Three siblings with self-limited familial infantile epilepsy with PRRT2 mutation: A case series

Naoto Iwanami1, Shigeru Nagaki1,2, Aki Gen1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Toda Chuo General Hospital, Saitama, Japan.

PubMed

Insights

A mutation in proline-rich transmembrane protein 2 (PRRT2) causes self-limited familial infantile epilepsy. This study details three sisters with this condition, highlighting variable presentation and treatment responses despite a shared PRRT2 mutation.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Neurology
  • Epilepsy

Background:

  • Self-limited familial infantile epilepsy (SLFIE) is a distinct epileptic syndrome.
  • It is characterized by focal seizures with infantile onset, often occurring in clusters.
  • Proline-rich transmembrane protein 2 (PRRT2) gene mutations are implicated in various epilepsy syndromes.

Observation:

  • Three sisters presented with infantile-onset focal seizures consistent with SLFIE.
  • Seizure onset was between 3-5 months, with seizures lasting 1-2 minutes.
  • One sister showed interictal spikes and a rash with carbamazepine, requiring treatment adjustment.

Findings:

  • All sisters carried the pathogenic PRRT2 variant c.649dup[p.(Arg217Profs*8)].
  • This mutation is frequently found in SLFIE, paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia, and infantile choreoathetosis.
  • The father also carried the mutation but had no history of epilepsy or dyskinesia, indicating incomplete penetrance or variable expressivity.

Implications:

  • The study highlights the genetic basis of SLFIE linked to PRRT2 mutations.
  • It demonstrates a lack of clear genotype-phenotype correlation in some cases with the common PRRT2 mutation.
  • Understanding these variations is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of infantile epilepsies.