Joubert Syndrome: A Rare Radiological Case

Cureus. 2019 Dec 18;11(12):e6410. doi: 10.7759/cureus.6410.

Abstract

Joubert syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive neurodevelopmental disease characterized by abnormal breathing patterns composed of episodic tachypnea/apnea, hypotonia, ataxia, developmental delay, intellectual impairment, ocular impairment, renal cysts, and hepatic fibrosis. We report the case of a 4-year-old boy who presented with global developmental delay, bilateral nystagmus, and gaze instability with difficulty walking and maintaining an upright posture. A detailed examination revealed facial dysmorphic features with a depressed nasal bridge and deepened orbital sockets. Neurological examination yielded positive results for hypotonia, gait ataxia, bilateral horizontal pendular nystagmus, and a grade 1 ptosis more prominent in the right eye. However, no abnormal breathing patterns were observed in our case. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed the characteristic molar tooth sign and a batwing appearance of the fourth ventricle.

Keywords: batwing configuration; delayed milestones; infantile hypotonia; joubert syndrome; molar tooth appearance; oculomotor dysfunction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports