Spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1 (SMARD1)

BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1 (SMARD1) is a clinically and genetically distinct and uncommon variant of SMA that results from irreversible degeneration of α-motor neurons in the anterior horns of the spinal cord and in ganglion cells on the spinal root ganglia. AIMS To describe the clinical, electrophysiological, neuropathological, and genetic findings, at different stages from birth to death, of a Spanish child diagnosed with SMARD1. PATIENT AND METHODS We report the case of a 3-monthold girl with severe respiratory insufficiency and, later, intense hypotonia. Paraclinical tests included biochemistry, chest X-ray, and electrophysiological studies, among others. Muscle and nerve biopsies were performed at 5 and 10 months and studied under light and electron microscopy. Post-mortem examination and genetic investigations were performed. RESULTS Pre- and post-mortem histopathological findings demonstrated the disease progression over time. Muscle biopsy at 5 months of age was normal, however a marked neurogenic atrophy was present in post-mortem samples. Peripheral motor and sensory nerves were severely involved likely due to a primary axonal disorder. Automatic sequencing of IGHMBP2 revealed a compound heterozygous mutation. CONCLUSIONS The diagnosis of SMARD1 should be considered in children with early respiratory insufficiency or in cases of atypical SMA. Direct sequencing of the IGHMBP2 gene should be performed.