Clinical evolution of pure upper motor neuron disease/dysfunction (PUMMD) |
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| Authors: | Emanuele D'amico MD Meredith Pasmantier BA Yei‐won Lee MA Louis Weimer MD Hiroshi Mitsumoto MD DSc |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Eleanor and Lou Gehrig MDA/ALS Center, Columbia University Medical Center, 710 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA;2. EMG Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA |
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| Abstract: | Introduction: PLS is defined as pure upper motor neuron disease/dysfunction (PUMND) beyond 48 months after symptom onset. We know little about its early stages, but such knowledge would help to identify the mechanisms underlying PLS and ALS and determine why PLS patients seem to be protected against lower MND (LMND). Methods: We reviewed 622 MND cases during a 4‐year period and identified 34 patients with PUMND (5.4%). Results: Among 23 cases with follow‐up data/electromyograms (EMGs; 2 had only 1 EMG), 13 (57%) remained classified as PUMND, and 8 (35%) developed LMND (mean, 51.4 months after onset). Of these 8, LMND developed in 3 after 48 months from symptom onset. Patients with PUMND and LMND were more functionally impaired (P = 0.02). Separately, we identified 5 patients with PUMND who developed LMND long after 48 months (range, 50–127 months). Conclusions: PLS belongs to the ALS spectrum, and perhaps all cases eventually develop LMND. Muscle Nerve, 2013 |
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| Keywords: | amyotrophic lateral sclerosis lower motor neuron motor neuron disease pure upper motor neuron disease/dysfunction upper motor neuron |
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