Clinical, genetic characteristics and follow-up in 14 patients with transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathy / 中华神经科杂志

Objective:To summarize the clinical and genetic characteristics in patients with transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathy (TTR-FAP).Methods:Fourteen unrelated TTR-FAP patients diagnosed at Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University from September 2014 to February 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical manifestation, electrophysiology, cardiac function, biopsy and gene mutation were analyzed.Results:In the 14 patients (13 males, 1 female) diagnosed as TTR-FAP, the mean age at onset was 53.9 years (range: 33.0-71.0 years), with a mean course from symptom-onset to diagnosis of 4.1 years. The late-onset type occurred in 9 cases. Seven patients had a family history of TTR-FAP. Distal paresthesia of lower limbs was the commonest initial symptom (8 cases), with sensorimotor neuropathy and autonomic dysfunction seen initially in 4 and 2 cases, respectively. Cardiac involvement occurred in 6/8 of the patients. Nerve conduction studies indicated extremely axonal impairment with demyelinating features. Sural nerve biopsies showed moderate to severe axonal loss of myelinated fibers and the positive rate of Congo red staining was 8/14. Of 8 different TTR mutations detected, V50M was the most common (appearing in 5 cases). No obvious neuropathy progression was seen in the 5 patients who received tafamidis and 2 patients died of dyscrasia. Conclusions:TTR-FAP is more common in males, with sensorimotor axonal polyneuropathy, autonomic dysfunction and cardiac subclinical damage as the predominant symptoms. V50M is the commonest mutation. Tafamidis can delay the progression of disability.

Follow-up of a family with slow-channel congenital myasthenia syndrome and analysis of the factors of therapeutic efficacy / 中华神经科杂志

Objective:To describe clinical characteristics, genetic mutation and therapeutic response of a family diagnosed as slow-channel congenital myasthenia syndrome (SCCMS) and analyze the factors of the efficacy of channel blockers therapy.Methods:Clinical data and therapeutic response in three patients from a family of SCCMS from Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University in May 2017 were collected. The clinical data, mutations and response to therapy of all literature SCCMS cases in the English database of Pubmed and Chinese database of Wanfang until December 31, 2018 were analyzed statistically.Results:The proband was a 48-year-old female who referred to Xuanwu Hospital for limb weakness for 40 years. The proband′s elder daughter presented with onset of the birth and delayed motor milestones, scoliosis and difficulty in walking. The younger daughter was born healthy with normal motor milestones, while fatigue and weakness gradually appeared. The antibodies of myasthenia gravis were negative. No repetitive compound muscle action potentials (CMAP) were detected in three patients. Repetitive nerve stimulation showed decrements. Gene test revealed heterozygous mutation of CHRNE p.εV279F, a known pathogenic mutation of SCCMS. Seventeen SCCMS cases were reported in literature. A total of 20 patients with SCCMS were described in terms of clinical manifestation, mutation, drug therapy and efficacy in detail. According to the literature description, they were divided into significant benefit group and mild to modest benefit group to channel blocker therapy. The age of onset in 10 patients with significant benefit was 1.50 (0.75, 28.25) years from birth to 43 years, and that in 10 patients with mild to modest benefit was 2.50 (0, 6.25) years from birth to 11 years. There was no significant difference between the two groups. The age at the initial channel blocker therapy in the group with significant benefit was (23.40±13.29) years from 12 to 43 years, whereas that in the group with mild to modest benefit was (34.10±13.43) years from 20 to 62 years, and there was no significant difference between the two groups. The delay time of treatment (age at the beginning of treatment with channel blockers-age of onset) in patients with significant benefit was 13.0 (10.25, 15.00) years, which was 32.50 (19.25, 38.00) years in patients with mild to modest benefit ( Z=-3.374, P=0.000). According to the response of cholinesterase inhibitor, eight patients were in the effective group, 10 patients were in the ineffective group and two patients were without cholinesterase inhibitor. The age of onset in the effective group was 0 (0, 4.75) years, while that in the ineffective group was 6.50 (1.00, 28.25) years ( Z=-2.315, P=0.021).The age of treatment with channel blockers was (27.90±12.99) years in the effective group and (32.00±13.21) years in the ineffective group, and there was no significant difference between the two groups. The delay time of channel blocker treatment in effective group was (30.25±11.07) years, while that in ineffective group was (14.30±9.60) years ( t=-3.274, P=0.005). Conclusions:In SCCMS, the effect of channel blockers was related to the delay time of treatment. Channel blocker was more effective the sooner it was started after the onset of symptoms. The average age of onset of SCCMS patients with positive responses to cholinesterase inhibitor was younger, but the delay time of channel blocker therapy was longer, resulting in poor therapeutic effect.

Clinical, muscle imaging and electrophysiological features of oculopharyngodistal myopathy / 中国神经精神疾病杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical manifestation and electrophysiological, muscle imaging and pathological, molecular features of oculopharyngodistal myopathy (OPDM). Methods The clinical electrophysiological, muscle imaging and pathological, molecular data was collected from a case of OPDM. Data analysis was conducted together with a literature. Results The onset age of the patient was 25 years old. The sequential order of involved muscle was upper eyelid muscle, external ocular, laryngopharyngeal, facial, distal limb muscle and proximal upper limb. Serum creatine kinase was mildly elevated. Electromyography revealed myogenic changes with demyelinating peripheral neuropathy. Myopathological findings showed myopathic changes with rimmed vacuoles . Muscle image showed that fatty replacement of was more severe in lower legs than in thigh. Posterior muscle was severely involved in lower legs. All known genes responsible for distal and myofibrillar myopathies, vacuolar myopathies, and muscular dystrophies were excluded by targeted next-generation sequencing. Conclusion The case is a sporadic case. OPDM is a disease with a unique phenotype which not only affects muscle but also involves multiple system (demyelinating peripheral neuropathy、heart disease and so on).

Summary of the Twenty-eighth International Conference on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-Motor Neuron Disease / 中华神经科杂志

The 28th International Conference on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)-Motor Neuron Disease was held in Boston from December 8 to 10, 2017. The conference covered 23 topics, 102 special topics and 446 papers. This article briefly introduces some topics of the conference, involving basic research, clinical research and clinical trials. Among these, basic studies include genetics, cell biology and pathology, and superoxide dismutase1 gene ALS related pathology; clinical studies include the progression of ALS disease, cognitive behavioral disorders, and biological markers.

POEMS syndrome coexisting with Castleman disease and negative results of hematological examination: report of one case and review of literature / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Objective To strengthen the recognition of atypical POEMS syndrome in order to improve diagnosis rate of rare cases of POEMS syndrome. Methods The diagnosis and treatment of a rare case of POEMS syndrome coexisting with Castleman disease but without M protein in serum, urine and bone marrow who was admitted to Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University in November 2017 were retrospectively analyzed with review of the literature. Results The elder male was suspected with a diagnosis of POMES syndrome, but absence of monoclonal plasma cell disease that made it difficult to diagnose. Systemic PET-CT found an active metabolic lesion in left iliac bone. Although the lymph node biopsy had been performed for a diagnosis of Castleman disease, a bone biopsy was also done for a definite diagnosis. Pathological result indicated a plasmacytoma which confirmed a diagnosis of POEMS syndrome without M protein in serum, urine and bone marrow. Literature review suggested that the application of immunofixation electrophoresis was helpful to improve the diagnostic rate of POEMS syndrome. For patients with a suspected diagnosis of POEMS syndrome, bone biopsy, flow cytometry and systemic PET-CT may assist in the search for monoclonal plasma cell. Periphery neuropathy, bone lesion and treatment response were helpful in distinguishing Castleman disease coexisting with POEMS syndrome from Castleman disease without POEMS syndrome. Conclusions When a mandatory major criterion of POEMS syndrome is not sufficient, it should be actively sought, especially for patient with a suspected diagnosis of POEMS syndrome. For patients with multiple lesions, multi-site biopsies are necessary to assist in diagnosis.

Clinical Features and Diagnosis of Kennedy's Disease / 中国康复理论与实践

@#ObjectiveTo explore the clinical features and diagnosis of one Kennedy's disease.MethodsOne patient was clinically diagnosed as Kennedy's disease on the basis of the clinical features including slowing progression of disease, symptoms, nervous system signs, electromyography and nerve conduction velocity results and family history. His CAG number from the repetitive CAG sequence in the first exon of androgen receptor gene was determined using PCR.ResultsThe progression of Kennedy's disease is usually much slower. The CPK and testosterone levels increased in patient. EMG revealed neurogenic injury. The numbers of CAG region of the first exon of androgen receptor gene were 51 in the patient.ConclusionDespite its relatively typical manifestations, the definite diagnosis of Kennedy's disease should be made by detecting the number of CAG from the repetitive CAG region in the first exon of androgen receptor gene.

A clinical analysis of methylmalonic addenda in adolescents / 中华内科杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics of methylmalonic academia in adolescence cases. Methods 4 cases were diagnosed methylmalonic academia by gas chromatography- masss pectrogram whose clinical, manifestations and treatment process were analyzed. Results The main clinical manifestations in 4 cases with methylmalonic academia were intellect impairment,epilepsy, pyramid signs; 2 of them suffered with hypopsia and optic atrophy, one of them suffered with papilledema. Symptoms were improved after treated with cobamamide and L-carnitine in all the 4 cases 1 months later. Conclusions The main clinical characteristics of methylmalonic academia in adolescence were intellect impairment, epilepsy and pyramid signs. The symptoms could be improved after treatment.

Lafora disease: a report of five cases diagnosed by skin biopsy / 中华神经科杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical manifestions, pathological features and diagnosing methods of Lafora disease. Methods The chnical and pathological features of 5 patients with Lafora disease who were diagnosed by axillary biopsies were systemically studied. The specimen were stained by HE, PAS and AB-PAS methods. Results Four of 5 cases had an onset during adolescence and 1 during adulthood. All cases presented with progressive generalized tonic-clonic seizure, myoclonus and dementia. Emotional disturbance, dysarthria and ataxia appeared in the early course of the disease. Lafora bodys were identified in myoepithelial cells and duct cells of both eccrine sweat glands and apecrine sweat glands in the biopsies of axillary skin. Conclusions Lafora disease could be confirmed by round and oval periodic acid-Schiff- positive inclusions in skin biopsy specimen combined with the proper clinical settings. Both axillary and other skins can be chosen as the sites of biopsy.

Clinical and electrophysiological study on charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A with gene duplication / 中国神经精神疾病杂志

Objective 　To study the clinical and electrophysiological features in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A with gene duplication.Methods　Clinical symptoms and signs were summarized in 22 patients from 21 unrelated families. Electromyography (EMG) as well as motor conduction velocities (MCV) and sensory conduction velocities (SCV) examinations were performed in all patients. Results　Evidence of CMT was initially detected within the second decade in 18 patients. Nearly half of patients were sporadic cases. The typical clinical manifestations of CMT1A were weakness and atrophy in the distal limbs, weakness or absence of the tendon reflexes, talipes equinovarus and postural tremor the upper limb. Additionally, some special symptoms and signs were also observed occasionally, including brisk tendon reflexes, extensor plantar responses, scoliosis, foot ulcers and nystagmus. EMG revealed that 77.3% of the patients had fibrillation and positive sharp potentials. 81.8% of them had prolonged motor unit potential limit. Median MCV showed there was no significant difference between CMT1A patients and CMT1 patients without duplication (t=1.63, P＞0.05). Values of SCV and MCV for the lower limbs were not obtained in 20 patients and more than 2/3 of the patients respectively. Conclusions　The clinical features of CMT1A included high frequent of sporadic cases, early onset in the second decade and various manifestations. The electrophysiological features were that the damages of nerves for the lower limbs were more severer than those in the upper limbs and the damages of the sensory nerves were more severer than those of the motor nerves. The phenotype was variable although the genotype was the same in CMT1A patients with PMP22 duplication.

A study on the role of vascular factors in pathogenesis of polymyositis / 中华神经科杂志

Objective To study the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), interleukin-1? (IL-1?) and ultrastructure changes in capillaries and to explore whether capillaries may play a role in the pathogenesis of polymyositis (PM). Methods Ten cases of patients with PM were collected. Control group 1 consists of 6 patients with other myopathies,Control group 2 consists of 2 muscle specimens without clinical and histological evidence of a neuromuscular disorder. An immunohistochemical technique was applied to indentify the expression of ICAM-1 and IL-1? in capillaries in the PM group, Control group 1 and Control group 2. The first analysis was a qualitative assessment. For the second analysis, the number of positive mononuclear cells and capillaries of the whole tissue section from each patient and control was estimated for all the immunologic markers investigated. 10 PM patients were also examined by electron microscopy in order to observe capillary changes in muscles. Results We found that the capillaries in tissues from PM (median (64?20)/mm~2 of tissue, ranging 44—106/mm~2) were significantly less than those from controls (median (157?46)/mm~2 of tissue, ranging 93—213/mm~2) (t=-4.523, P=0.003). A significantly higher number of capillaries expressed IL-1? in the PM group than in the Control group 1(median 15/mm~2 of tissue (ranging 6—46/mm~2) vs 3/mm~2 of tissue (ranging 0—16/mm~2)) (t=3.721, P=0.003). There was no significant difference between PM group and Control group 1 in the number of capillaries expressing ICAM-1 (t=0.529,P=0.617). However, ICAM-1 expressions in endothelial cells of capillaries were stronger in PM patients as IL-1?. Electronic microscopy found capillary changes in 6 PM patients, showing as thickening and duplication of basement membrane, swelling of endothelial cells, stenosis or occlusion of vessels.Conclusion Our findings indicate that capillary changes might take a role in the pathogenesis of PM.

Clinical and pathological features of lipid storage myopathy caused by primary carnitine deficiency / 临床神经病学杂志

Objective To analyze the clinical and pathological features of lipid storage myopathy (LSM) caused by primary carnitine deficiency (CD).Methods The clinical data of 4 cases of possible LSM caused by primary CD were analyzed retorspectively.Results The clinical features of the 4 patients were subacute or chronic onset, proximal muscle weakness and exercise intolerance. Elevated levels of creatases were measured in serum and myogenic damage was found by EMG examination. Frozen sections of muscle biopsy samples showed many fibers contained numerous vacuoles which was stained by oil red O. No ragged red fiber (RRF) was seen in MGT stain. Type I fibers were more severely affected. In electron microscopy, the prominent abnormality was the presence of excessive amounts of fatty droplets in muscle fibers and subsarcolemmal regions with mild increased mitochondria.Treatment with glucocorticoid and energy supplement had been clinically beneficial. Conclusions Fatigue and muscle weakness are prominent manifestations in LSM caused by primary CD. The main changes are accumulation of lipid droplets in muscle specimen without prominent abnormality in structure in mitochondria. Good clinic effect may be caused by therapy with glucocorticoid.

Clinical and pathological features of Miyoshi myopathy with dysferlin protein deficient / 临床神经病学杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical and pathological features of Miyoshi myopathy(MM) with dysferlin protein deficient. Methods The clinical and pathological data of the 3 patients with MM were analysed. Results 3 patients were onset at youngster.The clinical manifestation were myastheria and myoatrophy in distal of lower limbs.1 case combined myalgia and tumefaction in lower limbs at early stage of onset;1 case showed myathenia in proximal of lower limbs.The level of serum creatine phosphokinase (CK) was significantly ligher in the 3 cases (7543 IU/L, 5657 IU/L, 8721 IU/L respectively). The level of serum lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) was significantly higher in the 2 cases (456 IU/L ,636 IU/L respectively).The result of muscle pathology was showed myogenic damage in all the cases. The expression of dysferlin protain in membrane of muscle cells was completely deficient, although the expression of dystrophin was normal. Inflammatory cells infiltration was found in 1 case's muscle tissue. Conclusions The clinical characters of MM patient are onset at youngster,myasthenia and myoatrophy in lower limbs.The deficit of dysferlin protain can be found by pathology.