Polycystic Lipomembranous Osteodysplasia With Sclerosing Leukoencephalopathy

Clinical characteristics.

Polycystic lipomembranous osteodysplasia with sclerosing leukoencephalopathy (PLOSL) is characterized by fractures (resulting from radiologically demonstrable polycystic osseous lesions), frontal lobe syndrome, and progressive presenile dementia beginning in the fourth decade. The clinical course of PLOSL can be divided into four stages:

1.

The latent stage is characterized by normal early development.

2.

The osseous stage (3rd decade of life) is characterized by pain and tenderness, mostly in ankles and feet, usually following strain or injury. Fractures are typically diagnosed several years later, most commonly in the bones of the extremities.

3.

In the early neurologic stage (4th decade of life), a change of personality begins to develop insidiously. Affected individuals show a frontal lobe syndrome (loss of judgment, euphoria, loss of social inhibitions, disturbance of concentration, and lack of insight, libido, and motor persistence) leading to serious social problems.

4.

The late neurologic stage is characterized by progressive dementia and loss of mobility.

Death usually occurs before age 50 years.

Diagnosis/testing.

The diagnosis of PLOSL can be established in a proband with radiologically demonstrable polycystic osseous lesions, frontal lobe syndrome, and progressive presenile dementia beginning in the fourth decade. Identification of biallelic pathogenic variants in TYROBP or TREM2 can confirm the diagnosis if radiographic and clinical features are inconclusive.

Management.

Treatment of manifestations: Treatment is symptomatic. Orthopedic surgery and/or devices may be of value in individual cases. Antiepileptic drugs can be used to prevent epileptic seizures and secondary worsening of the condition.

Prevention of secondary complications: Some of the social consequences of PLOSL may be avoided if family members are informed early about the nature of the disorder.

Surveillance: Intervals for follow up of bone lesions and neurologic and psychiatric manifestations must be determined on an individual basis.

Genetic counseling.

PLOSL is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. If both parents are known to be heterozygous for a TREM2 or TYROBP pathogenic variant, each sib of an affected individual has at conception a 25% chance of being affected, a 50% chance of being an asymptomatic carrier, and a 25% chance of being unaffected and not a carrier. Carrier testing for at-risk relatives and prenatal testing for a pregnancy at increased risk are possible if the pathogenic variants in the family have been identified.

Suggestive Findings

PLOSL should be suspected in individuals with the following features:

• Radiologically demonstrable polycystic osseous lesions and fractures of the wrists and ankles after minor trauma at the mean age of 27 years (range 18-33 years) [Paloneva et al 2001]. Cyst-like lesions and loss of bone trabeculae are most conspicuous in the fingers and in the carpal and tarsal bones (see Figure 1 and Figure 2) [Mäkelä et al 1982, Nwawka et al 2014]. See also Figures 2 and 3 in Nwawka et al [2014]. If an individual has multiple lytic or cyst-like lesions on radiograph primarily in the distal extremities, CT and MRI are useful in making an accurate diagnosis [Nwawka et al 2014].
• Frontal lobe syndrome in the fourth decade manifested by euphoria and loss of judgment and social inhibitions
• Progressive presenile dementia beginning in the fourth decade. Dementia is mild at the onset of neurologic symptoms. The disease culminates in severe dementia; affected individuals typically die before age 50 years.

Figure 1.

A radiograph of the hand of a person with PLOSL demonstrates multiple cyst-like lesions and loss of bone trabeculae.

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Figure 2.

A radiograph shows a well-demarcated cyst-like lesion (arrow) in the talus of a person with PLOSL, age 28 years. Paloneva et al [2001]; reprinted with permission from Neurology

Neuroradiologic findings (Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 5)

Figure 3.

T₂-weighted MRI of a patient age 33 years shows very low signal intensity in the putamina. Signal intensities are higher in the central white matter (including internal capsules) than in the deep gray matter structures. The central white matter partially (more...)

Figure 4.

T₂-weighted MRI of a patient age 32 years displays severely enlarged cerebral sulci and lateral ventricles. Note high periventricular signal intensity spreading toward periphery. The arcuate fibers are partly spared. Paloneva et al [2001]; reprinted with (more...)

Figure 5.

Brain MRI. High-intensity lesions in the bilateral periventricular white matter on an axial FLAIR image (TR: 8000 ms, TE: 120 ms) Kuroda et al [2007]; reprinted with permission from Elsevier

• Cerebral atrophy. Dilated ventricles, atrophy of the basal ganglia and thalamus, prominent sulci, or thin corpus callosum is a constant finding on CT and MRI and is evident before the appearance of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Cerebellar atrophy may also be present [Paloneva et al 2001, Klünemann et al 2005, Solje et al 2014].
• Bilateral calcifications of the basal ganglia are a common finding on CT. The basal ganglia and thalamus, particularly the putamina, may show very low signal intensities on T₂-weighted MRI [Klünemann et al 2005]. Calcifications may occur before central nervous system (CNS) symptoms [Paloneva et al 2001, Solje et al 2014].
• Increased signal intensities of the cerebral white matter are usually found on T₂-weighted images after the appearance of clinical CNS symptoms. These white matter changes are diffuse and have no region of predilection, apart from the frontal lobes. The changes are usually centrally located (periventricular white matter, centrum semiovale, internal capsules). As the disease progresses, the high periventricular signal intensity spreads toward the periphery sparing most of the arcuate fibers. In some instances, the white matter changes also extend to the cortex. However, the white matter may look normal in some individuals with CNS symptoms [Paloneva et al 2001].
• SPECT and PET findings are variable. Hypoperfusion of the cortical areas, thalamus, and basal ganglia have been reported [Klünemann et al 2005, Takeshita et al 2005].

Electroencephalogram is normal early in the disease. With advancing disease, individuals show accentuation of theta and delta activity. Initially, theta is typically rhythmic, 6-8 Hz, dominating in the centrotemporal areas; later, diffuse slowing becomes evident. In the late stage of the disease, irritative activity usually appears on EEG [Paloneva et al 2001].

Bone biopsy is not required to establish the diagnosis. The cyst-like bone lesions are filled with lipid material that microscopically consists of characteristic 1-2 µm thick lipid membranes and amorphous lipid substance.

Establishing the Diagnosis

The clinical diagnosis of PLOSL can be established in a proband based on clinical diagnostic criteria [Paloneva et al 2001], or the molecular diagnosis can be established in a proband with suggestive findings and biallelic pathogenic variants in TREM2 or TYROBP identified by molecular genetic testing (see Table 1).

Clinical diagnosis. The combination of radiologically demonstrable polycystic osseous lesions, frontal lobe syndrome, and progressive presenile dementia beginning in the fourth decade is diagnostic [Paloneva et al 2001].

Molecular diagnosis. Molecular testing approaches can include a combination of gene targeted testing (serial single-gene testing, multigene panel) and comprehensive genomic testing (exome sequencing, exome array, genome sequencing) depending on the phenotype.

Gene-targeted testing requires that the clinician determine which gene(s) are likely involved, whereas genomic testing does not. Individuals with the distinctive findings described in Suggestive Findings are likely to be diagnosed using gene-targeted testing (see Option 1), whereas those in whom the diagnosis of PLOSL has not been considered are more likely to be diagnosed using genomic testing (see Option 2).

Clinical Description

The clinical course of polycystic lipomembranous osteodysplasia with sclerosing leukoencephalopathy (PLOSL) can be divided into four stages: latent, osseous, early neurologic, and late neurologic [Klünemann et al 2005].

Latent stage. Early development is normal.

Osseous stage (3rd decade of life). The first symptoms of PLOSL appear in early adulthood as pain and tenderness, mostly in the ankles and feet, usually following strain or a minor accident. Fractures are typically diagnosed several years later, most commonly in the bones of the extremities [Paloneva et al 2001]. The first fractures usually occur shortly before age 30 years; however, affected individuals may have had pain and swelling of the ankles and wrists after strain for years. The fractures heal well. It is important to note that some individuals may present with neurologic symptoms without any preceding osseous manifestations [Paloneva et al 2001, Bock et al 2013].

Early neurologic stage (4th decade of life). Personality changes begin insidiously in the fourth decade. Affected individuals show progressive loss of judgment, leading to serious social consequences, including divorce, unemployment, and financial trouble [Paloneva et al 2001, Ilonen et al 2012]. Some individuals may attempt suicide. The full-blown picture of frontal lobe syndrome subsequently appears: loss of judgment; euphoria; lack of social inhibitions, including Witzelsucht; disturbance of concentration; and lack of insight, libido, and motor persistence.

Progressive signs of upper motor neuron involvement (spasticity, extensor plantar reflexes) are noticed. With advancing disease, lack of initiative and activity conceal the aforementioned symptoms [Paloneva et al 2001].

Memory disturbances begin at approximately the same age as the personality changes, and are best detectable by psychometric tests [Vanhanen et al 2013]. The memory disturbance is less severe than the personality change, and affected individuals retain basic personal information until the last stage of the disease.

Other disturbances of higher cortical function, such as motor aphasia, agraphia, acalculia, and apraxia, appear only at the last stage of the disease.

Affected individuals may develop postural dyspraxia: they walk or sit in peculiar skewed postures. Involuntary athetotic or choreatic movements or myoclonic twitches are common. Individuals who reach their mid-thirties frequently experience epileptic seizures. In some individuals, impotence or lack of libido and urinary incontinence are among the first symptoms [Paloneva et al 2001].

Late neurologic stage. In the last stage of the disease, individuals lose their ability to walk and progress to a vegetative state. Primitive reflexes, such as visual and tactile grasp and mouth-opening reflexes, as well as the sucking reflex, may become noticeable. Affected individuals typically die before age 50 years [Paloneva et al 2001].

Bone pathology. The cyst-like bone lesions are filled with lipid material that microscopically consists of characteristic 1-2 µm thick lipid membranes and amorphous lipid substance [Kitajima et al 1989]. See Figure 6.

Figure 6.

Contents of a cyst-like bone lesion. Microscopically, the lesions contain (C) convoluted lipid membrane structures filled with amorphous lipid substance and (F) fat. (B) Bone trabeculae are partially preserved. Scale bar corresponds to 250 μm (more...)

Neuropathology. Generalized cerebral gyral atrophy with frontal accentuation is observed at autopsy. The corpus callosum is abnormally thin. The central white matter is severely reduced in amount, grayish, and tough. The basal ganglia, particularly the caudate nuclei, are variably reduced in size [Paloneva et al 2001]. All affected individuals show marked hydrocephalus ex vacuo.

Histologic examination reveals scattered neurons showing features of central chromatolysis. Intraneuronal or glial pathologic inclusions have not been observed [Paloneva et al 2001]. Neuronal loss as well as astrocytic proliferation and hypertrophy are observed in the caudate nuclei. In addition, scattered calcospherites are seen, particularly in the putamina and globi pallidi [Kalimo et al 1994, Paloneva et al 2001]. Thalamic degeneration may occur [Kobayashi et al 2000]. Affected individuals show advanced loss of axons and myelin and a pronounced astrocytic reaction in the centrum semiovale, accentuated in the frontal and temporal lobes, with moderate involvement of the gyral white matter. In addition, widespread activation of microglia in the cerebral white matter is seen [Paloneva et al 2001]. Scattered small arterioles and capillaries in the deep frontal and temporal white matter show concentric thickening of the vascular wall with multiple thickened basement membranes and narrowing or obliteration of the lumen [Paloneva et al 2001]. The cerebral cortices are less severely affected [Aoki et al 2011].

Pathologic findings in other organs. Characteristic lipomembranous changes have been described in systemic adipose tissue [Nasu et al 1973]. Pathologic manifestations in organs other than the central nervous system (CNS) and the skeletal system have been insufficiently characterized.

Genotype-Phenotype Correlations

Individuals with homozygous pathogenic variants in TYROBP or TREM2 develop similar CNS manifestations [Paloneva et al 2002, Klünemann et al 2005].

Some TREM2 pathogenic variants have been reported to cause a dementia syndrome resembling PLOSL without evident osseous manifestations (see Genetically Related Disorders).

Nomenclature

Polycystic lipomembranous osteodysplasia with sclerosing leukoencephalopathy may be abbreviated as PLOSL.

The first affected individuals were described in the 1960s independently by Järvi and Hakola in Finland and Nasu in Japan.

In the early literature, PLOSL was also known as membranous lipodystrophy. This term is outdated and should not be used.

Prevalence

The prevalence of PLOSL is highest in Finland due to a TYROBP founder variant, deletion of exons 1-4 (c.-2897_277-1227del5265), with an estimated prevalence of 1:1,000,000 to 2:1,000,000 [Pekkarinen et al 1998]. The prevalence of PLOSL in other countries is lower; no detailed data on the prevalence elsewhere are available. Most affected individuals have been diagnosed in Japan (>100 cases) [Pekkarinen et al 1998]. Single families with PLOSL have been diagnosed worldwide [Klünemann et al 2005].

Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis

To establish the extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with PLOSL, the evaluations summarized in Table 3 (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to the diagnosis) are recommended.

Treatment of Manifestations

Only symptomatic treatment is available.

Surveillance

The interval of surveillance for bone lesions, neurologic, and psychiatric manifestations must be determined individually.

Evaluation of Relatives at Risk

See Genetic Counseling for issues related to testing of at-risk relatives for genetic counseling purposes.

Therapies Under Investigation

Search ClinicalTrials.gov in the US and EU Clinical Trials Register in Europe for access to information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions. Note: There may not be clinical trials for this disorder.

Other

Calcium substitution alone has been shown to be ineffective in preventing the development of the osseous manifestations. The effect of bisphosphonates has not been studied.

It has been speculated that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs could slow the progression of PLOSL; however, clinical trials have not been performed.

A single individual with PLOSL improved temporarily when taking donepezil [D Hemelsoet, personal observation]. Clinical trials in a series of individuals with PLOSL have not been reported.