Biallelic CACNA1A variants: Review of literature and report of a child with drug-resistant epilepsy and developmental delay

Biallelic variants in CACNA1A have previously been reported in nine individuals (four families) presenting with epilepsy and cognitive impairments of variable severity and age-of-onset. Here, we describe a child who presented at 6 months of age with drug-resistant epilepsy and developmental delay. At 10 years of age, she has profound impairments in motor function and communication. MRI was initially unremarkable, but progressed to severe cerebellar atrophy by age 3 years. Next Generation Sequencing and panel analysis identified a maternally inherited truncating variant c.2042_2043delAG, p.(Gln681ArgfsTer100) and paternally inherited missense variant c.1693G>A, p.(Glu565Lys). In contrast to previously reported biallelic cases, parents carrying these monoallelic variants did not display clear signs of a CACNA1A-associated syndrome. In conclusion, we provide further evidence that biallelic CACNA1A variants can cause a severe epileptic and developmental encephalopathy with progressive cerebellar atrophy, and highlight complexities of genetic counseling in such situations.

Automated summary

This study reports a case of a child with drug-resistant epilepsy and developmental delay. Genetic sequencing revealed biallelic variants in the CACNA1A gene. The findings provide further evidence of the association between biallelic CACNA1A variants and severe epileptic and developmental encephalopathy with progressive cerebellar atrophy, and highlight complexities in genetic counseling in such cases.