Large-fiber sensory neuronopathy in autosomal dominant spinocerebellar degeneration

R. H. Bennett, P. Ludvigson, G. DeLeon and G. Berry

Autosomal dominant hereditary ataxias are heterogeneous groups of disorders in which cerebellar ataxia and pyramidal, extrapyramidal, and extraocular signs predominate. We studied a family with this type of disorder with evidence supporting a large-fiber sensory neuronopathy. Electrophysiologic, histologic, radiologic, and biochemical features were studied. Neuropathic features of some forms of autosomal dominant spinocerebellar degeneration are, therefore, believed to be due to a ganglioneuropathy similar to that described in Friedreich's ataxia.