Possible mitochondrial dysfunction in a patient with deafness, dystonia, and cerebral hypomyelination (DDCH) due to BCAP31 Mutation

Background Deafness, dystonia, and cerebral hypomyelination (DDCH) is an X-linked disorder due to hemizygous mutations of BCAP31. Methods We report an 8-year-old boy with DDCH who possibly accompanied mitochondrial dysfunction. Clinical evaluation, respiratory chain enzyme assay, and whole exome sequencing analysis were performed. Results Mitochondrial dysfunction was suspected by respiratory chain enzyme assay on his cultured skin fibroblasts which showed significantly decreased complex I enzyme activity. Whole exome sequencing analysis revealed a recurrent BCAP31 mutation (c.97C>T:p.Gln33*) which confirmed the diagnosis of DDCH for the patient. Conclusion We speculate that mitochondrial dysfunction may be a feature in patients with DDCH.