Neuroimmunology and Neurological Infections, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
BMJ Case Rep. 2022 Jul 22;15(7):e249061. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2022-249061.
Laminin-alpha2-related muscular dystrophy (LAMA2-MD) is a genetic condition due to reduced LAMA2, a protein found throughout the nervous system. Late-onset LAMA2-MD may present with proximal muscle weakness, joint contractures, neuropathy, epilepsy and/or cardiorespiratory issues, and is less common than the neonatal form. We describe a novel phenotype of LAMA2-MD with progressive myelopathy and spinal cord abnormalities.A woman was referred for evaluation of multiple sclerosis (MS) with progressive gait difficulty and abnormal neuroimaging showing white matter abnormalities in the brain and spinal cord. Ancillary testing was not consistent with primary neuroinflammatory disorders, systemic autoimmunity or infection. Metabolic workup revealed low cyanocobalamin. Genetic testing identified two LAMA2-MD variants.Genetic disorders can mimic treatable neurological conditions. Chronic progressive course, involvement of the peripheral and central nervous systems, and confluent white matter abnormalities should be investigated with molecular testing that includes LAMA2 sequencing to ensure proper diagnosis and management.
层粘连蛋白α2 相关肌营养不良症(LAMA2-MD)是一种遗传性疾病,其病因是层粘连蛋白α2(LAMA2)减少,而 LAMA2 存在于整个神经系统中。迟发性 LAMA2-MD 可能表现为近端肌肉无力、关节挛缩、神经病、癫痫和/或心肺问题,并且比新生儿型更为少见。我们描述了一种新型的 LAMA2-MD 表型,其特征为进行性脊髓病和脊髓异常。一名女性因进行性步态困难和异常的神经影像学检查(显示大脑和脊髓的白质异常)而被转介进行多发性硬化症(MS)的评估。辅助检查结果不符合原发性神经炎症性疾病、系统性自身免疫性疾病或感染。代谢检查显示钴胺素水平低。基因检测发现了两种 LAMA2-MD 变异。遗传疾病可能会模仿可治疗的神经疾病。对于具有慢性进行性病程、累及周围和中枢神经系统以及融合性白质异常的患者,应进行分子检测(包括 LAMA2 测序)以确保正确诊断和治疗。