Megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts: a multicenter Italian experience

Megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts (MLC) is a rare inherited white matter disorder. Initially, a "classic" phenotype has been characterized, presenting early-onset macrocephaly, cerebellar ataxia, mild spasticity, and a distinctive neuroimaging pattern of diffuse white matter abnormalities with subcortical cysts. An "improving" phenotype has also been described, featuring milder or absent neurological signs and a remitting pattern on neuroimaging. Mutations in four genes, MLC1, HEPACAM, GPRC5B and AQP4 have been associated with MLC. We describe clinical and genetic features of a cohort of genetically confirmed Italian MLC patients, representing the largest Italian cohort reported to date.

We conducted a retrospective, multicenter, observational study. Patients were included based on clinical and neuroimaging features consistent with MLC, along with a confirmed genetic diagnosis. Data were collected using a standardized database and included demographic, clinical, neuroimaging, neurophysiological, and genetic information.

Thirty-three patients from eight Italian centers were enrolled. Twenty-seven harbored biallelic MLC1 variants (23 distinct mutations, including three novel variants), while six had three distinct heterozygous HEPACAM variants. All MLC1-mutated patients exhibited the "classic" phenotype, frequently accompanied by orthopedic, gastrointestinal, and respiratory comorbidities. HEPACAM-mutated patients were consistent with the "improving" phenotype. No patients harbored mutations in GPRC5B or AQP4.

Our findings expand the mutational spectrum of MLC1, further characterize the disease phenotype, and provide valuable insights into its presence in Italy. They also underscore management needs of individuals with MLC, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary care.