Unusual clinical manifestations and predominant stopgain ATM gene variants in a single centre cohort of ataxia telangiectasia from North India

Sci Rep. 2022 Mar 8;12(1):4036. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-08019-0.

Abstract

Germline ATM gene variations result in phenotypic heterogeneity characterized by a variable degree of disease severity. We retrospectively collected clinical, genetic, and immunological data of 26 cases with A-T. Clinical manifestations included oculocutaneous telangiectasia (100%), ataxia (100%), fever, loose stools or infection (67%), cerebellar atrophy (50%), nystagmus (8%), dysarthria (15.38%), and visual impairment (8%). Genetic analysis confirmed ATM gene variations in 16 unrelated cases. The most common type of variation was stopgain variants (56%). Immunoglobulin profile indicated reduced IgA, IgG, and IgM in 94%, 50%, and 20% cases, respectively. T cell lymphopenia was observed in 80% of cases among those investigated. Unusual presentations included an EBV-associated smooth muscle tumour located in the liver in one case and Hyper IgM syndrome-like presentation in two cases. Increased immunosenescence was observed in T-cell subsets (CD4+CD57+ and CD8+CD57+). T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) were reduced in 3/8 (37.50%) cases.

MeSH terms

  • Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins / genetics
  • Ataxia Telangiectasia* / genetics
  • Humans
  • Hyper-IgM Immunodeficiency Syndrome*
  • Mutation
  • Retrospective Studies
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets

Substances

  • ATM protein, human
  • Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins