Brain Iron Accumulation (brain + iron_accumulation)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Indian-subcontinent NBIA: Unusual phenotypes, novel PANK2 mutations, and undetermined genetic forms ,

MOVEMENT DISORDERS, Issue 10 2010
Annu Aggarwal MD
Abstract Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) is etiologically, clinically, and by imaging a heterogeneous group including NBIA types 1 [pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN)] and 2 (PLA2G6 -associated neurodegeneration), neuroferritinopathy, and aceruloplasminaemia. Data on genetically defined Indian-subcontinent NBIA cases are limited. We report 6 patients from the Indian-subcontinent with a movement disorder and MRI basal ganglia iron deposition, compatible with diagnosis of an NBIA syndrome. All patients were screened for abnormalities in serum ceruloplasmin and ferritin levels and mutations in NBIA-associated genes [pantothenate kinase 2 (PANK2), PLA2G6 and ferritin light chain (exon 4)]. We present clinical, imaging and genetic data correlating phenotype,genotype relations. Four patients carried PANK2 mutations, two of these were novel. The clinical phenotype was mainly dystonic with generalized dystonia and marked orobulbar features in the 4 adolescent-onset cases. One of the four had a late-onset (age 37) unilateral jerky postural tremor. His mutation, c.1379C>T, appears associated with a milder phenotype. Interestingly, he developed the eye-of-the-tiger sign only 10 years after onset. Two of the six presented with adult-onset levodopa (L -dopa)-responsive asymmetric re-emergent rest tremor, developing L -dopa-induced dyskinesias, and good benefit to deep brain stimulation (in one), thus resembling Parkinson's disease (PD). Both had an eye-of-the-tiger sign on MRI but were negative for known NBIA-associated genes, suggesting the existence of further genetic or sporadic forms of NBIA syndromes. In conclusion, genetically determined NBIA cases from the Indian subcontinent suggest presence of unusual phenotypes of PANK2 and novel mutations. The phenotype of NBIA of unknown cause includes a PD-like presentation. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society [source]


ATP13A2 mutations (PARK9) cause neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation,

MOVEMENT DISORDERS, Issue 8 2010
Susanne A. Schneider MD
Abstract Kufor Rakeb disease (KRD, PARK9) is an autosomal recessive extrapyramidal-pyramidal syndrome with generalized brain atrophy due to ATP13A2 gene mutations. We report clinical details and investigational results focusing on radiological findings of a genetically-proven KRD case. Clinically, there was early onset levodopa-responsive dystonia-parkinsonism with pyramidal signs and eye movement abnormalities. Brain MRI revealed generalized atrophy and putaminal and caudate iron accumulation bilaterally. Our findings add KRD to the group of syndromes of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA). KRD should be considered in patients with dystonia-parkinsonism with iron on brain imaging and we suggest classifying as NBIA type 3. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society [source]


Iron metabolism in Parkinsonian syndromes

MOVEMENT DISORDERS, Issue 9 2006
Daniela Berg MD
Abstract Growing evidence suggests an involvement of iron in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. Several of the diseases are associated with parkinsonian syndromes, induced by degeneration of basal ganglia regions that contain the highest amount of iron within the brain. The group of neurodegenerative disorders associated with parkinsonian syndromes with increased brain iron content can be devided into two groups: (1) parkinsonian syndromes associated with brain iron accumulation, including Parkinson's disease, diffuse Lewy body disease, parkinsonian type of multiple system atrophy, progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal ganglionic degeneration, and Westphal variant of Huntington's disease; and (2) monogenetically caused disturbances of brain iron metabolism associated with parkinsonian syndromes, including aceruloplasminemia, hereditary ferritinopathies affecting the basal ganglia, and panthotenate kinase associated neurodegeneration type 2. Although it is still a matter of debate whether iron accumulation is a primary cause or secondary event in the first group, there is no doubt that iron-induced oxidative stress contributes to neurodegeneration. Parallels concerning pathophysiological as well as clinical aspects can be drawn between disorders of both groups. Results from animal models and reduction of iron overload combined with at least partial relief of symptoms by application of iron chelators in patients of the second group give hope that targeting the iron overload might be one possibility to slow down the neurodegenerative cascade also in the first group of inevitably progressive neurodegenerative disorders. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society [source]


Characterization of PLA2G6 as a locus for dystonia-parkinsonism

ANNALS OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 1 2009
Coro Paisan-Ruiz PhD
Background Although many recessive loci causing parkinsonism dystonia have been identified, these do not explain all cases of the disorder. Methods We used homozygosity mapping and mutational analysis in three individuals from two unrelated families who presented with adult-onset levodopa-responsive dystonia-parkinsonism, pyramidal signs and cognitive/psychiatric features, and cerebral and cerebellar atrophy on magnetic resonance imaging but absent iron in the basal ganglia. Results We identified areas of homozygosity on chromosome 22 and, subsequently, PLA2G6 mutations. Interpretation PLA2G6 mutations are associated with infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy and have been reported previously to cause early cerebellar signs, and the syndrome was classified as neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (type 2). Our cases have neither of these previously pathognomic features. Thus, mutations in PLA2G6 should additionally be considered in patients with adult-onset dystonia-parkinsonism even with absent iron on brain imaging. Ann Neurol 2008 [source]