U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

GTR Home > Conditions/Phenotypes > Spongy degeneration of central nervous system

Summary

Excerpted from the GeneReview: Canavan Disease
Canavan disease is a leukodystrophy characterized by neurodevelopmental delays, macrocephaly, and tone abnormalities. The phenotypic spectrum ranges from the more severe typical Canavan disease (85%-90% of individuals) to the less severe atypical Canavan disease (10%-15%). Typical Canavan disease is characterized by neurodevelopmental impairment evident by ages three to five months, followed by neurodegeneration and developmental regression. The clinical course of atypical Canavan disease is more variable, with neurodevelopmental delay usually becoming evident in the first years of life and frequently followed by developmental regression later in childhood or adolescence. All individuals with Canavan disease have reduced life expectancy, with the majority surviving to age ten years and the minority living to adulthood.

Genes See tests for all associated and related genes

  • Also known as: ACY2, ASP, ASPA
    Summary: aspartoacylase

Clinical features

Help

Show allHide all

IMPORTANT NOTE: NIH does not independently verify information submitted to the GTR; it relies on submitters to provide information that is accurate and not misleading. NIH makes no endorsements of tests or laboratories listed in the GTR. GTR is not a substitute for medical advice. Patients and consumers with specific questions about a genetic test should contact a health care provider or a genetics professional.