Dentatorubral–pallidoluysian atrophy

Last revised by Rohit Sharma on 10 Dec 2023

Dentatorubral–pallidoluysian atrophy​ (DRPLA) is a clinically heterogenous autosomal dominant CAG repeat expansion disorder that is particularly prevalent within the Japanese population.

The majority of case reports are in patients of Japanese origin, where disease prevalence is 1 in 200,000. The worldwide prevalence is unknown. A large case series of Caucasian patients with cerebellar ataxia identified the frequency of dentatorubral–pallidoluysian atrophy​ as 0.25% in this cohort 2

In both Asian and non-Asian populations, the natural history and symptomatology of dentatorubral–pallidoluysian atrophy​ is similar 3. With that being said, between individual patients the presentation is highly heterogeneous and varies with age of onset 4. Specifically, younger patients - less than 20 years - tend to present with myoclonic epilepsy and older patients - onset over 40 years - with choreoathetosis, cerebellar ataxia and dementia 4. Median age of onset is 31 years, although there is a wide range present from infancy to age 72 years 4-6.

Dentatorubral–pallidoluysian atrophy occurs when there are >47 CAG repeat expansions within one allele of the ​atrophin 1 (ATN1) gene on chromosome 12p 6,7. This mutation is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion and demonstrates anticipation 5.

Histopathology reveals widespread intranuclear granular and filamentous inclusion bodies within deep brain nuclei and the cerebellar cortex, particularly affecting neurons 8. The finding of combined degeneration of the dentatorubral and pallidoluysian systems gives dentatorubral–pallidoluysian atrophy its name 6. Degeneration of white matter tracts is also frequent 6

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Additionally, atrophy of the cerebellum and pontine tegmentum are typical, with the extent of atrophy correlating with the extent of CAG expansion 6. Generalized atrophy is reported in most patients. 

Treatment focuses on symptom control. Death generally occurs 8 years following symptom onset, at a mean age of 49 years 6

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