Cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy, vestibular areflexia syndrome

CANVAS
Cerebellum and brainstem
Specialty	Neurology
Symptoms	Difficulty walking. Poor coordination. Decreased sensation. Chronic cough. Dysphagia.
Usual onset	40–60 years old
Duration	Long term
Causes	Genetic (inherited or new mutation)
Diagnostic method	Genetic testing
Treatment	Supportive care
Medication	Not available
Frequency	Unknown

Cerebellar Ataxia with Neuropathy and Vestibular Areflexia Syndrome (CANVAS) is an autosomal recessive late-onset heredodegenerative multisystem neurological disease. The symptoms include poor balance and difficulty walking. Chronic cough and difficulty swallowing may also be present. Clinical findings include ataxia, sensory neuropathy, and absence of the vestibulo–ocular reflex. The syndrome was initially described in 2004.^[1] In 2019, the cause was identified as biallelic pentanucleotide expansion in the RFC1 gene.^[2]

Epidemiology[]

The prevalence of the disease is currently unknown, largely owing to its recent description and delineation from other forms of autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia.

Prognosis and treatment[]

Specific treatment is lacking. A multidisciplinary approach to supportive care is recommended. The progression is typically slow, with 55% of patients needing mobility aids 10 years after onset, and 25% needing a wheelchair after 15 years.^[3]

References[]