Three cases of adult-onset Brown-Vialetto-Van Laere syndrome: Novel variants in SLC52A3 gene and MRI abnormalities

Neuromuscul Disord. 2021 Aug;31(8):752-755. doi: 10.1016/j.nmd.2021.06.009. Epub 2021 Jun 26.

Abstract

Brown-Vialetto-Van Laere syndrome is a rare, autosomal, recessive neurological condition caused by variants in the riboflavin transporter genes SLC52A2 and SLC52A3. Here, we report on three cases. Case 1 was a 35-year-old woman from a consanguineous family who presented with progressive deafness, subacute multiple cranial nerve impairments (III, VII, IX, XII), and MRI abnormalities (including as hypersignal from the cranial nerves). The patient was homozygous for a novel SLC52A3variant. Case 2 was the woman's brother, who presented similar symptoms. Case 3 was an 18-year-old woman experiencing progressive hearing loss, bilateral steppage gait and a cranial nerves impairment (VII and XII). MRI revealed hypersignal in the root nerves and cauda equina. A novel heterozygous variant in SLC52A3 was identified. A subacute history of polyradiculoneuropathy along with progressive deafness, cranial nerve impairment, and MRI abnormalities should raise suspicion for Brown-Vialetto-Van Laere syndrome.

Keywords: BVVL; Brown-Vialetto-Van Laere syndrome; MRI; SLC52A3; tongue fasciculation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Bulbar Palsy, Progressive / diagnostic imaging*
  • Bulbar Palsy, Progressive / genetics
  • Female
  • Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / diagnostic imaging*
  • Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / genetics
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Membrane Transport Proteins / genetics*
  • Mutation

Substances

  • Membrane Transport Proteins
  • SLC52A3 protein, human

Supplementary concepts

  • Brown-Vialetto-Van Laere syndrome