CLPB Deficiency Associated Neonatal Cavitating Leukoencephalopathy: A Potential Pathomechanism Underlying Neurologic Disorder

Abstract

Caseinolytic peptidase B homolog (CLPB) is a mitochondrial protein which is highly expressed in brain. Its deficiency may be associated with severe neonatal encephalopathy. This report describes a case of fatal neonatal encephalopathy associated with biallelic stop-gain mutation in CLPB (NM_001258392.3:c.1159C>T/p.Arg387*). Neurologic disorder encompasses pre- and post-natal features including polyhydramnios, intrauterine growth restriction, respiratory insufficiency, lethargy, excessive startle reflex, generalized hypertonia, and epileptic seizures. Brain macroscopic examination demonstrates frontal severe periventricular cystic leukoencephalopathy, along with mild ex-vacuo tri-ventricular dilatation. The most striking immunohistopathologic features are striato-thalamic neurodegeneration and deep white matter loss associated with strong reactive astrogliosis. This report supports that CLPB deficiency should be considered among the neurometabolic disorders associated with severe prenatal-onset neurologic impairment that may result from cystic leukoencephalopathy.