Motor Neuron Involvement in Two ATP13A2-Related Families: ALS And HSP-Like Phenotypes.

Background: Mutations in the ATP13A2 gene have been implicated in various neurodegenerative disorders, including Kufor-Rakeb syndrome (KRS), neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL), hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This report presents two Iranian families with ATP13A2 variants exhibiting atypical features of KRS.

Cases: We highlight four patients from two consanguineous Iranian families with mutations in the ATP13A2 gene presenting with variable features of motor neuron disease as well as juvenile-onset parkinsonism, and cognitive decline. The onset of symptoms ranged from 11 to 29 years, with initial manifestations including gait disturbance, postural instability, and cognitive impairment. As the disease progressed, patients developed a range of neurological signs, such as dystonia, spasticity, and dysarthria.

Conclusion: This report expands the phenotypic spectrum of ATP13A2-related disorders, highlighting the potential overlap of symptoms associated with KRS, ALS, and HSP.