Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2 with Parkinsonism in Ethnic Chinese

Objective: To describe the clinical and molecular genetic analysis of a large family of northern Chinese descent with a mutation at the SCA2 locus causing carbidopa-levodopa-responsive parkinsonism.

Background: Most causes of parkinsonism remain unknown. However, molecular genetic analysis of families with parkinsonism has recently identified five distinct loci and pathogenic mutations in four of those. Additionally, some of the spinocerebellar ataxia syndromes (SCA), particularly Machado-Joseph syndrome (SCA3), are known to cause parkinsonism. Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) has not previously been described as causing a typical dopamine-responsive asymmetric PD phenotype.

Methods: A large family was evaluated clinically and molecularly for apparent autosomal dominant parkinsonism.

Results: The phenotype includes presentation consistent with typical dopamine-responsive parkinsonism. Other presentations in this family include a parkinsonism/ataxia phenotype, which is classic for SCA2 and parkinsonism, resembling progressive supranuclear palsy.

Conclusions: Patients presenting with a family history of parkinsonism, including familial progressive supranuclear palsy and PD, should be tested for the spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 expansion.