Severe Leukoencephalopathy with Clinical Recovery Caused by Recessive BOLA3 Mutations.

Abstract

AIM: To identify the genetic aetiology of a distinct leukoencephalopathy causing acute neurological regression in infancy with apparently complete clinical recovery. METHODS: We performed trio whole genome sequencing (WGS) to determine the genetic basis of the disorder. Mitochondrial function analysis in cultured patient fibroblasts was undertaken to confirm the pathogenicity of candidate variants. RESULTS: The patient presented at 18 months with acute hemiplegia and cognitive regression without obvious trigger. This was followed by clinical recovery over 4 years. MRI at disease onset revealed bilateral T2 hyperintensity involving the periventricular and deep white matter and MR spectroscopy..