Rapidly Progressing and Early-Onset Forms of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Caused by a Novel SOD1 Variant in a Lithuanian Family.

Objectives: To describe a novel familial variant of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1)-associated amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in a Lithuanian family, highlighting its variable progression and implications for treatment inclusion criteria.

Methods: This study presents the clinical and genetic findings of a family with the novel SOD1 variant, including one member diagnosed with early-onset ALS (onset <40 years) and one with a particularly rapidly progressing course of ALS.

Results: The SOD1 variant NM_000454.5:c.446T>C, NP_000445.1:p.(Val149Ala) was identified in affected family members and 4 asymptomatic members aged 32-56 years. We present detailed disease course of the affected family members obtained during follow-up. Clinically, this variant is associated with variable disease progression, with the time from symptom onset to death ranging from 5 to 77 months.

Discussion: The novel SOD1 variant p.Val149Ala in this Lithuanian family causes ALS of variable onset and course, including a case of early-onset ALS and one case of rapidly progressing ALS, necessitating recognition by the scientific community and development of tailored therapeutic approaches.