Debilitating progressive encephalitis in a patient with BTK deficiency

Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung. 2012 Sep;59(3):335-42. doi: 10.1556/AMicr.59.2012.3.4.

Abstract

X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA), also known as Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) deficiency, is a primary antibody deficiency, characterized by low number of B cells, agammaglobulinemia and increased susceptibility to a variety of infections. Herein, we report a case of XLA with confirmed BTK mutation that developed neurological deficits. While we could not detect any responsible microorganism in spite of comprehensive workup, brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed moderate brain atrophy. The diagnosis of progressive encephalitis was made for this patient. Patients with XLA have a higher chance of encephalitis compared with other primary antibody deficiencies. Given the violent nature of encephalitis, it is a concern among XLA patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Agammaglobulinaemia Tyrosine Kinase
  • Agammaglobulinemia / enzymology*
  • Agammaglobulinemia / genetics
  • Genetic Diseases, X-Linked / enzymology*
  • Genetic Diseases, X-Linked / genetics
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mutation
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / genetics*
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / metabolism
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • Agammaglobulinaemia Tyrosine Kinase
  • BTK protein, human

Supplementary concepts

  • Bruton type agammaglobulinemia