P.082 White matter abnormalities suggestive of multiple sclerosis in Wolfram syndrome: report of two unrelated cases

Abstract

Background: Wolfram syndrome (WFS) is a genetic disorder clinically characterized by optic atrophy (OA), diabetes mellitus, sensorineural deafness, and diabetes insipidus. It is caused by mutations in WFS1 (mono- or biallelic) or CISD2 (biallelic) genes. Neuroradiological features include cerebellar and/or brainstem atrophy with visual pathway and white matter involvement. We report two subjects with WFS in which multifocal, progressive, and contrast-enhancing white matter abnormalities (WMA) led to the consideration of multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical, genetic, and radiological data from two unrelated subjects with genetically confirmed WFS and multifocal WMA. Results: Subject I: a 43-year-old woman, heterozygous for a known WFS1 variant, had a history of congenital deafness and OA. The brain MRI documented progressive multifocal WMA including pericallosal lesions. Subject II: a 28-year-old woman, compound heterozygous for two WFS1 variants, was known for OA and diabetes mellitus. The brain MRI revealed multifocal periventricular, callosal, subcortical, and juxtacortical WMA, with some enhancing after gadolinium injection. Conclusions: Our report expands the WFS spectrum of white matter involvement to include progressive, seemingly inflammatory lesions. Although we cannot exclude a dual diagnosis, the roles of WFS1 and CISD2 in myelination suggest a selective white matter vulnerability in WFS.