Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) gene mutations and autism: literature review and a case report of a patient with Cowden syndrome, autistic disorder, and epilepsy

J Child Neurol. 2012 Mar;27(3):392-7. doi: 10.1177/0883073811420296. Epub 2011 Sep 29.

Abstract

Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) gene mutations are associated with a spectrum of clinical disorders characterized by skin lesions, macrocephaly, hamartomatous overgrowth of tissues, and an increased risk of cancers. Autism has rarely been described in association with these variable clinical features. At present, 24 patients with phosphatase and tensin homolog gene mutation, autism, macrocephaly, and some clinical findings described in phosphatase and tensin homolog syndromes have been reported in the literature. We describe a 14-year-old boy with autistic disorder, focal epilepsy, severe and progressive macrocephaly, and multiple papular skin lesions and palmoplantar punctate keratoses, characteristic of Cowden syndrome. The boy has a de novo phosphatase and tensin homolog gene mutation. Our patient is the first case described to present a typical Cowden syndrome and autism associated with epilepsy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Autistic Disorder / complications
  • Autistic Disorder / genetics*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Electroencephalography
  • Epilepsy / complications
  • Epilepsy / genetics*
  • Family Health
  • Female
  • Hamartoma Syndrome, Multiple / complications
  • Hamartoma Syndrome, Multiple / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Mutation / genetics*
  • PTEN Phosphohydrolase / genetics*

Substances

  • PTEN Phosphohydrolase
  • PTEN protein, human