A clustering of conjugal amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in southeastern France.
BACKGROUND
The origin of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remains largely unknown but seems to be multifactorial. We believe that ALS clusters may help clinicians understand or analyze the role of environmental factors in ALS pathogenesis.


OBJECTIVE
To describe a cluster of conjugal ALS in southeastern France.


METHODS
We describe 9 couples in which both spouses were affected by ALS. Eight of the 9 had lived in southeastern France. In all cases, the spouses were married for more than 10 years. Three couples lived in the same département and 2 of them in the same city.


RESULTS
To our knowledge, such a large cluster of conjugal ALS cases has not been previously reported. No precise environmental factors could be identified at the origin of these conjugal cases.


CONCLUSIONS
We suggest that genetic and environmental factors, or both, may explain the occurrence of this cluster of ALS.
Corcia
Philippe
P
Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bretonneau, Tours, France.
Jafari-Schluep
Helene-Farnase
HF
Lardillier
Dominique
D
Mazyad
Hassan
H
Giraud
Pieric
P
Clavelou
Pierre
P
Pouget
Jean
J
Camu
William
W
D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018454:Spouses; D013997:Time Factors