Publication: cureus.com | Publication Date: 6 May 2025
Authors: Nadia Echcharii, Nabila Chekhlabi, Amal Haoudar, Nezha Dini
Wolfram syndrome (WS) is a rare, autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive multisystemic involvement, including diabetes mellitus, optic atrophy, diabetes insipidus, sensorineural hearing loss, and urological dysfunction. While diabetes mellitus is typically the first clinical sign, atypical presentations can delay the diagnosis.
Publication: cureus.com | Publication Date: 25 October 2025
Authors: Tej P. Shah, Richard Sidlow, Prem K. Sah
Wolfram syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by diabetes mellitus, optic atrophy, and progressive neurodegeneration, often summarized by the acronym DIDMOAD (diabetes insipidus, diabetes mellitus, optic atrophy, and deafness). We report a 27-year-old male with a history of diabetes mellitus, progressive visual loss leading to blindness, and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. His family history was notable for diabetes-related mortalities and visual impairment in multiple members of the family. Clinical evaluation showed uncontrolled blood glucose level, optic atrophy, and high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss. A clinical diagnosis of Wolfram syndrome was made using the Euro-Wolfram, Alström, and Bardet-Biedl (WABB) criteria. Wolfram syndrome should be suspected in young patients with early-onset diabetes mellitus and visual or hearing impairment. This case report highlights the role of timely multidisciplinary management in preventing disease-related complications.
Publication: frontiersin.org | Publication Date: 14 October 2025
Authors: Justin Simo, Heather M. Lugar, Elka Miller, Adi Wilf-Yarkoni, Yael Goldberg, Ayça Kocaağa, Shoichi Ito, Sirio Cocozza, Giulio Frontino, Cristina Baldoli, Aziz Benbachir, Catherine Ashton, Guy Rouleau, Tamara Hershey, Yann Nadjar, Roberta La Piana
Wolfram syndrome (WFS) is a genetic disorder mainly caused by pathogenic variants in the WFS1 gene. It is characterized clinically by optic atrophy (OA), diabetes mellitus (DM), sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), diabetes insipidus (DI), and variable neurological/psychiatric symptoms. WFS typically manifests before age 20 and progresses into adulthood. Classical neuroradiological features include cerebellar and/or brainstem atrophy as well as white matter abnormalities ranging from small, ovoid lesions to diffuse, symmetrical changes along the visual pathway. Following the identification of multifocal, progressive white matter abnormalities that prompted the consideration of multiple sclerosis (MS) in two molecularly confirmed WFS subjects, we sought to verify whether MS-like lesions constitute a novel WFS-associated MRI pattern.
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Wolfram Syndrome Awareness Day is held on October 1st each year. This day was chosen because it is the anniversary of the publication of a 1998 paper on the discovery of the WSf1 gene associated with the syndrome. The day is dedicated to raising awareness of this rare genetic disorder, which affects the body’s metabolism, nervous system, and senses, and to encouraging support for research and treatments.
The Snow Foundation is a collective voice for Wolfram syndrome patients, working towards a cure for Wolfram syndrome and developing novel therapies for diabetes, vision loss, hearing loss and neurodegeneration.
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