Citations

Background REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) is a prodrome of α -synucleinopathy, yet mechanistic pathways are unresolved. Narcolepsy type 1 with RBD (NT1-RBD) provides a human model of orexin deficiency. We tested whether REM motor semiology differs categorically between isolated RBD (iRBD) and NT1-RBD. Methods We retrospectively analyzed blinded video-polysomnographic scorings from 57 patients (iRBD n = 34; NT1-RBD n = 23). Across 857 REM events (iRBD 717; NT1-RBD 140), we classified topography (head/neck, trunk, upper, lower limbs), complexity (elementary vs. complex), content (scenic, violent, self-referential), vocal/orofacial features, spatial distribution and laterality using a pre-specified codebook. The patient was the primary unit of inference. Binary features used Fisher’s exact tests with Cohen’s h ; the per-patient complex-event proportion used Mann–Whitney and Cliff’s δ (bootstrap 95% CI). Robustness checks comprised Beta-Binomial posteriors (Beta [1,1]) and patient-label permutation tests (10,000 permutations). Results REM motor phenotypes diverged categorically. Lower-limb dominance occurred in 18/23 (78.3%) NT1-RBD vs. 7/34 (20.6%) iRBD (Fisher p < 0.0001; Cohen’s h ≈ +1.23), whereas upper-limb dominance occurred in 24/34 (70.6%) iRBD vs. 2/23 (8.7%) NT1-RBD ( p < 0.0001; h ≈ −1.40). Any complex event was present in 27/34 (79.4%) iRBD vs. 3/23 (13.0%) NT1-RBD ( p < 0.0001; h ≈ −1.46); violent enactments in 16/34 (47.1%) vs. 0/23 (0%) ( p < 0.0001; h ≈ −1.51). The per-patient complex-event proportion was higher in iRBD [median 0.21 (0.05–0.33)] than NT1-RBD [0.00 (0.00–0.00)] (Mann–Whitney p < 0.0001; Cliff’s δ = −0.665; 95% CI −0.853 to −0.441). Event-level summaries were concordant; permutation p -values were 0.0001 for upper-limb involvement and 0.0083 for complex behaviour. Conclusion iRBD and NT1-RBD exhibit qualitatively distinct REM motor phenotypes: upper-body-dominant, complex/scenic behaviours in iRBD versus elementary, predominantly bilateral lower-limb behaviours with notable trunk recruitment in NT1-RBD, supported by large effect sizes and convergent robustness checks. These findings motivate mechanistic studies of hypothalamic-brainstem-cortical integration in REM and suggest that semiological profiling may aid stratification in prodromal neurodegeneration.

ABSTRACT Suicidality contributes substantially to global morbidity and mortality, yet despite its heritability, its biological etiology remains largely elusive. We conducted multi-ancestry genome-wide association study meta-analyses of suicidal ideation (259,747 cases), suicide attempt (64,993 cases), suicide death (9,197 cases), and suicidal behavior (suicide attempt/ death, 75,300 cases), across 54 cohorts (e.g., the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, Million Veteran Program, UK Biobank). We identified 77 significant loci across meta-analyses, including 59 previously unreported for suicidality. SNP-based heritability ranged from 2.0-6.7% and there were strong, yet incomplete, genetic correlations between suicidality phenotypes (0.70-0.88). Fine-mapping prioritized putative causal SNPs and 20 credible genes. Enrichment analyses implicated synaptic pathways and neuronal populations predominantly in subcortical brain regions (e.g., amygdala excitatory, medium spiny, hippocampal CA1-3). Together, these findings establish suicidality as a polygenic set of traits with both shared and distinct genetic influences, providing a foundation for future studies of suicide biology and etiology.

Background: The incidence of pediatric thyroid cancer has been increasing, and care varies due to socioeconomic disparities or differing practice patterns. Clinical guidelines call for care in multidisciplinary teams to minimize variance and provide protocols. Based on expert opinion, we hope to describe the form and function of such multidisciplinary teams for pediatric thyroid programs. Methods: A modified Delphi method to reach consensus statements over two rounds. Twenty-one experts with varying backgrounds responded to each statement on a 9-point Likert scale. Upon completion of the survey, the panel reviewed and shared the results and comments from participants and modified the statements accordingly. This process was repeated such that statements reached consensus, were deemed no consensus, or had no change in the mean. Results: There was an 88% and 83% completion rate for Rounds 1 and 2, respectively. A consensus was observed that there is a distinct definable model of care for pediatric thyroid patients. No consensus was reached for the age range of patients, but programs should care for children with medullary thyroid cancer, differentiated thyroid cancer, and patients with genetic predisposition syndromes. A comprehensive team includes, but is not limited to, a thyroid surgeon, a pediatric endocrinologist, a high-volume fine-needle aspiration (FNA) proceduralist, an oncologist, a nuclear medicine physician, a pediatric pathologist, a pediatric radiologist, and a nurse coordinator. Necessary support services involve care coordination, access to a multidisciplinary tumor board, ability to perform ultrasound-guided FNA, and access to molecular testing. The panel emphasized cross-institutional collaborative research prioritizing guidelines development, disease-specific outcomes, treatment toxicity, and the molecular landscape of thyroid cancer. Conclusions: These consensus statements can be beneficial in improving multidisciplinary care, by describing which elements of pediatric thyroid programs should be consistent across institutions. Overall, the panel agreed that pediatric thyroid centers should provide integrated care with defined team members, services, resources, and research priorities. This model has the potential to standardize various aspects of clinical care and enhance our ability to study patient outcomes, improve health care delivery, and increase scholarly collaboration.

Abstract Cardiovascular disease remains a prominent cause of disability and premature death worldwide. Within this spectrum, carotid artery atherosclerosis is a complex and multifaceted condition, and a prominent precursor of acute ischaemic stroke and other cardiovascular events. The intricate interplay among inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, lipid metabolism, and immune responses participates in the development of lesions, leading to luminal stenosis and potential plaque instability. Even non-stenotic plaques can precipitate a sudden cerebrovascular event, regardless of the degree of luminal encroachment. In this context, carotid imaging modalities have proved their efficacy in providing in vivo characterization of plaque features, contributing substantially to patient risk stratification and clinical management. This review emphasizes the importance of identifying high-risk individuals by use of current imaging modalities, biomarkers, and risk stratification tools. Such approaches inform early intervention and the implementation of personalized therapeutic strategies, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes in the realm of cardiovascular disease management.

AbstractBackground and purposeLower left atrial (LA) function is associated with higher dementia risk and may be mechanistically linked through vascular brain injury, an established correlate for higher dementia risk. Using data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study, we assessed the cross‐sectional association between LA function and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) markers of vascular brain injury.MethodsWe included 1488 participants who were free of prevalent dementia, stroke, or atrial fibrillation and who underwent a two‐dimensional echocardiogram and brain MRI in 2011–2013 (mean [± standard deviation] age 76 [± 5] years, 60% female, 27% Black). LA function measures (reservoir, conduit, contractile strain) were assessed in quartiles. Brain MRI measures included cerebral microbleeds, brain infarcts, and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume. Logistic regression was used for dichotomous outcomes. Linear regression was used for WMH volume.ResultsOverall, 343 (23%) and 344 participants (23%) had ≥1 cerebral microbleed or brain infarct. After multivariable adjustments, the lowest LA reservoir and conduit strain quartiles (vs. highest quartile) were associated with higher odds of the presence of ≥1 cerebral microbleed (odds ratios [95% confidence intervals] 1.78 [1.42–2.22] and 1.52 [1.22–1.90]). Compared to the highest quartile, participants in the lowest LA conduit strain quartile had 1.51 (95% confidence interval 1.22–1.88) times higher odds of having ≥1 brain infarct. Lower LA contractile strain was associated with lower odds of brain infarcts. No association with WMH volume was noted.ConclusionsWe found that LA reservoir and conduit strain were associated with cerebral microbleeds and brain infarcts. Lower LA function may be linked to dementia risk via vascular brain injury. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Abstract Disclosure: S.W. Ing: Advisory Board Member; Self; Ultragenyx, Amolyt. Grant Recipient; Self; Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma, Takeda, Amolyt, Radius Health, Inc, Ultragenyx. P. Harmatz: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. S. Mora: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. E.A. Imel: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. P.J. Tebben: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. M.L. Warren: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma, Ascendis, Amolyt. Speaker; Self; Ascendis. N. Ma: Research Investigator; Self; Calcilytix Therapeutics, Ultragenyx, Inozyme. Other; Self; Up To Date. A.A. Khan: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma, Ascendis. A. Palermo: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. B. Decallonne: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. S. Lemoine: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma, Kyowa Kirin. G. Mantovani: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. A. Linglart: Consulting Fee; Self; Alexion, Novo Nordisk, Merck, Pfizer, Inc.. Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma, Kyowa Kirin. H. Wasserman: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. A.P. Barbosa: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. C. Cardot-bauters: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. M. Roberts: Employee; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. A. Mathew: Employee; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. S. Adler: Employee; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. M.C. Zillikens: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. R.J. Clifton-Bligh: Consulting Fee; Self; Ipsen, Kyowa Kirin, Amgen Inc, Eisai. Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. L. Rejnmark: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma, Ascendis, Amolyt, Takeda, Kyowa Kirin. Autosomal dominant hypocalcemia type 1 (ADH1), caused by gain-of-function calcium-sensing receptor gene (CASR) variants, is characterized by low parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations, hypocalcemia, hypercalciuria, hyperphosphatemia and hypomagnesemia. While a rare disease, ADH1 is one of the more frequently identified causes of genetic hypoparathyroidism. Conventional therapy includes calcium (Ca) and/or active vitamin D, but this regimen incompletely corrects the hypocalcemia and is associated with persistent hypercalciuria, which may result in renal complications including nephrocalcinosis (NC), nephrolithiasis (NL), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The CLARIFY disease monitoring study [NCT05227287] is a global, multicenter, longitudinal study to understand disease burden, management, and progression in children and adults with ADH1 over a 5-year period. Here we report data on the characteristics of adult participants at study entry. As of November 2023, 45 adults (≥18 years) with ADH1 were enrolled, with a mean±SD age of 42.1±16.5 years (range 18-80). The mean±SD age of a hypocalcemia diagnosis was 19.1±19.1 years, while the mean±SD age for a diagnosis of ADH1 was 28.2±20.6 years. As reported on medical history, in decreasing order of prevalence, 36% (16) had NC, 22% (10) had intracranial calcifications, 11% (5) had history of seizures, 11% (5) had CKD, 9% (4) had cataracts, 7% (3) had NL, and 4% (2) had undergone renal transplant. Treatment data were available for 43 participants and included the following: 74% (32) Ca and active vitamin D, 9% (4) Ca alone, 9% (4) active vitamin D alone, 37% (16) magnesium, 33% (14) thiazide diuretics, 26% (11) potassium, 7% (3) phosphate binder, 7% (3) PTH, and 5% (2) no treatment. Mean±SD fasting values collected prior to conventional therapy dose are presented. PTH concentrations (10.1±8.2 pg/mL [nl 15-65]) and albumin-corrected calcium ([cCa]=7.5±1.0 mg/dL [nl 8.5-10.5]) were low. Despite the low mean cCa, the mean 24-hr urine calcium was elevated (268±183 mg/d, [nl <250 women, <300 men]). Blood phosphate was 4.8±0.8 mg/dL [nl 2.5-4.8] while blood magnesium was 1.8±0.2 mg/dL [nl 1.8-2.4]. 25-OH vitamin D was 35.0±13.5 ng/mL [nl 30-80]. Renal function as assessed by CKD-EPIcr_R showed eGFR of 86±23 mL/min/1.73m² (range 36-123). This study represents the largest cohort of adults with ADH1 described to date. These data highlight variability in therapeutic approaches in a real-world setting with some participants receiving up to 6 different medications/supplements. Despite being followed in expert centers, and treated with available therapies, patients on average have low cCa with relatively high 24-hr urine calcium excretion. The CLARIFY study provides an opportunity to better understand the progression and burden of disease in participants with ADH1. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Abstract Disclosure: S.W. Ing: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. P. Harmatz: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. S. Mora: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. E.A. Imel: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. P.J. Tebben: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. M.L. Warren: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma, Ascendis, Amolyt. Speaker; Self; Ascendis. N. Ma: Research Investigator; Self; Calcilytix Therapeutics, Ultragenyx, Inozyme. Other; Self; Up To Date. A.A. Khan: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma, Ascendis. A. Palermo: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. B. Decallonne: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. S. Lemoine: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma, Kyowa Kirin. G. Mantovani: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. A. Linglart: Consulting Fee; Self; Alexion, Novo Nordisk, Merck, Pfizer, Inc.. Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma, Kyowa Kirin. H. Wasserman: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. A.P. Barbosa: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. C. Cardot-bauters: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. M. Roberts: Employee; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. A. Mathew: Employee; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. S. Adler: Employee; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. M.C. Zillikens: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. R.J. Clifton-Bligh: Consulting Fee; Self; Ipsen, Kyowa Kirin, Amgen Inc, Eisai. Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. L. Rejnmark: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma, Ascendis, Amolyt, Takeda, Kyowa Kirin. Autosomal dominant hypocalcemia type 1 (ADH1), caused by gain-of-function calcium-sensing receptor gene (CASR) variants, is characterized by low parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations, hypocalcemia, hypercalciuria, hyperphosphatemia and hypomagnesemia. While a rare disease, ADH1 is one of the more frequently identified causes of genetic hypoparathyroidism. Conventional therapy includes calcium (Ca) and/or active vitamin D, but this regimen incompletely corrects the hypocalcemia and is associated with persistent hypercalciuria, which may result in renal complications including nephrocalcinosis (NC), nephrolithiasis (NL), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The CLARIFY disease monitoring study [NCT05227287] is a global, multicenter, longitudinal study to understand disease burden, management, and progression in children and adults with ADH1 over a 5-year period. Here we report data on the characteristics of adult participants at study entry. As of November 2023, 45 adults (≥18 years) with ADH1 were enrolled, with a mean±SD age of 42.1±16.5 years (range 18-80). The mean±SD age of a hypocalcemia diagnosis was 19.1±19.1 years, while the mean±SD age for a diagnosis of ADH1 was 28.2±20.6 years. As reported on medical history, in decreasing order of prevalence, 36% (16) had NC, 22% (10) had intracranial calcifications, 11% (5) had history of seizures, 11% (5) had CKD, 9% (4) had cataracts, 7% (3) had NL, and 4% (2) had undergone renal transplant. Treatment data were available for 43 participants and included the following: 74% (32) Ca and active vitamin D, 9% (4) Ca alone, 9% (4) active vitamin D alone, 37% (16) magnesium, 33% (14) thiazide diuretics, 26% (11) potassium, 7% (3) phosphate binder, 7% (3) PTH, and 5% (2) no treatment. Mean±SD fasting values collected prior to conventional therapy dose are presented. PTH concentrations (10.1±8.2 pg/mL [nl 15-65]) and albumin-corrected calcium ([cCa]=7.5±1.0 mg/dL [nl 8.5-10.5]) were low. Despite the low mean cCa, the mean 24-hr urine calcium was elevated (268±183 mg/d, [nl <250 women, <300 men]). Blood phosphate was 4.8±0.8 mg/dL [nl 2.5-4.8] while blood magnesium was 1.8±0.2 mg/dL [nl 1.8-2.4]. 25-OH vitamin D was 35.0±13.5 ng/mL [nl 30-80]. Renal function as assessed by CKD-EPIcr_R showed eGFR of 86±23 mL/min/1.73m² (range 36-123). This study represents the largest cohort of adults with ADH1 described to date. These data highlight variability in therapeutic approaches in a real-world setting with some participants receiving up to 6 different medications/supplements. Despite being followed in expert centers, and treated with available therapies, patients on average have low cCa with relatively high 24-hr urine calcium excretion. The CLARIFY study provides an opportunity to better understand the progression and burden of disease in participants with ADH1. Presentation: 6/3/2024

BACKGROUND: Studies of the neurovascular contribution to dementia have largely focused on cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), but the role of intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) remains unknown in the general population. The objective of this study was to determine the risk of incident dementia from ICAD after adjusting for CSVD and cardiovascular risk factors in a US community-based cohort. METHODS: We acquired brain magnetic resonance imaging examinations from 2011 through 2013 in 1980 Black and White participants in the ARIC study (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities), a prospective cohort conducted in 4 US communities. Magnetic resonance imaging examinations included high-resolution vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography to identify ICAD. Of these participants, 1590 without dementia, without missing covariates, and with adequate magnetic resonance image quality were followed through 2019 for incident dementia. Associations between ICAD and incident dementia were assessed using Cox proportional hazard ratios adjusted for CSVD (characterized by white matter hyperintensities, lacunar infarctions, and microhemorrhages), APOE4 genotype (apolipoprotein E gene ε4), and cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS: The mean age (SD) of study participants was 77.4 (5.2) years. ICAD was detected in 34.6% of participants. After a median follow-up of 5.6 years, 286 participants developed dementia. Compared with participants without ICAD, the fully adjusted hazard ratios (95% CIs) for incident dementia in participants with any ICAD, with ICAD only causing stenosis ≤50%, and with ICAD causing stenosis >50% in ≥1 vessel were 1.57 (1.17–2.11), 1.41 (1.02–1.95), and 1.94 (1.32–2.84), respectively. ICAD was associated with dementia even among participants with low white matter hyperintensities burden, a marker of CSVD. CONCLUSIONS: ICAD was associated with an increased risk of incident dementia, independent of CSVD, APOE4 genotype, and cardiovascular risk factors. The increased risk of dementia was evident even among participants with low CSVD burden, a group less likely to be affected by vascular dementia, and in participants with ICAD causing only low-grade stenosis. Our results suggest that ICAD may partially mediate the effect that cardiovascular risk factors have on the brain leading to dementia. Both ICAD and CSVD must be considered to understand the vascular contributions to cognitive decline.

Abstract Background Metaplastic breast carcinoma (MBC) is an unusual malignancy that presents a diagnostic challenge due to the presence of varying cytomorphologies that can be seen in benign and malignant tumors. We posit that metastatic disease to the breast, itself an uncommon entity, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of MBC. We report a unique case of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with an actionable driver mutation that presented as a symptomatic breast mass and was initially considered to represent MBC. Report A 74-year-old woman with a 22-pack-year smoking history presented to the breast clinic complaining of a palpable left breast mass that had grown rapidly over the previous month. Ultrasound-guided biopsy of the breast mass revealed high-grade poorly differentiated carcinoma. On immunohistochemical (IHC) evaluation, tumor cells were strongly positive for epithelial markers CAM5.2 and keratin AE1/AE3, weakly positive for breast cancer (BC) marker TRPS1, and negative for BC marker GATA3, squamous cell carcinoma markers p63 and CK5, and melanoma marker SOX10. Metaplastic triple-negative BC was diagnosed. However, concern remained for metastasis from a non-breast primary tumor due to the patient’s constitutional symptoms such as fatigue, night sweats, and 60-pound unintentional weight loss over the previous year, as well as interval development of a suspicious nodular rash on her right upper extremity. An FDG-PET-CT was obtained and demonstrated a hypermetabolic left lung consolidation (maximum SUV 33.3) measuring 7.2 cm, pulmonary nodules, and extensive thoracic lymphadenopathy. Due to rising suspicion for a primary lung tumor, additional IHC staining on the original breast biopsy was requested. Tumor cells were positive for TTF-1, consistent with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. Tissue next-generation sequencing (NGS) identified a MET exon 14 skipping mutation, making the patient eligible for treatment with capmatinib, a first-line kinase inhibitor targeted therapy for metastatic NSCLC. At the time of this report, the patient has completed a course of palliative stereotactic body radiation therapy to the left lung and started capmatinib 400 mg BID, which she is tolerating well. Her first restaging scans after treatment initiation will be obtained one week after the time of this report. Conclusion In the absence of heightened suspicion for a non-breast primary tumor, our patient had initially received a diagnosis of triple-negative MBC. This diagnosis would have exposed her to increased treatment-related toxicities from cytotoxic chemotherapy and poor prognosis from MBC without survival benefit from targeted therapy for NSCLC. We advocate for the use of supplemental body imaging, expert and comprehensive IHC evaluation, and multidisciplinary discussion in cases of MBC and undifferentiated breast malignancy to facilitate accurate diagnosis and treatment. Citation Format: Tanmayi Pai, Marte Wasserman, Jason Lewis, Miglena Komforti, James Jakub, Augustine Lee, Yanyan Lou, Pooja Advani, Rohit Rao. Metastatic Lung Cancer Masquerading as Metaplastic Breast Cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO2-20-08.