Tremor-Dominant Movement Disorder in ANKRD11- Associated KBG Syndrome

Abstract

Background: KBG syndrome is a monogenic disorder caused by heterozygous pathogenic variants in ANKRD11. A recent single-case study suggested that the clinical spectrum of KBG syndrome, classically defined by distinctive craniofacial traits and developmental delay, may include movement disorders.

Case report: We report a 24-year-old patient harboring a pathogenic de novo ANKRD11 frameshift variant. The phenotype was dominated by a progressive tremor-dominant movement disorder, characterized by rest, intention and postural tremor of the hands, voice tremor, head and tongue tremor, increased muscle tone and signs of ataxia. Additionally, the patient had a history of mild developmental delay and epilepsy.

Discussion: Adding to the recently described individual, our present patient highlights the relevance of movement disorders as a clinically relevant manifestation of KBG syndrome. ANKRD11 pathogenic variants should be considered in the differential diagnosis of combined tremor syndromes.

Keywords: ANKRD11; KBG syndrome; combined tremor syndrome; tremor.

Figure 1

Visualization of the patient’s action tremor using Achimedean spiral. a left hand b right hand. The patient is right-handed.