Juvenile Huntington's Disease: A Case Report and a Review of Diagnostic Challenges.

Publication/Presentation Date

6-1-2023

Abstract

Juvenile Huntington's Disease (JHD) is a rare variant of the hereditary neurodegenerative disorder Huntington's disease (HD). Clinical symptoms in JHD are broad and non-specific, making the initial diagnosis difficult. In this report, we describe a young Hispanic male who gradually developed cognitive decline, dystonia, and seizures. His diagnosis was delayed despite multiple visits to his pediatrician, developmental specialist, and neurologist. A history of developmental regression and unusual imaging findings prompted genetic testing, which led to the diagnosis of JHD. Though changes in the striatum on MRI are hallmarks of JHD, family and developmental history often provide the most important diagnostic clues. Careful history-taking in patients with non-specific neurological exam findings, as in patients with JHD, can prevent diagnostic delays and allow for early interventions to improve quality of life.

Volume

15

Issue

6

First Page

40637

Last Page

40637

ISSN

2168-8184

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences | Pediatrics

PubMedID

37476116

Department(s)

Department of Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics Faculty, Department of Pediatrics Residents, USF-LVHN SELECT Program, USF-LVHN SELECT Program Faculty, USF-LVHN SELECT Program Students

Document Type

Article

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