HTRA1 Disorder

Review
In: GeneReviews® [Internet]. Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993.
[updated ].

Excerpt

Clinical characteristics: HTRA1 disorder is a phenotypic spectrum in which some individuals have few to no symptoms and others manifest with the more severe CARASIL (cerebral autosomal recessive arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy) phenotype. Those who have a heterozygous HTRA1 pathogenic variant may have mild neurologic findings (sometimes identified only on neuroimaging) or mild-to-moderate neurologic signs and symptoms of CARASIL. In this chapter, the term "classic CARASIL" refers to the more severe phenotype associated with biallelic pathogenic variants, and "HTRA1 cerebral small vessel disease" (HTRA1-CSVD) refers to the milder phenotype associated with a heterozygous HTRA1 pathogenic variant.

  1. Classic CARASIL is characterized by early-onset changes in the deep white matter of the brain observed on MRI, and associated neurologic findings. The most frequent initial symptom is gait disturbance from spasticity beginning between ages 20 and 40 years. Forty-four percent of affected individuals have stroke-like episodes before age 40 years. Mood changes (apathy and irritability), pseudobulbar palsy, and cognitive dysfunction begin between ages 20 and 50 years. The disease progresses slowly following the onset of neurologic symptoms. Scalp alopecia and acute mid- to lower-back pain (lumbago) before age 30 years are characteristic.

  2. The most frequent initial symptom in individuals with HTRA1-CSVD is slowly progressive gait disturbance after age 40 years, which may be followed by the development of mood changes and cognitive dysfunction. A majority of affected individuals have a stroke-like episode after age 40 years. Spondylosis and alopecia are seen in a minority of individuals with HTRA1-CSVD.

Diagnosis/testing: The diagnosis of HTRA1 disorder is established in a proband by identification of either a heterozygous or biallelic pathogenic variant(s) in HTRA1 on molecular genetic testing.

Management: Treatment of manifestations: Consideration of anti-platelet therapy and anti-hypertensive therapy for those with cerebral microbleeds; physical therapy, walking aids, and home adaptations for those with gait disturbance; consideration of medication (baclofen or tizanidine) for spasticity; wig or hairpiece for those with alopecia; standard treatment for spinal spondylosis and mood disorder; supportive care including emotional support and counseling for affected individuals and their families.

Surveillance: Follow-up intervals are based on the severity and type of symptoms and the needs of the individuals and their caregivers.

Agents/circumstances to avoid: Smoking and a high-salt diet, which may hasten the progression of arteriosclerosis.

Genetic counseling: HTRA1 disorder caused by biallelic pathogenic variants (i.e., the classic CARASIL phenotype) is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. HTRA1 disorder caused by heterozygous pathogenic variants is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner.

  1. Autosomal recessive inheritance. At conception, each sib of an affected individual has a 25% chance of inheriting both HTRA1 pathogenic variants and being affected, a 50% chance of inheriting one pathogenic variant and being heterozygous, and a 25% chance of inheriting neither pathogenic variant and not being at risk for HTRA1 disorder.

  2. Autosomal dominant inheritance. Each sib of an affected individual has a 50% risk of inheriting the pathogenic variant from their affected parent.

Once the HTRA1 pathogenic variant(s) have been identified in an affected family member, prenatal testing for a pregnancy at increased risk and preimplantation genetic testing for HTRA1 disorder are possible.

Publication types

  • Review