Clinical and genetic characterization of a Chinese patient with triple A syndrome and novel compound heterozygous mutations in the AAAS gene.

Background: Triple A syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by adrenal failure, alacrima, achalasia, and progressive neurologic symptoms. Aim: Here, we describe the clinical and genetic characteristics in a Chinese patient with novel mutations in the AAAS gene. Materials and methods: The clinical and radiologic characteristics of the patient have been fully described. The coding sequences, including exon-intron boundaries, were amplified from genomic DNA and were sequenced. Results: The clinical and radiologic findings of the patient are fully described. The sequencing of the AAAS gene detected two novel heterozygous mutations, including a c.577C> T, p.Gln193X in exon 7 and a novel frameshift mutation c.1062_1063insAC, p.Ser355fsX416 in exon 11. The testing of parents confirmed their heterozygous carrier status. Conclusions: There are significant clinical variability and mutational heterogeneities in Asian patients with this syndrome. DNA analysis is very helpful in establishing the final diagnosis of triple A syndrome, although its implication in the prediction of clinical expression and the outcome of the disorder is limited.