Xeroderma pigmentosum is a definite cause of Huntington's disease-like syndrome

Ann Clin Transl Neurol. 2017 Dec 4;5(1):102-108. doi: 10.1002/acn3.511. eCollection 2018 Jan.

Abstract

Xeroderma pigmentosum is characterized by cutaneous, ophthalmological, and neurological features. Although it is typical of childhood, late presentations can mimic different neurodegenerative conditions. We report two families presenting as Huntington's disease-like syndromes. The first case (group G) presented with neuropsychiatric features, cognitive decline and chorea. Typical lentigines were only noticed after the neurological disease started. The second case (group B) presented adult-onset chorea and neuropsychiatric symptoms after an aggressive ocular melanoma. Xeroderma pigmentosum can manifest as a Huntington's Disease-like syndrome. Classic dermatological and oncological features have to be investigated in choreic patients with negative genetic tests for Huntington's disease-like phenotypes.

Grants and funding

This work was funded by National Health Service England Highly Specialized Services grant ; UK National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre grant ; Guy's and St Thomas’ Foundation Trust grant ; King's College London grant ; Department of Health's NIHR Biomedical Research Centers grant ; NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) grant .