) scanned in a 1.5 T magnet and cohort 2 (n = 91) scanned in a 3.0 T magnet. We used Pearson's coefficients to assess the correlation of CST DTI parameters and ataxia severity (expressed by SARA scores). RESULTS: Two different results were obtained. Cohort 1 showed no significant between-group differences in DTI parameters. Cohort 2 showed significant between-group differences in the FA values in the bilateral precentral gyri (p < 0.001), bilateral superior corona radiata (p < 0.001), bilateral posterior limb of the internal capsule (p < 0.001), bilateral cerebral peduncle (p < 0.001), and bilateral basis pontis (p < 0.001). There was moderate correlation between CST diffusivity parameters and SARA scores in cohort 2 (Pearson correlation coefficient: 0.40-0.59). CONCLUSION: DTI particularly at 3 T is able to uncover and quantify CST damage in SCA3. Moreover, CST microstructural damage may contribute with ataxia severity in the disease.