Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease presenting as spinal muscular atrophy: clinical and molecular studies.

Abstract

Two brothers with profound neonatal hypotonia and hyporeflexia and electrodiagnostic testing consistent with lower motor neuron pathology were found to have a leukodystrophy. Using single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis and direct sequencing, a mutation within exon 3 of the gene encoding proteolipid protein (Gly73Arg substitution) was previously detected in both brothers and their mother, establishing the diagnosis of Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease. Despite reported sparing of the peripheral nervous system in Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease, we suggest that proteolipid protein gene products may influence the development of anterior horn cells or peripheral nervous system myelin and that some individuals affected with this disease may present with clinical and electromyographic features suggestive of neonatal spinal muscular atrophy.

• Authors: E M Kaye, R F Doll, M R Natowicz, F I Smith
• Journal: Annals of neurology (Ann Neurol) Vol. 36 Issue 6 Pg. 916-9 (Dec 1994) ISSN: 0364-5134 [Print] United States
• PMID: 7998780 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Topics

• Brain (pathology)
• Child, Preschool
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Diffuse Cerebral Sclerosis of Schilder (diagnosis, genetics)
• Humans
• Infant, Newborn
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Male
• Pedigree
• Point Mutation (genetics)
• Spinal Muscular Atrophies of Childhood (diagnosis)