Could PLS represent a UMN-predominant ALS syndrome?

Abstract

Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a motor neuron condition marked by pure upper motor neuron (UMN) degeneration. PLS represents around 3% of all motor neuron diseases. Classically the prognosis of PLS is less severe than those of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This explains the necessity to distinguish both conditions as early as possible. The key hallmark between the two diseases is the involvement of the lower motor neuron (LMN) system which is classically considered spared in PLS contrary to ALS. Although it seemed clinically easy to distinguish PLS from ALS with the aid of clinical and complementary examinations, there is a large body of evidence highlighting that the LMN system might be impaired in PLS. This led us to suggest that PLS might be considered as an almost pure UMN ALS phenotype.

Keywords: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; Lower motor neuron; Primary lateral sclerosis.