Ataxia Telangiectasia

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Ataxia-telangiectasia (AT) is also known as (Louis-Bar Syndrome) a complex is a rare autosomal recessive genetic neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by cutaneous telangiectasias, cerebellar atrophy with progressive ataxia, and a higher incidence of malignancy, immune deficiency, radiosensitivity, recurrent sinopulmonary infections, and elevated levels of...

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Article Summary

Ataxia-telangiectasia (AT) is also known as (Louis-Bar Syndrome) a complex is a rare autosomal recessive genetic neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by cutaneous telangiectasias, cerebellar atrophy with progressive ataxia, and a higher incidence of malignancy, immune deficiency, radiosensitivity, recurrent sinopulmonary infections, and elevated levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in serum and become apparent during infancy or early childhood. The disorder is characterized by progressively impaired coordination...

Key Takeaways

  • This article explains Symptoms in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Causes in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Diagnosis in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Treatment in simple medical language.
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Definition

Ataxia-telangiectasia (AT) is also known as (Louis-Bar Syndrome) a complex is a rare autosomal recessive genetic neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by cutaneous telangiectasias, cerebellar atrophy with progressive ataxia, and a higher incidence of malignancy, immune deficiency, radiosensitivity, recurrent sinopulmonary infections, and elevated levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in serum and become apparent during infancy or early childhood. The disorder is characterized by progressively impaired coordination of voluntary movements (ataxia), the development of reddish lesions of the skin and mucous membranes due to permanent widening of groups of blood vessels (telangiectasia), and impaired functioning of the immune system (i.e., cellular and humoral immunodeficiency), resulting in increased susceptibility to upper and lower respiratory infections (sinopulmonary infections). Individuals with AT also have an increased risk of developing certain malignancies, particularly in the lymphatic system (lymphomas), the blood-forming organs (e.g., leukemia), and the brain.

In those with AT, progressive ataxia typically develops during infancy and may initially be characterized by the abnormal swaying of the head and trunk. As the disease progresses, the condition leads to an inability to walk (ambulation) by late childhood or adolescence. Ataxia is often accompanied by difficulty speaking (dysarthria), drooling; and an impaired ability to coordinate certain eye movements (oculomotor apraxia), including the occurrence of involuntary, rapid, rhythmic motions (oscillations) of the eyes while attempting to focus upon certain objects (fixation nystagmus). Affected children may also develop an unusually stooped posture and irregular, rapid, jerky movements that may occur in association with relatively slow, writhing motions (choreoathetosis). In addition, telangiectasias may develop by mid-childhood, often appearing on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the bridge of the nose, the ears, and certain regions of the extremities, as well as the mucous membranes of the eyes (conjunctiva).

AT is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. The disorder is caused by changes (mutations) of a gene known as ATM (for “AT mutated”) that has been mapped to the long arm (q) of chromosome 11 (11q22.3). The ATM gene controls (encodes for) the production of an enzyme that plays a role in regulating cell division following DNA damage.

Symptoms

An early symptom of ataxia telangiectasia is diminished muscle coordination usually noticed when a child begins to walk. Coordination (especially in the head and neck area) becomes impaired, and tremors (involuntary muscle contractions) can occur. In most cases, mental functioning is not affected and most children exhibit normal or above-average intelligence.

The telangiectasias (visible dilated blood vessels) usually begin in the eyes (the eyes look “bloodshot”) between three and six years of age, although they can occur earlier. These discolorations may spread to the eyelids, face, ears, roof of the mouth, and possibly other areas of the body. Rapid eye blinking and movements, and turning of the head may develop gradually. Occasional nosebleeds may also occur. The adenoids, tonsils, and peripheral lymph nodes may develop abnormally or fail to develop. Muscle coordination in the head and neck area may be gradually impaired causing poor cough reflexes and problems with swallowing, breathing, drooling, and choking. Slurred speech and variable jerking, writhing, and tic-like movements also are noticed.

Growth retardation can be linked to a growth hormone deficiency. Premature aging occurs in approximately ninety percent of affected individuals and is characterized by gray hair with dry, thin, wrinkled, or discolored skin during adolescence. A variety of other skin or hair problems may develop in some cases. Abnormalities of hormone-producing (endocrine) glands may be accompanied by incomplete sexual development in both males and females.

Because of an impaired immune response, affected individuals may be more susceptible to chronic sinus and/or lung infections, recurring cases of pneumonia, and chronic bronchitis.

Persons with this disorder may be affected by a high incidence of carcinoma and lymphoma usually beginning during early adulthood. Approximately one in three affected individuals develop cancer, usually cancer of certain malignancies, particularly of the lymphatic system (lymphomas) or of the blood (leukemia). Exposure to x-rays seems to increase the incidence of possible tumors. In addition, individuals with one ataxia-telangiectasia gene (carriers) also appear to have an elevated risk for cancer. Close relatives of persons with ataxia-telangiectasia may be at a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer than the general population.

The primary features of classic A-T:

  • Progressive gait and truncal ataxia with onset between ages one and four years
  • Progressively slurred speech
  • Oculomotor apraxia (inability to follow an object across visual fields)
  • Choreoathetosis (writhing movements)
  • Oculocutaneous telangiectasia (usually evident by age 6 years)
  • Frequent infections (with accompanying evidence of serum and cellular immunodeficiencies)
  • Hypersensitivity to ionizing radiation with increased susceptibility to cancer (usually leukemia or lymphoma)
  • Premature aging with strands of gray hair
  • Endocrine abnormalities include insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus and premature ovarian failure (i.e., normal menarche followed by irregular menses and loss of ovarian function before age 40 years) [Author, personal observation]

In some cases, a mild form of insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes mellitus may occur. Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which there is insufficient secretion of the hormone insulin. Primary symptoms may include abnormally increased thirst and urination (polydipsia and polyuria), weight loss, lack of appetite, and fatigue.

Causes

Ataxia-telangiectasia is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. Genetic diseases are determined by two genes, one received from the father and one from the mother. ATM is involved in many different molecular mechanisms. The protein is most important for cellular DNA repair, cell cycle control, and cellular response to external triggers, such as oxidative damage, ionizing radiation, and alkylating agents. The protein itself is a serine/threonine kinase affecting many different downstream targets that are involved in those pathways important for cellular protection against toxic insults. The loss of function of the ATM protein is therefore responsible for the aberrant proliferation of cells due to the unrepaired double-strand DNA breaks, increasing the cancer risk and the radiosensitivity. Also, the impairment of cell cycle control can cause malformations, such as gonadal dysgenesis, which is found in patients with A-T. Moreover, ATM is important also for immunoglobulin production and lymphoid cell survival.

Recessive genetic disorders occur when an individual inherits the same abnormal gene for the same trait from each parent. If an individual receives one normal gene and one gene for the disease, the person will be a carrier of the disease, but usually will not show symptoms. The risk for two carrier parents to both pass the defective gene and, therefore, have an affected child is 25% with each pregnancy. The risk to have a child who is a carrier like the parents is 50% with each pregnancy. The chance for a child to receive normal genes from both parents and be genetically normal for that particular trait is 25%.

The disease gene that causes ataxia-telangiectasia, known as the ATM gene, is located on the long arm (q) of chromosome 11 (11q22.3). Chromosomes are found in the nucleus of all body cells. They carry the genetic characteristics of each individual. Pairs of human chromosomes are numbered from 1 through 22, with an unequal 23rd pair of X and Y chromosomes for males and two X chromosomes for females. Each chromosome has a short arm designated as “p” and a long arm identified by the letter “q”. Chromosomes are further subdivided into bands that are numbered.

Researchers have determined that the ATM gene encodes a protein that plays a role in regulating cell division after DNA damage. (DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid is the carrier of the genetic code.) The protein, which is known as ATM for “A-T mutated”, is an enzyme (protein kinase) that normally responds to DNA damage by triggering the accumulation of a protein (p53) that prevents cells from dividing (tumor suppressor protein). However, in individuals with ataxia-telangiectasia, abnormal changes (mutations) of the ATM gene cause an absence or defect of the ATM protein and delayed accumulation of the p53 protein. As a result, cells with DNA damage continue dividing (replicating) without appropriate repair of their DNA, causing an increased risk of cancer development. Approximately half of the human cancers are thought to be characterized by abnormalities affecting the activity of the p53 tumor suppressor protein. Exposure to ionizing radiation (such as x-rays) normally enhances the p53-directed activity of the ATM protein; however, in individuals with ataxia-telangiectasia, the deficient activity of the ATM protein results in extreme sensitivity to such radiation.

Ataxia telangiectasia is due to mutations of the ATM gene, located on chromosome 11q22-23. A mutation of the ATM gene is responsible for aberrant repairing of the breaks of double-strand DNA. Because of this defect, cell response to different pathogenic triggers, such as ionizing radiation and alkylating agents, is impaired. As a consequence, cell death occurs in susceptible tissues such as the cerebellum, and malignant proliferation arises.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of ataxia-telangiectasia is made based upon detailed patient history, a thorough clinical evaluation, identification of characteristic symptoms, and a variety of specialized tests including blood tests, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and karyotyping.

Blood tests may detect elevated levels of serum alpha-fetoprotein, which occurs in approximately 85 percent of cases. However, in unaffected children, this protein may remain elevated until 2 years of age. Blood tests may also reveal elevated liver enzymes. During an MRI, magnetic field and radio waves are used to create cross-sectional images of the brain, which can show progressive cerebellar atrophy. Karyotyping is a specialized test that detects chromosomal abnormalities. Affected individuals have an increased frequency of such chromosomal abnormalities.

Variant Forms

Some authors reported an adult-onset form of A-T which is characterized by a much milder phenotype that manifests later in life and progresses slowly. An intermediate phenotype that still presents during the first or second decade but is milder in the course has also been reported.

Ataxia-Telangiectasia-Like Phenotypes

Different genetic mutations have been found in patients with a phenotypic presentation similar to A-T.

In particular, mutations of the genes NBS1 (nibrin) or MRE11, which encode for 2 proteins whose functions are strictly related to ATM, have been associated with diseases that resemble A-T. Nijmegen breakage syndrome, which is caused by the mutation of the NBS1 gene, is characterized by an increased risk of cancer, microcephaly, and syndromic features, recurrent respiratory infections, and intellectual disability. Ataxia and telangiectasia are not present.

Ataxia-telangiectasia-like disorder 1 (ATLD1), instead, is caused by the genetic mutations of the MRE11 gene. This disorder can present with progressive ataxia, oculomotor apraxia, and dysarthria, but without telangiectasias. Moreover, the age of onset can be delayed compared to A-T, and the level of immunoglobulin in the peripheral blood is usually normal.

The diagnosis of A-T can be challenging due to the rarity of the disorder. The diagnosis is usually based on the following features:

Clinical Picture

Early-onset of ataxia within the first decade in the classical form and oculomotor apraxia are usually crucial to narrow the diagnostic algorithm. The concomitant presence of tumors may raise the suspicion of A-T. The cohort of other symptoms, such as other neurological manifestations, the involvement of the immunological, pulmonary, and endocrinological systems, can help in the diagnosis as well.

Telangiectasias

Telangiectasias are present in almost all patients, and therefore, are an important and almost unequivocal sign to make the correct diagnosis. However, telangiectasias are not always easy to recognize. Moreover, they can present in unusual locations, and therefore, can go undetected if not searched for attentively.

Neuroimaging

Cerebellar atrophy mostly involving the vermis is the cardinal radiological feature of this disease. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the best current imaging for these findings. Cerebellar atrophy becomes more prominent with age and may be absent early on. In older patients, white matter abnormalities have been reported as well.

Laboratory Tests

Elevation of the alpha-fetoprotein is a characteristic feature of A-T, even if it is not exclusive of this condition. Blood tests can also show a decrease in the total amount of IgG and IgA and variable levels of IgM.

MRI

The classic cerebellar findings are atrophy of the frontal and posterior vermis and both hemispheres. Note: Although a small cerebellum is not always apparent on MRI in young children, diffusion-weighted MRI allowed quantitation of cerebellar corticomotor pathway pathology in children as young as age three years, suggesting that this imaging may be useful in early confirmation of the diagnosis of A-T when the necessary equipment and expertise are available

Preliminary laboratory findings

  • Newborn screening (NBS) for severe combined immunodeficiency identifies reduced T-cell receptor excision circle (TREC) levels. This method of NBS most likely identifies the estimated 50% of children with A-T who have lymphopenia; however, it may be less sensitive in older children with A-T (in whom T cell lymphopenias are less severe)
  • Serum concentration of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is elevated above10 ng/mL in about 95% of individuals with A-T.
    Note: (1) Serum AFP concentration may remain above normal in unaffected children until age 24 months. (2) Persistent elevation of AFP does not necessarily indicate ongoing cerebellar damage or correlate with prognosis.
  • Chromosome analysis. A 7;14  translocation is identified in 5%-15% of cells in routine chromosome studies of peripheral blood of individuals with A-T. The break points are commonly at 14q11 (the T-cell receptor-alpha ) and at 14q32 (the B- cell immunoglobulin heavy chain receptor [IGH] locus).

Genetic Testing

The definitive diagnosis of A-T is reached through the detection of homozygous or compound heterozygous mutation of the ATM gene that can be reached through targeted sequencing of the gene, or through sequencing done as part of ataxia panels or whole-exome sequencing. In the case of a new gene variant, immunoblotting of the ATM protein can be performed to confirm whether the detected mutation causes a significant reduction of the levels of ATM.

Treatment

Treatment for AT is directed toward the control of symptoms. For respiratory infections, therapy with an antibiotic drug, postural drainage (with the head lower than the rest of the body) of the bronchial tubes and lungs, and gammaglobulin injections in some cases may be effective.

The management of patients with A-T requires an interprofessional team since the disease presents with a great variety of manifestations. A specific treatment to cure this disease is not available yet. Therefore, addressing the specific symptoms associated with the disease and surveillance to prevent complications is crucial

Antioxidants (e.g., vitamin E or alpha-lipoic acid) are recommended, although no formal testing for efficacy has been conducted in individuals with A-T. Alpha-lipoic acid has the theoretic advantage of crossing the blood-brain barrier and improving mitochondrial function in A-T cells

Neurological  Symptoms

Ataxia and other neurological manifestation can severely affect patients’ everyday life. Physical therapy and regular assessment for possible aids that may be needed are extremely important. One of the main goals of these assessments should be to prevent complications such as falls. Children usually require support at school because of the motor and cognitive impairment.

Cancer and Radiosensitivity 

Proper surveillance for breast and ovary cancer can be lifesaving. Hematological tumors cannot be prevented, but regular monitoring can allow early diagnosis. The treatment of these tumors is not different from the best standard of care approach; specific care must be considered due to the radiosensitivity of these patients.

Immunological Disease

Treatment of recurrent infections and prophylactic antibiotic administration, when required, have been able to prolong life expectancy in patients with A-T. Intravenous immunoglobulin has been considered a good option for these patients as well. While inactivated vaccinations have not been associated with complications in patients with A-T, live vaccines may be contraindicated, especially in the presence of a low T-cell count.

Complications secondary to restrictive lung disease must always be considered in case of anesthesia or surgery. Pulmonary complications can be prevented with adequate surveillance of pulmonary function and prevention of recurrent respiratory infections.

Future Treatments 

Antioxidants, antisense morpholino oligonucleotides (AMO), aminoglycoside antibiotics that can affect ATM protein function, as well as different small molecules targeting the ATM gene to address tumorigenesis, have been tested. Most of these new therapeutic approaches are still under investigation. Therapeutic trials are ongoing to test the efficacy of treatment with dexamethasone through innovative ways of delivery such as patients’ autologous red blood cells loaded with dexamethasone (ATTeST study).

Avoidance of undue exposure to sunlight may help control the spread and severity of dilated blood vessels (telangiectasias). Vitamin E therapy has in some cases been reported to provide temporary relief of some symptoms, but should only be tried under the advice and supervision of a physician to avoid toxicity. The drug Diazepam (Valium) may be useful in some cases to help with slurred speech and involuntary muscle contractions. Physical therapy may help maintain muscle strength and prevent limb contractures. Care should be taken to ward off infections.

Another treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Genetic counseling may be of benefit to persons with AT and their families.

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