The epidemiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the Mount Etna region: a possible pathogenic role of volcanogenic metals

A higher incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was observed on the eastern flank of Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, compared to its western flank. The study, conducted between 2005 and 2010 in the province of Catania, found a mean annual crude incidence rate of ALS at 2.0 per 100,000 person-years, with a significantly higher rate (2.4) on the eastern flank—more exposed to volcanogenic trace elements (TEs)—versus the western flank (0.9). This suggests a possible link between volcanic emissions and ALS pathogenesis, warranting further investigation into TEs and genetic factors. The study used retrospective data from neurological centers, applying El Escorial diagnostic criteria, and estimated incidence rates for the entire province and its sub-regions.

Nicoletti, A., Vasta, R., Venti, V., Mostile, G., Lo Fermo, S., Patti, F., Scillieri, R., De Cicco, D., Volanti, P., Marziolo, R., Maimone, D., Fiore, M., Ferrante, M., & Zappia, M. (2016). The epidemiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the Mount Etna region: a possible pathogenic role of volcanogenic metals. European Journal of Neurology, 23(5), 964–972. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/ene.12973