Coexistence of a T118M PMP22 missense mutation and chromosome 17 (17p11.2-p12) deletion

Introduction: We describe a 6-year-old girl with a T118M PMP22 mutation and heterozygous deletion of PMP22 on chromosome 17 (17p11.2-p12) resulting in a severe sensorimotor polyneuropathy.

Methods: This study is a case report in which the relevant mutations are described.

Results: Foot pain, cavovarus feet, tibialis anterior atrophy, absent reflexes, and inability to walk were found when the patient was age 6 years. Nerve conduction studies showed evidence of a sensorimotor polyneuropathy and compressive mononeuropathies of bilateral median nerves at the wrist and ulnar nerves at the elbow. Genetic testing revealed deletion of a PMP22 allele and T118M PMP22 mutation in the remaining allele.

Conclusions: The severe sensorimotor polyneuropathy and hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) in this patient was likely a consequence of both decreased expression of PMP22 causing features consistent with HNPP and unopposed expression of the T118M mutant form of PMP22 that is relatively benign in the heterozygous state. The T118M mutant form of PMP22 can be disease-modifying in the appropriate circumstances.