Novel AARS2 Gene Mutation Producing Leukodystrophy: A Patient with Peripheral Demyelinating Polyneuropathy

Abstract

Novel AARS2 gene mutations encoding mitochondrial alanyl-tRNA synthetase are important in the spectrum of different phenotypes expressed in the nervous system. Leukodystrophy and ovarian failure in females are common phenotypes. Peripheral demyelination is not a recognized aspect of the AARS2 phenotype. A patient with preceding Lyme neuroborreliosis developed progressive leukodystrophy and peripheral demyelinating motor polyneuropathy. Serial magnetic resonance imaging showed progressive inflammatory demyelination extending to the corticospinal tracts. Treatment with a standard of care of antibiotics and immune-modulatory therapy employing intravenous immune globulin was employed. The contribution of neuroborreliosis is not well understood in the expression of the AARS2 phenotype.