Spongy degeneration of the central nervous system

Spongy degeneration of the central nervous system, also known as Canavan’s disease (CD), Van Bogaert-Bertrand type or Aspartoacylase (AspA) deficiency, is a rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder. It belongs to a group of genetic disorders known as leukodystrophies, where the growth and maintenance of myelin sheath in the central nervous system (CNS) are impaired. There are three types of spongy degeneration: infantile, congenital and juvenile, with juvenile being the most severe type. Common symptoms in infants include lack of motor skills, weak muscle tone, and macrocephaly. It may also be accompanied by difficulties in feeding and swallowing, seizures and sleep disturbances. Affected children typically die before the age of 10, but life expectancy can vary.

Spongy degeneration of the central nervous system

Spongy degeneration of the central nervous system, also known as Canavan’s disease (CD), Van Bogaert-Bertrand type or Aspartoacylase (AspA) deficiency, is a rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder. It belongs to a group of genetic disorders known as leukodystrophies, where the growth and maintenance of myelin sheath in the central nervous system (CNS) are impaired. There are three types of spongy degeneration: infantile, congenital and juvenile, with juvenile being the most severe type. Common symptoms in infants include lack of motor skills, weak muscle tone, and macrocephaly. It may also be accompanied by difficulties in feeding and swallowing, seizures and sleep disturbances. Affected children typically die before the age of 10, but life expectancy can vary.