Abstract Details

Title Autopsy-Confirmed Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Reported in German Army (Deutsches Heer), but Not British, Canadian, American and French Army Veterans from World War I (WWI): Are Dual Veterans of WWI and WWII at Increased Risk for ALS

Topic History of Neurology

Presentation(s) P05 - (-)

Poster/Presentation
Number 252

Objective

Background BACKGROUND: Identification of increased risk for ALS in Gulf War veterans was followed by information identifying an increased risk of ALS in Vietnam/Korean/WWII veterans. No data is available on possible relationship of WWI service to the development of ALS.

Design/Methods DESIGN/METHODS: Indexed medical literature was reviewed volume by volume(1914-1965)and by computer(1966-2012).

Results RESULTS: No English/French language reports of ALS occurring in United States/British/Canadian/French troops after WWI were identified. Russian language medical journals were not reviewed. One German language report of ALS occurring in Deutsches Heer troops after WWI identified 3 young autopsy-proven patients[Gunther M,Hoch P:"Review of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis" Deutsche Zeitschrift fur die Gesamte Gerichliche Medizin(German Journal for General Forensic Medicine)1925;12:68-85]. Two of these served in the same unit and the third in an adjacent unit. A French language report identified autopsy-confirmed ALS in Danish patients who had suffered from Epidemic Encephalitis Lethargica, one of whom had served in the military during WWI[Wimmer A, Neel AV:"Systematized amyotrophies with chronic epidemic encephalitis"Acta Psychiatrica et Neurologica 1928;3(1):319-365]. The Danish cases were discussed also at the "Centenaire de Charcot"[Reports and Communications on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-Neurology Society of Paris-VIth International Annual Neurological Meeting 25-27 May 1925 Revue Neurologique 1925;1:758-849]but the German cases had not yet been published. There was no discussion at this major ALS conference with regard to causation of ALS by military service, whereas there were multiple references to papers containing case series and anecdotes identifying trauma as a cause of ALS.

Conclusions CONCLUSIONS: One German report of ALS in young military veterans from WWI has been identified. No epidemiological studies have been identified. Notable ALS cases in military veterans of both WWI and WWII (Maxwell Taylor-USA; Friedrich Paulus-Germany) suggest that dual veterans should be assessed for increased ALS risk.

Authors/Disclosures
Benjamin R. Brooks, MD, FAAN (Clinical Trials Planning LLC) PRESENTER	Dr. Brooks has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as a Consultant for Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America. Dr. Brooks has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as a Consultant for Medicinova. Dr. Brooks has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Biogen. Dr. Brooks has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for AB Science. Dr. Brooks has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Ionis. Dr. Brooks has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America. The institution of Dr. Brooks has received research support from Mitsubishi TanabePharma America. Dr. Brooks has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving as a Member Annual Surveillance Committee CDC National ALS Registry with Center for Disease Control Agency Toxic Substances Disease Registry. Dr. Brooks has a non-compensated relationship as a Member ALS Quality Measures Subcommittee with ��ɫ�� that is relevant to AAN interests or activities.
Xiaojun You, PhD (Biogen Idec Inc.)	No disclosure on file
Philip Hanna, MD, FAAN (JFK Medical Center)	No disclosure on file

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