NCBI Bookshelf. A service of the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

Pagon RA, Bird TD, Dolan CR, et al., editors. GeneReviews™ [Internet]. Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-.

Bookshelf ID: NBK1674PMID: 20301717

LMNA-Related Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Ray E Hershberger, MD
Professor of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Miami, Florida
rhershberger/at/med.miami.edu

Initial Posting: June 12, 2008; Last Update: April 5, 2011.

Summary

Disease characteristics. LMNA-related dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by left ventricular enlargement and reduced systolic function preceded or accompanied by significant conduction system disease and/or arrhythmias. LMNA-related DCM usually presents in early to mid-adulthood with symptomatic conduction system disease or arrhythmias, or with symptomatic DCM including heart failure or embolus from a left ventricular mural thrombus. Sudden cardiac death can occur, and in some instances is the presenting manifestation; sudden cardiac death may occur with little systolic dysfunction. In some affected individuals elevated serum CK concentrations with or without a skeletal muscle myopathy similar to Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy or limb-girdle muscular dystrophy is observed.

Diagnosis/testing. Conduction system disease is detected by a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG); arrhythmias are detected by an ECG, 24-hour rhythm recording, or event monitor. Left ventricular enlargement is diagnosed with cardiac imaging; reduced systolic function is defined as ejection fraction of less than 50% or a fractional shortening of less than 25%-30%. LMNA sequence analysis identifies mutations in most individuals with LMNA-related DCM.

Management. Treatment of manifestations: Chronic atrial fibrillation is treated initially with attempts to restore normal sinus rhythm, anticoagulation, and rate control. Symptomatic supraventricular arrhythmias are treated in a standard manner; symptomatic bradyarrhythmias or significant heart block may be treated with an electronic pacemaker. Symptomatic ventricular arrhythmias, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and resuscitated sudden cardiac death are treated with an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD). Because risk of sudden cardiac death in LMNA-related DCM accompanies heart block and bradyarrhythmias, ICD use (rather than just pacemaker use) has been recommended for all indications. Treatment of symptomatic DCM including heart failure is pharmacologic with ACE inhibitors and beta blockers. Progressive deterioration in left ventricular function is treated with an ICD, and some experts recommend anticoagulation; cardiac transplantation or other advanced therapies may be considered for refractory disease in persons receiving comprehensive care from cardiovascular disease experts.

Surveillance: For at-risk but clinically unaffected persons every two to five years or at onset of new symptoms, cardiovascular screening tests (medical history, physical examination, echocardiogram, and ECG) for evidence of DCM and/or conduction system disease.

Testing of relatives at risk: To facilitate prompt diagnosis, molecular genetic testing when the family-specific disease-causing mutation is known; otherwise routine surveillance with cardiovascular screening tests.

Genetic counseling. LMNA-related DCM is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Some individuals diagnosed with LMNA-related DCM have an affected parent; the proportion of cases caused by de novo mutations is unknown. Each child of an individual with LMNA-related DCM has a 50% chance of inheriting the parent’s mutation. Prenatal diagnosis for LMNA-related DCM is technically possible when the disease-causing mutation in the family is known; however, requests for prenatal testing for (typically) adult-onset diseases are not common.

Diagnosis

Clinical Diagnosis

The diagnosis of LMNA-related dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is established in individuals with the following:

  • A clinical diagnosis of DCM, usually in the setting of conduction system disease and/or supraventricular or ventricular arrhythmias

  • An identified mutation in LMNA

The diagnosis of DCM is based on the principal findings of left ventricular enlargement and reduced systolic function in which other causes have been excluded:

  • Reduced systolic function is usually described as a reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction, which can be measured by two-dimensional echocardiography, angiography, or nuclear left ventricular functional studies. An ejection fraction of less than 50% or a fractional shortening of less than 25%-30% is considered systolic dysfunction.

  • Left ventricular enlargement is most commonly identified with two-dimensional echocardiography. Other testing modalities include cardiac computed tomography (CT), MRI, and left ventricular angiography or nuclear studies.

  • Other causes to be excluded are, most importantly, coronary artery disease, structural heart disease (valvular heart disease, congenital heart disease, and others), thyroid disorders, and acute myocarditis.

Note: LMNA-related DCM is almost always associated with conduction system disease and/or arrhythmias that commonly occur prior to the development of heart failure symptoms. Clinicians should also be aware that in some cases the conduction system disease precedes any evidence of DCM (see Clinical Description).

Molecular Genetic Testing

Gene. LMNA is the only gene associated with LMNA-associated DCM.

Clinical testing

Table 1. Summary of Molecular Genetic Testing Used in LMNA-Related Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Gene SymbolTest MethodMutations DetectedMutation Detection Frequency by Test Method 1Test Availability
LMNASequence analysis/ mutation scanning 2Sequence variants 3>99%Clinical
Image testing.jpg
Duplication/ deletion testing 4Exon(s) or whole-gene deletions/duplicationUnknown

Test Availability refers to availability in the GeneTests Laboratory Directory. GeneReviews designates a molecular genetic test as clinically available only if the test is listed in the GeneTests Laboratory Directory by either a US CLIA-licensed laboratory or a non-US clinical laboratory. GeneTests does not verify laboratory-submitted information or warrant any aspect of a laboratory's licensure or performance. Clinicians must communicate directly with the laboratories to verify information.

1. The ability of the test method used to detect a mutation that is present in the indicated gene

2. Sequence analysis and mutation scanning of the entire gene can have similar mutation detection frequencies; however, mutation detection rates for mutation scanning may vary considerably among laboratories depending on the specific protocol used.

3. Examples of mutations detected by sequence analysis may include small intragenic deletions/insertions and missense, nonsense, and splice site mutations.

4. Testing that identifies deletions/duplications not readily detectable by sequence analysis of genomic DNA; a variety of methods including quantitative PCR, long-range PCR, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), or targeted array GH (gene/segment-specific) may be used. A full array GH analysis that detects deletions/duplications across the genome may also include this gene/segment. See array GH.

Interpretation of test results. For issues to consider in interpretation of sequence analysis results, click here.

Testing Strategy

To confirm/establish the diagnosis of LMNA-related DCM in a proband. Molecular genetic testing for LMNA-related cardiomyopathy:

  • Is indicated for all persons with DCM of unknown cause in the setting of prominent conduction system disease with or without supraventricular or ventricular arrhythmias;

  • Should be considered for any person with DCM of unknown cause;

  • May be appropriate in individuals with significant conduction system disease, which can precede evidence or accompany early evidence of DCM in some individuals.

Predictive testing for at-risk asymptomatic adult family members requires prior identification of the disease-causing mutation in the family.

Prenatal diagnosis for at-risk pregnancies requires prior identification of the disease-causing mutation in the family.

Note: It is the policy of GeneReviews to include clinical uses of testing available from laboratories listed in the GeneTests Laboratory Directory; inclusion does not necessarily reflect the endorsement of such uses by the author(s), editor(s), or reviewer(s).

Clinical Description

Natural History

LMNA-related dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by left ventricular enlargement and reduced systolic function frequently accompanied by significant conduction system disease. LMNA-related DCM usually presents in adulthood either with conduction system disease commonly accompanied by arrhythmias or with symptomatic DCM, including heart failure or embolus from a left ventricular mural thrombus. However, LMNA-related DCM may be discovered in an asymptomatic person during a medical evaluation conducted for another reason (e.g., a routine preoperative ECG) or clinical screening of at-risk relatives.

Family studies suggest that conduction system disease commonly precedes the development of DCM by a few years to a decade or more. Conduction system involvement usually starts with disease of the sinus node and/or atrioventricular node that can manifest as sinus bradycardia, sinus node arrest with junctional rhythms, or heart block (commonly first-degree heart block that progresses to second- and third-degree block).

The following are also common:

  • Symptomatic bradyarrhythmias requiring cardiac pacemakers

  • Supraventricular arrhythmias including atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, and the sick sinus syndrome (i.e., tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome)

  • Ventricular arrhythmias including frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation

Sudden cardiac death may occur with progressive disease. Although more malignant, life-threatening arrhythmias may occur with longstanding and usually previously symptomatic DCM; sudden cardiac death can also be the presenting manifestation of LMNA-related DCM. Furthermore, only mild to moderate left ventricular dilatation despite progressive disease has been noted by some investigators.

Occasionally, individuals with LMNA-related cardiomyopathy also manifest signs or symptoms of skeletal myopathy, which may be associated with elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) concentration.

Large prospective longitudinal studies to define the range of natural history of individuals with LMNA mutations have not yet been published.

Selected Reports Highlighting the Clinical Cardiovascular Manifestations of LMNA-Related DCM

The initial report of LMNA-related DCM by Fatkin et al [1999] included five families with conduction system disease characterized by sinus bradycardia, atrioventricular conduction block, and atrial fibrillation or flutter. Fifty-four percent of affected individuals required pacemaker implantation. Disease onset ranged from age 19 to 53 years (mean age 38 years). Symptoms of skeletal myopathy were not observed, although three members of one family with a p.Arg571Ser mutation in the lamin C isoform had elevated serum CK concentrations.

Brodsky et al [2000] reported one family with a deletion in exon 6 (c.959delT) and severe DCM, conduction system disease, and variable skeletal muscle involvement. In five affected family members, three had Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy-like and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy-like skeletal muscle myopathy; two had atrioventricular block, one had atrial arrhythmia, and one developed DCM. Two individuals progressed to heart failure; no family members required pacemaker implantation.

Becane et al [2000] reported findings in 17 affected individuals and two asymptomatic relatives from a family with the nonsense mutation p.Gln6X. Eight other family members had died suddenly: in two, sudden death was the sole and presenting symptom; in six (3 of whom had prior pacemaker implantation), sudden death was preceded by arrhythmias and left ventricular dysfunction. Mean age of disease onset was 34.6 years (range 15-56 years). In total, 6/17 required pacemaker intervention, 7/17 had DCM, 7/17 had atrial arrhythmias, and 11/17 had atrioventricular block. Five of 17 also had skeletal muscle involvement manifest as contractures involving the Achilles’ tendon, neck, and elbow.

Jakobs et al [2001] reported two families with conduction system disease characterized by progressive atrioventricular block and atrial arrhythmias. Onset was earlier in individuals with the p.Arg225X nonsense mutation (range 20-50 years) than in those with the p.Glu203Lys missense mutation (range 30-69 years). In both families DCM and heart failure occurred in the fifth and sixth decades and pacemaker implantation was common.

Hershberger et al [2002] reported findings in eight members of a family with a highly penetrant missense mutation (p.Leu215Pro). Presentation was similar and included DCM preceded by atrioventricular block and atrial arrhythmia. Seven of eight required pacemaker intervention, although only two of the eight reported had progression to DCM.

Sebillon et al [2003] identified three families with LMNA mutations from a cohort of 66 probands (47 with familial DCM and 19 simplex cases of DCM). LMNA mutations were identified only in families with conduction system disease. In one family, early-onset atrial fibrillation was observed, followed by DCM.

Taylor et al [2003] identified LMNA mutations in four of 49 probands (40 familial cases, 9 simplex cases) with DCM. Of the four probands with LMNA mutations, three had a positive family history and one was a simplex case. Prognosis was worse for the 12 individuals with an LMNA mutation, with an event-free survival at age 45 years of 31% versus 75% for those with DCM who did not have LMNA mutations.

In the largest series to date, Parks et al [2008] analyzed 324 unrelated probands with DCM of whom 187 had familial disease. Nineteen individuals (5.9% of all cases) had LMNA sequence variants, including 7.5% of probands with familial DCM and 3.6% of simplex cases. Conduction system disease and DCM were common in those who had LMNA variants:

  • The average age of onset of conduction system disease in 56 persons was 40.8±9.6 years (median age 40 years).

  • The average age of onset of DCM for 37 persons was 42.8±8.7 years (median age 42 years).

An unusual finding in this study was that in six of the 19 kindreds (32%) with a protein-altering LMNA variant, at least one family member documented to have DCM did not have the LMNA variant. The authors suggest that this finding (termed “incomplete segregation”) indicates the existence of other causative factors (e.g., another causative mutation in a gene other than LMNA), challenging the assumption that a single-gene mutation explains all cardiac disease in a family with familial dilated cardiomyopathy.

Pasotti et al [2008] described the findings in 60 of 94 individuals with a LMNA mutation from 27 families who had disease manifestations: 40 had DCM with atrioventricular block; 12 had DCM with ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation; six had DCM with atrioventricular block and EDMD-2; and two had atrioventricular block and EDMD-2. Fifteen underwent heart transplantation; 15 had sudden cardiac death events; and 12 appropriate ICD interventions were reported. Penetrance was 68% by age 39 years, 86% by age 59 years, and 100% in those older than age 60 years.

Genotype-Phenotype Correlations

No generalizable genotype-phenotype correlations have been established for LMNA-related DCM.

Penetrance

LMNA-related DCM demonstrates age-related penetrance with onset in the third and fourth decades, so that by the seventh decade penetrance is considered greater than 90%-95%.

Anticipation

Anticipation has not been observed.

Prevalence

Reliable estimates of the prevalence of DCM of unknown cause are not available.

The frequency of LMNA-related DCM in persons with DCM of unknown cause (otherwise known as idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy [IDC]) ranges from 5% to 10% of familial DCM and 2% to 5% of non-familial DCM.

In the largest series to date, Parks et al [2008] analyzed 324 unrelated probands, of whom 187 had familial disease. Nineteen individuals (5.9% of all cases) had LMNA sequence variants, including 7.5% of probands with familial DCM and 3.6% of simplex cases.

Arbustini et al [2002] evaluated 73 probands with DCM and four families with atrioventricular block without DCM. Of the 15 of the 73 who had atrioventricular block, seven were familial cases and eight were simplex cases (i.e., a single occurrence in a family). Five of the seven familial cases had LMNA mutations. No LMNA mutations were identified in the eight simplex cases with DCM and atrioventricular block or in the four families with atrioventricular block without DCM.

Karkkainen et al [2006] identified six mutations in 66 probands with DCM who had survived heart transplantation in Finland (1986-1998).

Perrot et al [2009] identified LMNA mutations in five of 73 probands with DCM with conduction system disease.

Differential Diagnosis

For current information on availability of genetic testing for disorders included in this section, see GeneTests Laboratory Directory. —ED.

The differential diagnosis of LMNA-related dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) relates to the general phenotype of DCM of unknown cause. Current evidence indicates that IDC (i.e., DCM of unknown cause) may be familial (and therefore possibly genetic) in 20%-50% of cases.

With a clear pattern of familial disease, a genetic cause of DCM is likely (see Dilated Cardiomyopathy Overview).

Compared to other genetic disorders, LMNA-related cardiomyopathy may be the most common cause of familial DCM with prominent conduction system disease (see Prevalence).

Note to clinicians: For a patient-specific ‘simultaneous consult’ related to this disorder, go to Image SimulConsult.jpg, an interactive diagnostic decision support software tool that provides differential diagnoses based on patient findings (registration or institutional access required).

Management

Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis

Following the diagnosis of LMNA-related dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), if not previously completed, a three- to four-generation family history should be obtained, and the following evaluations performed:

  • Comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation

    • Evaluation for conduction system disease and arrhythmia:

      • Personal and family history of presyncope, syncope, resuscitated sudden cardiac death, palpitations, and other symptoms of arrhythmia

      • Electrocardiography:

        Follow-up of abnormalities with additional testing as indicated (e.g., 24-hour monitoring or event monitors)

        Referral to a cardiologist or electrophysiologist for any indication of symptomatic disease

        Indicated in some patients: invasive electrophysiologic evaluation for conduction system disease

    • Evaluation for left ventricular dysfunction and DCM:

      • Family history for cardiomyopathy of any type, personal history of shortness of breath, dyspnea on exertion, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, chest pain

      • Assessment of left ventricular function, most commonly by two-dimensional echocardiography to determine left ventricular dimensions and function. Alternatively, MRI provides similar data, and radionuclide ventriculography provides a measure of the ejection fraction.

      • If there is evidence of DCM, referral to a cardiovascular specialist for comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation for evidence of other causes of DCM (e.g., coronary artery disease)

  • Measurement of serum CK concentration to evaluate for skeletal myopathy

  • History and physical examination for signs and symptoms of skeletal myopathy. If there is evidence of myopathy, referral to a neuromuscular disease specialist for evaluation

Treatment of Manifestations

For the general approach to managing DCM, see Dilated Cardiomyopathy Overview, Management.

The Pasotti et al [2008] report (see Natural History) provides the most longitudinal data on LMNA-related DCM: 94 individuals with a LMNA mutation were followed for a median of 57 months (36-107 months). Additional reports of large prospective longitudinal natural history studies of LMNA-related DCM are not yet available.

In 2008 the Heart Failure Society of America commissioned a guideline document for the management of genetic cardiomyopathies that included specific mention of LMNA-related DCM [Hershberger et al 2009 (see Image guidelines.jpg; registration or institutional access required)]. Elements of the guidelines include the following:

  • Because of the complexity of treatment interventions in LMNA-related DCM in symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, referral to centers with special expertise in cardiovascular genetic medicine should be considered.

  • For evaluation of a person with newly diagnosed DCM, see Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis.

  • Consider genetic testing and genetic counseling.

  • Consider therapy based on cardiac phenotype (i.e., DCM or arrhythmia).

  • With an established arrhythmia or known risk of arrhythmia, consider ICD implantation before the ejection fraction falls below 35%. Note that this guideline was developed in large part because of the risk of lethal arrhythmias in persons with a LMNA mutation who have systolic function well above a left ventricular ejection fraction of 35%, the usual measure of systolic dysfunction below which ICDs are indicated in most US guidelines.

  • Evaluate first-degree relatives, including extended family history, medical history, physical examination, echocardiogram, ECG.

The management of LMNA-related DCM is focused on treatment of conduction system disease, arrhythmia, and DCM.

Cardiac conduction system disease and arrhythmias

  • Chronic atrial fibrillation unresponsive to cardioversion is treated with anticoagulants and agents for ventricular rate control.

  • Other symptomatic supraventricular arrhythmias are treated with pharmacologic agents, and at times are augmented with electrophysiologic intervention (e.g., atrial or atrioventricular node ablations).

  • Symptomatic bradyarrhythmias or asymptomatic but significant heart block is treated with an implantable electronic pacemaker. When a device is to be implanted, use of an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) rather than an electronic pacemaker has been advocated and should be strongly considered, as the risk of mortality from sudden cardiac death usually accompanies supraventricular arrhythmias and conduction system disease. Sudden cardiac death presumably results from lethal tachyarrhythmias despite the presence of a pacemaker to treat bradyarrhythmias [van Berlo et al 2005, Meune et al 2006], and for this reason use of an ICD has been advocated for LMNA-related cardiomyopathy with significant conduction system disease and/or arrhythmia regardless of left ventricular ejection fraction [Hershberger et al 2009].

  • Symptomatic ventricular arrhythmias, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and resuscitated sudden cardiac death are treated with an ICD.

  • When DCM is present and the left ventricular ejection fraction is less than 35%, an ICD should be implanted following the usual guidelines [Hunt 2005].

LMNA-related DCM

  • Treatment of symptomatic DCM, including heart failure, is pharmacologic with ACE inhibitors and beta blockers, as summarized in guideline documents [Hunt et al 2005].

  • With progressive deterioration in left ventricular function (left ventricular ejection fraction <30%), some experts recommend full anticoagulation to prevent the development of left ventricular mural thrombus and embolic events including stroke.

  • Cardiac transplantation or other advanced therapies should be considered with progressive DCM, advancing heart failure, and otherwise refractory disease in persons receiving comprehensive cardiovascular care from experts in the field [Hunt 2005].

Surveillance

Screening and identification of DCM before the onset of symptoms enables the initiation of medical therapy that may delay disease progression.

Testing of Relatives at Risk

When the disease-causing LMNA mutation has been identified in a family, molecular genetic testing can be offered to relatives at risk in order to facilitate prompt diagnosis, surveillance, and treatment in those in whom the disease-causing LMNA mutation has been detected.

If molecular genetic testing is not available, the first-degree relatives of a proband with LMNA-related DCM should be evaluated by medical history, physical examination, echocardiogram, and ECG to determine if any have detectable DCM and/or conduction system disease.

Note: Because the age of onset is variable and penetrance is reduced, a normal baseline echocardiogram and ECG in a first-degree relative who has not undergone molecular genetic testing does not rule out LMNA-related DCM in that individual, and the recommendations set forth in Surveillance should be followed.

Any abnormal cardiovascular test results in a relative of a proband should be followed up with a full cardiovascular assessment to evaluate for any acquired causes of disease (e.g., coronary artery disease). Results on screening tests that do not meet criteria for DCM but do show some abnormality (e.g., left ventricular enlargement but normal function; decreased ejection fraction but normal-sized left ventricle) may reflect variable expression of LMNA-related DCM in that relative. Close surveillance (e.g., cardiovascular testing every 1-2 years) for progression of cardiovascular disease is recommended for such individuals.

Note: Because most LMNA-related DCM is adult onset, clinical screening is usually not recommended for children or adolescents unless onset of disease in the proband was in these age groups, or unless cardiovascular symptoms are present.

See Genetic Counseling for issues related to testing of at-risk relatives for genetic counseling purposes.

Therapies Under Investigation

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for access to information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions. Note: There may not be clinical trials for this disorder.

Other

Genetics clinics, staffed by genetics professionals, provide information for individuals and families regarding the natural history, treatment, mode of inheritance, and genetic risks to other family members as well as information about available consumer-oriented resources. See the GeneTests Clinic Directory.

See Consumer Resources for disease-specific and/or umbrella support organizations for this disorder. These organizations have been established for individuals and families to provide information, support, and contact with other affected individuals.

Genetic Counseling

Genetic counseling is the process of providing individuals and families with information on the nature, inheritance, and implications of genetic disorders to help them make informed medical and personal decisions. The following section deals with genetic risk assessment and the use of family history and genetic testing to clarify genetic status for family members. This section is not meant to address all personal, cultural, or ethical issues that individuals may face or to substitute for consultation with a genetics professional. To find a genetics or prenatal diagnosis clinic, see the GeneTests Clinic Directory.

Mode of Inheritance

LMNA-related dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner.

Risk to Family Members

Parents of a proband

  • Some individuals diagnosed with LMNA-related DCM have an affected parent.

  • A proband with LMNA-related DCM may have the disorder as the result of a new gene mutation. The proportion of cases caused by de novo mutations is unknown.

  • Recommendations for the evaluation of parents of a proband with an apparent de novo mutation include review of medical history, physical examination, echocardiogram, ECG to determine if a parent has detectable DCM and/or conduction system disease, and molecular genetic testing if the mutation has been identified in the proband. Evaluation of parents may determine that one is affected but has previously escaped diagnosis and/or has a milder phenotypic presentation, including evidence of DCM on echocardiogram without clinical heart failure symptoms (i.e., asymptomatic affected).

Note: (1) Although some individuals diagnosed with LMNA-related DCM have an affected parent, the family history may appear to be negative because of early death of the parent before the onset of symptoms, late onset of the disease in the affected parent, or non-penetrance of the LMNA mutation. (2) If the parent is the individual in whom the mutation first occurred, s/he may have somatic mosaicism for the mutation and may be mildly/minimally affected, although this has not yet been reported.

Sibs of a proband

  • The risk to the sibs of the proband depends on the genetic status of the proband’s parents.

  • If one parent of the proband is affected, the risk to the sibs is 50%. However, because of variable expression and reduced penetrance, no predictions can be made regarding age of onset, severity, or course of disease.

  • When neither parent has signs of LMNA-related DCM, the risk to the sibs of a proband is increased over the general population risk, but cannot be precisely calculated. Genetic testing may help to clarify risk. Recommendations for evaluation of sibs are included in Testing of Relatives at Risk.

  • If the disease-causing mutation found in the proband cannot be detected in the DNA of either parent, the risk to sibs is low but greater than that of the general population because of the possibility of germline mosaicism, although this has not yet been reported.

  • When the family-specific mutation is known, the sibs may be offered genetic testing to help clarify risk. However, the absence of a likely disease-causing mutation in an unaffected sib should be interpreted with caution, as it is possible that in some families with DCM more than one etiology may be causative. See discussion of Parks et al [2008] in Natural History.

Offspring of a proband. Each child of an individual with LMNA-related DCM has a 50% chance of inheriting the parent’s mutation. However, because of variable expression and reduced penetrance, no predictions can be made regarding age of onset, severity, or course of disease.

Other family members of a proband. The risk to other family members depends on the status of the proband's parents. If a parent is affected or has an LMNA mutation despite being clinically asymptomatic, his or her family members may be at risk.

Related Genetic Counseling Issues

See Management, Testing of Relatives at Risk for information on testing at-risk relatives for the purpose of early diagnosis and treatment.

Family history. A detailed three- to four-generation family history (including heart failure, DCM, cardiac transplantation, pacemakers or implantable cardiac defibrillators, unexplained sudden death, unexplained cardiac conduction system disease and/or arrhythmia, or unexplained stroke or other thromboembolic disease) should be obtained from relatives to assess the possibility of familial disease. Conduction system disease, particularly with pacemakers, is particularly suggestive of LMNA-related DCM.

Both sides of the family should be considered as possibly contributing. Families with dilated cardiomyopathy in both maternal and paternal lineages have been described [Crispell et al 1999, Parks et al 2008], and experience has shown that regardless of an apparent inheritance pattern in a family, assumptions regarding maternal or paternal inheritance of mutations in genes causing familial dilated cardiomyopathy in a given family may be unreliable and potentially misleading. See discussion of Parks et al [2008] in Natural History.

Molecular genetic testing of at-risk asymptomatic adult relatives of individuals with LMNA-related DCM is possible if molecular genetic testing has identified the specific mutation in an affected relative. Such testing should only be performed in the context of formal genetic counseling, and is not useful in predicting age of disease onset, severity, or rate of progression. Testing of asymptomatic at-risk individuals is considered predictive testing for predisposition to LMNA-related DCM, not diagnostic testing.

Molecular genetic testing of asymptomatic individuals younger than age 18 years who are at risk for adult-onset disorders for which no treatment exists is not considered appropriate, primarily because it negates the autonomy of the child with no compelling benefit. Further, concern exists regarding the potential adverse effects that such information may have on family dynamics, the risk of discrimination and stigmatization in the future, and the anxiety that such information may cause.

However, early clinical or molecular genetic diagnosis of DCM may offer a benefit that outweighs the arguments against testing asymptomatic minors. Early treatment may forestall development of more advanced disease, including slowing progression to advanced heart failure or the prevention of sudden cardiac death, and thus justify screening and genetic testing of asymptomatic minors in families demonstrating early-onset and/or aggressive disease. In these cases, knowledge that a child has inherited an LMNA mutation may help guide more stringent clinical screening for asymptomatic but clinically detectable cardiovascular disease.

Genetic testing is always indicated in affected or symptomatic individuals in a family with established LMNA-related DCM, regardless of age.

See also the National Society of Genetic Counselors resolution on genetic testing of children and the American Society of Human Genetics and American College of Medical Genetics points to consider: ethical, legal, and psychosocial implications of genetic testing in children and adolescents.

Family planning

  • The optimal time for determination of genetic risk and discussion of the availability of prenatal testing is before pregnancy. Similarly, decisions about testing to determine the genetic status of at-risk asymptomatic family members are best made before pregnancy.

  • It is appropriate to offer genetic counseling (including discussion of potential risks to offspring and reproductive options) to young adults who are affected or at risk.

DNA banking is the storage of DNA (typically extracted from white blood cells) for possible future use. Because it is likely that testing methodology and our understanding of genes, mutations, and diseases will improve in the future, consideration should be given to banking DNA of affected individuals. See Image testing.jpg for a list of laboratories offering DNA banking.

Prenatal Testing

Prenatal diagnosis for LMNA-related DCM is technically possible by analyzing fetal DNA extracted from cells obtained by chorionic villus sampling (CVS) at approximately ten to 12 weeks' gestation or from cells obtained through amniocentesis at approximately 15 to 18 weeks' gestation. The disease-causing mutation of an affected family member must be identified before prenatal testing can be performed.

Note: Gestational age is expressed as menstrual weeks calculated either from the first day of the last normal menstrual period or by ultrasound measurements.

Laboratories offering molecular genetic testing for prenatal diagnosis of LMNA-related DCM are listed in the GeneTests Laboratory Directory.

Requests for prenatal testing for (typically) adult-onset diseases are not common. Differences in perspective exist among medical professionals and within families regarding the use of prenatal testing, particularly if the testing is being considered for the purpose of pregnancy termination rather than early diagnosis. Although most centers would consider decisions about prenatal testing to be the choice of the parents, discussion of these issues is appropriate.

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) may be available for families in which the disease-causing mutation has been identified. For laboratories offering PGD, see Image testing.jpg.

Note: It is the policy of GeneReviews to include clinical uses of testing available from laboratories listed in the GeneTests Laboratory Directory; inclusion does not necessarily reflect the endorsement of such uses by the author(s), editor(s), or reviewer(s).

Molecular Genetics

Information in the Molecular Genetics and OMIM tables may differ from that elsewhere in the GeneReview: tables may contain more recent information. —ED.

Table A. LMNA-Related Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Genes and Databases

Data are compiled from the following standard references: gene symbol from HGNC; chromosomal locus, locus name, critical region, complementation group from OMIM; protein name from UniProt. For a description of databases (Locus Specific, HGMD) to which links are provided, click here.

Table B. OMIM Entries for LMNA-Related Dilated Cardiomyopathy (View All in OMIM)

115200CARDIOMYOPATHY, DILATED, 1A; CMD1A
150330LAMIN A/C; LMNA

Normal allelic variants. LMNA comprises twelve exons. Alternative splicing of exon 10 produces two proteins, lamin A and lamin C (see Normal gene product).

Pathologic allelic variants. See Table 2. More than 200 sequence variants in LMNA have been reported (see Leiden Muscular Dystrophy site). LMNA-related dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) results from missense mutations, with occasional nonsense or splice-site mutations and short insertions or deletions of LMNA.

Table 2. Selected LMNA Pathologic Allelic Variants

DNA Nucleotide ChangeProtein Amino Acid ChangeReference Sequences
c.1711C>Ap.Arg571SerNM_005572​.3 1
NP_005563​.1
c.16C>Tp.Gln6XNM_170707​.2 2
NP_733821​.1
c.607G>Ap.Glu203Lys
c.644T>Cp.Leu215Pro
c.673C>Tp.Arg225X
c.959delTp.Arg321GlufsX159

See Quick Reference for an explanation of nomenclature. GeneReviews follows the standard naming conventions of the Human Genome Variation Society (www​.hgvs.org).

1.This transcript variant uses an alternate splice site in the 3' coding region, compared to variant NM_170707.2, resulting in a shorter isoform (also known as lamin C) with a C terminus distinct from that in the lamin A isoform.

2. This transcript variant encodes isoform 1, also known as lamin A.

Normal gene product. Alternative splicing of exon 10 produces two proteins: lamin C, with 572 amino acids (NM_005572.3; NP_005563.1) and lamin A (NM_170707.2; NP_733821.1), which is identical to lamin C for the first 566 amino acids, but has an additional 98 terminal amino acids (total of 664).

Both lamins A and C are structural proteins of the inner nuclear membrane and are found in many different tissues [Capell & Collins 2006].

Abnormal gene product. The mechanism of cellular injury that causes LMNA-related DCM remains incompletely understood. Because lamin A/C is a structural protein of the nuclear membrane, it has been suggested that fragility of the nuclear membrane in the setting of repetitive contraction of skeletal or cardiac muscle may predispose to nuclear injury and cellular apoptosis. An alternative hypothesis suggests that an abnormal lamin A/C protein may disrupt the chromatin/lamin-associated protein complex, thereby disturbing gene expression.

Resources

See Consumer Resources for disease-specific and/or umbrella support organizations for this disorder. These organizations have been established for individuals and families to provide information, support, and contact with other affected individuals. GeneTests provides information about selected organizations and resources for the benefit of the reader; GeneTests is not responsible for information provided by other organizations.—ED.

References

Medical Genetic Searches: A specialized PubMed search designed for clinicians that is located on the PubMed Clinical Queries page Image PubMed.jpg

Published Guidelines/Consensus Statements

  1. Hershberger RE, Lindenfeld J, Mestroni L, Seidman CE, Taylor MR, Towbin JA; Heart Failure Society of America. Genetic evaluation of cardiomyopathy--a Heart Failure Society of America practice guideline. 2009. Available online (registration or institutional access required). Accessed 4-1-11.

Literature Cited

  1. Arbustini E, Pilotto A, Repetto A, Grasso M, Negri A, Diegoli M, Campana C, Scelsi L, Baldini E, Gavazzi A, Tavazzi L. Autosomal dominant dilated cardiomyopathy with atrioventricular block: a lamin A/C defect-related disease. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2002;39:981–90. [PubMed: 11897440]
  2. Becane HM, Bonne G, Varnous S, Muchir A, Ortega V, Hammouda EH, Urtizberea JA, Lavergne T, Fardeau M, Eymard B, Weber S, Schwartz K, Duboc D. High incidence of sudden death with conduction system and myocardial disease due to lamins A and C gene mutation. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2000;23:1661–6. [PubMed: 11138304]
  3. Brodsky GL, Muntoni F, Miocic S, Sinagra G, Sewry C, Mestroni L. Lamin A/C gene mutation associated with dilated cardiomyopathy with variable skeletal muscle involvement. Circulation. 2000;101:473–6. [PubMed: 10662742]
  4. Burkett EL, Hershberger RE. State of the Art: Clinical and genetic issues in familial dilated cardiomyopathy. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2005;45:969–81. [PubMed: 15808750]
  5. Cao H, Hegele RA. Nuclear lamin A/C R482Q mutation in Canadian kindreds with Dunnigan- type familial partial lipodystrophy. Hum Mol Genet. 2000;9:109–12. [PubMed: 10587585]
  6. Capell BC, Collins FS. Human laminopathies: nuclei gone genetically awry. Nat Rev Genet. 2006;7:940–52. [PubMed: 17139325]
  7. Crispell KA, Wray A, Ni H, Nauman DJ, Hershberger RE. Clinical profiles of four large pedigrees with familial dilated cardiomyopathy: preliminary recommendations for clinical practice. J Am Coll Cardiol. 1999;34:837–47. [PubMed: 10483968]
  8. De Sandre-Giovannoli A, Bernard R, Cau P, Navarro C, Amiel J, Boccaccio I, Lyonnet S, Stewart CL, Munnich A, Le Merrer M, Levy N. Lamin a truncation in Hutchinson-Gilford progeria. Science. 2003;300:2055. [PubMed: 12702809]
  9. Eriksson M, Brown WT, Gordon LB, Glynn MW, Singer J, Scott L, Erdos MR, Robbins CM, Moses TY, Berglund P, Dutra A, Pak E, Durkin S, Csoka AB, Boehnke M, Glover TW, Collins FS. Recurrent de novo point mutations in lamin A cause Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome. Nature. 2003;423:293–8. [PubMed: 12714972]
  10. Fatkin D, MacRae C, Sasaki T, Wolff M, Porcu M, Frenneaux M, Atherton J, Vidaillet H, Spudich S, Girolami U, Seidman J, Seidman C. Missense mutations in the rod domain of the lamin A/C gene as causes of dilated cardiomyopathy and conduction-system disease. N Engl J Med. 1999;341:1715–24. [PubMed: 10580070]
  11. Gupta P, Bilinska ZT, Sylvius N, Boudreau E, Veinot JP, Labib S, Bolongo PM, Hamza A, Jackson T, Ploski R, Walski M, Grzybowski J, Walczak E, Religa G, Fidzianska A, Tesson F. Genetic and ultrastructural studies in dilated cardiomyopathy patients: a large deletion in the lamin A/C gene is associated with cardiomyocyte nuclear envelope disruption. Basic Res Cardiol. 2010;105(3):365–77. [PubMed: 20127487]
  12. Hegele RA, Anderson CM, Wang J, Jones DC, Cao H. Association between nuclear lamin A/C R482Q mutation and partial lipodystrophy with hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes. Genome Res. 2000;10:652–8. [PMC free article: PMC310873] [PubMed: 10810087]
  13. Hershberger RE, Hanson E, Jakobs PM, Keegan H, Coates K, Bousman S, Litt M. A novel lamin A/C mutation in a family with dilated cardiomyopathy, prominent conduction system disease, and need for permanent pacemaker implantation. Am Heart J. 2002;144:1081–6. [PubMed: 12486434]
  14. Hershberger RE, Lindenfeld J, Mestroni L, Seidman CE, Taylor MR, Towbin JA. Heart Failure Society of America; Genetic evaluation of cardiomyopathy--a Heart Failure Society of America practice guideline. J Card Fail. 2009;15:83–97. [PubMed: 19254666]
  15. Hunt SA. ACC/AHA 2005 guideline update for the diagnosis and management of chronic heart failure in the adult: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Writing Committee to Update the 2001 Guidelines for the Evaluation and Management of Heart Failure). J Am Coll Cardiol. 2005;46:e1–82. [PubMed: 16168273]
  16. Hunt SA, Abraham WT, Chin MH, Feldman AM, Francis GS, Ganiats TG, Jessup M, Konstam MA, Mancini DM, Michl K, Oates JA, Rahko PS, Silver MA, Stevenson LW, Yancy CW, Antman EM, Smith SC, Adams CD, Anderson JL, Faxon DP, Fuster V, Halperin JL, Hiratzka LF, Jacobs AK, Nishimura R, Ornato JP, Page RL, Riegel B. ACC/AHA 2005 guideline update for the diagnosis and management of chronic heart failure in the adult: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Writing Committee to Update the 2001 Guidelines for the Evaluation and Management of Heart Failure): developed in collaboration with the American College of Chest Physicians and the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation: endorsed by the Heart Rhythm Society. Circulation. 2005;112:e154–235. [PubMed: 16160202]
  17. Jakobs PM, Hanson E, Crispell KA, Toy W, Keegan H, Schilling K, Icenogle T, Litt M, Hershberger RE. Novel lamin A/C mutations in two families with dilated cardiomyopathy and conduction system disease. J Card Fail. 2001;7:249–56. [PubMed: 11561226]
  18. Karkkainen S, Reissell E, Helio T, Kaartinen M, Tuomainen P, Toivonen L, Kuusisto J, Kupari M, Nieminen MS, Laakso M, Peuhkurinen K. Novel mutations in the lamin A/C gene in heart transplant recipients with end stage dilated cardiomyopathy. Heart. 2006;92:524–6. [PMC free article: PMC1860858] [PubMed: 16537768]
  19. Meune C, Van Berlo JH, Anselme F, Bonne G, Pinto YM, Duboc D. Primary prevention of sudden death in patients with lamin A/C gene mutations. N Engl J Med. 2006;354:209–10. [PubMed: 16407522]
  20. Parks S, Kushner JD, Nauman D, Burgess D, Ludwigsen S, Peterson A, Li D, Jakobs PM, Litt M, Porter CB, Rahko PS, Hershberger RE. Lamin A/C mutation analysis in a cohort of 324 unrelated patients with idiopathic or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Am Heart J. 2008;156:161–9. [PMC free article: PMC2527054] [PubMed: 18585512]
  21. Pasotti M, Klersy C, Pilotto A, Marziliano N, Rapezzi C, Serio A, Mannarino S, Gambarin F, Favalli V, Grasso M, Agozzino M, Campana C, Gavazzi A, Febo O, Marini M, Landolina M, Mortara A, Piccolo G, Viganò M, Tavazzi L, Arbustini E. Long-term outcome and risk stratification in dilated cardiolaminopathies. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2008;52:1250–60. [PubMed: 18926329]
  22. Perrot A, Hussein S, Ruppert V, Schmidt HH, Wehnert MS, Duong NT, Posch MG, Panek A, Dietz R, Kindermann I, Böhm M, Michalewska-Wludarczyk A, Richter A, Maisch B, Pankuweit S, Ozcelik C. Identification of mutational hot spots in LMNA encoding lamin A/C in patients with familial dilated cardiomyopathy. Basic Res Cardiol. 2009;104:90–9. [PubMed: 18795223]
  23. Sebillon P, Bouchier C, Bidot LD, Bonne G, Ahamed K, Charron P, Drouin-Garraud V, Millaire A, Desrumeaux G, Benaiche A, Charniot JC, Schwartz K, Villard E, Komajda M. Expanding the phenotype of LMNA mutations in dilated cardiomyopathy and functional consequences of these mutations. J Med Genet. 2003;40:560–7. [PMC free article: PMC1735561] [PubMed: 12920062]
  24. Speckman RA, Garg A, Du F, Bennett L, Veile R, Arioglu E, Taylor SI, Lovett M, Bowcock AM. Mutational and haplotype analyses of families with familial partial lipodystrophy (Dunnigan variety) reveal recurrent missense mutations in the globular C-terminal domain of lamin A/C. Am J Hum Genet. 2000;66:1192–8. [PMC free article: PMC1288186] [PubMed: 10739751]
  25. Taylor MR, Fain PR, Sinagra G, Robinson ML, Robertson AD, Carniel E, Di Lenarda A, Bohlmeyer TJ, Ferguson DA, Brodsky GL, Boucek MM, Lascor J, Moss AC, Li WL, Stetler GL, Muntoni F, Bristow MR, Mestroni L. Natural history of dilated cardiomyopathy due to lamin A/C gene mutations. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2003;41:771–80. [PubMed: 12628721]
  26. Todorova A, Halliger-Keller B, Walter MC, Dabauvalle MC, Lochmuller H, Muller CR. A synonymous codon change in the LMNA gene alters mRNA splicing and causes limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 1B. J Med Genet. 2003;40:e115. [PMC free article: PMC1735280] [PubMed: 14569138]
  27. van Berlo JH, de Voogt WG, van der Kooi AJ, van Tintelen JP, Bonne G, Yaou RB, Duboc D, Rossenbacker T, Heidbüchel H, de Visser M, Crijns HJ, Pinto YM. Meta-analysis of clinical characteristics of 299 carriers of LMNA gene mutations: do lamin A/C mutations portend a high risk of sudden death? J Mol Med. 2005;83:79–83. [PubMed: 15551023]
  28. van Tintelen JP, Tio RA, Kerstjens-Frederikse WS, van Berlo JH, Boven LG, Suurmeijer AJ, White SJ, den Dunnen JT, te Meerman GJ, Vos YJ, van der Hout AH, Osinga J, van den Berg MP, van Veldhuisen DJ, Buys CH, Hofstra RM, Pinto YM. Severe myocardial fibrosis caused by a deletion of the 5' end of the lamin A/C gene. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2007;49:2430–9. [PubMed: 17599607]

Suggested Reading

  1. Hershberger RE. Cardiovascular genetic medicine: evolving concepts, rationale, and implementation. J Cardiovasc Transl Res. 2008;1:137–43. [PubMed: 20559908]
  2. Sylvius N, Tesson F. Lamin A/C and cardiac diseases. Curr Opin Cardiol. 2006;21:159–65. [PubMed: 16601451]

Chapter Notes

Author History

Jason Cowan, MS; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (2008-2011)
Ray E Hershberger, MD (2008-present)
Ana Morales, MS, CGC; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (2008-2011)

Revision History

  • 5 April 2011 (me) Comprehensive update posted live

  • 12 June 2008 (me) Review posted live

  • 7 January 2008 (rh) Original submission

Copyright © 1993-2012, University of Washington, Seattle. All rights reserved.

Cover of GeneReviews™
GeneReviews™ [Internet].
Pagon RA, Bird TD, Dolan CR, et al., editors.
Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-.

Recent activity

Your browsing activity is empty.

Activity recording is turned off.

Turn recording back on

See more...