scholarly journals Choline transporter-like 1 deficiency causes a new type of childhood-onset neurodegeneration

Brain ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 143 (1) ◽  
pp. 94-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina R Fagerberg ◽  
Adrian Taylor ◽  
Felix Distelmaier ◽  
Henrik D Schrøder ◽  
Maria Kibæk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signal Intensity ◽  
Membrane Lipids ◽  
Brain Mri ◽  
Cerebellar Atrophy ◽  
Ultrastructural Changes ◽  
Normal Brain ◽  
Childhood Onset ◽  
Choline Transport ◽  
Choline Transporter ◽  
Transporter Deficiency

Abstract Cerebral choline metabolism is crucial for normal brain function, and its homoeostasis depends on carrier-mediated transport. Here, we report on four individuals from three families with neurodegenerative disease and homozygous frameshift mutations (Asp517Metfs*19, Ser126Metfs*8, and Lys90Metfs*18) in the SLC44A1 gene encoding choline transporter-like protein 1. Clinical features included progressive ataxia, tremor, cognitive decline, dysphagia, optic atrophy, dysarthria, as well as urinary and bowel incontinence. Brain MRI demonstrated cerebellar atrophy and leukoencephalopathy. Moreover, low signal intensity in globus pallidus with hyperintensive streaking and low signal intensity in substantia nigra were seen in two individuals. The Asp517Metfs*19 and Ser126Metfs*8 fibroblasts were structurally and functionally indistinguishable. The most prominent ultrastructural changes of the mutant fibroblasts were reduced presence of free ribosomes, the appearance of elongated endoplasmic reticulum and strikingly increased number of mitochondria and small vesicles. When chronically treated with choline, those characteristics disappeared and mutant ultrastructure resembled healthy control cells. Functional analysis revealed diminished choline transport yet the membrane phosphatidylcholine content remained unchanged. As part of the mechanism to preserve choline and phosphatidylcholine, choline transporter deficiency was implicated in impaired membrane homeostasis of other phospholipids. Choline treatments could restore the membrane lipids, repair cellular organelles and protect mutant cells from acute iron overload. In conclusion, we describe a novel childhood-onset neurometabolic disease caused by choline transporter deficiency with autosomal recessive inheritance.

Neuroimaging in mitochondrial disorders

2018 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
pp. 409-421 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Mascalchi ◽  
Martino Montomoli ◽  
Renzo Guerrini
Keyword(s):  
Mitochondrial Disease ◽  
Brain Mri ◽  
Cerebellar Atrophy ◽  
Mitochondrial Diseases ◽  
Resonance Spectroscopy ◽  
Normal Brain ◽  
Subcortical Structures ◽  
Mri Findings ◽  
Metabolic Derangement ◽  
Signal Changes

MRI and 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1HMRS) are the main neuroimaging methods to study mitochondrial diseases. MRI can demonstrate seven ‘elementary’ central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities in these disorders, including diffuse cerebellar atrophy, cerebral atrophy, symmetric signal changes in subcortical structures (basal ganglia, brainstem, cerebellum), asymmetric signal changes in the cerebral cortex and subcortical white matter, leukoencephalopathy, and symmetric signal changes in the optic nerve and the spinal cord. These elementary MRI abnormalities can be variably combined in the single patient, often beyond what can be expected based on the classically known clinical-pathological patterns. However, a normal brain MRI is also possible. 1HMRS has a diagnostic role in patients with suspected mitochondrial encephalopathy, especially in the acute phase, as it can detect within the lesions, but also in normal appearing nervous tissue or in the ventricular cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), an abnormally prominent lactate peak, reflecting failure of the respiratory chain with a shift from the Krebs cycle to anaerobic glycolysis. So far, studies correlating MRI findings with genotype in mitochondrial disease have been possible only in small samples and would greatly benefit from data pooling. MRI and 1HMRS have provided important information on the pathophysiology of CNS damage in mitochondrial diseases by enabling in vivo non-invasive assessment of tissue abnormalities, the associated changes of blood perfusion and cellular metabolic derangement. MRI and 1HMRS are expected to serve as surrogate biomarkers in trials investigating therapeutic options in mitochondrial disease.

Normal cerebral ventricular volume growth in childhood

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 517-524
Author(s):  
Noah S. Cutler ◽  
Sudharsan Srinivasan ◽  
Bryan L. Aaron ◽  
Sharath Kumar Anand ◽  
Michael S. Kang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Mri ◽  
Volume Growth ◽  
Ventricular Volume ◽  
Growth Patterns ◽  
Diagnostic Process ◽  
Growth Charts ◽  
Normal Brain ◽  
Mr Images ◽  
Ventricular Volumes ◽  
Brain Mr Images

OBJECTIVENormal percentile growth charts for head circumference, length, and weight are well-established tools for clinicians to detect abnormal growth patterns. Currently, no standard exists for evaluating normal size or growth of cerebral ventricular volume. The current standard practice relies on clinical experience for a subjective assessment of cerebral ventricular size to determine whether a patient is outside the normal volume range. An improved definition of normal ventricular volumes would facilitate a more data-driven diagnostic process. The authors sought to develop a growth curve of cerebral ventricular volumes using a large number of normal pediatric brain MR images.METHODSThe authors performed a retrospective analysis of patients aged 0 to 18 years, who were evaluated at their institution between 2009 and 2016 with brain MRI performed for headaches, convulsions, or head injury. Patients were excluded for diagnoses of hydrocephalus, congenital brain malformations, intracranial hemorrhage, meningitis, or intracranial mass lesions established at any time during a 3- to 10-year follow-up. The volume of the cerebral ventricles for each T2-weighted MRI sequence was calculated with a custom semiautomated segmentation program written in MATLAB. Normal percentile curves were calculated using the lambda-mu-sigma smoothing method.RESULTSVentricular volume was calculated for 687 normal brain MR images obtained in 617 different patients. A chart with standardized growth curves was developed from this set of normal ventricular volumes representing the 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th percentiles. The charted data were binned by age at scan date by 3-month intervals for ages 0–1 year, 6-month intervals for ages 1–3 years, and 12-month intervals for ages 3–18 years. Additional percentile values were calculated for boys only and girls only.CONCLUSIONSThe authors developed centile estimation growth charts of normal 3D ventricular volumes measured on brain MRI for pediatric patients. These charts may serve as a quantitative clinical reference to help discern normal variance from pathologic ventriculomegaly.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings and its association to electroencephalogram in children with partial epilepsy (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huynh Quang Huy
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Preschool Children ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Brain Mri ◽  
Partial Epilepsy ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Normal Brain ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Normal Children ◽  
Eeg Abnormalities

BACKGROUND It is important to identify the neuroimaging features that are associated with partial epilepsy in preschool children. Advances in technology recently to localize focal epileptogenic lesions, especially that of high-resolution structural imaging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The recommendation that electroencephalography (EEG) should be gold criteria and that M.R.I should be optional has been questioned. OBJECTIVE The present study aims to to explore the brain lesions on MRI and its association to electroencephalogram in children with partial epilepsy. METHODS The present study was conducted among 112 preschool children with history of partial seizures. All patients underwent EEG and brain MRI. The epileptogenic lesions were identified on the basis of the signal intensities and morphological abnormalities seen on MRI. The correlation between MRI and EEG abnormalities was explored using a chi-square test. RESULTS Abnormal MRI were found in 34.8% (n = 39) of the sample. The EEG and MRI agreed with respect to classify into abnormal or normal in 48.2% (n = 54). Of the 27 patients with a normal EEG, six (22.2%) were seen to have an abnormal MRI. CONCLUSIONS A number of MRI abnormalities was found in our study of otherwise normal children, although the correlation between these results was not clear. Follow-up of these children will help us identify the important abnormalities. Despite of small sample, our results showed that a normal E.E.G findings does not predict a normal brain MRI in children with partial epilepsy.

scholarly journals Electroencephalography in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with neuropsychiatric manifestations

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Howaida E. Mansour ◽  
Reem A. Habeeb ◽  
Noran O. El-Azizi ◽  
Heba H. Afeefy ◽  
Marwa A. Nassef ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Epileptiform Activity ◽  
Brain Mri ◽  
Periventricular White Matter ◽  
Normal Brain ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
Specific Test ◽  
Eeg Abnormalities ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Manifestations

Abstract Background Neuropsychiatric manifestations are frequently reported in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. This study was done to describe electroencephalographic (EEG) findings in SLE patients with neuropsychiatric manifestation (NPSLE). Results Among 60 SLE patients, there were 50 females (83.3%) and 10 males (16.7%). EEG abnormalities were reported in 12 patients out of 30 (40%) with NPSLE, while all patients with non-NPSLE (n = 30) had no EEG abnormalities; diffuse slowing (20%) was the most common abnormalities, followed by generalized epileptiform activity (13.3%), and lastly temporal epileptiform activity (6.7%). Seizure was the most reported neuropsychiatric disorder in 13 patients (43.3%); 8 of them had abnormal EEG (61.5%). Periventricular white matter lesion (23.3%) followed by infarction (13.3%) were the most common MRI brain findings among 53.3% of NPSLE group. Half of the cases with EEG abnormality had normal brain MRI. SLEDAI score and ACL IgM positivity were higher in the NPSLE group than the non-NPSLE group. EEG is not a sensitive or specific test for detecting NPSLE with sensitivity (37.5%) and specificity (57.1%). Conclusion Not all patients with NPSLE must have abnormal brain MRI or EEG. EEG is a useful assistant tool in the assessment of different manifestations of NPSLE, but it cannot be used as a screening test alone and must be supplemented by neuroimaging studies.

scholarly journals A Clinical-Based Diagnostic Approach to Cerebellar Atrophy in Children

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 2333
Author(s):  
Claudia Ciaccio ◽  
Chiara Pantaleoni ◽  
Franco Taroni ◽  
Daniela Di Bella ◽  
Stefania Magri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Biopsy ◽  
Single Gene ◽  
Brain Mri ◽  
Genetic Defect ◽  
Cerebellar Atrophy ◽  
Chain Complex ◽  
Clinical Findings ◽  
Diagnostic Workup ◽  
Diagnostic Approach ◽  
Disease Definition

Background: Cerebellar atrophy is a neuroradiological definition that categorizes conditions heterogeneous for clinical findings, disease course, and genetic defect. Most of the papers proposing a diagnostic workup for pediatric ataxias are based on neuroradiology or on the literature and experimental knowledge, with a poor participation of clinics in the process of disease definition. Our study aims to offer a different perspective on the way we approach cerebellar atrophy in developmental age, building a clinical-based diagnostic workup to guide molecular diagnosis. Methods: we recruited 52 patients with pediatric-onset cerebellar atrophy and definite disease categorization. Children underwent brain MRI, neurophysiological exams, metabolic investigations, and muscle biopsy with respiratory chain complex study. Single-gene sequencing, next-generation sequencing NGS panels, whole-exome sequencing (WES), and disease-specific techniques have been used to reach genetic confirmation. Results: Brain MRI is the main method of diagnosis, followed by tests on muscle biopsy and peripheral nervous system study. Other exams (e.g., metabolic investigations or evoked potentials) may be useful to narrow the list of diagnostic possibilities. Conclusions: We propose a diagnostic approach to cerebellar atrophy in children based on clinical findings, and support the evidence that a precise phenotypic definition may lead to the formulation of a definite diagnosis or otherwise guide the back phenotyping process derived from large molecular data.

Abstract T P234: Multiparametric Assessment of Longitudinal Changes in Tissue Microstructure in Normal and Abnormal Brain Tissue in Patients with Small Vessel Disease

Stroke ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria D Valdes-Hernandez ◽  
Paul A Armitage ◽  
Eleni Sakka ◽  
Susana Munoz Maniega ◽  
Natalie A Royle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
White Matter ◽  
Brain Tissue ◽  
Small Vessel Disease ◽  
Brain Mri ◽  
Mean Diffusivity ◽  
Tissue Loss ◽  
Minor Stroke ◽  
Normal Brain ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Time Points

Background: Volume measures of normal brain tissue and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) between two time points gives limited information about the complex dynamics of tissue change. We evaluated two quantitative parameters that characterise the microstructure of normal-appearing white matter (NAWM), deep grey matter (DGM) and WMH on brain images obtained at presentation with minor stroke and at 1 year to investigate the microstructural changes. Methods: From 182 brain MRI datasets of patients with minor stroke obtained at baseline and 1 year, we extracted the WMH, DGM and NAWM, and separated WMH into less-intense and intense WMH, using validated semi-automatic methods and validated criteria. We registered the binary structural masks to diffusion space and performed a voxel-wise subtraction of the combined masks at both time points. Then we measured fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD)(valuex10 -9 m 2 /s) in each tissue mask at baseline and 1 year. Results: WMH volume median increase was 1.4ml (IQR 6.98) mainly due to changes in less-intense WMH: 0.94ml (7.13). WMH that were visible at both time points, ie damage that remained after a year, had the lowest FA= 0.21(0.06) and highest MD=1.05(0.12) at baseline, and were mainly intense WMH at baseline (FA=0.12(0.03), MD=1.55(0.27)). WMH seen only at follow-up, ie that were NAWM at baseline, had the highest FA=0.30(0.06) and lowest MD=0.85 (0.06) at baseline. WMH that were observed only at baseline had intermediate FA=0.26(0.08) and MD=0.90(0.10). NAWM FA=0.26(0.03), MD=0.78(0.04) and DGM FA=0.23(0.03), MD=0.79(0.06) did not change between time points. Conclusions: WMH at baseline can partially evolve to normal-appearing tissues, remain or precede tissue loss. Differentiation between severe and subtle damage and spatial analysis are necessary to characterise the dynamic of WMH evolution.

scholarly journals Long-term follow-up until early adulthood in autosomal dominant, complex SPG30 with a novel KIF1A variant: a case report

2019 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlotta Spagnoli ◽  
Susanna Rizzi ◽  
Grazia Gabriella Salerno ◽  
Daniele Frattini ◽  
Carlo Fusco
Keyword(s):  
Autosomal Dominant ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Brain Mri ◽  
Early Adulthood ◽  
Cerebellar Atrophy ◽  
Mild Intellectual Disability ◽  
Long Term Follow Up

Abstract Background Pathogenic variants in KIF1A (kinesin family member 1A) gene have been associated with hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) type 30 (SPG30), encopassing autosomal dominant and recessive, pure and complicated forms. Case presentation We report the long-term follow-up of a 19 years-old boy first evaluated at 18 months of age because of toe walking and unstable gait with frequent falls. He developed speech delay, mild intellectual disability, a slowly progressive pyramidal syndrome, microcephaly, bilateral optic subatrophy and a sensory axonal polyneuropathy. Brain MRI showed cerebellar atrophy, stable along serial evaluations (last performed at 18 years of age). Targeted NGS sequencing disclosed the de novo c.914C > T missense, likely pathogenic variant on KIF1A gene. Conclusions We report on a previously unpublished de novo heterozygous likely pathogenic KIF1A variant associated with slowly progressive complicated SPG30 and stable cerebellar atrophy on long-term follow-up, adding to current knowledge on this HSP subtype.

scholarly journals Ataxia teleangiectasia. Az idegrendszeri érintettség prototípusa primer immundefektusokban

2018 ◽  
Vol 159 (49) ◽  
pp. 2057-2064
Author(s):  
Zoltán Liptai
Keyword(s):  
Immune Deficiency ◽  
Ataxia Telangiectasia ◽  
Late Onset ◽  
Brain Mri ◽  
Cerebellar Atrophy ◽  
Biallelic Mutation ◽  
Pathogenic Variants ◽  
Diagnostic Difficulties ◽  
Immune Deficiencies ◽  
Atm Gene

Abstract: The number of primary immune deficiencies exceeds 350, approximately a quarter of them having neurological implications. Severe central nervous system infections may occur in an even higher proportion. Beyond listing in a table of all diseases with a neurological impact, the author gives detailed analysis of one typical disorder. Ataxia telangiectasia is caused by biallelic mutation of the ATM gene resulting in genomic instability, increased cancer risk, immune deficiency and a predominantly cerebellar neurodegeneration. The most common classic form is characterized by gait and limb ataxia, oculomotor apraxia, choreoathetosis, disturbance of speech and swallowing, less often by other movement disorders. There is no remarkable cognitive deficit. Telangiectasia of the conjunctivae and skin usually appears after 6 years of age. Frequent, especially severe sino-pulmonary infections may indicate the immune deficiency present in 60 to 80% of patients, who are also prone to malignancies. The clinical course is sometimes atypical or has a late onset which results in diagnostic difficulties. Serum alpha-fetoprotein level is elevated in nearly all patients. Brain MRI shows progressive cerebellar atrophy starting at the age of 7–8 years. DNA testing of the ATM gene is necessary for the diagnosis. The detected biallelic pathogenic variants provide help for family planning and for possible gene therapies in the future. Ataxia telangiectasia has to be differentiated from a number of other disorders, some of which also belong to primary immune deficiencies. The disorder has no causal treatment at present, the patients live until their young adult ages. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(49): 2057–2064.

scholarly journals Neurobrucellosis mimicking primary vasculitis of the central nervous system: we should perform a metagenomic analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid prior to brain biopsy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Barrionuevo Mathias ◽  
Fernando Gatti ◽  
Gustavo Bruniera ◽  
Vitor Paes ◽  
Gisele Sampaio Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Brain Mri ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Brain Biopsy ◽  
Metagenomic Analysis ◽  
Normal Brain ◽  
The Central Nervous System

Context Primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) is characterized by the inflammation of small and medium CNS arteries; the clinical manifestations include headache, cognitive impairment and focal neurological deficits. The gold standard test for diagnosis is brain biopsy. Neurobrucellosis is an infection associated with cattle farming, which leads to neurological and psychiatric symptoms. We report a case of neurobrucellosis mimicking PACNS. Case report Male, 32 years old, with fever, headache, dizziness and cognitive impairments for 30 days. History of stroke 2 years before, with mild sequelae right hemiparesis; investigation showed suspected intracranial dissection. On physical examination, he had apathy, preserved strength, reduced reflexes with plantar flexor responses. General laboratory tests, autoantibodies and serology were normal. Brain MRI showed deep left nucleocapsular gliosis and cerebral angiography revealed stenosis of the ICA and MCA. CSF showed 42 cells/ mm³, glucose 46 mg/dL, protein 82 mg/dL. Blood PCR was negative for Brucella. Immunophenotyping of the CSF and PET-CT excluded neoplasia. Brain biopsy was inconclusive for vasculitis. Metagenomic analysis of the CSF detected 78% of Brucella genetic material. Serum agglutination test was 1:40 for brucella. Conclusions PACNS is diagnosed by exclusion. The patient filled criteria for possible PACNS, image compatible with vascular stenosis, but inconclusive brain biopsy. Brucellosis is an endemic disease in underdeveloped countries that can present as CNS vasculitis. Metagenomic analysis allows the detection of different pathogens using a single method. The case illustrates the use of metagenomics in rare diseases characterized by vasculitis, with change in clinical outcomes and conduct.

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