progressive encephalopathy with edema hypsarrhythmia and optic atrophy

PEHO Syndrome

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

Optic atrophy is a common feature.  There may be lack of visual fixation from birth or sometimes several months later, attributed to cortical inattention.  Flash visual evoked potentials may be unrecordable. Pupillary responses to light are 'weak' and sluggish. Epicanthal folds may be seen.

Systemic Features: 

Infants are usually born with a normal head circumference but fall behind (2 SD or more) in the first year.  They have neonatal and infantile central hypotonia with brisk peripheral tendon reflexes during early childhood.  They are sometimes described as drowsy or lethargic.  Facial and limb edema can be extensive but transient sometimes and can disappear later in childhood.  The fingers are tapered.  The cheeks are full, the mouth is usually open and the upper lip appears 'tented'.  Global developmental delay is common and normal milestones are seldom attained.  Some patients have been described as severely retarded mentally.  Infantile spasms and myoclonic jerkingcan be seen within the first months of life while frank seizures with hypsarrhythmia are common in the first year of life.  Status epilepticus is a common occurrence.  General drowsiness and poor feeding are often features.  Death usually occurs in infancy or early childhood.  Midface hypoplasia and micrognathia are often present.

Brain imaging (MRI) and histology show severe alterations in myelination and cellular organization.  Neuronal loss is seen in the inner granular layer of the cerebellum but there is relative preservation of Purkinje cells.  General and progressive atrophy of the cerebellum and brain stem have been described.

Genetics

Homozygous frameshift mutations in ZNHIT3 (17q12) have been identified in affected members of several consanguineous families.  The presumed mutation seems to be most prevalent in Finland.

A somewhat similar disorder known as PEHO-like syndrome (617507) is the result of homozygous mutations in the CCDC88A gene.

Pedigree: 
Autosomal recessive
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

Physical therapy to prevent contractures and general supportive care can be helpful.  Supplemental feeding may be required. 

References
Article Title: 

The PEHO syndrome

Riikonen R. The PEHO syndrome. Brain Dev. 2001 Nov;23(7):765-9. Review.

PubMed ID: 
11701291
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