Autosomal recessive spinocerebellar ataxia SCAR8/ARCA1: first families detected in Spain.

INTRODUCTION: Autosomal recessive spinocerebellar ataxia type 8 (ARCA1/SCAR8) is caused by mutations of the SYNE1 gene. The disease was initially described in families from Quebec (Canada) with a phenotype of pure cerebellar syndrome, but in recent years has been reported with a more variable clinical phenotype in other countries. Cases have recently been described of muscular dystrophy, arthrogryposis, and cardiomyopathy due to SYNE1 mutations. OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical and molecular findings from 4 patients (3 men and one woman) diagnosed with ARCA1/SCAR8 from 3 Spanish families from different regions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We describe the clinical, paraclinical, and genetic results from 4 patients diagnosed with ARCA1/SCAR8 at different Spanish neurology departments. RESULTS: Onset occurred in the third or fourth decade of life in all patients. After 15 years of progression, 3 patients presented pure cerebellar syndrome, similar to the Canadian patients; the fourth patient, with over 30 years' progression, presented vertical gaze palsy, pyramidal signs, and moderate cognitive impairment. In all patients, MRI studies showed cerebellar atrophy. The genetic study revealed distinct pathogenic SYNE1 mutations in each family. CONCLUSIONS: ARCA1/SCAR8 can be found worldwide and may be caused by many distinct mutations in the SYNE1 gene. The disease may manifest with a complex phenotype of varying severity.

Autosomal recessive spinocerebellar ataxia SCAR8/ARCA1: First families detected in Spain. / Heredoataxia cerebelosa recesiva ARCA1/SCAR8: primeras familias detectadas en España.

INTRODUCTION: Autosomal recessive spinocerebellar ataxia type 8 (ARCA1/SCAR8) is caused by mutations of the SYNE1 gene. The disease was initially described in families from Quebec (Canada) with a phenotype of pure cerebellar syndrome, but in recent years has been reported with a more variable clinical phenotype in other countries. Cases have recently been described of muscular dystrophy, arthrogryposis, and cardiomyopathy due to SYNE1 mutations. OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical and molecular findings from 4 patients (3 men and one woman) diagnosed with ARCA1/SCAR8 from 3 Spanish families from different regions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We describe the clinical, paraclinical, and genetic results from 4 patients diagnosed with ARCA1/SCAR8 at different Spanish neurology departments. RESULTS: Onset occurred in the third or fourth decade of live in all patients. After 15 years of progression, 3 patients presented pure cerebellar syndrome, similar to the Canadian patients; the fourth patient, with over 30 years' progression, presented vertical gaze palsy, pyramidal signs, and moderate cognitive impairment. In all patients, MRI studies showed cerebellar atrophy. The genetic study revealed distinct pathogenic SYNE1 mutations in each family. CONCLUSIONS: ARCA1/SCAR8 can be found worldwide and may be caused by many distinct mutations in the SYNE1 gene. The disease may manifest with a complex phenotype of varying severity.

Accelerated atherosclerosis in ANCA-associated vasculitis.

OBJECTIVES: Cardiovascular disease, including myocardial infarction and stroke, is a major cause of mortality in ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). Although AAV affects small vessels, an accelerated atherosclerosis not explained by traditional cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) has been demonstrated. We aimed to investigate the association of atherosclerosis measured by carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and cerebral small vessel disease in AAV-patients. MATERIALS & METHODS: Twenty-three AAV-patients in complete remission were recruited. Carotid ultrasonography (US), transcranial Doppler (TCD), brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and SPECT after intravenous administration of tracer 99mTc-HMPAO (dose: 720MBq) were performed. RESULTS: AAV-patients presented higher CIMT compared to normative population. Multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated an association of higher CIMT with increased pulsatility index in middle cerebral artery (PI-MCA) (P=.011), higher lesion load on ARWMC scale (P=.011) and abnormal SPECT (P=.008). No association between higher CIMT and CVRF (diabetes or hypertension) was demonstrated. Increasing internal carotid artery pulsatility index (PI-ICA) was associated with decreasing mean flow velocity (MFV)-MCA (P=.038), increasing PI-MCA (P=.008) and increasing white matter lesions on MRI (P=.011). CONCLUSIONS: Our study adds weight to the presence of increased atherosclerosis in AAV-patients. The association observed between CIMT and PI-ICA with small vessel cerebral disease, points the possible association of easy to use carotid US in predicting microvascular brain injury.

Evolución a largo plazo de la hidrocefalia crónica del adulto idiopática tratada con válvula de derivación ventrículo-peritoneal / Long-term outcomes of adult chronic idiopathic hydrocephalus treated with a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt

Introducción. La hidrocefalia crónica del adulto idiopática (HCAI) es considerada una causa de demencia tratable mediante la implantación de una válvula de derivación ventrículo-peritoneal (VDVP). Nos planteamos estudiar la evolución clínica y funcional de la HCAI tratada con VDVP, así como los factores asociados con una mejor evolución a largo plazo. Sujetos y métodos. Estudio observacional de pacientes con diagnóstico de HCAI probable (según criterios de la Sociedad Japonesa de Neurocirugía) y tratados con VDVP entre 2008 y 2013 en un hospital de tercer nivel español. Se establecieron 4 grupos de respuesta clínica (normalización, mejoría parcial, mejoría dudosa y empeoramiento) y la situación funcional se evaluó mediante la escala de Rankin modificada (ERm). Resultados. Se incluyó a 29 pacientes con una edad media de 73,9 años. El 62,1% eran hombres y el 65,5% presentaban HTA. Se observó una respuesta clínica al menos parcial en el 58 y el 48% al año y al final del seguimiento (seguimiento medio de 37,8 meses), respectivamente. La edad, la frecuencia de HTA y las complicaciones quirúrgicas fueron superiores en el grupo con mala respuesta. Un paciente falleció, el 20,7% presentó complicaciones graves y el 69% era dependiente (ERm ≥ 3) al final del seguimiento. La edad se asoció de manera independiente a peor respuesta clínica al año y una mayor dependencia al final del seguimiento. Conclusión. El beneficio de la VDVP fue parcial y transitorio, con una alta frecuencia de complicaciones y dependencia funcional en el seguimiento a largo plazo, especialmente en los pacientes de mayor edad (AU)

Introduction. Adult chronic idiopathic hydrocephalus (ACIH) is a cause of dementia that can be treated by implanting a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt (VPS). We aim to study clinical and functional outcomes in patients with ACIH corrected with a VPS. Subjects and methods. Observational cohort study of patients diagnosed with probable ACIH (Japan Neurosurgical Society guidelines) and undergoing shunt placement between 2008 and 2013 in a centre of reference for neurosurgery in Spain. Clinical improvement was classified in 4 categories (resolution, partial improvement, equivocal improvement, and no improvement); functional outcome was assessed on the modified Rankin scale (mRS). Results. The study included 29 patients with a mean age of 73.9 years; 62.1% were male and 65.5% had hypertension. Clinical improvement (complete or partial) was observed in 58% after one year and in 48% by the end of the follow-up period (mean follow-up time was 37.8 months). Older age, presence of hypertension, and surgery-related complications were more prevalent in the group responding poorly to treatment. One patient died, 20.7% experienced severe complications, and 69% were dependent (mRS ≥ 3) by the end of the follow-up period. Age at diagnosis was independently associated with poorer clinical response at one year and a higher degree of dependency by the end of follow-up. Conclusion. Symptomatic benefits offered by VPS were partial and transient; treatment was associated with a high complication rate and poor functional outcomes in the long term, especially in the oldest patients (AU)

Evaluating the Calling Performance of a Rare Disease NGS Panel for Single Nucleotide and Copy Number Variants.

INTRODUCTION: Variant detection protocols for clinical next-generation sequencing (NGS) need application-specific optimization. Our aim was to analyze the performance of single nucleotide variant (SNV) and copy number (CNV) detection programs on an NGS panel for a rare disease. METHODS: Thirty genes were sequenced in 83 patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia. The variant calls obtained with LifeScope, GATK UnifiedGenotyper and GATK HaplotypeCaller were compared with Sanger sequencing. The calling efficiency was evaluated for 187 (56 unique) SNVs and indels. Five multiexon deletions detected by multiple ligation probe assay were assessed from the NGS panel data with ExomeDepth, panelcn.MOPS and CNVPanelizer software. RESULTS: There were 48/51 (94%) SNVs and 1/5 (20%) indels consistently detected by all the calling algorithms. Two SNVs were not detected by any of the callers because of a rare reference allele, and one SNV in a low coverage region was only detected by two algorithms. Regarding CNVs, ExomeDepth detected 5/5 multi-exon deletions, panelcn.MOPs 4/5 and only 3/5 deletions were accurately detected by CNVPanelizer. CONCLUSIONS: The calling efficiency of NGS algorithms for SNVs is influenced by variant type and coverage. NGS protocols need to account for the presence of rare variants in the reference sequence as well as for ambiguities in indel calling. CNV detection algorithms can be used to identify large deletions from NGS panel data for diagnostic applications; however, sensitivity depends on coverage, selection of the reference set and deletion size. We recommend the incorporation of several variant callers in the NGS pipeline to maximize variant detection efficiency.

Long-term outcomes of adult chronic idiopathic hydrocephalus treated with a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt. / Evolución a largo plazo de la hidrocefalia crónica del adulto idiopática tratada con válvula de derivación ventrículo-peritoneal.

INTRODUCTION: Adult chronic idiopathic hydrocephalus (ACIH) is a cause of dementia that can be treated by implanting a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt (VPS). We aim to study clinical and functional outcomes in patients with ACIH corrected with a VPS. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Observational cohort study of patients diagnosed with probable ACIH (Japan Neurosurgical Society guidelines) and undergoing shunt placement between 2008 and 2013 in a centre of reference for neurosurgery in Spain. Clinical improvement was classified in 4 categories (resolution, partial improvement, equivocal improvement, and no improvement); functional outcome was assessed on the modified Rankin scale (mRS). RESULTS: The study included 29 patients with a mean age of 73.9 years; 62.1% were male and 65.5% had hypertension. Clinical improvement (complete or partial) was observed in 58% after one year and in 48% by the end of the follow-up period (mean follow-up time was 37.8 months). Older age, presence of hypertension, and surgery-related complications were more prevalent in the group responding poorly to treatment. One patient died, 20.7% experienced severe complications, and 69% were dependent (mRS ≥ 3) by the end of the follow-up period. Age at diagnosis was independently associated with poorer clinical response at one year and a higher degree of dependency by the end of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Symptomatic benefits offered by VPS were partial and transient; treatment was associated with a high complication rate and poor functional outcomes in the long term, especially in the oldest patients.

Targeted screening for the detection of Pompe disease in patients with unclassified limb-girdle muscular dystrophy or asymptomatic hyperCKemia using dried blood: A Spanish cohort.

We aimed to screen for Pompe disease in patients with unclassified limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) or asymptomatic hyperCKemia using dried blood spot (DBS) assays. Subsequently, we aimed to calculate the diagnostic delay between initial symptom presentation and the diagnosis. A prospective, multicenter, observational study was conducted in 348 patients: 146 with unclassified LGMD and 202 with asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic hyperCKemia. We quantified levels of acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) from dried blood spots analyzed fluorometrically. The test was positive in 20 patients, and Pompe disease was confirmed by genetic testing in 16. Undiagnosed Pompe disease was detected in 7.5% of patients with LGMD and in 2.5% of patients with persistent, idiopathic elevation of serum creatine kinase. The c.-32-13 T > G mutation was found most commonly. The diagnostic delay was 15 years on average. In conclusion, DBS tests are useful and reliable screening tools for Pompe disease. We recommend the dried blood spot test to be included in the diagnostic work-up of patients with unclassified myopathies with proximal weakness and/or hyperCKemia of unknown cause and, when positive, to define the diagnosis, it will have to be confirmed by biochemical and/or molecular genetic analysis.

A novel locus for a hereditary recurrent neuropathy on chromosome 21q21.

Hereditary recurrent neuropathies are uncommon. Disorders with a known molecular basis falling within this group include hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) due to the deletion of the PMP22 gene or to mutations in this same gene, and hereditary neuralgic amyotrophy (HNA) caused by mutations in the SEPT9 gene. We report a three-generation family presenting a hereditary recurrent neuropathy without pathological changes in either PMP22 or SEPT9 genes. We performed a genome-wide mapping, which yielded a locus of 12.4 Mb on chromosome 21q21. The constructed haplotype fully segregated with the disease and we found significant evidence of linkage. After mutational screening of genes located within this locus, encoding for proteins and microRNAs, as well as analysis of large deletions/insertions, we identified 71 benign polymorphisms. Our findings suggest a novel genetic locus for a recurrent hereditary neuropathy of which the molecular defect remains elusive. Our results further underscore the clinical and genetic heterogeneity of this group of neuropathies.

Triple therapy with deferiprone, idebenone and riboflavin in Friedreich's ataxia - open-label trial.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to test the efficacy, safety and tolerability of triple therapy with deferiprone, idebenone and riboflavin in Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) patients in a clinical pilot study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients included in this study were 10 males and three females, 14-61 years of age (average 30.2 ± 12.1), diagnosed with FRDA with normal ventricular function. Patients were treated with triple therapy with deferiprone at 5-25 mg/kg/day, idebenone at 10-20 mg/kg/day and riboflavin at 10-15 mg/kg/day for 15-45 months. The efficacy of this triple therapy was assessed by change from baseline on the scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia (SARA) and by the change from baseline in echocardiogram parameters. RESULTS: Four patients discontinued due to adverse events (AEs) related with deferiprone. The annual worsening rate (AWR) was estimated in this series as 0.96 (CI 95%: 0.462-1.608) SARA score, whereas AWR for our FRDA cohort was estimated as 2.05 ± 1.23 SARA score. LVMI only decreased by 6.5 g/m(2) (6.2%) at the end of the first year of therapy. LVEF remained stable, except in case of three patients. CONCLUSION: Our results seem to indicate some uncertain benefit on the neurological and heart functions of this triple therapy in FRDA.

Leukoencephalopathy due to oral methotrexate.

Methotrexate (MTX) is considered the main agent for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Neurotoxicity is often mild, but severe encephalopathy can develop, especially with intrathecal or intravenous administration. In rare cases, this syndrome has been observed in patients on long-term low-dose oral administration. A 68-year-old male was diagnosed with RA and on treatment with oral MTX 25 mg weekly for 4 years. The patient started with progressive dysarthria, ataxia and cognitive dysfunction. Complementary tests were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed hyperintense lesions in both cerebellar hemispheres on T2-weighted and FLAIR images with a diffusion restriction on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and on the apparent diffusion coefficient map (ADC). On postgadolinium T1-weighted images, there were mild enhancements. Spectroscopy showed a demyelinating pattern. A pharmacogenetics determination was made, showing a heterozygous genotype in the MTHFR and ABCB1 genes. Medication with antirheumatic drug was stopped immediately on admission, and the patient gradually improved. MTX-induced leukoencephalopathy can occur even with low-dose administration. The exact pathogenic mechanism is still unknown, but it is hypothesised that it could be the result of a cumulative toxic effect on the blood-brain barrier. The nature of the relationship between the polymorphism and CNS toxicity is still unclear, and thus, further studies are warranted. Often located in the occipital lobes, the involvement of the cerebellum is quite rare. Early recognition of the condition and withdrawal of the drug lead to a better prognosis.

Ophthalmic features of Friedreich ataxia.

PURPOSE: To describe ocular abnormalities in patients with Friedreich ataxia (FRDA). METHODS: Patients diagnosed with FRDA by genetic analysis were invited to participate in a prospective cohort. The patients included underwent an extensive ophthalmologic examination, including low-contrast Sloan letter charts test and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness analysis by optical coherence tomography (OCT). RESULTS: Twenty-three patients agreed to participate. In all, 19 patients (83%) had a visual acuity of at least 0.8 in both eyes. Fundus examination showed diffuse optic nerve pallor in four patients. However, OCT showed a decreased mean peripapillary RNFL thickness in all but three adult cases and one teenager. The RNFL thickness was found to have a positive correlation with visual acuity (P=0.001) and contrast sensitivity (P=0.001) and a negative correlation with time elapsed from diagnosis (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: OCT and low contrast test sensitivity show that the visual pathway is affected in FRDA. However, in most patients there is no significant visual impairment. In a small proportion of patients visual acuity declines with disease progression. This study provides a better understanding of the ophthalmic features of FRDA.

Evolución de pacientes con esclerosis lateral amiotrófica atendidos en una unidad multidisciplinar / Outcome of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis attending in a multidisciplinary care unit

Introducción: La esclerosis lateral amiotrófica (ELA) es una enfermedad con muy mal pronóstico, con una mortalidad del 50% a los 18 meses tras el diagnóstico. Las unidades multidisciplinares pretenden mejorar la calidad de vida y la supervivencia de los enfermos de ELA. El objetivo de nuestro estudio es evaluar cada 3 meses la evolución de pacientes atendidos en la unidad de ELA desde el momento del diagnóstico y durante 24 meses. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional prospectivo de pacientes atendidos en la unidad de ELA siguiendo una vía clínica desde el momento del diagnóstico y con revisiones trimestrales desde 2006 a 2010. La edad de inicio, el deterioro de la situación funcional (escala ALSFRS-r), el deterioro de la función respiratoria y la aparición de disfagia y de signos de depresión y/o de deterioro cognitivo fueron evaluados en relación con la localización inicial de los síntomas (bulbar [B], miembros superiores [MMSS], miembros inferiores [MMII]). Resultados: 42 pacientes (30V y 12M) fueron evaluados (edad media de inicio±desviación estándar de 57,97±14,56 años). Se encontró una distribución igual por localización de inicio de los síntomas (B 14 pacientes, MMSS 14, MMII 14). El deterioro funcional (B –26,89 pts.; MMSS –22,48 pts.; MMII –22,66 pts.), la necesidad de uso de BIPAP (B 64,28%; MMSS 35,71%, MMII 50%), la presencia de disfagia (B 85,71; MMSS 42.85; MMII 71.42%), de signos de depresión (B 78,57%, MMSS 35,71%; MMII 64,28%) y de deterioro cognitivo (B 42,85%; MMSS 21,42; MMII 35,71%) fue mayor a los 24 meses de evolución en los pacientes de inicio bulbar. No hubo diferencias en los datos de mortalidad (global 23,80%). Conclusiones: El tratamiento en unidades multidisciplinares no varía la evolución neurológica de la enfermedad pero favorece la aplicación de cuidados multidisciplinares e incrementa la supervivencia de los enfermos de ELA independientemente de su forma de inicio (AU)

Introduction: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease with very poor prognosis, and a mortality of 50% at 18 months after diagnosis. Multidisciplinary units attempt to improve the quality of life and survival of patients with ALS. The aim of this study is to evaluate every 3 months, over a 24-month period, the outcome of patients treated at the ALS unit since the time of diagnosis. Material and methods: We performed a prospective observational study of patients treated in the ALS unit following a clinical pathway since the time of diagnosis with quarterly reviews from 2006 to 2010. The age of onset, functional impairment (ALSFRS-r), impairment of respiratory function, dysphagia and signs of depression and/or cognitive impairment were evaluated in relation to the initial location symptoms (bulbar [B], upper limbs [UL], lower limbs [LL]). Results: A total of 42 patients (30 males and 12 females) were evaluated (mean age at onset of 57.97years old, SD 14.56). There was an even distribution by location of onset of symptoms (B 14 patients, UL 14, LL 14.) Functional impairment (B –26,89 points, UL –22,48 points, LL –22,66 points), the need for use of BIPAP (B 64.28%; UL 35.71%; LL 50%), the presence of dysphagia (B 85.71; UL 42.85; LL 71.42%), signs of depression (B 78.57%; UL 35.71%; LL 64.28%) and cognitive impairment (B 42.85%; UL 21.42; LL 35.71%) was higher at 24 months of progression in patients with bulbar onset. There was no difference in mortality data (23.80% overall). Conclusions: The treatment in multidisciplinary units does not change the neurological progression of the disease, but increases the survival of ALS patients regardless of their initial onset, emphasising the use of multidisciplinary care (AU)

Outcome of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis attending in a multidisciplinary care unit.

INTRODUCTION: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease with very poor prognosis, and a mortality of 50% at 18 months after diagnosis. Multidisciplinary units attempt to improve the quality of life and survival of patients with ALS. The aim of this study is to evaluate every 3 months, over a 24-month period, the outcome of patients treated at the ALS unit since the time of diagnosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a prospective observational study of patients treated in the ALS unit following a clinical pathway since the time of diagnosis with quarterly reviews from 2006 to 2010. The age of onset, functional impairment (ALSFRS-r), impairment of respiratory function, dysphagia and signs of depression and/or cognitive impairment were evaluated in relation to the initial location symptoms (bulbar [B], upper limbs [UL], lower limbs [LL]). RESULTS: A total of 42 patients (30 males and 12 females) were evaluated (mean age at onset of 57.97 years old, SD 14.56). There was an even distribution by location of onset of symptoms (B 14 patients, UL 14, LL 14.) Functional impairment (B -26,89 points, UL -22,48 points, LL -22,66 points), the need for use of BIPAP (B 64.28%; UL 35.71%; LL 50%), the presence of dysphagia (B 85.71; UL 42.85; LL 71.42%), signs of depression (B 78.57%; UL 35.71%; LL 64.28%) and cognitive impairment (B 42.85%; UL 21.42; LL 35.71%) was higher at 24 months of progression in patients with bulbar onset. There was no difference in mortality data (23.80% overall). CONCLUSIONS: The treatment in multidisciplinary units does not change the neurological progression of the disease, but increases the survival of ALS patients regardless of their initial onset, emphasising the use of multidisciplinary care.

Follow-up study after replantation of the forearm and nerves resuture.

OBJECTIVE: Clinical and electrophysiological evolution after total section of the forearm and nerves resuture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A young boy aged 14 years with accidental amputation of the right forearm. The forearm was replanted within the first 6 hours after accident. Electromyography, nerve conduction, estimated number of the motor units, single fiber EMG and motor complex reflex responses were studied until 4 years after surgery. RESULTS: Functional recovery was reached in muscles innervated by median and ulnar nerves. After 4 years of evolution EMG showed signs of chronic neuropathy. Nerve conduction did not reach normal values. Single fiber EMG showed increased fiber density and jitter, and intermittent impulse blocking The estimated number of the motor units was severely reduced with high mean amplitude. Motor reflex responses were elicited by cutaneous stimulation consistent with axon reflexes or ephatic responses. CONCLUSIONS: Replanted limbs in selected cases and nerve's resuture may reach a functional recovery for daily activities.

Single fiber electromyography (SFEMG) in mitochondrial diseases (MD).

Conventional EMG, nerve conduction studies and SFEMG were performed in 18 patients with various phenotypes of MD. 14 cases showed findings consistent with mild myopathy, 2 patients signs of sensory-motor axonal neuropathy and 2 cases a mixture of myopathy and axonal neuropathy. Motor unit fiber density was mild increased in 8 out of 13 tested cases. Jitter was abnormal in 10 out of 18 tested patients. Jitter abnormalities were not related to myopathic or neurogenic features in the EMG study, and may be observed in muscles without clinical weakness. The results suggest the existence of neuromuscular transmission disturbances in patients with MD.

A central partition of molecular conformational space. II. embedding 3D structures.

A combinatorial model of molecular conformational space that was previously developed, had the drawback that structures could not be properly embedded because it lacked explicit rotational symmetry. The problem can be circumvented by sorting the elementary 3D components of a molecular system into a finite set of classes that can be separately embedded. This also opens up the possibility of encoding the dynamical states into a graph structure.

[Sensory neuropathy and primary biliary cirrhosis]. / Neuropatía sensitiva en la cirrosis biliar primaria.

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) may associate an axonal neuropathy, a somatic and autonomic neuropathy and a very infrequently sensory neuropathy (with or without xanthomata). The aim of this paper is to describe the case of a 46 year old man diagnosed with PBC in stage I-II and a progressive sensory neuropathy (axonopathy) confined to his upper limbs with distal predominance. It had progressed slowly an began asymmetrically. A complete clinical study excluded other causes of neuropathy. We followed him clinically and electromyographically and he remains stable after two years evolution. The sensory neuropathy in this case, a primary biliary cirrhosis, is compatible with an assymetric sensory neuropathy limited to the upper limbs with assymmetric beginning.

Neuropatía sensitiva en la cirrosis biliar primaria / Sensory neuropathy and primary biliary cirrhosis

La cirrosis biliar primaria (CBP) puede cursar con neuropatía axonal, neuropatía somática y autonómica y muy infrecuentemente con una neuropatía sensitiva (xantomatosa o no).El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar el caso de un varón de 46 años diagnosticado de CBP en estadio I-II y con una clínica de 2 años de evolución de neuropatía sensitiva progresiva axonal, de predominio distal, limitada a las extremidades superiores y de características asimétricas. Mediante un completo estudio se descartaron otras causas de neuropatía. El paciente permaneció estable tras 2 años de evolución desde el punto de vista neurológico y de las alteraciones neurofisiológicas. Concluimos que la neuropatía sensitiva en este caso de CBP es compatible con una neuronopatía sensitiva de comienzo asimétrico y limitada a las extremidades superiores (AU)

Neuralgic amyotrophy: variable expression in 40 patients.

This study looks at disease diversity, location of lesions, and progression of neuralgic amyotrophy (NA). Forty patients (28 male and 12 female, age range 15 to 70 years) were clinically examined. Muscle atrophy, weakness, and sensory impairment were assessed. Needle EMG and conduction velocities were performed. Careful clinical, electrophysiological, laboratory, and radiological studies excluded other illness. Twenty-two patients were followed for 2 years. Antecedent fever and upper-respiratory tract infection was seen in 22 cases. Pain of sudden onset was always the initial symptom, followed by weakness, mainly in the proximal muscles of shoulder. The affectation was bilateral in 7 cases. Seven cases had a recurrent form of the disease. Clinical and electrophysiological findings suggest axonal lesions of the peripheral nerves, occurring singly (mononeuritis) or in various combinations (mononeuropathy multiplex). Unusual features, such as VII and XI cranial nerves, phrenic nerve, and lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve affectation, were found. Follow-up showed good function recovery at variable times, even in 1 case with associated myotonic dystrophy (MD). NA is a well-defined entity, with variable clinical expression and data consistent with mononeuropathy or mononeuropathy multiplex, axonal in type. The overall prognosis is good. The progression in a patient with MD suggests that the capability of muscle fiber membrane to accept regenerating nerve sprouts remains in dystrophic muscles.