Arushi Gahlot Saini¹, Soumya Jyoti Raha¹, Savita Verma Attri¹, Vikas Bhatia¹, Gunjan Didwal¹, Renu Suthar¹, Yashu Sharma¹, Prabhjeet Kaur¹, Aastha Takkar¹, Sameer Vyas¹, Priyanka Srivastava¹
1- PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
Abstract Body
Objectives: Diffuse leukoencephalopathy with diffusion restriction is a rare but reversible radiological pattern associated with Biotinidase deficiency (BTD). We aimed to describe clinicoradiological profile of children with genetically confirmed profound BTD presenting with diffuse leukoencephalopathy and diffusion restriction, and to compare findings with similar cases reported in the literature.
Methods: Consecutive children attending the pediatric neurology clinic were evaluated for early-onset seizures, developmental delay , respiratory symptoms, and encephalopathy . Clinical, biochemical, genetic, neurophysiological, and magnetic resonance imaging findings were analysed. Whole exome sequencing confirmed BTD gene variants. A systematic PubMed search and literature review were conducted using specified MeSH terms to identify similar cases.
Results: Three male children from two families were evaluated. All cases had early-onset seizures, developmental delay had profound biotinidase deficiency on enzyme analysis. Stridor was noted in two cases. Genetic analysis identified two pathogenic BTD variants: homozygous, frameshift deletion (c.38_44delinsTCC; p.Cys13PhefsTer36), and another homozygous, nonsense variant (c.946C>T; p.Gln316Ter). Neuroimaging revealed diffuse leukoencephalopathy with intense diffusion restriction in all, which reversed completely with biotin supplementation. Seizures and encephalopathy resolved while optic neuropathy progressed despite treatment. Literature review identified 13 additional cases with diffusion restriction and all of them had an early presentation.
Conclusions: Profound BTD may present with diffuse leukoencephalopathy and diffusion restriction, mimicking neuroinflammatory or degenerative conditions. This reversible metabolic disorder should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pediatric white matter disorders. Early diagnosis and biotin supplementation are crucial for neurological recovery although optic and auditory neuropathy may progress despite treatment.