Dominantly inherited peripheral neuropathies

Since 1886, the year that Charcot and Marie and Tooth described a genetic "peroneal muscular atrophy syndrome," electrophysiological and histological studies of the peripheral nervous system have greatly aided the characterization of this syndrome, which falls among the hereditary sensory-motor neuropathies. Two principal forms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease have been distinguished: CMT 1, corresponding to a demyelinating type, and CMT 2, corresponding to an axonal type. The modes of transmission of these types are variable, recessive or dominant, autosomal, or X-linked. Our discussion here is confined to the dominant forms. In recent years, advances in molecular biology have greatly modified the approach to CMT disease and related neuropathies (such as hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies). With increased knowledge of responsible gene mutations and several other loci identified by linkage studies, our understanding of the pathophysiology of these neuropathies is increasing; however, with greater understanding, the classification of these disorders is becoming more complex. In this review we present and discuss the currently characterized subtypes, with emphasis on their known histological aspects. While nerve biopsy has lost its diagnostic importance in certain forms of the disease, such as CMT 1A, CMT 1B, and X-linked CMT (CMT X), it remains important for better characterizing the lesions of CMT 2 and forms of genetic peroneal atrophy in which DNA study is unrevealing.