DYT6 form of idiopathic dystonia

Abstract

DYT6 is a recently described autosomal dominant form of primary dystonia with early onset of symptoms caused by mutations in THAP1 gene in chromosome 8. The incidence of this form in various populations is extremely variable and ranges from 1% to 25%. Knowledge of the molecular defect underlying the disease largely determines its prognosis and treatment approaches. The article presents the first in the Russian population case of DYT6 dystonia, which was confirmed by detection of c.424A> G (p.T142A) mutation in THAP1 gene. Clinical presentation included acute manifestation of symptoms at the age of 27 years with the development of left-directed latero-retrocollis. The incidence of this form of dystonia in our population of dystonic syndromes was 0.7%. We emphasize phenotypic polymorphism of DYT6 dystonia and the role of genetic testing in its diagnosis.