Case Report: A Novel AChR Epsilon Variant Causing a Clinically Discordant Salbutamol Responsive Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome in Two Egyptian Siblings

Abstract

Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are inherited disorders that lead to abnormal neuromuscular transmission. Post-synaptic mutations are the main cause of CMS, particularly mutations in CHRNE. We report a novel homozygous CHRNE pathogenic variant in two Egyptian siblings showing a CMS. Interestingly, they showed different degrees of extraocular and skeletal muscle involvement; both presented only a partial response to cholinesterase inhibitors, and rapidly and substantially ameliorated after the addition of oral β2 adrenergic agonists. Here, we enlarge the genetic spectrum of CHRNE-related congenital myasthenic syndromes and highlight the importance of a β2 adrenergic agonists treatment.

Keywords: CHRNE; congenital myasthenic syndrome; neuromuscular junction; salbutamol; β2 adrenergic agonists.