What is Ataxia-telangiectasia?

Ataxia-telangiectasia: A progressive disease characterized by degeneration of the nervous system manifest by poor coordination and balance (cerebellar ataxia), red eyes due to widening of small blood vessels in the conjunctiva ( ocular telangiectasia), and recurrent sinus and lung infections. Abbreviated AT. Patients with AT have a striking predisposition to leukemia and lymphoma and are extremely sensitive to radiation. Other features include difficulty swallowing and slowed growth. AT is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait.