Phenotypic and genetic spectrum of Danish patients with ABCA4-related retinopathy.

Background: Pathogenic variations in the ABCA4 gene were originally recognized as genetic background for the autosomal recessive disorders Stargardt disease and fundus flavimaculatus, but have expanded to embrace a diversity of retinal diseases, giving rise to the new diagnostic term, ABCA4-related retinopathy. Diagnostic genotyping of ABCA4 is complicated by the large size of the gene and the existence of approximately 600 known pathogenic variations, along with numerous rare polymorphisms. A commercial diagnostic array-based assay has been developed targeting known mutations, however a conclusive genetic diagnosis must rely on a comprehensive genetic screening as the mutation spectrum of ABCA4-related retinopathies continues to expand.

Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with elevated methylmalonic acid is caused by SUCLA2 mutations.

We have identified 12 patients with autosomal recessive mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with elevated methylmalonic acid. The disorder has a high incidence of 1 in 1700 in the Faroe Islands due to a founder effect, and a carrier frequency of 1 in 33. The symptoms comprise hypotonia, muscle atrophy, hyperkinesia, severe hearing impairment and postnatal growth retardation.