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A diagnostic approach for neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: clinical features, genetics and brain imaging

Uma orientação diagnóstica para neurodegeneração com acúmulo cerebral de ferro: aspectos clínicos, genéticos e de neuroimagem

ABSTRACT

Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) represents a heterogeneous and complex group of inherited neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by excessive iron accumulation, particularly in the basal ganglia. Common clinical features of NBIA include movement disorders, particularly parkinsonism and dystonia, cognitive dysfunction, pyramidal signs, and retinal abnormalities. The forms of NBIA described to date include pantothenase kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN), phospholipase A2 associated neurodegeneration (PLAN), neuroferritinopathy, aceruloplasminemia, beta-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration (BPAN), Kufor-Rakeb syndrome, mitochondrial membrane protein-associated neurodegeneration (MPAN), fatty acid hydroxylase-associated neurodegeneration (FAHN), coenzyme A synthase protein-associated neurodegeneration (CoPAN) and Woodhouse-Sakati syndrome. This review is a diagnostic approach for NBIA cases, from clinical features and brain imaging findings to the genetic etiology.

neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation; NBIA; clinical features; brain imaging; genetics

RESUMO

A neurodegeneração com acúmulo cerebral de ferro (sigla em inglês NBIA) representa um grupo heterogêneo e complexo de doenças neurodegenerativas hereditárias, caracterizada pelo acúmulo cerebral de ferro, especialmente nos núcleos da base. O quadro clínico das NBIAs em geral inclui distúrbios do movimento, particularmente parkinsonismo e distonia, disfunção cognitiva, sinais piramidais e anormalidades da retina. As formas de NBIA descritas até o momento incluem neurodegeneração associada a pantothenase kinase (PKAN), neurodegeneração associada a phospholipase A2 (PLAN), neuroferritinopatia, aceruloplasminemia, neurodegeneração associada a beta-propeller protein (BPAN), síndrome de Kufor-Rakeb, neurodegeneração associada a mitochondrial membrane protein (MPAN), neurodegeneração associada a “fatty acid hydroxylase” (FAHN), neurodegeneração associada a coenzyme A synthase protein (CoPAN) e síndrome de Woodhouse-Sakati. Esta revisão é uma orientação para o diagnóstico das NBIAs, partindo das características clínicas e achados de neuroimagem, até a etiologia genética.

Neurodegeneração com acúmulo cerebral de ferro; NBIA; sinais clínicos; neuroimagem; genética

Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) represents a heterogeneous group of inherited neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by excess iron accumulation, particularly in the basal ganglia, and to a lesser degree in substantia nigra and adjacent areas11. Hogarth P. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: diagnosis and management. J Mov Disord. 2015;8(1):1-13. doi:10.14802/jmd.14034
https://doi.org/10.14802/jmd.14034...
. NBIA is considered to be a very rare disease group, with a prevalence of less than 1/1,000,000 in general population11. Hogarth P. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: diagnosis and management. J Mov Disord. 2015;8(1):1-13. doi:10.14802/jmd.14034
https://doi.org/10.14802/jmd.14034...
. Common clinical features of NBIA include movement disorders, particularly parkinsonism and dystonia, cognitive dysfunction, pyramidal signs, and retinal abnormalities11. Hogarth P. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: diagnosis and management. J Mov Disord. 2015;8(1):1-13. doi:10.14802/jmd.14034
https://doi.org/10.14802/jmd.14034...
,22. Kara E, Hardy J, Houlden H. The pallidopyramidal syndromes: nosology, aetiology and pathogenesis. Curr Opin Neurol. 2013;26(4):381-94. doi:10.1097/WCO.0b013e3283632e83
https://doi.org/10.1097/WCO.0b013e328363...
,33. Hayflick SJ, Westaway SK, Levinson B, Zhou B, Johnson MA, Ching KH et al. Genetic, clinical, and radiographic delineation of Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome. N Engl J Med. 2003;348(1):33-40. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa020817
https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa020817...
.

Hunt in 1917 described a case report of juvenile parkinsonism associated with progressive atrophy of globus pallidus44. Hunt J. A system disease of the paralysis agitans type, characterized by atrophy of the motor cells of the corpus striatuma contribution to the functions of the corpus striatum. Brain. 1917;40(1):58-148. doi:10.1093/brain/40.1.58 First published title: Progressive atrophy of the globus pallidus.
https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/40.1.58...
. In 1922, Hallervorden and Spatz reported a family with five affected sisters with neuropathological confirmation of lesions of globus pallidus and substantia nigra55. Hallervorden J, Spatz H. Eigenartige erkrankung im extrapyramidalen system mit besonderer beteiligung des globus pallidus und der substantia nigra: Ein beitrag zu den beziehungen zwischen diesen beiden zentren. Z Gesamte Neurol Psychiatr. 1922;79(1):254-302. doi:10.1007/BF02878455. Davidson described in 1954, a case series of five patients presenting with progressive parkinsonism, dystonia, and spasticity, associated with pyramidal and pallidal lesions, and created the term pallidopyramidal degeneration (PPD)66. Davison C. Pallido-pyramidal disease. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol. 1954;13(1):50-9. doi:10.1097/00005072-195401000-00007
https://doi.org/10.1097/00005072-1954010...
. However, this disease was worldwide known as Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome (HSS)33. Hayflick SJ, Westaway SK, Levinson B, Zhou B, Johnson MA, Ching KH et al. Genetic, clinical, and radiographic delineation of Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome. N Engl J Med. 2003;348(1):33-40. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa020817
https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa020817...
. Julius Hallervorden and Hugo Spatz were German physicians, who performed several neuropathological studies on brain specimens of mental retardation persons, executed during the Third Reich euthanasia program (Aktion–T-4)11. Hogarth P. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: diagnosis and management. J Mov Disord. 2015;8(1):1-13. doi:10.14802/jmd.14034
https://doi.org/10.14802/jmd.14034...
,22. Kara E, Hardy J, Houlden H. The pallidopyramidal syndromes: nosology, aetiology and pathogenesis. Curr Opin Neurol. 2013;26(4):381-94. doi:10.1097/WCO.0b013e3283632e83
https://doi.org/10.1097/WCO.0b013e328363...
,33. Hayflick SJ, Westaway SK, Levinson B, Zhou B, Johnson MA, Ching KH et al. Genetic, clinical, and radiographic delineation of Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome. N Engl J Med. 2003;348(1):33-40. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa020817
https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa020817...
. After confirmation of Hallervorden and Spatz’s involvement in the euthanasia program of the Nazi regime in Germany, and the recent neuroimaging and genetic discoveries, this syndrome was renamed NBIA11. Hogarth P. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: diagnosis and management. J Mov Disord. 2015;8(1):1-13. doi:10.14802/jmd.14034
https://doi.org/10.14802/jmd.14034...
,22. Kara E, Hardy J, Houlden H. The pallidopyramidal syndromes: nosology, aetiology and pathogenesis. Curr Opin Neurol. 2013;26(4):381-94. doi:10.1097/WCO.0b013e3283632e83
https://doi.org/10.1097/WCO.0b013e328363...
. In 2010, Horstink et al. suggested that PPD was a misnomer and conclude that the existence of PPD as a distinct nosological entity is doubtful77. Horstink MW, Dekker MC, Montagna P, Bonifati V, van De Warrenburg BP et al. Pallidopyramidal disease: a misnomer? Mov Disord. 2010;25(9):1109-15. doi:10.1002/mds.23118
https://doi.org/10.1002/mds.23118...
. In 2013, Kara et al. argued that the use of the term NBIA is not ideal and suggested the term pallidopyramidal syndromes (PPS), however NBIA is the most known worldwide term22. Kara E, Hardy J, Houlden H. The pallidopyramidal syndromes: nosology, aetiology and pathogenesis. Curr Opin Neurol. 2013;26(4):381-94. doi:10.1097/WCO.0b013e3283632e83
https://doi.org/10.1097/WCO.0b013e328363...
. To date ten forms of NBIA has been described, eight with autosomal recessive inheritance, one autosomal dominant form, and one with X-linked dominant inheritance11. Hogarth P. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: diagnosis and management. J Mov Disord. 2015;8(1):1-13. doi:10.14802/jmd.14034
https://doi.org/10.14802/jmd.14034...
,22. Kara E, Hardy J, Houlden H. The pallidopyramidal syndromes: nosology, aetiology and pathogenesis. Curr Opin Neurol. 2013;26(4):381-94. doi:10.1097/WCO.0b013e3283632e83
https://doi.org/10.1097/WCO.0b013e328363...
. The most common forms are pantothenase kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) (30-50% of NBIA cases), due to mutations in the PANK2 gene, followed by phospholipase A2 associated neurodegeneration (PLAN) due to PLA2G6 gene mutations, mitochondrial membrane protein-associated neurodegeneration (MPAN) due to c19orf12 mutations, and beta-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration (BPAN) causing SENDA syndrome (static encephalopathy of childhood with neurodegeneration in adulthood) (gene WDR45, chromosome Xp11.23). Probably most of the case published in the literature as HSS were PKAN11. Hogarth P. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: diagnosis and management. J Mov Disord. 2015;8(1):1-13. doi:10.14802/jmd.14034
https://doi.org/10.14802/jmd.14034...
. Other less common forms are fatty acid hydroxylase-associated neurodegeneration (FAHN), coenzyme A synthase protein-associated neurodegeneration (CoPAN), Kufor-Rakeb syndrome (PARK9), Woodhouse-Sakati syndrome, neuroferritinopathy and aceruloplasminemia11. Hogarth P. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: diagnosis and management. J Mov Disord. 2015;8(1):1-13. doi:10.14802/jmd.14034
https://doi.org/10.14802/jmd.14034...
,22. Kara E, Hardy J, Houlden H. The pallidopyramidal syndromes: nosology, aetiology and pathogenesis. Curr Opin Neurol. 2013;26(4):381-94. doi:10.1097/WCO.0b013e3283632e83
https://doi.org/10.1097/WCO.0b013e328363...
. The forms of NBIA described to date and the respective gene mutations are listed in Table 1.

Table 1
Forms of NBIA described to date and the respective gene mutations.

Pantothenase kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN)

PKAN is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by mutations in the gene encoding a mitochondrial pantothenate kinase (PANK2) at locus 20p13-p12.388. Kruer M. The neuropathology of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation. Int Rev Neurobiol. 2013;110:165-94. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-410502-7.00009-0
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-410502...
. It is the most common disorder of the NBIA group99. Kurian MA, McNeill A, Lin JP, Maher ER. Childhood disorders of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA). Dev Med Child Neurol. 2011;53(5):394-404. doi:10.1111/j.1469-8749.2011.03955.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8749.2011...
,1010. Levi S, Finazzi D. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: update on pathogenic mechanisms. Front Pharmacol. 2014;5:99. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2014.00099
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2014.00099...
,1111. Levi S, Rovida E. Neuroferritinopathy: from ferritin structure modification to pathogenetic mechanism. Neurobiol Dis. 2015; 81:134-43. doi:10.1016/j.nbd.2015.02.007
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nbd.2015.02.00...
. The classic clinical presentation of PKAN is characterized by early-onset (mean age is 14 years - range from 1 to 28y) and rapidly progressive course. The affected child presents gait impairment and movement disorders (particularly dystonia and parkinsonism). Spasticity and brisk tendon reflexes are common. Cognition is frequently impaired11. Hogarth P. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: diagnosis and management. J Mov Disord. 2015;8(1):1-13. doi:10.14802/jmd.14034
https://doi.org/10.14802/jmd.14034...
,1212. Lee CH, Lu CS, Chuang WL, Yeh TH, Jung SM, Huang CL et al. Phenotypes and genotypes of patients with pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration in Asian and Caucasian populations: 2 cases and literature review. ScientificWorldJournal. 2013;2013:860539. doi:10.1155/2013/860539
https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/860539...
,1313. Tonekaboni SH, Mollamohammadi M. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: an overview. Iran J Child Neurol. 2014;8(4):1-8.,1414. Meyer E, Kurian MA, Hayflick SJ. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: enetic diversity and pathophysiological mechanisms. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet. 2015;16(1):257-79. doi:10.1146/annurev-genom-090314-025011
https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-genom-09...
. Retinitis pigmentosa may occur, associated or not with acanthocytes in blood cells1515. Amaral L, Gaddikeri S, Chapman PR, Roy R, Gaddikeri RS, Marussi Vh et al. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: clinicoradiological approach to diagnosis. J Neuroimaging. 2015;25(4):539-51. doi:10.1111/jon.12195
https://doi.org/10.1111/jon.12195...
,1616. Pedroso JL, Proveti P, Teixeira LF, Sallum JM, Barsottini OG. Retinitis pigmentosa in pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration. Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2014;72(10):816-7. doi:10.1590/0004-282X20140122
https://doi.org/10.1590/0004-282X2014012...
. The majority of individuals (85%) become wheelchairbound within 15 years after the beginning of symptoms1313. Tonekaboni SH, Mollamohammadi M. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: an overview. Iran J Child Neurol. 2014;8(4):1-8.,1414. Meyer E, Kurian MA, Hayflick SJ. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: enetic diversity and pathophysiological mechanisms. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet. 2015;16(1):257-79. doi:10.1146/annurev-genom-090314-025011
https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-genom-09...
. Speech and swallowing are affected with disease progression. Death is usually secondary to respiratory infections, cardiorespiratory complications, malnutrition state and, rarely, status dystonicus. Atypical phenotypes with slowly progressive course have a late onset. Neuropsychiatric symptoms are common and may be early signs. They include mood lability, impulsivity, non-specific behavioral changes, and obsessive-compulsive features 11. Hogarth P. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: diagnosis and management. J Mov Disord. 2015;8(1):1-13. doi:10.14802/jmd.14034
https://doi.org/10.14802/jmd.14034...
,1414. Meyer E, Kurian MA, Hayflick SJ. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: enetic diversity and pathophysiological mechanisms. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet. 2015;16(1):257-79. doi:10.1146/annurev-genom-090314-025011
https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-genom-09...
.

Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays an important role in the investigation of PKAN since it shows the ‘eye-of- the-tiger’ sign, defined as a medial area of hyperintense signal within hypointense signal in globus pallidus bilaterally and best demonstrated on T2WI and SWI (Figure 1). Hypointense signal may also be observed in the substantia nigra1515. Amaral L, Gaddikeri S, Chapman PR, Roy R, Gaddikeri RS, Marussi Vh et al. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: clinicoradiological approach to diagnosis. J Neuroimaging. 2015;25(4):539-51. doi:10.1111/jon.12195
https://doi.org/10.1111/jon.12195...
.

Figure 1
Brain MRI of a patient with pantothenase kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN). Axial FLAIR- (A) and GRE T2-weighted (B) MRI discloses ‘eye-of- the-tiger’ sign, defined as a medial area of hyperintense signal within an hypointense signal in globus pallidus bilaterally.

There is no current specific therapy to stop disease progression. Treatment is supportive and intend to relief associated symptoms11. Hogarth P. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: diagnosis and management. J Mov Disord. 2015;8(1):1-13. doi:10.14802/jmd.14034
https://doi.org/10.14802/jmd.14034...
,1313. Tonekaboni SH, Mollamohammadi M. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: an overview. Iran J Child Neurol. 2014;8(4):1-8.,1414. Meyer E, Kurian MA, Hayflick SJ. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: enetic diversity and pathophysiological mechanisms. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet. 2015;16(1):257-79. doi:10.1146/annurev-genom-090314-025011
https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-genom-09...
. Dystonia and spasticity are usually managed with anticholinergic drugs, benzodiazepines, botulinum toxin, oral baclofen and intrathecal baclofen in severe cases. The role of the brain iron accumulation in the pathophysiology of the disease remains under discussion, and iron chelation therapy has been investigated as a disease modifying approach11. Hogarth P. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: diagnosis and management. J Mov Disord. 2015;8(1):1-13. doi:10.14802/jmd.14034
https://doi.org/10.14802/jmd.14034...
,1414. Meyer E, Kurian MA, Hayflick SJ. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: enetic diversity and pathophysiological mechanisms. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet. 2015;16(1):257-79. doi:10.1146/annurev-genom-090314-025011
https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-genom-09...
,1717. Cossu G, Abbruzzese G, Matta G, Murgia D, Melis M, Ricchi V et al. Efficacy and safety of deferiprone for the treatment of pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) and neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA): results from a four years follow-up. Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2014;20(6):651-4. doi:10.1016/j.parkreldis.2014.03.002
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.parkreldis.201...
.

Phospholipase A2 associated neurodegeneration (PLAN)

PLAN is an autosomal recessive form of NBIA. The disease is caused by failure in the ubiquitously expressed PLA2G6 gene, which maps to chromosome 22q13.11010. Levi S, Finazzi D. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: update on pathogenic mechanisms. Front Pharmacol. 2014;5:99. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2014.00099
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2014.00099...
,1818. Khateeb S, Flusser H, Ofir R, Shelef I, Narkis G, Vardi G et al. PLA2G6 mutation underlies infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy. Am J Hum Genet. 2006;79(5):942-8. doi:10.1086/508572
https://doi.org/10.1086/508572...
. This gene encodes phospholipase A2 group VI, which may disrupt membrane homeostasis, involved in free fatty acids and lysophospholipids synthesis, resulting in neurodegeneration, atrophy, brain iron accumulation, gliosis and degeneration of the optic pathways99. Kurian MA, McNeill A, Lin JP, Maher ER. Childhood disorders of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA). Dev Med Child Neurol. 2011;53(5):394-404. doi:10.1111/j.1469-8749.2011.03955.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8749.2011...
,1919. Schneider SA, Dusek P, Hardy J, Westenberger A, Jankovic J, Bhatia KP. Genetics and pathophysiology of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA). Curr Neuropharmacol. 2013;11(1):59-79. doi:10.2174/157015913804999469
https://doi.org/10.2174/1570159138049994...
. The majority of PLAN cases have early-onset of symptoms, with beginning in childhood. PLA2G6-associated diseases have variable syndromes and may include: classic infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy (INAD), atypical neuroaxonal dystrophy (aNAD) of childhood-onset and PLA2G6-related dystonia-parkinsonism with late onset in adulthood (PARK14)11. Hogarth P. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: diagnosis and management. J Mov Disord. 2015;8(1):1-13. doi:10.14802/jmd.14034
https://doi.org/10.14802/jmd.14034...
,99. Kurian MA, McNeill A, Lin JP, Maher ER. Childhood disorders of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA). Dev Med Child Neurol. 2011;53(5):394-404. doi:10.1111/j.1469-8749.2011.03955.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8749.2011...
,1313. Tonekaboni SH, Mollamohammadi M. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: an overview. Iran J Child Neurol. 2014;8(4):1-8..

INAD is characterized by early-onset mental developmental delay, ataxia with cerebellar atrophy, neuropathy and optic atrophy. Patients usually have hypotonia, kyphoscoliosis and limb contractures. The symptoms usually occurs before 2 years old and the progression of the disease is rapid leading to death in the first decade99. Kurian MA, McNeill A, Lin JP, Maher ER. Childhood disorders of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA). Dev Med Child Neurol. 2011;53(5):394-404. doi:10.1111/j.1469-8749.2011.03955.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8749.2011...
,2020. Gregory A, Polster BJ, Hayflick SJ. Clinical and genetic delineation of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation. J Med Genet. 2009;46(2):73-80. doi:10.1136/jmg.2008.061929
https://doi.org/10.1136/jmg.2008.061929...
. An estimated 50% of patients have abnormal iron accumulation in brain MRI, evolving globus pallidus, dentate nuclei and substantia nigra (Figure 2)1010. Levi S, Finazzi D. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: update on pathogenic mechanisms. Front Pharmacol. 2014;5:99. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2014.00099
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2014.00099...
. Optic pathway atrophy is a relevant clue for the disease99. Kurian MA, McNeill A, Lin JP, Maher ER. Childhood disorders of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA). Dev Med Child Neurol. 2011;53(5):394-404. doi:10.1111/j.1469-8749.2011.03955.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8749.2011...
.

Figure 2
Patient with phospholipase A2 associated neurodegeneration (PLAN) due to PLA2G6 mutations. Brain MRI shows marked hypointense signal with iron accumulation in globus pallidus.

aNAD was previously described as Karak syndrome. This disease is less aggressive than classic INAD. The typical clinical presentation of aNAD include early-onset (older than INAD) ataxia and dysarthria, hypotonia, areflexia, dystonia and cognitive impairment11. Hogarth P. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: diagnosis and management. J Mov Disord. 2015;8(1):1-13. doi:10.14802/jmd.14034
https://doi.org/10.14802/jmd.14034...
,2020. Gregory A, Polster BJ, Hayflick SJ. Clinical and genetic delineation of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation. J Med Genet. 2009;46(2):73-80. doi:10.1136/jmg.2008.061929
https://doi.org/10.1136/jmg.2008.061929...
. Children with aNAD may develop optic atrophy1919. Schneider SA, Dusek P, Hardy J, Westenberger A, Jankovic J, Bhatia KP. Genetics and pathophysiology of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA). Curr Neuropharmacol. 2013;11(1):59-79. doi:10.2174/157015913804999469
https://doi.org/10.2174/1570159138049994...
. Brain MRI usually have similar features observed in INAD: abnormal iron accumulation in globus pallidus, dentate nuclei and substantia nigra, and cerebellar atrophy2020. Gregory A, Polster BJ, Hayflick SJ. Clinical and genetic delineation of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation. J Med Genet. 2009;46(2):73-80. doi:10.1136/jmg.2008.061929
https://doi.org/10.1136/jmg.2008.061929...
.

Adult-onset PLAN with dystonia and parkinsonism, described as PARK14, has onset in young adulthood. Clinical features include parkinsonism-dystonia syndrome with variable response to dopaminergic medications and neuropsychiatric symptoms99. Kurian MA, McNeill A, Lin JP, Maher ER. Childhood disorders of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA). Dev Med Child Neurol. 2011;53(5):394-404. doi:10.1111/j.1469-8749.2011.03955.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8749.2011...
. Brain MRI may be normal or may disclose iron accumulation in globus pallidus, substantia nigra and striatum2121. Kruer MC, Boddaert N, Schneider SA, Houlden H, Bhatia KP, Gregory A et al. Neuroimaging features of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2012;33(3):407-14. doi:10.3174/ajnr.A2677
https://doi.org/10.3174/ajnr.A2677...
.

There is no specific treatment for PLAN. Symptomatic treatment for spasticity, dystonia and parkinsonism should be tried11. Hogarth P. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: diagnosis and management. J Mov Disord. 2015;8(1):1-13. doi:10.14802/jmd.14034
https://doi.org/10.14802/jmd.14034...
. A levodopa course for parkinsonism may improve symptoms1313. Tonekaboni SH, Mollamohammadi M. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: an overview. Iran J Child Neurol. 2014;8(4):1-8..

Neuroferritinopathy

Neuroferritinopathy is a rare autosomal dominant NBIA of adult-onset related to a mutation in the ferritin light chain gene FTL1, on chromosome 19q13.31919. Schneider SA, Dusek P, Hardy J, Westenberger A, Jankovic J, Bhatia KP. Genetics and pathophysiology of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA). Curr Neuropharmacol. 2013;11(1):59-79. doi:10.2174/157015913804999469
https://doi.org/10.2174/1570159138049994...
. The onset of symptoms is predominantly described in young adulthood or middle age11. Hogarth P. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: diagnosis and management. J Mov Disord. 2015;8(1):1-13. doi:10.14802/jmd.14034
https://doi.org/10.14802/jmd.14034...
. The clinical manifestation includes psychiatric symptoms (psychosis, anxiety and depression), frontal lobe dysfunction, dystonia, choreoathetosis, rigidity and spasticity. Other abnormalities described in patients with neuroferritinopathy include lingual dyskinesia, blepharospasm, cerebellar symptoms, parkinsonism and palatal tremor1010. Levi S, Finazzi D. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: update on pathogenic mechanisms. Front Pharmacol. 2014;5:99. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2014.00099
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2014.00099...
,2222. Levi S, Rovida E. Neuroferritinopathy: from ferritin structure modification to pathogenetic mechanism. Neurobiol Dis. 2015;81:134-43. doi:10.1016/j.nbd.2015.02.007
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nbd.2015.02.00...
. Blood tests show low levels of serum ferritin, typically ≤20 μg/dl, which may reinforce the diagnosis2222. Levi S, Rovida E. Neuroferritinopathy: from ferritin structure modification to pathogenetic mechanism. Neurobiol Dis. 2015;81:134-43. doi:10.1016/j.nbd.2015.02.007
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nbd.2015.02.00...
. Brain MRI findings include iron accumulation in globus pallidus, caudate, substantia nigra, red nuclei and putamen. In late stages of the disease cystic necrosis in basal ganglia and globus pallidus may occur2222. Levi S, Rovida E. Neuroferritinopathy: from ferritin structure modification to pathogenetic mechanism. Neurobiol Dis. 2015;81:134-43. doi:10.1016/j.nbd.2015.02.007
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nbd.2015.02.00...

23. Hautot D, Pankhurst QA, Morris CM, Curtis A, Burn J, Dobson J. Preliminary observation of elevated levels of nanocrystalline iron oxide in the basal ganglia of neuroferritinopathy patients. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2007;1772(1):21-5. doi:10.1016/j.bbadis.2006.09.011
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbadis.2006.09...
-2424. Keogh MJ, Morris CM, Chinnery PF. Neuroferritinopathy. Int Rev Neurobiol. 2013;110:91-123. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-410502-7.00006-5
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-410502...
. Pathological studies have demonstrated ubiquitin and tau positive neuroaxonal spheroids and neurofilaments, and ferritin-positive inclusions in putamen and cerebellum2323. Hautot D, Pankhurst QA, Morris CM, Curtis A, Burn J, Dobson J. Preliminary observation of elevated levels of nanocrystalline iron oxide in the basal ganglia of neuroferritinopathy patients. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2007;1772(1):21-5. doi:10.1016/j.bbadis.2006.09.011
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbadis.2006.09...
. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive, and dystonia may benefit with botulinum toxin. No curative treatments are available2222. Levi S, Rovida E. Neuroferritinopathy: from ferritin structure modification to pathogenetic mechanism. Neurobiol Dis. 2015;81:134-43. doi:10.1016/j.nbd.2015.02.007
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nbd.2015.02.00...
,2424. Keogh MJ, Morris CM, Chinnery PF. Neuroferritinopathy. Int Rev Neurobiol. 2013;110:91-123. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-410502-7.00006-5
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-410502...
.

Aceruloplasminemia

Aceruloplasminemia is an autosomal recessive diseased caused by mutation in the ceruloplasmin gene. Ceruloplasmin is a copper-bound ferroxidase essential to normal iron metabolism, including cell iron efflux and oxidation of ferrous iron to ferric iron2525. Miyajima H. Aceruloplasminemia. Neuropathology. 2015;35(1):83-90. doi:10.1111/neup.12149
https://doi.org/10.1111/neup.12149...
. When ceruloplasmin activity is severely decreased, iron overload occurs and tissue iron deposition and degeneration follows. Iron accumulates primarily in the brain, retina and pancreas, giving rise to the classical presentation of the disease, a triad consisting of neurological symptoms, retinal degeneration and diabetes mellitus. The prevalence of aceruloplasminemia is higher in Japan2626. Miyajima H, Kohno S, Takahashi Y, Yonekawa O, Kanno T. Estimation of the gene frequency of aceruloplasminemia in Japan. Neurology. 1999;53(3):617-9. doi:10.1212/WNL.53.3.617
https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.53.3.617...
.

Symptoms onset in aceruloplasminemia usually occur in the fourth decade. Typically, the first manifestation of the disease is diabetes mellitus accompanied by microcytic anemia with low serum iron, elevated ferritin and hepatic iron deposition without fibrosis or cirrhosis2727. Bosio S, De Gobbi M, Roetto A, Zecchina G, Leonardo E, Rizzetto M et al. Anemia and iron overload due to compound heterozygosity for novel ceruloplasmin mutations. Blood. 2002;100(6):2246-8. doi:10.1182/blood-2002-02-0584
https://doi.org/10.1182/blood-2002-02-05...
. Retinal macular degeneration is usually asymptomatic2828. Tai M, Matsuhashi N, Ichii O, Suzuki T, Ejiri Y, Kono S et al. Case of presymptomatic aceruloplasminemia treated with deferasirox. Hepatol Res. 2014;44(12):1253-8. doi:10.1111/hepr.12292
https://doi.org/10.1111/hepr.12292...
,2929. Vroegindeweij LH, Beek EH, Boon AJ, Hoogendoorn M, Kievit JA, Wilson JH et al. Aceruloplasminemia presents as Type 1 diabetes in non-obese adults: a detailed case series. Diabet Med. 2015;32(8):993-1000. doi:10.1111/dme.12712
https://doi.org/10.1111/dme.12712...
. Neurological symptoms develop later in the disease, around the sixth decade of life. Movement disorders are the most common neurological features in aceruloplasminemia and include ataxia, cranio-facial dyskinesias (torticollis, blepharospasm, facial grimacing and tongue dystonia), parkinsonism and dysarthria3030. McNeill A, Birchall D, Hayflick SJ, Gregory A, Schenk JF, Zimmerman EA et al. T2* and FSE MRI distinguishes four subtypes of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation. Neurology. 2008;70(18):1614-9. doi:10.1212/01.wnl.0000310985.40011.d6
https://doi.org/10.1212/01.wnl.000031098...
,3131. Miyajima H, Kono S, Takahashi Y, Sugimoto M. Increased lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial dysfunction in aceruloplasminemia brains. Blood Cells Mol Dis. 2002;29(3):433-8. doi:10.1006/bcmd.2002.0561
https://doi.org/10.1006/bcmd.2002.0561...
. Dementia and other neuropsychiatric symptoms are frequent in aceruloplasminemia3030. McNeill A, Birchall D, Hayflick SJ, Gregory A, Schenk JF, Zimmerman EA et al. T2* and FSE MRI distinguishes four subtypes of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation. Neurology. 2008;70(18):1614-9. doi:10.1212/01.wnl.0000310985.40011.d6
https://doi.org/10.1212/01.wnl.000031098...
,3232. Miyajima H, Kono S, Takahashi Y, Sugimoto M, Sakamoto M, Sakai N. Cerebellar ataxia associated with heteroallelic ceruloplasmin gene mutation. Neurology. 2001;57(12):2205-10. doi:10.1212/WNL.57.12.2205
https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.57.12.2205...
.

Diagnosis of aceruloplasminemia is based on the absence or very low serum ceruloplasmin. Brain MRI usually discloses severe iron accumulation in caudate, pallidus, putamen, dentate nuclei, red nuclei, substantial nigra, thalamus, inferior and superior colliculi and cortex (Figure 3). This widespread pattern of involvement helps distinguish aceruloplasminemia from other NBIA, in which iron deposition is either more limited (e.g. confined to the pallidus) or associated with other features (e.g. cavitation, cerebellar atrophy or thin corpus callosum)3030. McNeill A, Birchall D, Hayflick SJ, Gregory A, Schenk JF, Zimmerman EA et al. T2* and FSE MRI distinguishes four subtypes of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation. Neurology. 2008;70(18):1614-9. doi:10.1212/01.wnl.0000310985.40011.d6
https://doi.org/10.1212/01.wnl.000031098...
,3333. Kruer MC, Boddaert N. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: a diagnostic algorithm. Semin Pediatr Neurol. 2012;19(2):67-74. doi:10.1016/j.spen.2012.04.001
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spen.2012.04.0...
. White matter T2 hyperintensities can also occur3434. Grisoli M, Piperno A, Chiapparini L, Mariani R, Savoiardo M. MR imaging of cerebral cortical involvement in aceruloplasminemia. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2005;26(3):657-61.. Heterozygous cases can present with an incomplete clinical picture, generating further diagnostic difficulties3232. Miyajima H, Kono S, Takahashi Y, Sugimoto M, Sakamoto M, Sakai N. Cerebellar ataxia associated with heteroallelic ceruloplasmin gene mutation. Neurology. 2001;57(12):2205-10. doi:10.1212/WNL.57.12.2205
https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.57.12.2205...
,3535. Kuhn J, Bewermeyer H, Miyajima H, Takahashi Y, Kuhn KF, Hoogenraad TU. Treatment of symptomatic heterozygous aceruloplasminemia with oral zinc sulphate. Brain Dev. 2007;29(7):450-3. doi:10.1016/j.braindev.2007.01.001
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.braindev.2007....
,3636. Rusticeanu M, Zimmer V, Schleithoff L, Wonney K, Viera J, Zimmer A et al. Novel ceruloplasmin mutation causing aceruloplasminemia with hepatic iron overload and diabetes without neurological symptoms. Clin Genet. 2014;85(3):300-1. doi:10.1111/cge.12145
https://doi.org/10.1111/cge.12145...
. Genetic testing confirms the diagnosis.

Figure 3
Brain MRI of a patient with aceruloplasminemia MRI discloses global and severe iron accumulation in caudate, pallidus, thalamus, putamen (A), red nuclei, substantial nigra (B) and dentate nuclei (C).

A number of iron chelating agents have been tried with mixed results and data on efficacy is scarce3737. Pan PL, Tang HH, Chen Q, Song W, Shang HF. Desferrioxamine treatment of aceruloplasminemia: long-term follow-up. Mov Disord. 2011;26(11):2142-4. doi:10.1002/mds.23797
https://doi.org/10.1002/mds.23797...
. Deferasirox reduces hepatic but not brain iron overload. Sporadic reports have demonstrated that deferasirox and deferiprone may delay neurological symptoms3636. Rusticeanu M, Zimmer V, Schleithoff L, Wonney K, Viera J, Zimmer A et al. Novel ceruloplasmin mutation causing aceruloplasminemia with hepatic iron overload and diabetes without neurological symptoms. Clin Genet. 2014;85(3):300-1. doi:10.1111/cge.12145
https://doi.org/10.1111/cge.12145...
,3838. Finkenstedt A, Wolf E, Höfner E, Gasser BI, Bösch S, Bakry R et al. Hepatic but not brain iron is rapidly chelated by deferasirox in aceruloplasminemia due to a novel gene mutation. J Hepatol. 2010;53(6):1101-7. doi:10.1016/j.jhep.2010.04.039
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhep.2010.04.0...
,3939. Bove F, Fasano A. Iron chelation therapy to prevent the manifestations of aceruloplasminemia. Neurology. 2015;85(12):1085-6. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000001956
https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.000000000000...
.

Beta-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration (BPAN)

BPAN is a X-linked dominant form of NBIA caused by mutations in WDR45 gene, a β-propeller scaffolding protein, associated with disruption of autophagosome maturation, accumulation of aberrant autophagic structures and damaged cellular components4040. Hayflick SJ, Kruer MC, Gregory A, Haack TB, Kurian MA, Houlden HH et al. β-Propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration: a new X-linked dominant disorder with brain iron accumulation. Brain. 2013;136(6):1708-17. doi:10.1093/brain/awt095
https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awt095...
,4141. Long M, Abdeen N, Geraghty MT, Hogarth P, Hayflick S, Venkateswaran S. Novel WDR45 mutation and pathognomonic BPAN imaging in a young female with mild cognitive delay. Pediatrics. 2015;136(3):714-7. doi:10.1542/peds.2015-0750
https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2015-0750...
.

Clinically, BPAN is characterized by two phases of disease: an early neurological disorder with rapid progression and a static encephalopathy of childhood. The early onset phenotype includes neurological symptoms similar to Rett-like syndrome: epilepsy, sleep disorders and global developmental delay, followed by a rapid progressive onset of parkinsonism, dystonia, and dementia1414. Meyer E, Kurian MA, Hayflick SJ. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: enetic diversity and pathophysiological mechanisms. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet. 2015;16(1):257-79. doi:10.1146/annurev-genom-090314-025011
https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-genom-09...
,4242. Ichinose Y, Miwa M, Onohara A, Obi K, Shindo K, Saitsu H et al. Characteristic MRI findings in beta-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration (BPAN). Neurol Clin Pract. 2014;4(2):175-7. doi:10.1212/01.CPJ.0000437694.17888.9b
https://doi.org/10.1212/01.CPJ.000043769...
. The second form is a static encephalopathy of childhood with neurodegeneration in adulthood (SENDA syndrome), which typically presents with hyperintense signal of the substantia nigra with a central band of hypointense signal in brain MRI (Figure 4)4343. Paudel R, Li A, Wiethoff S, Bandopadhyay R, Bhatia K, Silva R et al. Neuropathology of Beta-propeller protein associated neurodegeneration (BPAN): a new tauopathy. Acta Neuropathol Commun. 2015;3(1):39. doi:10.1186/s40478-015-0221-3
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40478-015-0221-...
. Neuropathological studies have disclosed large axonal spheroids, siderophages, reactive astrocytes, severe neuronal loss and abundant tau-positive neurofibrillary tangles, suggesting the occurrence of a tauopathy4040. Hayflick SJ, Kruer MC, Gregory A, Haack TB, Kurian MA, Houlden HH et al. β-Propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration: a new X-linked dominant disorder with brain iron accumulation. Brain. 2013;136(6):1708-17. doi:10.1093/brain/awt095
https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awt095...
,4343. Paudel R, Li A, Wiethoff S, Bandopadhyay R, Bhatia K, Silva R et al. Neuropathology of Beta-propeller protein associated neurodegeneration (BPAN): a new tauopathy. Acta Neuropathol Commun. 2015;3(1):39. doi:10.1186/s40478-015-0221-3
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40478-015-0221-...
.

Figure 4
Brain MRI of a patient with beta-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration (BPAN) or SENDA. There is a marked bilateral hypointense signal in substantia nigra observed in axial and coronal FLAIR (A and B), axial T2 (C) and axial SWI (D) sequences.

Kufor-Rakeb syndrome - PARK 9

The mutation of the gene ATP13A2 (PARK9) results in a rare autosomal recessive form of juvenile parkinsonism, previously known as Kufor-Rakeb syndrome4444. Ramirez A, Heimbach A, Gründemann J, Stiller B, Hampshire D, Cid LP et al. Hereditary parkinsonism with dementia is caused by mutations in ATP13A2, encoding a lysosomal type 5 P-type ATPase. Nat Genet. 2006;38(10):1184-91. doi:10.1038/ng1884
https://doi.org/10.1038/ng1884...
. The first cases described presented early parkinsonism, pyramidal signs, upgaze palsy and mental retardation4545. Di Fonzo A, Chien HF, Socal M, Giraudo S, Tassorelli C, Iliceto G et al. ATP13A2 missense mutations in juvenile parkinsonism and young onset Parkinson disease. Neurology. 2007;68(19):1557-62. doi:10.1212/01.wnl.0000260963.08711.08
https://doi.org/10.1212/01.wnl.000026096...
. However, it is recognized that the wide-ranging abnormalities in the gene leads to loss of function mutations, which impact the pathophysiological function of ATP13A2 protein resulting in considerable clinical heterogeneity4646. Lees AJ, Singleton AB. Clinical heterogeneity of ATP13A2 linked disease (Kufor-Rakeb) justifies a PARK designation. Neurology. 2007;68(19):1553-4. doi:10.1212/01.wnl.0000265228.66664.f4
https://doi.org/10.1212/01.wnl.000026522...
. Moreover, the mutations in heterozygous state have been found in parkinsonian patients suggesting that heterozygous carriers may increase risk for development of the disease4545. Di Fonzo A, Chien HF, Socal M, Giraudo S, Tassorelli C, Iliceto G et al. ATP13A2 missense mutations in juvenile parkinsonism and young onset Parkinson disease. Neurology. 2007;68(19):1557-62. doi:10.1212/01.wnl.0000260963.08711.08
https://doi.org/10.1212/01.wnl.000026096...
.

The onset of Kufor-Rakeb syndrome is mostly before the age of 20, with variable disease progression. The clinical manifestations comprise levodopa-responsive parkinsonism, dystonia, pyramidal signs, facial-finger mini-myoclonus, supranuclear gaze palsy and cognitive impairment4747. Park JS, Blair NF, Sue CM. The role of ATP13A2 in Parkinson’s disease: clinical phenotypes and molecular mechanisms. Mov Disord. 2015;30(6):770-9. doi:10.1002/mds.26243
https://doi.org/10.1002/mds.26243...
. Brain MRI usually shows global atrophy. The disease is included in NBIA group since T2* weighted sequence discloses iron accumulation in basal ganglia in some patients4848. Chien HF, Bonifati V, Barbosa ER. ATP13A2-related neurodegeneration (PARK9) without evidence of brain iron accumulation. Mov Disord. 2011;26(7):1364-5. doi:10.1002/mds.23514
https://doi.org/10.1002/mds.23514...
.

Mitochondrial membrane protein-associated neurodegeneration (MPAN)

MPAN is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in C19orf12 gene. Pathological studies have demonstrated increased iron accumulation in the globus pallidus and substantia nigra, gliosis, neuronal loss, and eosinophilic spheroidal structures in the globus pallidus. The characteristic peripheral axonal spheroids of PLAN may be seen in some patients. MPAN is considered a synucleinopathy, with Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites in basal ganglia and neocortex1919. Schneider SA, Dusek P, Hardy J, Westenberger A, Jankovic J, Bhatia KP. Genetics and pathophysiology of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA). Curr Neuropharmacol. 2013;11(1):59-79. doi:10.2174/157015913804999469
https://doi.org/10.2174/1570159138049994...
,4949. Schulte EC, Claussen MC, Jochim A, Haack T, Hartig M, Hempel M et al. Mitochondrial membrane protein associated neurodegeneration: a novel variant of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation. Mov Disord. 2013;28(2):224-7. doi:10.1002/mds.25256
https://doi.org/10.1002/mds.25256...
.

The disease may manifest from the first decade of life (3-16 years) to adulthood (until 30 years). The most common features are early lower limb spasticity with extensor plantar response, dysarthria, dystonia (involving hands and feet), optic atrophy, neuropsychiatric abnormalities and cognitive decline. The presentation in adults is more variable, with prominent neuropsychiatric symptoms, parkinsonism and gait disorders. Others clinical findings that support the diagnosis of MPAN are dysphagia, axonal motor neuropathy and bladder and/or bowel dysfunction. The disease progression is slow and the lifespan is long in most of the cases1919. Schneider SA, Dusek P, Hardy J, Westenberger A, Jankovic J, Bhatia KP. Genetics and pathophysiology of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA). Curr Neuropharmacol. 2013;11(1):59-79. doi:10.2174/157015913804999469
https://doi.org/10.2174/1570159138049994...
,4949. Schulte EC, Claussen MC, Jochim A, Haack T, Hartig M, Hempel M et al. Mitochondrial membrane protein associated neurodegeneration: a novel variant of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation. Mov Disord. 2013;28(2):224-7. doi:10.1002/mds.25256
https://doi.org/10.1002/mds.25256...
.

The diagnosis of MPAN is made by detection of biallelic pathogenic variants in C19orf12 gene. Brain MRI shows iron accumulation in substantia nigra and globus pallidus on T2* and GRE sequences, normally without the eye of the tiger sign, which is typically found in PKAN. Cortical and cerebellar atrophy may be seen in advanced disease1919. Schneider SA, Dusek P, Hardy J, Westenberger A, Jankovic J, Bhatia KP. Genetics and pathophysiology of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA). Curr Neuropharmacol. 2013;11(1):59-79. doi:10.2174/157015913804999469
https://doi.org/10.2174/1570159138049994...
,4949. Schulte EC, Claussen MC, Jochim A, Haack T, Hartig M, Hempel M et al. Mitochondrial membrane protein associated neurodegeneration: a novel variant of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation. Mov Disord. 2013;28(2):224-7. doi:10.1002/mds.25256
https://doi.org/10.1002/mds.25256...
,5050. Skowronska M, Kmiec T, Kurkowska-Jastrzębska I, Czlonkowska A. Eye of the tiger sign in a 23 year patient with mitochondrial membrane protein associated neurodegeneration. J Neurol Sci. 2015;352(1-2):110-1. doi:10.1016/j.jns.2015.03.019
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jns.2015.03.01...
. Similar to others NBIA, there is no curative treatment and the management of patients relies on rehabilitation and symptomatic medications: anti-spastic agents, anticholinergics, dopaminergic agents and botulinum toxin.

Fatty acid hydroxylase- associated neurodegeneration (FAHN)

FA2H mutations were previously known to cause leukodystrophy and a form of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), which was classified as SPG355151. Pedroso JL, Handfas BW, Abrahão A, Kok F, Barsottini OG, Oliveira AS. Fatty acid 2-hydroxylase deficiency: clinical features and brain iron accumulation. Neurology. 2015;84(9):960-1. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000001316
https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.000000000000...
,5252. Schneider SA, Bhatia KP. Three faces of the same gene: FA2H links neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation, leukodystrophies, and hereditary spastic paraplegias. Ann Neurol. 2010;68(5):575-7. doi:10.1002/ana.22211
https://doi.org/10.1002/ana.22211...
,5353. Dick KJ, Eckhardt M, Paisán-Ruiz C, Alshehhi AA, Proukakis C, Sibtain NA et al. Mutation of FA2H underlies a complicated form of hereditary spastic paraplegia (SPG35). Hum Mutat. 2010;31(4):E1251-60. doi:10.1002/humu.21205
https://doi.org/10.1002/humu.21205...
. FA2H produces 2-hydroxylated fatty acids for incorporation into 2-hydroxydihydroceramide and 2-hydroxyceramide. These ceramide species serve as precursors for the synthesis of galactosylceramides and sulfatides, essential lipid components of normal myelin5454. Hama H. Fatty acid 2-hydroxylation in mammalian sphingolipid biology. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2010;1801(4):405-14. doi:10.1016/j.bbalip.2009.12.004
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbalip.2009.12...
, 5555. Kruer MC, Paisán-Ruiz C, Boddaert N, Yoon MY, Hama H, Gregory A et al. Defective FA2H leads to a novel form of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA). Ann Neurol. 2010;68(5):611-8. doi:10.1002/ana.22122
https://doi.org/10.1002/ana.22122...
. Phenotypically, affected patients demonstrated features similar to those observed in INAD5555. Kruer MC, Paisán-Ruiz C, Boddaert N, Yoon MY, Hama H, Gregory A et al. Defective FA2H leads to a novel form of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA). Ann Neurol. 2010;68(5):611-8. doi:10.1002/ana.22122
https://doi.org/10.1002/ana.22122...
. The clinical phenotype is characterized by childhood-onset spastic paraplegia, ataxia and dystonia. There are prominent ophthalmologic features such as acquired strabismus, nystagmus and optic atrophy. Intellect is usually spared in FAHN patients. Seizures may be present5151. Pedroso JL, Handfas BW, Abrahão A, Kok F, Barsottini OG, Oliveira AS. Fatty acid 2-hydroxylase deficiency: clinical features and brain iron accumulation. Neurology. 2015;84(9):960-1. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000001316
https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.000000000000...
.

Brain MRI in FAHN usually shows bilateral globus pallidus T2 hypointense signal, characterizing iron accumulation, pontocerebellar atrophy and cortical atrophy (Figure 5). Confluent periventricular T2 white matter hyperintense signal were also observed along with thinning of the corpus callosum5151. Pedroso JL, Handfas BW, Abrahão A, Kok F, Barsottini OG, Oliveira AS. Fatty acid 2-hydroxylase deficiency: clinical features and brain iron accumulation. Neurology. 2015;84(9):960-1. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000001316
https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.000000000000...
,5555. Kruer MC, Paisán-Ruiz C, Boddaert N, Yoon MY, Hama H, Gregory A et al. Defective FA2H leads to a novel form of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA). Ann Neurol. 2010;68(5):611-8. doi:10.1002/ana.22122
https://doi.org/10.1002/ana.22122...
. It is a matter of discussion if FAHN should be included in one or more of the 3 following groups: NBIA, HSP or leukodystrophy.

Figure 5
Patient with fatty acid hydroxylase-associated neurodegeneration (FAHN). Brain MRI shows bilateral globus pallidus hypointense signal, characterizing iron accumulation, and confluent periventricular white matter hyperintense signal.

CoA synthase protein associated neurodegeneration (CoPAN)

Coenzyme A synthesis (CoASY) is a cofactor in all living organisms and is involved in several enzymatic reactions. Patients with CoASY mutations present a clinical picture similar to those with PKAN. CoPAN phenotype is characterized by early-onset spastic-dystonic paraparesis with a later appearance of parkinsonian features, cognitive impairment and pronounced obsessive-compulsive disorder. The disease has a slow progression with loss of ambulation during adolescence and adulthood5656. Dusi S, Valletta L, Haack TB, Tsuchiya Y, Venco P, Pasqualato S et al. Exome sequence reveals mutations in CoA synthase as a cause of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation. Am J Hum Genet. 2014;94(1):11-22. doi:10.1016/j.ajhg.2013.11.008
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajhg.2013.11.0...
. Brain MRI usually shows bilateral “eye-of-the-tiger” sign. CT scan shows bilateral calcifications and corresponding to the central spot visible on MRI2121. Kruer MC, Boddaert N, Schneider SA, Houlden H, Bhatia KP, Gregory A et al. Neuroimaging features of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2012;33(3):407-14. doi:10.3174/ajnr.A2677
https://doi.org/10.3174/ajnr.A2677...
.

Woodhouse-Sakati syndrome and SCPx deficiency

Woodhouse–Sakati syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by a mutation in the C2orf37 gene, manifesting with hypogonadism, deafness, alopecia, diabetes mellitus and progressive dystonia, chorea, dysarthria and cognitive impairment. Brain MRI discloses iron accumulation in the substantia nigra and globus pallidus, and white matter lesions. However, some patients may have only subtle white matter abnormalities5757. Alazami AM, Al-Saif A, Al-Semari A, Bohlega S, Zlitni S, Alzahrani F et al. Mutations in C2orf37, encoding a nucleolar protein, cause hypogonadism, alopecia, diabetes mellitus, mental retardation, and extrapyramidal syndrome. Am J Hum Genet. 2008;83(6):684-91. doi:10.1016/j.ajhg.2008.10.018
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajhg.2008.10.0...
,5858. Alazami AM, Schneider SA, Bonneau D, Pasquier L, Carecchio M, Kojovic M et al. C2orf37 mutational spectrum in Woodhouse-Sakati syndrome patients. Clin Genet. 2010;78(6):585-90. doi:10.1111/j.1399-0004.2010.01441.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1399-0004.2010...
.

Finally, sterol carrier protein x (SCPx) deficiency has been associated with NBIA in a patient with adult-onset spinocerebellar ataxia, slow ocular saccades, and deafness. 3T MRI brain revealed abnormal T2 signal and susceptibility-weighted sequences suggested increased mineral deposition in the basal ganglia. Potentially pathogenic mutations were identified in SCP2. SCPx is a peroxisomal enzyme with thiolase activity required for the breakdown of branched chain fatty acids and the pathogenic effects are likely to be mediated by the accumulation of branch chain fatty acids, as in other peroxisomal disorders. Patients with SCP2 mutation may have abnormal fatty-acid acyl-CoA metabolism, which has emerged as a common disease mechanism in NBIA. This suggests that the brain iron accumulation is secondary to an underlying metabolic defect, questioning the role of iron chelation as a treatment in all forms of NBIA5959. Horvath R, Lewis-Smith D, Douroudis K, Duff J, Keogh M, Pyle A et al. SCP2 mutations and neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation. Neurology. 2015;85(21):1909-11. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000002157
https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.000000000000...
.

Diagnostic approach to neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation

To diagnose the NBIA subtype is a challenge. Careful attention to clinical phenotype and neuroimaging features is crucial. Family history in order to determine inheritance is relevant since mendelian inheritance forms may direct investigation to neuroferritinopathy. Neuroimaging features may disclose key findings for different NBIA subtypes (Table 2). Altogether, clinical features including non-neurological manifestation, associated movement disorders, age at onset, family history and detailed neuroimaging characteristics should guide to the genetic testing investigation (Figure 6).

Table 2
Key imaging findings for different NBIA subtypes.

Figure 6
A guidance with clinical and neuroimaging tips to better require specific genetic testing in NBIA patients.

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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    July 2016

History

  • Received
    10 Apr 2016
  • Accepted
    26 Apr 2016
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