Adult GAMT deficiency: A literature review and report of two siblings

Abstract

Guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (GAMT) deficiency is a creatine deficiency disorder and an inborn error of metabolism presenting with progressive intellectual and neurological deterioration. As most cases are identified and treated in early childhood, adult phenotypes that can help in understanding the natural history of the disorder are rare. We describe two adult cases of GAMT deficiency from a consanguineous family in Pakistan that presented with a history of global developmental delay, cognitive impairments, excessive drooling, behavioral abnormalities, contractures and apparent bone deformities initially presumed to be the reason for abnormal gait. Exome sequencing identified a homozygous nonsense variant in GAMT: NM_000156.5:c.134G>A (p.Trp45*). We also performed a literature review and compiled the genetic and clinical characteristics of all adult cases of GAMT deficiency reported to date. When compared to the adult cases previously reported, the musculoskeletal phenotype and the rapidly progressive nature of neurological and motor decline seen in our patients is striking. This study presents an opportunity to gain insights into the adult presentation of GAMT deficiency and highlights the need for in-depth evaluation and reporting of clinical features to expand our understanding of the phenotypic spectrum.

Keywords: Adult cases; GAMT; Guanidinoacetate methyltransferase deficiency; Progressive intellectual and neurological deterioration.

Fig. 1

A) Family pedigree of siblings affected with GAMT deficiency (individuals V-1 (deceased) and V-3); B) Pictures of V-1(i) and V-3(ii) showing the apparent bone deformities around the joints in the knees, legs and hands.

Fig. 2

Sanger sequencing trace calls of the GAMT:c.134G>A variant confirmed WES results for V-1 and V-3 and showed segregation of the variant with the disease in an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance.