Keywords
Cerebellar Ataxia - Peripheral Nervous System Diseases - Vestibular Diseases - Ataxia
- Neurologic Examination
INTRODUCTION
Cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy, and vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS) has been
characterized as a form of slowly progressive, late-onset ataxia.[1]
[2]
[3] This condition arises from any combination of impairments in the vestibular system,
peripheral nerves (dorsal root ganglia), and cerebellum.[2] Although cases of combined ataxia and vestibulopathy were first reported in the
1990s, CANVAS was only formally identified as a distinct clinical entity in 2011.[4]
[5] In 2019, Cortese et al. discovered that biallelic expansions in the replication
factor C subunit 1 (RFC1) gene are the genetic cause of this syndrome, a finding that revolutionized the diagnostic
approach to this autosomal recessive syndrome.[6] This discovery allows for diagnosis even in the absence of the complete classic
triad, thereby redefining the condition as an RFC1-related disorder.[6]
[7]
The phenotypic spectrum associated with biallelic intronic repeat expansions in RFC1 includes a range of symptoms such as typical cerebellar ataxia, sensory neuropathy,
and vestibular areflexia syndrome. Also, subclinical impairments in cerebellar, sensory,
and vestibular functions; autonomic dysfunction; chronic cough; and more limited phenotypes
primarily affecting one of the systems involved in balance control. Additional neurological
features reported within the RFC1 spectrum include motor neuropathy, hyperkinetic movement disorders, Parkinsonism,
rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM sleep disorders, and cranial neuropathy.[8]
[9] The shift from a predominantly clinical-based diagnosis to genetic testing has facilitated
more accurate diagnoses, positioning RFC1-related disorders as a major genetic cause of adult-onset cerebellar ataxia and a
significant contributor to idiopathic sensory neuropathy.[2]
[7]
[10]
Despite recent genetic advancements, neurological examination remains fundamental
for identifying symptomatic individuals potentially affected by this condition, as
it can reveal vestibular, cerebellar, and sensory impairments. Indeed, the majority
of previous studies have predominantly focused on neurological characterization. Nevertheless,
the combined use of vestibular and posturographic complementary diagnostic tools could
provide valuable additional information, both during the initial assessment of patients
with ataxia and throughout follow-up. This multimodal approach may contribute to a
more comprehensive clinical characterization, enhancing diagnostic precision and supporting
more personalized care.
Our objective is to enhance the understanding of the phenotypic spectrum directly
caused by RFC1 expansion through an interdisciplinary approach, including neurological, otoneurological,
and neuroimaging evaluations.
METHODS
Patient data
Retrospective analysis of a cohort of patients followed in a tertiary center followed
at a tertiary center outpatient neuromuscular clinic between January 2016 and 2025.
All the individuals included had the biallelic pentanucleotide repeat expansion in
the gene encoding RFC1. Patients' records were retrospectively evaluated, including family history, clinical
data, evidence of peripheral neuropathy, and cerebellar and/or vestibular dysfunction.
All patients were clinically classified according to three main axes: peripheral neuropathy,
vestibular impairment and cerebellar dysfunction.
Sensory neuropathy/neuronopathy was inferred by the presence of related symptoms (loss
of feeling, paresthesia, dysesthesia, neuropathic pain) and/or abnormal sensory exam,
including ataxia. Abnormal head impulse test (HIT) and/or oscillopsia were used to
access the presence of vestibulopathy. Cerebellar dysfunction was deduced from neurological
examination findings, such as cerebellar dysarthria, dysmetria, and/or abnormal eye
movements (nystagmus, dysmetric saccades, impaired ocular pursuit).
Additionally, vestibular impairment was further evaluated through the video head impulse
test (VHIT), caloric test and posturography. Data from electromyography/nerve conduction
studies and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were also collected.
Pentanucleotide repeat expansion testing for RFC1
Biallelic AAGGG repeat expansion in RFC1 was searched by repeat and flanking-primed polymerase chain reaction (PCR).[6]
[11] Expansions of additional likely nonpathogenic repeat configurations, ACAGG repeat
expansions, and truncating variants were not searched.
Electrodiagnostic testing
Nerve conduction studies were conducted using standard techniques, encompassing motor
nerves (median, ulnar, tibial, peroneal) and antidromic sensory nerves (median, ulnar,
radial, sural, and/or superficial peroneal).[12]
[13] Concentric needle electromyography was performed based on clinical discretion. All
electrophysiological assessments were performed using a Keypoint G4 (Natus Medical
Inc.) system. A qualitative analysis was provided based on the comprehensive findings.
Sensory neuronopathy was defined by diffusely reduced or absent sensory nerve action
potential (SNAP) in a nonlength-dependent pattern (i.e., both upper and lower limbs,
not explained by entrapment neuropathies) + no more that 1 abnormal motor nerve conduction
study. Axonal polyneuropathy was defined by reduced or absent SNAPs +- compound motor
action potential (CMAP) following a length-dependent pattern (i.e., distal lower limbs
more affected than distal upper limbs).[13]
[14]
Vestibular testing
The Otometrics ICS Impulse (Natus Medical Inc.) system was used for vHIT, documenting
gains across all six semicircular canals as well as overt and covert saccades. Videonystagmography
(VNG) was recorded using the VNG Ulmer SYNAPSIS (Inventis Inc.) system. Bithermal
caloric tests were conducted by stimulating the external auditory canals with cold
(30°C) and warm (44°C) water.
Bilateral vestibulopathy was defined according to the diagnostic criteria consensus
of the Bárány Society for bilateral vestibulopathy, published in 2017.[15] Specifically, bilateral vestibulopathy was diagnosed if the horizontal canal angular
vestibulo-ocular reflex gain was less than 0.6 on vHIT, or if the sum of the bithermal
maximum peak slow phase velocities on each side was less than 6°/sec in the caloric
test.[15]
Posturography
Computerized dynamic posturography was conducted using the NeuroCom EquiTest (Natus
Medical Inc.) system. The results of the sensory organization test (SOT) and the Limits
of Stability were documented.
Magnetic resonance imaging
Brain MRI examinations were conducted using standard clinical protocols on 1.5T and
3T scanners. The minimum protocol included coronal T2-weighted, 3D fluid-attenuated
inversion recovery (FLAIR), and 3D T1. All images were independently reviewed by two
experienced neuroradiologists; the 3D T1 images were evaluated to assess cerebellar
atrophy, by applying a qualitative analysis of the potentially involved regions.
Statistics
Statistical analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows (IBM
Corp.), version 27.0. Data were expressed as means ± standard deviation (SD). Normality
of data was assessed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Group comparisons were made
using the χ2 test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Student's t-test, as appropriate (p-values < 0.05 were deemed statistically significant).
Missing data were explicitly reported at each relevant point throughout the manuscript.
Analyses were conducted based on available data, and cases with missing values for
specific variables were excluded from the corresponding analyses, without imputation.
Human ethics and consent to participate
The present study was conducted according to the principles of the Helsinki declaration
and patient written consent was obtained. This study was approved by the Ethics committee
of Unidade Local de Saúde de São João (n°320/22).
RESULTS
Among the 15 patients harboring biallelic AAGGG repeat expansions in the RFC1 gene, 8 (53.3%) were male. Demographic and clinical characteristics are summarized
in [Table 1]. The cohort had a mean age of 65.8 ± 12.8 years, with a mean age at clinical onset
of 53.9 ± 12.0 years. Imbalance was reported as the initial neurological symptom in
11 (73.3%) subjects. Family history suggestive of inherited neuropathy was noted in
8 (53.3%). Chronic idiopathic cough was present in 8 patients (53.3%). At the last
assessment, 10 patients (66.6%) exhibited the classical triad of symptoms. There were
complaints of liquid dysphagia from 6 (40.0%). Additionally, other related symptoms/complaints
were evaluated, including constipation (n = 2), sexual dysfunction (n = 1), and urinary incontinence (n = 1).
Table 1
Demographic and clinical data, including referred CANVAS-related symptoms data (n = 15)
|
Gender (male)
|
8 (53.3%)
|
|
Family history (yes)
|
8 (53.3%)
|
|
Mean age at examination
|
65.8 ± 12.8
|
|
Age at onset
|
53.9 ± 12.0
|
|
Age at diagnosis
|
65.2 ± 12.6
|
|
Mean disease duration (years)
|
11.2 ± 8.1
|
|
First neurological symptom
|
|
|
Imbalance
|
11(73.3%)
|
|
Neuropathic symptoms
|
3 (20.0%)
|
|
Dysarthria
|
1 (6.7%)
|
|
Postural imbalance
|
11 (77.3%)
|
|
Gait abnormality
|
13 (86.7%)
|
|
Walks without help
|
8
|
|
Walks with unilateral assistance
|
5
|
|
Wheelchair
|
0
|
|
Dysphagia (yes)
|
6 (40.0%)
|
|
Chronic idiopathic cough (yes)
|
8 (53.3%)
|
|
Other relevant symptoms/conditions
|
6 (40.0%)
|
|
Constipation
|
2
|
|
Sexual dysfunction
|
1
|
|
Urinary incontinence
|
1
|
|
Restless legs syndrome
|
1
|
|
Optic neuropathy
|
1
|
Abbreviation: CANVAS, cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy and vestibular areflexia.
All patients underwent evaluation by a senior neurologist specializing in neuromuscular
disorders, and findings from previous neurological examinations are summarized in
[Table 2]. At the latest assessment, 13 patients (86.7%) presented with distal length-dependent
sensory deficits, including 2 with concurrent distal motor deficits. The majority
(n = 10, 66.7%) had bilaterally abnormal HIT, and 6 (40.0%) patients exhibited cerebellar
ocular motor signs, such as downbeat nystagmus (n = 3), simultaneous jerky smooth pursuit and saccadic dysmetria (n = 1), as well as alternant strabismus (n = 1).
Table 2
Neurologic examination findings (n = 15)
|
n (%)
|
|
Completed clinical triad
|
10 (66.6)
|
|
Pathologic HIT
|
11 (73.3)
|
|
Unilateral
|
1
|
|
Bilateral
|
10
|
|
Sensory examination (abnormal
pinprick distal limbs)
|
13 (86.7)
|
|
Upper limbs
|
6
|
|
Lower limbs
|
11
|
|
Ataxia
|
Axial/gait
|
13
|
|
Limb
|
0
|
|
Dysarthria (yes)
|
5 (33.3)
|
|
Abnormal eye movements
|
6 (40.0)
|
|
Downbeat nystagmus
|
3
|
|
Jerky smooth pursuit + saccadic dysmetria
|
1
|
|
Alternant strabismus
|
1
|
|
Skew deviation
|
1
|
|
Deep tendon reflexes
|
|
|
Ankle
|
Normal
|
5 (33.3)
|
|
Reduced
|
4 (26.7)
|
|
Absent
|
6 (40.0)
|
|
Knee
|
Hyperactive
|
2 (13.3)
|
|
Normal
|
6 (40.0)
|
|
Reduced
|
4 (26.7)
|
|
Absent
|
3 (20.0)
|
Abbreviation: HIT, head impulse testing.
Skew deviation on the cover test was noted in 1 patient. Knee reflexes were elicitable
in 6, reduced or absent in 7, and brisk in 2 patients. Ankle reflexes were more frequently
reduced or absent (n = 10), but preserved reflexes were observed in 5 patients. Cerebellar ataxia was
evident in 13 (86.7%), with only 5 (33.3%) requiring unilateral assistance despite
exhibiting ataxic gait. Those requiring assistance tended to have a longer disease
duration (14.0 ± 6.51 vs. 9.8 ± 8.69 months, p = 0.360). Dysphagia was noted in 6 patients (40.0%), being positively associated
with disease duration (p = 0.003). No significant differences were observed between patients presenting with
and without the complete triad regarding age at disease onset, disease duration, and
time to loss of independent gait (p = 0.963, 0.435, and 0.600, respectively).
Electrodiagnostic assessments ([Table 3]) identified peripheral neuropathy in all subjects. Sensory axonal polyneuropathy
was found in 8 (53.3%) patients, sensory neuronopathy in 3 (20.0%) and motor and sensory
axonal polyneuropathy in 4 (26.7%).
Table 3
Electromyography/nerve conduction studies (n = 15)
|
n (%)
|
|
Abnormal
|
15 (100)
|
|
Sensory axonal neuropathy
|
8 (53.3)
|
|
Moderate
|
1
|
|
Severe
|
7
|
|
Sensory neuronopathy*
|
3 (20)
|
|
Moderate
|
1
|
|
Severe
|
2
|
|
Motor and sensory axonal neuropathy
|
4 (26.7)
|
|
Severe sensory and mild motor impairment
|
4
|
Vestibular function tests were performed in all patients ([Table 4]). Abnormalities in vHIT were noted in 11 patients (73.3%), with 8 (53.3%) meeting
criteria for bilateral vestibular hypofunction and 3 (20.0%) displaying unilateral
involvement. All of the 6 patients diagnosed with bilateral vestibulopathy on caloric
testing also exhibited bilateral hypofunction on vHIT. Mean gains on all six canals
during the test were reduced ([Figure 1]), and overt and covert saccades were frequently observed.
Table 4
Video head impulse test and caloric test results*
|
Patient
|
Right lateral SCC gain
|
Left lateral SCC gain
|
Right lateral SCC saccades (covert/overt)
|
Left lateral SCC saccades (covert/overt)
|
Caloric response in the most responsive side (°/s)
|
|
1
|
0.41
|
0.36
|
0/12
|
0/1
|
6.6
|
|
2
|
0.11
|
0.18
|
1/1
|
1/1
|
4.7
|
|
3
|
0.31
|
0.27
|
1/1
|
1/1
|
1.5
|
|
4
|
0.51
|
0,79
|
1/1
|
1/1
|
9.6
|
|
5
|
0.03
|
0.09
|
1/1
|
1/1
|
1.2
|
|
6
|
0,92
|
0,89
|
1/1
|
0/1
|
60
|
|
7
|
1.02
|
1.00
|
1/1
|
1/1
|
16.9
|
|
8
|
1.01
|
0,90
|
0/1
|
1/1
|
22.1
|
|
9
|
0.45
|
0.43
|
1/1
|
0/1
|
30.5
|
|
10
|
0.33
|
0.32
|
1/1
|
1/1
|
4.4
|
|
11
|
0.74
|
0.49
|
1/1
|
1/1
|
missing data
|
|
12
|
1.09
|
1,05
|
0/0
|
0/0
|
20.9
|
|
13
|
0.32
|
0.34
|
1/1
|
0/1
|
4.1
|
|
14
|
0.56
|
0.61
|
1/1
|
1/1
|
12.4
|
|
15
|
0.04
|
0.17
|
1/1
|
1/1
|
4.3
|
Abbreviation: SCC, semicircular canal.
Notes: *Values in bold are considered abnormal. According to the Bárány society criteria,
8 patients (53.3%) were classified as having bilateral vestibulopathy; 0–saccade present,
1–saccade absent.
Notes: LA left anterior SSC, LL left lateral SCC, LP left posterior SCC, RA right
anterior RL right lateral SCC, RP right posterior SCC.
Figure 1 VHIT gains on the six semicircular canals.
Regarding posturography ([Figure 2]), global values of the SOT were reduced in the majority (n = 14; 93.3%), with average results notably decreased in conditions 2 to 6. Multisensory
deficits and visual dependence patterns were commonly observed. End-point (EPE) and
maximum (MXE) excursions regions of stability were globally reduced.
Figure 2 Sensory organization test average results (conditions 1 to 6).
Brain MRI data ([Table 5]) were available for 11 patients (73.3%). Of these, 8 were scanned using a 1.5T system
and 3 using a 3T system. As this was a retrospective study, imaging was acquired through
routine clinical protocols without predefined harmonization between scanners. Nevertheless,
image quality was deemed sufficient in all cases to allow for qualitative assessment
of cerebellar atrophy. Marked vermian atrophy with anterior/dorsal predominance was
observed in 6 (54.5%) patients, while moderate atrophy was noted in the remaining
5. The degree of atrophy in Crus I varied widely, with severe patterns in 3 patients,
moderate in another 3, mild in 3, and nonvaluable in 2 patients (18.2%). These patterns
of cerebellar atrophy distribution are illustrated in [Figure 3].
Figure 3 Brain MRI: 3D sagittal T1-weighted image illustrating a characteristic pattern of
cerebellar atrophy on CANVAS. Atrophy of (A) the anterior and dorsal cerebellar vermis, between the primary and prepyramidal
fissures, corresponding to VI, VIIA and VIIB lobules; (B) and lateral hemispheric, predominantly affecting the Crus I lobule, which is translated
by a slight enlargement of the posterosuperior (gray arrow) and horizontal (red arrow)
fissures.
Table 5
Qualitative MRI assessment of cerebellar atrophy (n = 11)
|
n (%)
|
|
Vermian atrophy (+ anterior/dorsal)
|
Moderate
|
5
|
|
Severe
|
6
|
|
Cerebellar hemisphere atrophy (+ crus I)
|
Nonvaluable
|
2
|
|
Mild
|
3
|
|
Moderate
|
3
|
|
Severe
|
3
|
Abbreviation: MRI, magnetic resonance imaging.
DISCUSSION
Advancements in understanding the RFC1-related disorder have markedly accelerated in recent years, particularly following
the gene's discovery in 2019.[2] Although the precise pathogenic mechanisms underlying biallelic RFC1 expansions remain elusive, the ability to achieve a molecular genetic diagnosis has
positioned the disorder as one of the most prevalent late-onset ataxias.[2]
[10] This molecular insight has significantly improved diagnostic sensitivity and specificity,
enabling earlier identification of patients who may present with partial manifestations
of the triad.[2]
[3]
Notably, peripheral neuropathy was universally identified in electrodiagnostic studies
and could be detected on physical examination in the majority (86.7%) of patients.
Clinical cerebellar dysfunction was present in a substantial majority (86.7%) of patients,
with corresponding imaging evidence of atrophy observed in all examined brain MRIs.
Similarly, 73.3% of patients exhibited vestibular impairment, confirmed either clinically
or through vHIT/caloric testing, although only 8 (53.3%) cases met the criteria for
bilateral vestibulopathy. The observed concordance rate between HIT and vHIT was 73.3%.
Dynamic posturography offers a more objective quantification of the balance and how
patients use its sensory systems (proprioceptive, visual, and vestibular) to maintain
stability. Instability is a usual finding in patients with RFC1-related disorder, as was observed in the series. In fact, dynamic posturography revealed
reduced global values in the SOT in the majority (93.3%) of patients. Noteworthy,
multisensory deficits and patterns of visual dependence were frequently observed within
the cohort. As suggested by others, we advocate that posturographic studies should
be a part of the evaluation of patients with instability of any origin.[16]
From a clinical standpoint, the classical triad of RFC1-related disorder symptoms was evident in only 10 patients (66.6%). However, this
number increased to 11 (73.3%) upon comprehensive neurological examination and to
12 (80.0%) when including ancillary exams. As previously reported, RFC1-related disorder manifests as a slowly progressive condition, with the majority of
patients exhibiting ataxic gait, although only 5 required unilateral assistance. In
the present study, individuals requiring assistance exhibited a tendency toward longer
disease duration, although this difference did not reach statistical significance.
Notably, dysphagia was identified in 40.0% of patients and showed a significant positive
association with disease duration. This association underscores the potential utility
of dysphagia as a surrogate indicator of disease severity and cerebellar dysfunction
in this population.
None of the patients required percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy due to manageable
mild to moderate dysphagia using behavioral measures and thickeners.
Our findings are consistent with those of a larger clinical cohort of RFC1-related disorder patients from the UK, albeit without inclusion of posturography.[7] Recent studies have predominantly focused on clinical neurological examination findings.
Integration of otoneurological assessments, particularly vHIT, caloric tests, and
posturography, provides a comprehensive evaluation of vestibular dysfunction. We advocate
for a multimodal phenotyping approach essential for elucidating the full spectrum
of phenotypes associated with RFC1 expansion. Another strength of our study lies in the cohort's homogeneity, comprising
exclusively positive patients, in contrast to clinical-defined RFC1-related disorder cohorts.[17]
[18]
[19]
[20]
A notable limitation is the small size of our cohort, reflecting the rarity of the
disease and its recent recognition, potentially leading to underdiagnosis. Nonetheless,
due to the uncommon nature and recent characterization of RFC1 disease, our findings contribute novel insights. Additionally, the length of pentanucleotide
repeat expansions was not quantified, precluding assessment of potential associations
with disease severity and age of onset, as suggested in recent literature.[21] A small number of cases with typical RFC1-related disorder do not carry the common biallelic repeat expansion.[22] However, additional repeat configurations and truncating variants were not searched.
Concerning neuroimaging, quantitative or semiquantitative MRI rating scales were not
employed in this study, which may have limited the objective characterization of imaging
findings. Finally, the retrospective nature of our study represents a significant
limitation, dependent on the quality of clinical records.
The discovery of the pathogenic role of RFC1 expansions has broadened the clinical spectrum of CANVAS, enabling diagnosis beyond
the classic triad. This study highlights the value of detailed phenotyping and multimodal
diagnostic integration in refining the characterization of RFC1-related disorders and advancing understanding of their variable presentations and
progression.
Bibliographical Record
André Aires Fernandes, Pedro L. Alexandre, Sofia Vedor, Rita Figueiredo, Pedro Marques,
Luís Braz. Comprehensive phenotyping of RFC1-related disorder: integrating electrophysiological, brain imaging, and otoneurological
data in deep phenotyping. Arq Neuropsiquiatr 2025; 83: s00451811723.
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1811723