Milder forms of α-sarcoglicanopathies diagnosed in adulthood by NGS analysis

Sarcoglycanopathies (LGMD 2C2F) are a subgroup of limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD), caused by mutations in sarcoglycan genes. They usually have a childhood onset and rapidly progressive course with loss of ability to walk over 12-16 years.

Next generation sequencing (NGS) targeted gene panel was performed in three adult patients with progressive muscle weakness in which routine muscle histology and immunohistochemistry were not diagnostic.

Genetic analysis revealed homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in SGCA gene and Western Blot demonstrated protein reduction confirming the diagnosis of α-sarcoglicanopathy.

Our cases evidence that the diagnosis of mild forms of alfa sarcoglicanopathy could be a challenge and suggest the possibility that they could be underdiagnosed. The use of Next generation Sequencing targeted gene panels is very helpful in the diagnosis of these patients.