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Published in: Neurological Sciences 3/2019

01-03-2019 | Original Article

Clinical and genetic characterization of an Italian family with slow-channel syndrome

Authors: Corrado Angelini, Ludovico Lispi, Cecilia Salvoro, Maria Luisa Mostacciuolo, Giovanni Vazza

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 3/2019

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Abstract

Introduction

The slow-channel congenital myasthenic syndrome (SCCMS) is a postsynaptic form of congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMSs), a clinically heterogeneous group of disorders caused by genetic defects leading to an abnormal signal transmission at the endplate.

Methods

We report clinical and molecular data of a multigenerational family in which the presentation of a progressive proximal-distal weakness with ocular involvement led to a number of different clinical diagnoses.

Results

A comprehensive genetic study which included whole-genome linkage analysis and whole-exome sequencing identified a heterozygous missense substitution (c.721C>T, p.L241F) in the ε subunit of the acetylcholine receptor (CHRNE) that was consistent with clinical weakness in all patients.

Discussion

SCCMS is characterized by a broad and heterogeneous clinical phenotype in which disease onset, symptoms, severity, and progression can be highly variable even between family members. The identification of a CHRNE mutation allowed to make the definitive diagnosis of CMS in this family and contributed to define the clinical spectrum of this disease.
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Metadata
Title
Clinical and genetic characterization of an Italian family with slow-channel syndrome
Authors
Corrado Angelini
Ludovico Lispi
Cecilia Salvoro
Maria Luisa Mostacciuolo
Giovanni Vazza
Publication date
01-03-2019
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Neurological Sciences / Issue 3/2019
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-018-3645-2

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