De Novo Occurrence of Novel SPG3A/Atlastin Mutation Presenting as Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

We report the de novo occurrence of a novel SPG3A mutation in a subject with childhood-onset, nonprogressive, spastic diplegia who had no previous family history of hereditary spastic paraplegia until the birth of her similarly affected son. Although rare, the occurrence of a de novo hereditary spastic paraplegia gene mutation must be considered in subjects with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy for whom no other cause is identified. This is extremely important for correct genetic counseling because recurrence risk may be as high as 50% when a mutation is detected.