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[Cerebrovascular accidents with familial antithrombin III deficiency--gene analysis study]

Shinya Tsukahara1, Takahiro Iizuka, Norihiro Suzuki

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine (Neurology), School of Medicine, Kitasato University.

Insights

Familial antithrombin III (AT III) type I deficiency can cause cerebral infarction. A novel gene mutation was identified in a Japanese family with this rare condition, leading to stroke in multiple members.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Neurology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Cerebral infarction, or stroke, can be linked to inherited thrombotic disorders.
  • Familial antithrombin III (AT III) type I deficiency is a rare genetic condition predisposing individuals to blood clots.

Observation:

  • Two cases of cerebral infarction (deep cerebral vein thrombosis and top of the basilar syndrome) were observed in a Japanese family.
  • Cerebral infarction affected multiple members within the same family pedigree.
  • Eighteen family members were tested, revealing that 6 individuals (33%) had AT III type I deficiency.

Findings:

  • Genetic analysis identified a novel 4-base CTTT frame shift insertion mutation in the AT III gene (exon 2) in a patient with cerebral infarction.
  • This specific type of AT III deficiency mutation is exceptionally rare, with only twelve previously reported pedigrees worldwide.
  • This represents the first documented case of AT III type I deficiency caused by a frame shift insertion mutation in Japan.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of genetic screening for antithrombin III deficiency in families with recurrent cerebral infarction.
  • Identifies a novel mutation contributing to thrombophilia, expanding the known genetic landscape of AT III deficiency.
  • Emphasizes the clinical significance of rare genetic thrombotic disorders in stroke etiology, particularly in specific geographic populations.

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