Juvenile Huntington's Disease: A Case Report and a Review of Diagnostic Challenges

Juvenile Huntington's Disease (JHD) is a rare variant of the hereditary neurodegenerative disorder Huntington's disease (HD). Clinical symptoms in JHD are broad and non-specific, making the initial diagnosis difficult. In this report, we describe a young Hispanic male who gradually developed cognitive decline, dystonia, and seizures. His diagnosis was delayed despite multiple visits to his pediatrician, developmental specialist, and neurologist. A history of developmental regression and unusual imaging findings prompted genetic testing, which led to the diagnosis of JHD. Though changes in the striatum on MRI are hallmarks of JHD, family and developmental history often provide the most important diagnostic clues. Careful history-taking in patients with non-specific neurological exam findings, as in patients with JHD, can prevent diagnostic delays and allow for early interventions to improve quality of life.