CAPOS syndrome

CAPOS syndrome
Synonyms	Cerebellar ataxia, Areflexia, Pes cavus, Optic atrophy, and Sensorineural hearing loss
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Ataxia, Areflexia, Pes cavus, Optic atrophy, Sensorineural hearing loss
Complications	N/A
Onset	Infancy
Duration	Lifelong
Types	N/A
Causes	Genetic mutation in the ATP1A3 gene
Risks	Family history of the condition
Diagnosis	Genetic testing, Clinical evaluation
Differential diagnosis	Other hereditary ataxias, Friedreich's ataxia, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Supportive care, Physical therapy, Hearing aids
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable, Progressive
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

CAPOS syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by Cerebellar ataxia, Areflexia, Pes cavus, Optic atrophy, and Sensorineural hearing loss. The syndrome was first described in 1996 by Nicolaides and Appleton. The name CAPOS is an acronym derived from the initial letters of these five main features.

Clinical Features

Cerebellar ataxia is a form of ataxia originating in the cerebellum. It results in unsteady movements and a lack of coordination. Areflexia is a condition in which the muscles do not respond to stimuli as they should. This can lead to difficulties with movement and coordination. Pes cavus is a high arch of the foot that does not flatten with weight bearing. This can lead to instability and a variety of foot problems. Optic atrophy refers to the degeneration of the optic nerve, which can lead to vision loss. Sensorineural hearing loss is a type of hearing loss in which the root cause lies in the inner ear or sensory organ (cochlea and associated structures) or the vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII).

Genetics

CAPOS syndrome is caused by mutations in the ATP1A3 gene. This gene provides instructions for making a protein that is found in nerve cells, where it helps maintain the proper balance of charged atoms (ions) inside these cells. Mutations in the ATP1A3 gene alter the function of this protein, which disrupts ion balance in nerve cells and leads to the features of CAPOS syndrome.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of CAPOS syndrome is based on the presence of the characteristic clinical features. Genetic testing can confirm the diagnosis. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive, focusing on managing each of the individual symptoms.

See Also

• Genetic disorder
• Cerebellar ataxia
• Areflexia
• Pes cavus
• Optic atrophy
• Sensorineural hearing loss
• ATP1A3

NIH genetic and rare disease info

• NIH info on CAPOS syndrome

CAPOS syndrome is a rare disease.