Dentatorubropallidoluysian degeneration: clinical, neuro-ophthalmologic, biochemical, and pathologic studies on...

Four cases in two generations of a Japanese family are described as affected by an autosomal dominant-inherited cerebellar ataxia, pyramidal and extrapyramidal signs, and abnormal ocular movements, resembling Machado-Joseph disease. The neuro-ophthalmologic examination suggests the involvement of multiple motor control systems. The neuropathologic examination of one case showed neuronal loss in the subthalamic nuclei, pallidum, dentate nuclei of cerebellum, and red nuclei, which is distinct from Machado-Joseph disease.