Canavan Disease

ACY2 deficiency; Aminoacylase 2 deficiency; Asp deficiency; Aspa deficiency; Aspartoacylase deficiency; Leukodystrophy, spongiform; Spongy degeneration of central nervous system; Spongy degeneration of the brain; Spongy degeneration of white matter in infancy; Van Bogaert-Bertrand syndrome; Von Bogaert-Bertrand disease

Canavan disease is an inherited disorder that causes progressive damage to nerve cells in the brain. This disease is one of a group of genetic disorders called leukodystrophies. Leukodystrophies are characterized by degeneration of myelin, which is the phospholipid layer covering that insulates nerve fibers. Epidemiology Although Canavan disease may occur in any ethnic group, it affects persons of Eastern European Jewish ancestry more frequently. About 1/40 individuals of Eastern Europe ...