Spasmodic Abdominal Pain and Other Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia Type 2.

Abstract

Pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 2 (PCH2) is a rare neurodevelopmental disease with a high disease burden. Besides neurological symptoms, somatic symptoms, such as gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) and failure to thrive, are major contributors to this burden. We report three patients with genetically confirmed PCH2A and significant gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Apart from impaired swallowing and GERD, which are frequently reported in patients with PCH2, all three patients suffered from episodes of spasmodic abdominal pain and restlessness. In one severely affected patient, lack of intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) is demonstrated. GI symptoms are common in PCH2. We draw attention to episodes of spasmodic abdominal pain seriously, aggravating the condition of the patients, especially their movement disorder, and discuss the role of IAP.