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.

Intermediate conduction velocity in two cases of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A) is the most prevalent hereditary neuropathy worldwide and classically has slow nerve conduction velocity (NCV), in most cases below 38 m/s. Two unrelated patients with motor NCVs in the upper limbs above 38 m/s are reported. METHOD: Case report. RESULTS: Two genetically confirmed CMT1A patients are presented, from two unrelated families (one of British origin and the other of Brazilian origin). Both individuals had upper limb motor NCVs above 38 m/s, with values ranging from 41.9 to 45 m/s in the median nerve and from 42 to 42.3 m/s in the ulnar nerve. They presented with a very mild phenotype, with CMT Neuropathy Score version 2 (CMTNSv2) of 6 and 5, respectively. In contrast, affected family members within both kinships exhibited a classical phenotype with more severe disease manifestation (CMTNSv2 ranging from 12 to 20) and motor NCVs below 30 m/s. CONCLUSION: These cases, although very rare, highlight the importance of testing PMP22 duplication in patients with intermediate conduction velocities.

Monoclonal gammopathy-associated peripheral neuropathies: Uncovering pearls and challenges.

Monoclonal gammopathy-related peripheral neuropathies encompass a spectrum of clinical presentations in which the monoclonal protein directly damages the tissues, including the peripheral nervous system. Given the prevalence of both peripheral neuropathy and monoclonal gammopathy in the general population, these conditions may overlap in clinical practice, posing a challenge for clinicians in determining causality. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of primary clinical syndromes and their neurophysiological patterns is of great importance for accurate differential diagnoses and effective treatment strategies. In this article, we examine the main forms of monoclonal gammopathies that affect the peripheral nerve. We explore the clinical and electrophysiological aspects and their correlation with each syndrome's corresponding monoclonal protein type. This knowledge is essential for healthcare professionals to diagnose better and manage patients presenting with monoclonal gammopathy-related peripheral nervous system involvement.

Genetic diversity in hereditary axonal neuropathy: Analyzing 53 Brazilian children.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The genetic epidemiology of inherited neuropathies in children remains largely unknown. In this study, we specifically investigated the genetic profile of a Brazilian cohort of pediatric patients with pure or complex axonal neuropathies, a crucial knowledge in the near future for establishing treatment priorities and perspectives for this group of patients. METHODS: Fifty-three pediatric patients who were assessed prior to reaching the age of 20, and who had clinical diagnoses of axonal hereditary neuropathy or presented with axonal neuropathy as the primary clinical feature, were included in the study. The recruitment of these cases took place from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2020. The diagnosis was based on clinical and electrophysiological data. A molecular assessment was made using target-gene panel or whole-exome sequencing. Subsequently, segregation analysis was performed on available family members, and all candidate variants found were confirmed through Sanger. RESULTS: A molecular diagnosis was reached in 68% of the patients (n = 36/53), considering only pathogenic and probably pathogenic variants. Variants in MFN2 (n = 15) and GJB1 (n = 3) accounted for half of the genetically confirmed patients (50%; n = 18/36). The other 18 genetically diagnosed patients had variants in several less common genes. INTERPRETATION: Apart from MFN2 and GJB1 genes, universally recognized as a frequent cause of axonal neuropathies in most studied population, our Brazilian cohort of children with axonal neuropathies showed an important genetic heterogeneity, probably reflecting the multi ethnicity of the Brazilian population. Diagnostic, counseling, and future interventions should consider this characteristic.

Unveiling the clinical and electrophysiological profile of CMTX6: Insights from two Brazilian families.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 6 (CMTX6) is an extremely rare condition associated with mutations in the PDK3 gene. To date, only three families from different countries have been reported (Australia, South Korea, and Germany). In this study, we sought to provide a comprehensive clinical and electrophysiological characterization of two Brazilian families. METHODS: We conducted comprehensive clinical assessments, extensive electrophysiological evaluations, and performed whole-exome sequencing in the probands to investigate the genetic basis of the disease. RESULTS: Males in the family carrying the Arg162His mutation displayed early-onset motor and/or sensory axonal neuropathy, absence of tendon jerks, pes cavus, and frequently reported pain. Females in the same family exhibited a milder phenotype of the disease with later onset and some remained asymptomatic into their 50s. In the unrelated family with a single affected male, the clinical presentation was characterized by severe progressive sensorimotor polyneuropathy accompanied by neuropathic pain. INTERPRETATION: We report two Brazilian families with CMTX6 including one harboring a previously unpublished variant in the PDK3 gene, which co-segregates with the disease as expected in a X-linked disease. Notably, the clinical presentations across the five families with available descriptions, including our study, share striking similarities. Furthermore, the proximity of the three reported mutations suggests potential functional similarities and common underlying mechanisms. This study contributes to the growing knowledge of CMTX6 and underscores the importance of international collaborations in studying rare genetic disorders.

Conduction block and temporal dispersion in a SIGMAR1-related neuropathy.

The distal hereditary motor neuropathies (dHMN) encompass a group of peripheral nervous system disorders characterized by progressive distal predominant weakness and wasting, usually in a length-dependent pattern. The classical neurophysiological pattern is a motor axonal neuropathy with chronic distal denervation/reinnervation on needle examination. Conduction block (CB) and temporal dispersion (TD) are electrophysiological features classically associated with acquired demyelinating neuropathies. Although they have rarely been reported in hereditary neuropathies, to date they have not been described in dHMN. We report a sporadic case of a patient with neurophysiological criteria consistent with multifocal motor neuropathy with CB (MMN) refractory to immunomodulation. WES revealed a homozygous nonsense pathogenic variant in sigma nonopioid intracellular receptor-1 gene (SIGMAR1). SIGMAR1-related disorders have been reported with distinctive features suggesting it is not a typical length-dependent neuropathy. Nevertheless, CB and TD are unexpected and as far as we have known not been described previously in such patients. This case expands the neurophysiological spectrum of this disease and alerts clinicians to this acquired demyelinating motor neuropathy mimic.

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.

Use of Twitter in Neurology: Boon or Bane?

Twitter is a free, open access social media platform that is widely used in medicine by physicians, scientists, and patients. It provides an opportunity for advocacy, education, and collaboration. However, it is likely not utilized to its full advantage by many disciplines in medicine, and pitfalls exist in its use. In particular, there has not been a review of Twitter use and its applications in the field of neurology. This review seeks to provide an understanding of the current use of Twitter in the field of neurology to assist neurologists in engaging with this potentially powerful application to support their work.

Huntington's disease-like 2: a phenocopy not to miss.

A 67-year-old Brazilian man of African ancestry and his 60-year-old sister both presented with choreiform movements, although in the man these were significantly overshadowed by additional parkinsonism. The man also had a history of four epileptic seizures. Neurological examination in each also found slow saccades and a dysexecutive syndrome. Genetic tests for Huntington's disease were negative but were positive for Huntington's disease-like 2. There are various genetic causes of chorea diseases, and their correct identification is important for appropriate clinical management and genetic counselling.

There is no shortage, but inequality: demographic evolution of neurologists in Brazil (2010-2020).

BACKGROUND: Neurology is a medical specialty that deals with prevalent diseases such as stroke, headache, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases. Many countries, such as Brazil, struggle to provide neurological care for their populations, but the inadequacy and unequal distribution of the neurologist workforce are real challenges. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the demographic evolution of neurologists and the first-year Neurology residency positions in Brazil during the last decade (2010-2020) and the distribution imbalance between regions. METHODS: The demographic and geographic distribution of neurologists was calculated based on data extracted from the Brazilian Federal Medical Council reports, and the number of Neurology residency positions was based on the Brazilian National Commission of Medical Residency reports. Indicators of wealth were associated with demographic data. RESULTS: The number of neurologists per 100,000 population has increased since 2011, with a similar increase in the geographic distribution of neurologists. However, there was a marked inequality of distribution of neurologists through regions, with a gap between the Northern (lowest) and Southeastern (highest) regions. Furthermore, the imbalance of distribution of neurologists strongly correlated with social inequality. The number of Neurology residency positions increased, but with an imbalance between North and Southeast regions. CONCLUSIONS: Brazil has advanced in providing neurologists. However, instead of a shortage, inequality between regions is the greatest challenge regarding the neurological workforce. The training of new neurologists is unequal between regions and occurs at a slower rate than needed. Neurologists, public health authorities, and patients should discuss solutions for these issues.

ANTECEDENTES: A Neurologia é uma especialidade médica que lida com doenças prevalentes, como acidente vascular cerebral, cefaleia, epilepsia e doenças neurodegenerativas. Muitos países, como o Brasil, se esforçam para oferecer assistência neurológica à população, mas a distribuição insuficiente e desigual da força de trabalho de neurologistas são desafios. OBJETIVO: Analisar a evolução demográfica dos médicos neurologistas e das vagas de Programas de Residência Médica em Neurologia no Brasil durante a última década (2010-2020) e o desequilíbrio de distribuição entre as regiões. MéTODOS: A distribuição demográfica e geográfica de neurologistas foi calculada com base nos dados extraídos de relatórios do Conselho Federal do Medicina do Brasil, e o número de vagas em Programas de Residência Médica em Neurologia foi extraído de dados da Comissão Nacional de Residência Médica. Os indicadores de riqueza foram associados aos dados demográficos. RESULTADOS: O número de neurologistas por 100.000 habitantes aumentou desde 2011, com um aumento similar na distribuição geográfica de neurologistas. Entretanto, houve uma nítida desigualdade na distribuição de neurologistas entre as regiões, com um hiato entre as regiões Norte e a Sudeste. Além disso, a desigualdade da distribuição de neurologistas se correlacionou fortemente com a desigualdade social. O número de vagas em Programas de Residência Médica aumentou, porém com desigualdade entre as regiões Norte e Sudeste. CONCLUSõES: O Brasil tem avançado na geração de neurologistas. Porém, ao invés de uma escassez, a desigualdade entre regiões é o maior desafio em relação à força de trabalho neurológica. O treino de novos neurologistas é desigual entre regiões e ocorre em um ritmo mais lento do que o necessário. Neurologistas, autoridades em saúde pública e pacientes devem discutir soluções para estes problemas.

Misdiagnoses in a Brazilian population with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the upper and lower motor neurons. The correct diagnosis at the onset of the disease is sometimes very difficult, due to the symptoms being very similar to those of other neurological syndromes. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the initial manifestations, the specialty of the first physician visited due the initial complaint, the misdiagnoses, as well as the unnecessary surgical interventions in a new ALS Brazilian population. METHODS: The medical records of 173 patients with typical ALS were reviewed. RESULTS: The present study demonstrated that other symptoms, besides weakness, were very frequent as initial presentation of ALS, and orthopedics was the medical specialty most sought by patients at the onset of symptoms. Our frequency of misdiagnoses was 69.7%, and in 7.1% of them, an unnecessary surgical intervention was performed. CONCLUSIONS: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis presents a very large pool of signs and symptoms; therefore, there is an urgent need of increasing the disease awareness to other specialties due to the high frequency of misdiagnoses observed in clinical practice.

ANTECEDENTES: A esclerose lateral amiotrófica (ELA) é uma doença neurodegenerativa que afeta os neurônios motores superior e inferior. O diagnóstico correto no início da doença é, às vezes, muito difícil, pois os sintomas de início são muito semelhantes aos de outras síndromes neurológicas. OBJETIVO: Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar as manifestações iniciais, a especialidade do primeiro médico visitado devido à queixa inicial, os diagnósticos errôneos, bem como as intervenções cirúrgicas desnecessárias em uma nova população brasileira acometida por ELA. MéTODOS: Os prontuários médicos de 173 pacientes com ELA típica foram revisados. RESULTADOS: O presente estudo demonstrou que outros sintomas, além da fraqueza, foram muito frequentes como apresentação inicial da ELA, sendo a ortopedia a especialidade médica mais procurada pelos pacientes no início dos sintomas. Nossa frequência de diagnósticos errôneos foi de 69,7%, e em 7,1% deles foi realizada intervenção cirúrgica desnecessária. CONCLUSõES: A ELA apresenta um conjunto amplo de sinais e sintomas; portanto, há necessidade urgente de uma melhor educação de outras especialidades devido à alta frequência de diagnósticos equivocados observada na prática clínica.

Rare mutations in ATL3, SPTLC2 and SCN9A explaining hereditary sensory neuropathy and congenital insensitivity to pain in a Brazilian cohort.

Hereditary sensory neuropathies (HSN) are a group of rare neurological disorders with heterogeneous clinical and genetic characteristics. Although at least 17 different genes have already been associated with HSN, the epidemiology of the disorder in Brazil is still unknown. Performing whole genome sequencing (WGS) in 23 unrelated Brazilian families diagnosed with HSN, we detected pathogenic variants in ATL3, SPTLC2, and SCN9A in 12 patients belonging to five unrelated families. Clinical features associated with heterozygous mutations in ATL3 (c.575A > G; p.(Tyr192Cys)) and SPTLC2 (c.529A > G; p.(Asn177Asp)) were sensory deficits, neuropathic pain, and recurrent ulcerations. Presenting as congenital insensitivity to pain, three unrelated probands carried biallelic loss-of-function mutations in SCN9A. The so far undescribed stop mutation c.2106G > A (p.(Trp702Ter)) and the likewise novel splicing variant c.3319-1G > A were found in compound-heterozygosity with, respectively, the known pathogenic variants c.2908G > T (p.Trp970Ter) and c.2690G > A (p.Glu897Ter). In total, we identified pathogenic mutations in 21.7% of our families, which suggests that most of the cases could be explained by yet to be discovered genes or unusual alleles. Our study represents the first mutational screen in a Brazilian HSN cohort, enabling additional insights for genotype-phenotype correlations, reducing misdiagnoses, and providing early treatment considerations.

GDAP1 mutations are frequent among Brazilian patients with autosomal recessive axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

Mutations in ganglioside-induced differentiation-associated-protein 1 (GDAP1) are associated with several subtypes of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, including autosomal recessive and demyelinating (CMT4A); autosomal recessive and axonal (AR-CMT2K); autosomal dominant and axonal (CMT2K); and an intermediate and recessive form (CMTRIA). To date, at least 103 mutations in this gene have been described, but the relative frequency of GDAP1 mutations in the Brazilian CMT population is unknown. In this study, we investigated the frequency of GDAP1 mutations in a cohort of 100 unrelated Brazilian CMT patients. We identified five variants in unrelated axonal CMT patients, among which two were novel and probably pathogenic (N64S, P119T) one was novel and was classified as VUS (K207L) and two were known pathogenic variants (R125* and Q163*). The prevalence rate of GDAP1 among the axonal CMT cases was 7,14% (5/70), all of them of recessive inheritance, thus suggesting that the prevalence was higher than what is observed in most countries. All patients exhibited severe early-onset CMT that was rapidly progressive. Additionally, this study widens the mutational spectrum of GDAP1-related CMT through identification of two novel likely pathogenic variants.

Intragenic variants in the SMN1 gene determine the clinical phenotype in 5q spinal muscular atrophy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to report the proportion of homozygous and compound heterozygous variants in the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene in a large population of patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and to correlate the severity of the disease with the presence of specific intragenic variants in SMN1 and with the SMN2 copy number. METHODS: Four hundred fifty Brazilian patients with SMA were included in a retrospective study, and clinical data were analyzed compared with genetic data; the SMN2 copy number was obtained by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification and pathogenic variants in SMN1 by next-generation sequencing. RESULTS: Four hundred two patients (89.3%) presented homozygous exon 7-SMN1 deletion, and 48 (10.7%) were compound heterozygous for the common deletion in one allele and a point mutation in the other allele. Recurrent variants in exons 3 and 6 (c.460C>T, c.770_780dup and c.734_735insC) accounted for almost 80% of compound heterozygous patients. Another recurrent pathogenic variant was c.5C>G at exon 1. Patients with c.770_780dup and c.734_735insC had a clinical phenotype correlated with SMN2 copy number, whereas the variants c.460C>T and c.5C>G determined a milder phenotype independently of the SMN2 copies. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with specific pathogenic variants (c.460C>T and c.5C>G) presented a milder phenotype, and the SMN2 copy number did not correlate with disease severity in this group.

There is no shortage, but inequality: demographic evolution of neurologists in Brazil (2010-2020) / Não há escassez, mas sim desigualdade: evolução demográfica de neurologistas no Brasil (2010-2020)

Abstract Background Neurology is a medical specialty that deals with prevalent diseases such as stroke, headache, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases. Many countries, such as Brazil, struggle to provide neurological care for their populations, but the inadequacy and unequal distribution of the neurologist workforce are real challenges. Objective To analyze the demographic evolution of neurologists and the first-year Neurology residency positions in Brazil during the last decade (2010-2020) and the distribution imbalance between regions. Methods The demographic and geographic distribution of neurologists was calculated based on data extracted from the Brazilian Federal Medical Council reports, and the number of Neurology residency positions was based on the Brazilian National Commission of Medical Residency reports. Indicators of wealth were associated with demographic data. Results The number of neurologists per 100,000 population has increased since 2011, with a similar increase in the geographic distribution of neurologists. However, there was a marked inequality of distribution of neurologists through regions, with a gap between the Northern (lowest) and Southeastern (highest) regions. Furthermore, the imbalance of distribution of neurologists strongly correlated with social inequality. The number of Neurology residency positions increased, but with an imbalance between North and Southeast regions. Conclusions Brazil has advanced in providing neurologists. However, instead of a shortage, inequality between regions is the greatest challenge regarding the neurological workforce. The training of new neurologists is unequal between regions and occurs at a slower rate than needed. Neurologists, public health authorities, and patients should discuss solutions for these issues.

Resumo Antecedentes A Neurologia é uma especialidade médica que lida com doenças prevalentes, como acidente vascular cerebral, cefaleia, epilepsia e doenças neurodegenerativas. Muitos países, como o Brasil, se esforçam para oferecer assistência neurológica à população, mas a distribuição insuficiente e desigual da força de trabalho de neurologistas são desafios. Objetivo Analisar a evolução demográfica dos médicos neurologistas e das vagas de Programas de Residência Médica em Neurologia no Brasil durante a última década (2010-2020) e o desequilíbrio de distribuição entre as regiões. Métodos A distribuição demográfica e geográfica de neurologistas foi calculada com base nos dados extraídos de relatórios do Conselho Federal do Medicina do Brasil, e o número de vagas em Programas de Residência Médica em Neurologia foi extraído de dados da Comissão Nacional de Residência Médica. Os indicadores de riqueza foram associados aos dados demográficos. Resultados O número de neurologistas por 100.000 habitantes aumentou desde 2011, com um aumento similar na distribuição geográfica de neurologistas. Entretanto, houve uma nítida desigualdade na distribuição de neurologistas entre as regiões, com um hiato entre as regiões Norte e a Sudeste. Além disso, a desigualdade da distribuição de neurologistas se correlacionou fortemente com a desigualdade social. O número de vagas em Programas de Residência Médica aumentou, porém com desigualdade entre as regiões Norte e Sudeste. Conclusões O Brasil tem avançado na geração de neurologistas. Porém, ao invés de uma escassez, a desigualdade entre regiões é o maior desafio em relação à força de trabalho neurológica. O treino de novos neurologistas é desigual entre regiões e ocorre em um ritmo mais lento do que o necessário. Neurologistas, autoridades em saúde pública e pacientes devem discutir soluções para estes problemas.

A common CHRNE mutation in Brazilian patients with congenital myasthenic syndrome.

The most common causes of congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are CHRNE mutations, and some pathogenic allelic variants in this gene are especially frequent in certain ethnic groups. In the southern region of Brazil, a study found the c.130dupG CHRNE mutation in up to 33% of families with CMS. Here, we aimed to verify the frequency of this mutation among individuals with CMS in a larger cohort of CMS patients from different areas of Brazil and to characterize clinical features of these patients. Eighty-four patients with CMS, from 72 families, were clinically evaluated and submitted to direct sequencing of the exon 2 of CHRNE. The c.130dupG mutation was found in 32 patients (23 families), with 26 patients (19 families, 26.3%) in homozygosis, confirming its high prevalence in different regions of Brazil. Among the homozygous patients, the following characteristics were frequent: onset of symptoms before 2 years of age (92.3%), little functional restriction (92.3%), fluctuating symptoms (100%), ocular muscle impairment (96.1%), ptosis (100%), limb weakness (88.4%), response to pyridostigmine (100%), facial involvement (77%), and bulbar symptoms (70.8%). The pretest probability of finding at least one allele harbouring the c.130dupG mutation was 38.1%. Selecting only patients with impaired eye movement together with limb weakness and improvement with pyridostigmine, the probability increases to 72.2%. This clinical pre-selection of patients is likely a useful tool for regions where CHRNE mutations have a founder effect. In conclusion, the CHRNE mutation c.130dupG leads to fairly benign natural course of the disease with relative homogeneity.

Misdiagnoses in a Brazilian population with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis / Erros de diagnóstico em uma população brasileira com esclerose lateral amiotrófica

Abstract Background Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the upper and lower motor neurons. The correct diagnosis at the onset of the disease is sometimes very difficult, due to the symptoms being very similar to those of other neurological syndromes. Objective This study aimed to analyze the initial manifestations, the specialty of the first physician visited due the initial complaint, the misdiagnoses, as well as the unnecessary surgical interventions in a new ALS Brazilian population. Methods The medical records of 173 patients with typical ALS were reviewed. Results The present study demonstrated that other symptoms, besides weakness, were very frequent as initial presentation of ALS, and orthopedics was the medical specialty most sought by patients at the onset of symptoms. Our frequency of misdiagnoses was 69.7%, and in 7.1% of them, an unnecessary surgical intervention was performed. Conclusions Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis presents a very large pool of signs and symptoms; therefore, there is an urgent need of increasing the disease awareness to other specialties due to the high frequency of misdiagnoses observed in clinical practice.

Resumo Antecedentes A esclerose lateral amiotrófica (ELA) é uma doença neurodegenerativa que afeta os neurônios motores superior e inferior. O diagnóstico correto no início da doença é, às vezes, muito difícil, pois os sintomas de início são muito semelhantes aos de outras síndromes neurológicas. Objetivo Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar as manifestações iniciais, a especialidade do primeiro médico visitado devido à queixa inicial, os diagnósticos errôneos, bem como as intervenções cirúrgicas desnecessárias em uma nova população brasileira acometida por ELA. Métodos Os prontuários médicos de 173 pacientes com ELA típica foram revisados. Resultados O presente estudo demonstrou que outros sintomas, além da fraqueza, foram muito frequentes como apresentação inicial da ELA, sendo a ortopedia a especialidade médica mais procurada pelos pacientes no início dos sintomas. Nossa frequência de diagnósticos errôneos foi de 69,7%, e em 7,1% deles foi realizada intervenção cirúrgica desnecessária. Conclusões A ELA apresenta um conjunto amplo de sinais e sintomas; portanto, há necessidade urgente de uma melhor educação de outras especialidades devido à alta frequência de diagnósticos equivocados observada na prática clínica.