Abstract
Background: Allan-Herndon-Dudley (AHD) is a rare X-linked disorder with neurological manifestations secondary to a mutation in monocarboxylate transporter 8, a protein that transports T3 into nerve cells in the brain. AHD is characterized by increased serum free T3, decreased serum free T4 and normal serum TSH levels as well as the severe neurological manifestations including global developmental delay, hypotonia, and joint contractures (1). A phase 2 trial using triodyothyroacetic acid has shown promise in treating this disorder (2). We report on three children who were diagnosed by whole exome sequencing after presenting with neurological manifestations.
Clinical Cases: Patient 1 presented at 4 months to the neurology clinic for seizures. He had a normal newborn screen. Worsening developmental delays and central hypotonia prompted a brain MRI that revealed delayed myelination for age. At 6 months a chromosomal microarray and metabolic work-up were performed and were nondiagnostic. Whole exome sequencing was obtained at the age of 4.5 years revealing a mutation in the SLC16A2 gene (p.Ser210Tyr). Thyroid studies were consistent with the diagnosis.
Patient 2 presented to neurology at 9 months for developmental delay. A brain MRI was obtained which was within normal limits. At 14 months an acylcarnitine profile was obtained which indicated a possible CPT1 deficiency, which did not fit his clinical picture. Chromosomal microarray as well as work-up for inborn errors of metabolism were performed and were nondiagnostic. Thyroid studies were obtained which showed low free T4 with normal TSH. Whole exome sequencing was obtained at the age of 2.5 years, which revealed a mutation in SLC16A2 (p.R371C).
Patient 3 presented as sibling of patient 2 with known AHD syndrome. Testing for SLC16A2 was performed at the age of 5 months and returned positive for same mutation as sibling (p.R371C).
Conclusion: Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome is a rare neurological disease secondary to a mutation in the T3 transporter protein to nervous tissue. A high index of suspicion as well as thyroid studies should be obtained in patients presenting with central hypotonia and global developmental delay with normal newborn screens, particularly in states that use TSH as a screening test. This is especially important as treatments are becoming available that may help prevent neurological devastation seen in these patients.
References:
1. Dumitrescu AM, Fu J, Dempsey MA, Refetoff S. MCT8-Specific Thyroid Hormone Cell-Membrane Transporter Deficiency. In: Adam MP, Ardinger HH, Pagon RA, et al., eds. GeneReviews®. Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993
2. Groeneweg S, Peeters RP, Moran C, et al. Effectiveness and safety of the tri-iodothyronine analogue Triac in children and adults with MCT8 deficiency: an international, single-arm, open-label, phase 2 trial. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2019;7(9):695-706.
Whole Exome Sequencing Facilitated the Identification of a Mosaic Small Supernumerary Marker Chromosome (sSMC)