Clinical, paraclinical and genetic aspects of autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxias (ARCA) in Mali

INTRODUCTION: Autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxias (ARCA) are a group of rare and heterogynous neurodegenerative diseases mainly characterized by unbalance and walking difficulty and movement incoordination. OBJECTIVES: To clinically and paraclinically characterize ARCA in the department of Neurology at the Teaching Hospital of Point G and identify the underlying genetic defect. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We have conducted a longitudinal and prospective study from January 2018 to December 2020. Patients with ARCA phenotype seen in the Department of Neurology at the Teaching Hospital of Point “G” were enrolled. RESULTS: We have enrolled 7 families totaling 13 patients after giving an informed verbal and written consent. The sex ratio was 2.2 in favor of males, Kayes region and Fulani ethnic group were respectively the most represented region and ethnic group.Walking difficulty represented the major symptom followed by loss of vibration and joint sense, nystagmus, dysarthria and skeletal deformities. Alpha-foetoprotein level was high in one patient. Genetic testing confirmed Friedreich ataxia in one family and was not conclusive in 4 families. CONCLUSION: This study showed that ARCA are not uncommon in Mali and genetic testing is crucial to confirm the diagnosis.