Lissencephaly caused by a mutation in tubulin : a case report and literature review.

Tubulin plays an essential role in cortical development, and encodes a major neuronal -tubulin. Neonatal mutations in are associated with severe brain malformations, and approximately 70% of patients with reported cases of mutations exhibit lissencephaly. We report the case of a 1-year-old boy with the nascent mutation c.1204C >T, p.Arg402Cys, resulting in lissencephaly, developmental delay, and seizures, with a brain MRI showing normal cortical formation in the bilateral frontal lobes, smooth temporo-parieto-occipital gyri and shallow sulcus. This case has not been described in any previous report; thus, the present case provides new insights into the broad disease phenotype and diagnosis associated with mutations. In addition, we have summarized the gene mutation sites, neuroradiological findings, and clinical details of cases previously described in the literature and discussed the differences that exist between individual cases of mutations through a longitudinal comparative analysis of similar cases. The complexity of the disease is revealed, and the importance of confirming the genetic diagnosis from the beginning of the disease is emphasized, which can effectively shorten the diagnostic delay and help clinicians provide genetic and therapeutic counseling.