Progressive Neurological Symptoms Research Articles

Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis: a case report

BackgroundHereditary transthyretin amyloidosis is an uncommon multisystem disorder caused by mutation of the transthyretin protein, leading to peripheral neuropathy often with autonomic features, cardiomyopathy, or a mixed phenotype. Multiple other organ systems can be involved with ophthalmologic, renal, hematologic, gastrointestinal, and/or genitourinary symptoms and signs. This often results in assessments by multiple specialists and significant delays before the diagnosis is recognized. With the recent advent of potentially lifesaving therapies, early diagnosis has become even more important. Our case highlights the protean aspects of this disease as well as the difficulty of making this diagnosis, especially in the absence of a clear family history.Case presentationWe report the case of a 64-year-old man of East-Asian descent who presented with diarrhea, mild anemia, and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Numerous investigations and specialist evaluations did not identify a cause. Progression of neurologic symptoms and the development of new hematologic abnormalities ultimately led to consideration of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis. The diagnosis was confirmed after re-examining previously acquired gastrointestinal biopsies and pursuing genetic testing, which confirmed a pathogenic mutation in the transthyretin gene. He was subsequently started on a novel gene-silencing therapy. On clinical follow-up 8 months after initiation of therapy, the patient described stabilization of previously progressive numbness, weakness, and weight loss with an unchanged neurologic examination and stable repeat electrophysiologic testing.ConclusionsHereditary transthyretin amyloidosis is a challenging disease to recognize in early stages owing to its multisystem and nonspecific manifestations. Recent approval of novel therapies highlights the importance of early diagnosis before irreversible organ damage occurs.

RONC-15. FEASIBILITY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF REIRRADIATION IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH RELAPSED OR RESISTANT BRAIN TUMORS

Abstract Few reports exist about reirradiation (RT2) for recurrent brain tumors in pediatric patients.A monocentric retrospective analysis of 22 patients with reirradiated CNS neoplasms was conducted with the objective to describe clinical outcomes and toxicities associated with RT2. Median age at diagnosis and RT2 was 8.5 years and 11.5 years respectively. Primary diagnoses included ependymoma (n=7, 32%), medulloblastoma (n=5, 23%), DIPG (n=4, 18%), glioblastoma (N=2, 9%), and others (N=4, 18%). The median interval between the first radiotherapy and RT2 was 16.5 months. Two patients underwent in-field RT2 for a secondary tumor. RT2 was administered with a curative intent in 13 patients, with a palliative-only treatment in the remaining 9. Sixteen patients received brain RT2 and 3 patients spine RT2, with a median cumulative dose of 19.9 Gy and 30 Gy respectively. Three patients received combined RT2. Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy(VMAT) was the most frequent technique used (60%). Eight patients showed neurological symptoms before RT2, 6 had clinical benefit with RT2. Among patients who were asymptomatic before RT2, 5 later showed progressive neurological symptoms (at least partly attributable to RT2). Radionecrosis was radiologically detected in 6 patients, but accompanied by symptoms only in 3. Median event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival(OS) after RT2 was 4.7 and 8.7 months respectively, similarly to previous results. One-year EFS and OS was 13% and 36% respectively. As previously reported, OS appeared to be longer for patients with >12 months elapsed time between first irradiation and RT2 (1-year OS=45% versus 0%, p=0.07). In our cohort RT2 appeared feasible and provided short-term disease control with tolerable short-term toxicity, while providing relief in most symptomatic patients. Larger prospective studies are needed to understand which subsets of patients may benefit from either curative or palliative reirradiation, to provide respectively a longer survival and a significantly improved symptom control.

EO2401, a novel microbiome-derived therapeutic vaccine for patients with recurrent glioblastoma: ROSALIE study.

2034 Background: EO2401 (EO) was designed to activate existing commensal memory T-cells cross-reacting with tumor associated antigens (TAAs). EO includes microbial-derived, synthetically produced peptides corresponding to HLA-A2 restricted epitopes with molecular mimicry to three TAAs upregulated in glioblastoma (GB), IL13Rα2, BIRC5 and FOXM1, with the CD4 helper peptide UCP2 and the adjuvant Montanide. Pre-clinically EO generates strong immune responses and cross-reactive CD8 cells recognizing the TAAs. Methods: This ongoing Ph 1/2 trial (NCT04116658) investigates EO (SC q2 wks X 4 then q4 wks), EO with nivolumab (3 mg/kg q2 wks; EN), and EN with bevacizumab (10 mg/kg q2 wks; ENB) among four Cohorts (Cs) of pts with GB at first progression after radiotherapy/temozolomide. After the Ph 1 of EO followed by EN (C1), C2 investigated EN without (C2a) or with (C2b) surgery while C3 investigated ENB (population as C2a). Results: Among 40 treated pts (C1 n = 3, C2a n = 23, C2b n = 3, C3 n = 11), median age was 60, 53% male, 40% had KPS 90-100% and 35% had O6-methylguanine DNA-methyltransferase promotor hypermethylated tumors. All evaluable pts demonstrated strong CD8 T-cell ELISPOT responses against the 3 vaccine peptides, with tetramer staining of specific CD8 detected in 24/25 investigated pts after in vitro stimulation and in 19/20 pts directly ex vivo. Cross-reactivity against targeted TAAs was confirmed in 20/21 pts. Majority of response were detected by week 4 after 1st dose and as early as 2 weeks for some pts. EO, EN, and ENB were well tolerated (max exposure EN 68 wks, ENB 30 wks) with EO associated toxicity limited to local administration site reactions (48%; grade 1-2). The frequency and severity of nivolumab- or bevacizumab-associated AEs was consistent with historical monocompound experience. With a median follow-up of 9.3 months (range, 2.8-15.6), median progression-free survival (PFS), survival at 6 months (OS-6) and at 12 months for EN (C1+C2a+C2b) were 1.8 months (3 ongoing at 5.9, 7.1, and 14.7 months), 85%, and 50.1% (19/29 alive), respectively. With a median follow-up of 3.7 months (range, 2.2-7.2), pts on ENB (C3) have median PFS and OS-6 of 5.5 months (7 ongoing), and 80% (10/11 alive), respectively. ORR for EN and ENB were 10% and 36%, respectively (5 of 7 ongoing). In C2a, 12/23 pts stopped treatment due to neurological symptoms and PD on first MRI (median 5 wks, range 2-8). In C3 (ENB), only 1/11 pts stopped early due to PD. Conclusions: EO2401 generated strong systemic immune responses and was well tolerated in combination with nivolumab +/- bevacizumab. The addition of bevacizumab to EN improved PFS while survival across treatment cohorts is pending ongoing follow-up. To prolong EN exposure that is likely required for therapeutic activity in recurrent GB, the trial has been expanded with additional pts to evaluate low-dose bevacizumab (5 mg/kg q2 wks up to x 6) for early progressive neurological symptoms. Clinical trial information: NCT04116658.

Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease: literature review and description of three clinical cases

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease of prion nature, characterized by a rapid progression of neurological symptoms leads a state of akinetic mutism in the terminal stage of the process. CJD disease was used in scientific literature since 1922, but even today, a century later, its pathogenesis remains an unresolved puzzle. Although research prion abnormalities have advanced considerably, the criteria for making a definitive diagnosis are now based on morphological or immunohistochemical confirmation. A combination of indirect diagnostic signs forms the lifetime diagnosis. CJD progresses steadily once the first neurological symptoms are present, with death usually occurring within a year of onset. CJD can occur at any age, but its onset is more common in the seventh decade. This paper presents three clinical cases that debuted at the age of 59, 70 and 69 years. In the first and second cases, the disease began with a mnemonic disturbance, in the third with a speech impairment, and the cognitive impairment was one of the last to occur. Two of the three clinical cases had a lethal outcome with a disease course of up to one year, but none was included in the statistics on the incidence of CJD in Russia, due to a lack of awareness among specialists, as well as a lack of necessary resources and means. In conclusion, a brief overview of diagnostic and treatment approaches based on current scientific research is presented.

Identification of shared molecular signatures between multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease using systems biology approach

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) collectively afflict more than 40 million people worldwide. NDs are relatively common disorders in the central nervous system with progressive neurological symptoms, including various degrees of physical disability. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson's Disease (PD) are the leading cause of disability and dysregulation of immune system effector cells. The clinical and epidemiological analyses indicate the co-morbidity of MS and PD that drive the progression and severity of the central nervous system. This study aimed to revive researchers' enthusiasm in studying the potential role of common genes between MS and PD as novel biomarkers for MS/PD diseases. Hence, two data series of expression profiling by array were used; the expression profiling by array study identified the contributing genes. Then, these genes were filtered with cell gene ontology, PPI network, functional annotation, and enrichment analysis. By calculating the similarity between PD and MS, several common genes were found between MS and PD. We have provided a list of the genes such as BACE2, CD69, CLC, CPA3, DEFA1, and DEFA4. The role of these hub genes could be further explored and discussed. The results of this study would be practical to develop new diagnostic strategies and find new drugs and novel drug targets.

Amyloid-\u03b2 related angiitis presenting as eosinophilic meningitis: a case report

BackgroundEosinophilic meningitis is uncommon and often attributed to infectious causes.Case presentationWe describe a case of a 72-year-old man who presented with subacute onset eosinophilic meningitis, vasculitis, and intracranial hypertension with progressive and severe neurologic symptoms. Brain MRI demonstrated multifocal strokes and co-localized right temporo-parieto-occipital vasogenic edema, cortical superficial siderosis, and diffuse leptomeningeal enhancement. He ultimately underwent brain biopsy with immunohistochemical stains for amyloid-β and Congo red that were extensively positive in the blood vessel walls and in numerous diffuse and neuritic parenchymal confirming a diagnosis of amyloid-β related angiitis. He was treated with immunosuppression with clinical stabilization.ConclusionsAmyloid-β related angiitis is an underrecognized cause of eosinophilic meningitis that can present fulminantly and is typically responsive to immunosuppression. The presence of eosinophils may provide additional clues to the underlying pathophysiology of amyloid-β related angiitis.

Chiari decompression for syringomyelia in the setting of IgG4-related hypertrophic pachymeningitis: A case-based update

Hypertrophic pachymeningitis can lead to clinical brainstem and cervical spinal cord compression leading to neurologic deficits. IgG4-related hypertrophic pachymeningitis (IgG4-RHP) is one recently recognized etiology of previously idiopathic cases. A 34-year-old right-handed female presented with slowly progressive neurologic symptoms and worsening radiographic syringomyelia. She successfully underwent Chiari decompression and excision of her pachymeningitis with improvement in her radiographic findings. Extensive clinical workup has led to a diagnosis of IgG4-RHP and treatment with steroids. IgG4-RHP is a rare cause of spinal cord compression and on our review of the literature this is the first description of significant syringomyelia associated with this condition. This remains a challenging entity to treat and neurology and rheumatology referrals should be placed early to investigate IgG4-RHP as an etiology for idiopathic cases. Treatment of this disease is likely to evolve with further research.

EP181: Expanding the phenotype of LMNB1 duplication: Three generation family with microcephalic infant, asymptomatic individual, and eldest member without leukodystrophy

LMNB1 (OMIM# 150340), encodes lamin B1, a component of the nuclear lamina that assembles into a network during mitosis. Duplications that include the LMNB1 gene have been reported to cause an autosomal dominant adult-onset leukodystrophy. This disease encompasses progressive neurologic symptoms including autonomic dysfunction (bladder and bowel dysfunction, impaired thermoregulation, etc.), pyramidal signs (hypertonia, clonus, and spastic weakness), cerebellar signs (ataxia, tremors, and dysmetria), and occasionally late-onset dementia and psychiatric issues.

Replication-related genes are upregulated in XP-A cells after UV-C irradiation

BackgroundXeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is hereditary disorder characterized by photosensitivity, predisposition to skin cancers of sun-exposed body sites and progressive neurologic symptoms in some cases. Cells from XP patients show higher sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation (UV) than normal cells. ObjectiveWe aimed to ascertain the genes differentially regulated in XP complementation group A (XP-A) cells after UV irradiation. MethodsXP-A cells were harvested at 4 or 12 h after a single exposure to low-dose UV-C radiation and subjected to transcriptome analysis by microarray. ResultsThe number of genes with significantly altered expression (≥2-fold difference) at 12 h was markedly higher in XP-A cells than that in normal cells, suggesting that the number of altered genes could be correlated to the amount of DNA damage. ConclusionWe recently reported that mitotic genes are induced in normal human fibroblasts after UV-C exposure, and similar results were observed in XP-A cells as normal cells. In addition, a majority of replication-related genes were significantly upregulated in XP-A cells, whereas no such expression pattern was observed in the normal control cells. Collectively, these results indicate that the XPA protein can transcriptionally inhibit the series of replication-related genes, and could possibly regulate replication and/or re-replication after UV irradiation.

Chronic encapsulated expanding hematomas after stereotactic radiosurgery for intracranial arteriovenous malformations.

Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare cerebral vascular lesions that are associated with high morbidity and mortality from hemorrhage; however, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a well-validated treatment modality. Few reports have delineated a subgroup of patients who develop delayed chronic encapsulated expanding hematomas (CEEHs) despite angiographic evidence of AVM obliteration following radiosurgery. In this report, the authors performed a retrospective review of more than 1000 radiosurgically treated intracranial AVM cases to delineate the incidence and management of this rare entity. Between 1988 and 2019, 1010 patients with intracranial AVM underwent Gamma Knife SRS at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. In addition to a review of a prospective institutional database, the authors performed a retrospective chart review of the departmental AVM database to specifically identify patients with CEEH. Pertinent clinical and radiological characteristics as well as patient outcomes were recorded and analyzed. Nine hundred fifty patients with intracranial AVM (94%) had sufficient clinical follow-up for analysis. Of these, 6 patients with CEEH underwent delayed resection (incidence rate of 0.0045 event per person-year). These patients included 4 males and 2 females with a mean age of 45.3 ± 13.8 years at the time of initial SRS. Four patients had smaller AVM volumes (4.9-10 cm3), and 3 of them were treated with a single SRS procedure. Two patients had larger-volume AVMs (55 and 56 cm3), and both underwent multimodal management that included staged SRS and embolization. Time to initial recognition of the CEEH after initial SRS ranged between 66 and 243 months. The time between CEEH recognition and resection ranged from 2 to 9 months. Resection was required because of progressive neurological symptoms that correlated with imaging evidence of gradual hematoma expansion. All 6 patients had angiographically confirmed obliteration of their AVM. Pathology revealed a mixed chronicity hematoma with areas of fibrosed blood vessels and rare areas of neovascularization with immature blood vessels but no evidence of a persistent AVM. All 6 patients reported persistent clinical improvement after hematoma resection. CEEH after SRS for AVM is a rare complication with an incidence rate of 0.0045 event per person-year over the authors' 30-year experience. When clinical symptoms progress and imaging reveals progressive enlargement over time, complete resection of a CEEH results in significant clinical recovery. Knowledge of this rare entity facilitates timely detection and eventual surgical intervention to achieve optimal outcomes.

The cognitive phenotypes of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease: comparison with secondary metabolic encephalopathy.

Rapidly progressive cognitive impairment is a diagnostic criterion in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), but the diagnosis is usually reached when an analysis of cognitive aspects is no longer possible. This study aims to delineate the cognitive phenotypes preceding severe dementia in CJD compared to secondary metabolic encephalopathies (SME) with rapid cognitive impairment. Patients with rapidly progressive neurological symptoms underwent neuropsychological evaluation, analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and codon 129 polymorphism of the prion protein gene (PRNP), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and single positron emission computed tomography (99mTcSPECT). CSF real-time quaking-induced conversion analysis was applied in CJD patients. Based on literature and clinical expertise, cognitive profiles were correlated with brain areas. Thirty-one patients were diagnosed with CJD (n = 17) or SME; 77 cases of CJD were extracted from the literature. In patients with CJD, verbal initiative, lexical search, long-term memory, attention, and abstract reasoning were the most frequently impaired abilities. Cognitive profiles were mainly related to dysfunction in fronto-temporal areas. Furthermore, they were consistent with areas of hypoperfusion detected by 99mTc SPECT in six patients and cortical and subcortical MRI hyperintensities in eight and 14 patients, respectively, and were similar to those described in the literature. In contrast, cognitive profiles were different from those in SME characterized by visuospatial and constructive deficits relating to posterior brain areas. In CJD, clinical and neuropsychological analyses outline a salient cognitive phenotype suggestive of fronto-temporal dysfunction preceding severe dementia. This phenotype is different from that observed in other rapidly progressive encephalopathies.

Сlinical and laboratory features of Reye’s syndrome in children: a clinical case

Reye’s syndrome is a very rare disease that occurs in the pediatric population with a frequency of approximately 6 cases per 100,000 children, but the mortality due to this nosology is quite high and depends on its severity and prognostic factors. This pathology should be a warning for practitioners in terms of diagnosis and timely precautions for possible progression of the disease, taking into account the high mortality rate, the rapid progression of neurological symptoms, and lack of clear predictors of Reye’s syndrome. The article presents modern views on the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical course, laboratory and morphological diagnosis of Reye’s syndrome. Recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta criteria for the diagnosis of Reye’s syndrome are given in the article. The article describes the differential diagnosis between classical (aspirin-associated, idiopathic) and atypical Reye’s syndrome (Reye’s-like syndrome), as well as focuses on a set of diagnostic and therapeutic measures. A clinical case of the classic Reye’s syndrome in pediatric practice is presented, which occurred in the Regional Municipal Non-Profit Enterprise “Chernivtsi Regional Children’s Clinical Hospital”. The presented clinical case, unfortunately, was fatal and the body was subjected to an autopsy, the results of which, as well as morphological changes in the section material after specific staining with Sudan III, are also described in the article. The review of the case ends with a summary and conclusions, authors emphasize the need to draw the attention of practitioners to the possibility of developing rare Reye’s syndrome in children after the use of acetylsalicylic-containing drugs; for the verification of nosology, a doctor should take into account specific changes in clinical and paraclinical parameters, and due to the absence of a minimum permitted dose of acetylsalicylic acid it should be prohibited for use in pediatric practice as an antipyretic drug.

Actualización en el tratamiento de la neurodegeneración en las enfermedades lisosomales

Lysosomal diseases are a set of rare diseases where the genetic deficiency of certain enzymes gives rise to the accumulation of substrates at the multi-organ level. The treatment of these inborn errors of metabolism is still under continuous investigation since when they exist, they present limitations trying to increase the synthesis of the enzyme or decrease the deposit of substrate, without reaching the definitive solution, and therefore a cure. The progressive and limiting neurodegeneration that most of them produce from pediatric ages, is one of the greatest challenges. Hematopoietic cell transplantation and enzyme replacement therapy are accepted treatments for some of these diseases; however,its results on the control and progression of neurological symptoms often remain disappointing. Undoubtedly, crossing the blood-brain barrier is one of the obstacles that many clinical trials currently underway aim to overcome. Gene therapy and neurophysiological pathways triggered by the lack of partial or total degradation of molecules also constitute a new avenue of study whose main objective is also based on preventing progression in the deterioration of cognitive function. Therefore, the objective of this work is to carry out a review to know the approved therapies and the lines of research in progress in relation to the neurodegeneration of lysosomal diseases and It is essential to continue advancing in this field with further development of these approaches and the search new perspectives on therapies that can have a great impact on the quality of life of these patients.

A rare occurrence of ganglion cysts on the posterolateral aspect of the elbow without neurological manifestations: a case series and review of the literature

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The occurrence of ganglion cysts around the elbow is rare, and the occurrence of these lesions without any symptoms of compression to the nearby structures is even rarer. Most published cases of elbow ganglions have reported patients with symptoms relating to compression of the radial nerve, or branches thereof secondary to anteriorly located cysts. We present two cases of ganglions occurring on the posterolateral aspect of the elbow with no pressure symptoms to the radial nerve CASE SERIES: The first case is a 33-year-old male, with a seven-month history of a spontaneous, slow-growing mass on the posterolateral aspect of his left elbow. The second case is a 38-year-old female, with a 12-month history of a spontaneous mass on the posterolateral aspect of her left elbow. In both cases, the reason for presentation was the unsightly elbow with an enlarging mass. The lesions were painless and both patients were neurologically intact with no restriction on range of motion of the joint. Both patients underwent excision of the mass for aesthetic reasons DISCUSSION: Patients with elbow ganglions usually have cysts located anterior to the radiocapitellar joint and almost invariably present with an associated motor, or less commonly, a sensory deficit of the radial nerve. Various treatment modalities have been reported; however, the vast majority undergo open surgical excision due to their association with progressive neurological symptoms. This usually leads to resolution of symptoms, and recurrence is rare CONCLUSION: The clinical presentation of the two patients reported in this case series seems to be far less frequent than patients presenting with a neuropathy of the radial nerve due to an anteriorly located elbow ganglion. It cannot, however, be excluded that there is an underreporting of asymptomatic elbow ganglions. According to our review of the English literature, this is only the third report of an asymptomatic elbow ganglion in the lateral compartment of the elbow Level of evidence: Level 5 Keywords: elbow, ganglion, cyst

Диференціальна діагностика фенілкетонурії і порушень обміну птеринів у хворих із гіперфенілаланінемією

Актуальність. Гіперфенілаланінемія (HPA), або підвищення концентрації фенілаланіну (Phe) в крові, є наслідком порушення перетворення фенілаланіну в тирозин. Яскравим прикладом цього клінічного стану є класична фенілкетонурія (PKU). У 1970-х роках стало зрозуміло, що в частини хворих із PKU, незважаючи на ефективну дієтотерапію, розвивалися тяжкі неврологічні порушення. Ці випадки верифікували як атипові, або злоякісні, варіанти PKU, що, як було досліджено, спричинялось мутаціями в генах, які регулюють синтез та регенерацію тетрагідробіоптерину (ВН4). Порушення метаболізму тетрагідробіоптерину, або ВН4-дефіцитні синдроми, — гетерогенна група спадкових захворювань ЦНС, спричинених дефіцитом моноамінів-нейротрансмітерів, які в низці випадків супроводжуються гіперфенілаланінемією. ВН4-дефіцитні синдроми, які є рідкісними вродженими порушеннями метаболізму, спричиненими недостатністю нейротрансмітерів, за відсутності своєчасного лікування призводять до прогресуючої, нерідко летальної, енцефалопатії. Упровадження в медичну практику ранньої диференціальної клінічної та лабораторної діагностики гіперфенілаланінемій дозволить запобігти розвитку летальних енцефалопатій та суттєво підвищити ефективність їх лікування. Матеріали та методи. Були обстежені 59 пацієнтів із діагнозом PKU віком від 2 до 16 років. Гіперфенілаланінемія була загальним симптомом і встановлена в усіх обстежених пацієнтів. Усім хворим було проведено молекулярно-генетичне обстеження на панель мутацій у гені РАН (R408W, Y414C (12-й екзон), R158Q (5-й екзон), Ivs10nt546 (5-й інтрон), Ivs12nt1 (12-й інтрон), R252W, R261W, R261Q, R261X, G272X, P281L, S273F (7-й екзон). Усі хворі були обстежені на спектр птеринів (біоптерин та неоптерин) в крові та сечі. У 4 пацієнтів із вираженими неврологічними симптомами додатково визначали активність дигідроптеринредуктази в сухих краплях крові. Двом пацієнтам проводилося вимірювання концентрації гомованілової кислоти та 5-гідроксііндолоцтової кислоти в спинномозковій рідині методом високоефективної рідинної хроматографії. Усі пацієнти лікувались за допомогою дієтотерапії з використанням продуктів спеціалізованого лікувального харчування. Результати. 59 пацієнтів із гіперфенілаланінемією були обстежені на птериновий профіль. У 55 пацієнтів був установлений діагноз PKU, у 4 пацієнтів із прогресуючим ураженням нервової системи та порушенням птеринового профілю було встановлено діагноз ВН4-дефіцитних синдромів: 3 пацієнти — із діагнозом «PTPS-синдром», 1 пацієнт — «DHPR-синдром». Основні клінічні прояви ВН4-дефіцитних синдромів у виявлених пацієнтів були такими: затримка розумового розвитку, судоми, прогресування екстрапірамідних симптомів, порушення тонусу м’язів і пози, ковтання, гіперсалівація. Перші симптоми виникали частіше протягом перших місяців життя дитини. Головним біохімічним маркером на початку захворювання була гіперфенілаланінемія. При застосуванні дієтотерапії рівень Phe швидко досягав рекомендованих безпечних для нервової системи значень, але хвороба прогресувала. Висновки. Гіперфенілаланінемія — основний прояв гетерогенної групи рідкісних нейрометаболічних захворювань, які вимагають подальшої діагностичної верифікації. У новонароджених, у яких під час проведення масового неонатального скринінгу на фенілкетонурію виявлений підвищений рівень фенілаланіну, необхідно застосовувати додатковий діагностичний протокол (визначення птеринового профілю в крові та сечі, обов’язкове дослідження активності дигідроптеринредуктази у сухій краплі крові). Дослідження птеринів необхідне в пацієнтів із раніше встановленим діагнозом «фенілкетонурія» за неефективності дієтотерапії, прогресування когнітивних і неврологічних порушень, зниження тонусу м’язів, виникнення судомного синдрому, наявності екстрапірамідних симптомів. Рання діагностика ВН4-дефіцитних синдромів та своєчасно розпочате лікування дозволяють суттєво покращити стан хворих. Для деяких ВН4-дефіцитних синдромів гіперфенілаланінемія не характерна, що унеможливлює раннє виявлення таких пацієнтів під час неонатального скринінгу. Тому виявлення прогресуючих неврологічних симптомів у пацієнтів віком до 1 року й у ранньому дитинстві, які супроводжуються втратою когнітивних функцій на тлі м’язової гіпотонії, дистонічних порушень і судом, зумовлює необхідність дослідження птеринового профілю в крові й сечі.

Abstract 12885: A Challenging Case of Endocarditis— Multi-Disciplinary Approach is an Achievable Chimera

A 60-year-old man with history of coronary artery bypass grafting and mitral valve repair presented with confusion, gait instability and lethargy. Cardiology was consulted after a transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrated a mobile mass on the mitral valve (MV). A subsequent transesophageal echocardiogram showed a large vegetation encompassing and adherent to the anterior annulus and leaflet. Serial blood cultures were negative. The initial differential considered causes of blood culture negative endocarditis (BCNE) with embolic phenomena to the central nervous system. This diagnosis was challenged after the patient developed progressive neurologic symptoms out of proportion to findings on brain imaging. A multidisciplinary team was established to revisit the available data and facilitate a coordinated care approach. The patient was found to fulfill 5 out of 8 criteria for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Furthermore, an H-Score of 268 supported this diagnosis with a >99% probability. Therapy was started with Dexamethasone 5mg/m 2 BID and Anakinra 100mg Q6h, resulting in a rapid improvement in mental status. Secondary HLH in adults is most commonly due to malignancy and infection. Although initial workup was negative, several days into the hospital stay Mycobacterium chimaera was detected on next-generation sequencing of microbial cell-free DNA (Karius test). M. chimaera is a non-tuberculous mycobacterium belonging to the Mycobacterium avium complex and has been associated with a global outbreak following cardiothoracic surgery related to exposure to 3T heater-cooler units (HCU). Endocarditis due to M. chimaera acquired during prior cardiac surgery, complicated by HLH, was considered the most likely unifying diagnosis. This case illustrates: (1) the differential diagnosis of BCNE and the benefit of microbial cell-free DNA testing in its diagnosis, (2) HLH as an unrecognized entity in adults and infectious endocarditis as a possible trigger, (3) the need for improved awareness of M. chimaera infection in patients who have been exposed to HCU presenting with compatible symptoms, and (4) the critical role of communication and a multidisciplinary approach to provide high-quality care in challenging cases such as this one.

INNV-43. MORE THAN WHAT MEETS THE EYE: ETMR AN UNDER RECOGNISED ATYPICAL BRAINSTEM PRIMARY. A RARE BRAIN TUMOR CONSORTIUM (RBTC) STUDY

Abstract 10% of all pediatric brain tumors arise in the brainstem. Amongst these gliomas are the most common while other entities are rare and infrequently described in the literature. In this study we investigated the prevalence of non-gliomatous tumors in the brainstem. Amongst the 1323 embryonal tumours received at the RBTC, we identified 17 cases of ETMRs (17/165) that presented as brainstem primaries. Previously grouped within CNS-PNETs, ETMR, is a new WHO diagnostic entity, characterized by C19MC alterations. ETMR is a disease of infancy, the clinical spectrum of which is poorly understood. ETMRs arise at multiple CNS locations including cerebrum being most common (60%,) followed by cerebellum (18%) and midline structures (6%); notably 10% were brainstem primaries, mimicking DIPG radiologically. All patients presented with a short history of progressive neurological symptoms, with most common signs and symptoms of cranial neuropathies, long tract signs and gait disturbance. Median age at diagnosis was 27 months (range 16-75months) with a male to female ratio of 0.9:1. Predominantly localized (M0-94%, M2-3 -6%) majority of patients underwent upfront biopsy or partial resection (15/17:88%), while complete tumor resection was achieved in 2 cases. All patients received heterogenous combination of chemotherapy with and without radiotherapy. Majority of patients progressed rapidly with median time to progression of 4 months and overall survival of < 13 months. The only long-term surviving patient had complete resection dose intensified chemotherapy and radiation (OS 202months). Primary ETMRs in the brainstem are under recognised entities and carry a dismal prognosis. Although rapidly progressive, prompt recognition, maximal resection and management with multimodal adjuvant therapy should be considered in cases with brainstem disease.

Biotinidase Deficiency, a Rare but Treatable Inborn Error of Metabolism

Biotinidase deficiency (BTD) is a rare inherited metabolic disorder with predominant dermatogical and neurological manifestations, which if untreated leads to severe neurological sequelae. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with biotin prevents further progression of neurological symptoms and resolution of cutaneous features. We report an interesting case of four and half year male child presenting with seizures, developmental delay with non resolving extensive skin lesions and alopecia, diagnosed as BTD and successfully treated.

Utilization and Expenditures of Vertebral Augmentation Continue to Decline: An Analysis in Fee-For-Service (FFS) Recipients from 2009 to 2018

Despite the high prevalence of vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) associated with refractory pain, deformity, or progressive neurological symptoms, minimally invasive vertebral augmentation procedures, including vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, have been declining in their relative utilization, along with expenditures. This investigation was undertaken to assess utilization and expenditures for vertebral augmentation procedures, including vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, in the fee-for-service (FFS) Medicare population from 2009 to 2018. The present study was designed to assess utilization and expenditures in all settings, for all providers in the FFS Medicare population from 2009 to 2018 in the United States. In this manuscript:• A patient was described as receiving vertebral augmentation over the course of the year.• An episode was considered as one treatment per region per day utilizing primary codes only. • Services or procedures were considered to be procedures including multiple levels.A standard 5% national sample of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) physician outpatient billing claims data for those enrolled in the FFS Medicare program from 2009 to 2018 was utilized. All the expenditures were presented with allowed costs and adjusted for inflation to 2018 US dollars. In 2009, there were 76,860 episodes of vertebral augmentation with a rate of 168 per 100,000 Medicare population, which declined to 58,760, or 99 per 100,000 population for a total decline of 41%, or an annual rate of decline of 5.7% per 100,000 Medicare population. Vertebroplasty interventions declined more dramatically than kyphoplasty from 2009. Total episodes of vertebroplasty were 27,380 with an annual rate of 60 per 100,000 Medicare population, decreasing to 9,240, or 16 per 100,000 Medicare population, a 66% decline in episodes and a 74% decline in overall rate with an annual decline of 11.4% and 13.9%. In contrast, kyphoplasty interventions were 49,480, for a rate per 100,000 population of 108 in 2009 compared to 49,520 in 2018 with a rate of 83, for a decrease of 23% and 2.9% annual decrease. Evaluation of expenditures showed a net decrease of $30,102,809, or 8%, from $378,758,311 in 2009 to $348,655,502 in 2018. However, inflation-adjusted expenditures decreased overall by 21% and 3% annually from $443,147,324 in 2009 to $345,655,502 in 2018. In addition, inflation-adjusted total expenditures per 100,000 Medicare population decreased from $967,549 to $584,992, for an overall decrease of 40%, or an annual decrease of 5%. Per patient expenditures decreased 2% overall with 0% decrease per year. Vertebral augmentation procedures were assessed only in the FFS Medicare service population. This excluded over 30% of the Medicare population, which is enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. This study shows a significant decline in relative utilization patterns of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty procedures, along with reductions in overall expenditures. The inflation-adjusted total expenditures of kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty decreased 21% with an annual decline of 3%. The inflation-adjusted expenditures per 100,000 of Medicare population decreased 40% overall and 5% per year. In addition, vertebroplasty has seen substantial declines in utilization and expenditure patterns compared to kyphoplasty procedures, which showed trends of decline.

Huntingtin and Its Role in Mechanisms of RNA-Mediated Toxicity.

Huntington’s disease (HD) is caused by a CAG-repeat expansion mutation in the Huntingtin (HTT) gene. It is characterized by progressive psychiatric and neurological symptoms in combination with a progressive movement disorder. Despite the ubiquitous expression of HTT, pathological changes occur quite selectively in the central nervous system. Since the discovery of HD more than 150 years ago, a lot of research on molecular mechanisms contributing to neurotoxicity has remained the focal point. While traditionally, the protein encoded by the HTT gene remained the cynosure for researchers and was extensively reviewed elsewhere, several studies in the last few years clearly indicated the contribution of the mutant RNA transcript to cellular dysfunction as well. In this review, we outline recent studies on RNA-mediated molecular mechanisms that are linked to cellular dysfunction in HD models. These mechanisms include mis-splicing, aberrant translation, deregulation of the miRNA machinery, deregulated RNA transport and abnormal regulation of mitochondrial RNA. Furthermore, we summarize recent therapeutical approaches targeting the mutant HTT transcript. While currently available treatments are of a palliative nature only and do not halt the disease progression, recent clinical studies provide hope that these novel RNA-targeting strategies will lead to better therapeutic approaches.