Transient leukoencephalopathy associated with X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

J Child Neurol. 2010 Aug;25(8):1013-6. doi: 10.1177/0883073809352378. Epub 2010 May 14.

Abstract

X-linked hereditary demyelinating neuropathy (Charcot-Marie-Tooth 1X) accounts for 10% to 20% of all hereditary demyelinating neuropathies and is caused by mutations in the GJB1 gene, which codes for connexin 32. Connexin 32 is a gap junction protein widely expressed in Schwann cells as well as oligodendrocytes. Transient leukoencephalopathy has been reported in children and adults with Charcot-Marie-Tooth 1X. The case of a previously healthy 10-year-old boy who presented with fluctuating neurological deficits is reviewed. His brain magnetic resonance imaging scans showed abnormal restricted diffusion and mild hyperintense T2-weighted and fluid attenuation inversion recovery abnormalities in the splenium of the corpus callosum and the posterior cerebral white matter in a bilaterally symmetric distribution. A family history of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease was revealed late in his presentation, and genetic testing identified a mutation in the GJB1 gene that has not previously been associated with central nervous system involvement.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brain / abnormalities*
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Brain / physiopathology
  • Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease / complications*
  • Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease / genetics*
  • Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease / physiopathology
  • Child
  • Connexins / genetics
  • Gap Junction beta-1 Protein
  • Genetic Diseases, X-Linked / complications*
  • Genetic Diseases, X-Linked / genetics*
  • Genetic Diseases, X-Linked / physiopathology
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / genetics
  • Humans
  • Leukoencephalopathies / genetics*
  • Leukoencephalopathies / metabolism
  • Leukoencephalopathies / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / metabolism
  • Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / pathology
  • Oligodendroglia / metabolism
  • Oligodendroglia / pathology

Substances

  • Connexins
  • Gap Junction beta-1 Protein