Novel ATP7A gene mutation in a patient with Menkes disease

Background: Menkes disease is a congenital neurodegenerative disorder caused by ATP7A gene mutations. Clinical features include epilepsy, growth delay, reduced muscle strength, skin laxity, abnormal hair, and urologic abnormalities.

Case presentation: We describe an infant with developmental delay, neurologic degeneration, and kinky hair. Molecular test revealed a novel heterozygous mutation in exon 21 of the ATP7A gene. The genotype and phenotype of the patient were compared with those of the patients reported in the literature.

Conclusion: We propose that this mutation caused a dysfunctional protein resulting in classical Menkes disease. This case adds to the spectrum of pathogenic variants of the ATP7A gene known to cause disease.