Concurrent OPA1 mutation and chromosome 3q deletion leading to Behr syndrome: a case report

Optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) gene mutations are associated with dominantly inherited optic neuropathy resulting in a progressive loss of visual acuity. Compound heterozygous or homozygous variants that lead to severe phenotypes, including Behr syndrome, have been reported rarely.

Here, we present a 14-month-old boy with early onset optic atrophy, congenital cataracts, neuromuscular disorders, mental retardation, and developmental delay. Combined genetic testing, including whole exome sequencing (WES) and chromosomal microarray analysis, revealed a concurrent OPA1 variant (c.2189 T > C p.Leu730Ser) and de novo chromosome 3q deletion as pathogenic variants leading to the severe phenotype.

Our case is the first reporting a novel missense OPA1 variant co-occurring with a chromosomal microdeletion leading to a severe phenotype reminiscent of Behr syndrome. This expands the mutation spectrum of OPA1 and inheritance patterns of this disease.