Co-occurrence of primary familial brain calcification from a likely pathogenic SLC20A2 variant and Alzheimer's disease biology

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of cognitive decline, whereas primary familial brain calcification (PFBC) is rare. We analyzed the clinical and radiological findings of a 75-year-old man who presented with memory impairment. Brain imaging revealed bilateral basal ganglia calcification, severe white matter hyperintensities, and significant amyloid deposition. Genetic analysis identified a heterozygous c.1711 G > A variant in SLC20A2 and a heterozygous c.166 G > A variant in PSEN2. The patient was diagnosed with genetically confirmed PFBC due to a likely pathogenic SLC20A2 variant, together with AD biology. The PSEN2 variant was classified as a variant of uncertain significance.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; PSEN2 gene; SLC20A2 gene; primary familial brain calcification.