SMA1/Werdnig-Hoffmann Disease (onset: <6 mo, never sit)
Genetics: AR homozygous SMN1 deletion (95%); <1-2 SMN2 copies
Exam: severe weakness of the limbs and intercostal muscles; paucity of spontaneous movement at the shoulder and hip girdle; some antigravity movements in the hands and feet. Atrophy of the tongue may be associated with fasciculations. DTRs are absent. Never sit. Normal intellect
Prognosis: >9Å% mortality; few survive to 2nd decade
SMA2 (onset: 6-18 mo, sit, but never walk)
Genetics: AR homozygous SMN1 deletion with usually 3 SMN2 copies
Exam: Lower extremities are more involved than upper extremities; associated with a tremor affecting the upper extremities (polyminimyoclonus); tongue may have fasciculations. DTRs are absent. Sit, but never walk. Normal intellect
Prognosis: variable, most survive to 2nd/3rd decade
SMA3/Kugelberg-Welander (onset >18 mo [type 3A, <3 y; type 3B, >3 y], able to walk)
Genetics: AR homozygous SMN1 deletion with 3-4 SMN2 copies
Exam: proximal symmetric weakness; muscle weakness may not manifest until adult life. Limb and tongue fasciculation. Able to walk. Type 3A: 20% walking at 40 y; type 3B: 60% walking at 40 y. Normal intellect
Prognosis: will survive into adult life
SMA4/Adult form (onset: after 20 y, walk with waddling gait)
Genetics: 30% AD; AR may be SMN-related, X-linked
Exam: proximal muscles are predominantly involved; impaired joint mobility, waddling gait, lumbar lordosis, and protuberant abdomen. ± DTRs, limb and tongue fasciculations, and tremor
Prognosis: age of symptom onset correlates with cessation of ambulation |