- Dystonia Responsive to Dopamine: POLG Mutations Should Be Considered If Sensory Neuropathy Is Present
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Jessica Qiu, Kishore Raj Kumar, Eloise Watson, Kate Ahmad, Carolyn M. Sue, Michael W. Hayes
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J Mov Disord. 2021;14(2):157-160. Published online May 26, 2021
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.14802/jmd.20159
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Abstract
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- The POLG gene encodes mitochondrial DNA polymerase, and mutations in this gene cause a spectrum of disorders related to mitochondrial DNA depletion or deletion. Dystonia has only rarely been reported as an early and prominent manifestation of POLG mutations. We report a case of a 30-year-old male presenting with lower limb dystonia with peripheral neuropathy and demonstrate that the dystonia was levodopa responsive (with video findings). Whole-genome sequencing revealed biallelic variants in the POLG gene: a known pathogenic variant [NM_001126131.2:c.2209G>C (p.Gly737Arg)] and a novel likely pathogenic variant [NM_001126131.2:c.3305A>C (p.Gln1102Pro)]. A genetic diagnosis was made before the appearance of more readily recognizable features of mitochondrial disease, allowing us to avoid invasive tissue biopsies or potentially deleterious treatments, such as sodium valproate. A POLG-related disorder should be suspected in cases of dystonia with peripheral neuropathy, and this diagnosis may have implications for further investigations and management.
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