Age-Related Neurodevelopmental Features in Children with Joubert Syndrome

Abstract

Joubert syndrome (JS) is a rare inherited disorder of central nervous system with neonatal/infantile onset, mainly affecting cerebellum and brainstem, and clinically characterized by agenesis or dysgenesis of the cerebellar vermis with accompanying brainstem malformations. More than 20 disease-causing genes have been associated with JS but a clear genotype–phenotype correlation has not been assessed yet. Diagnosis is usually confirmed by detection of the JS neuroradiological hallmark, the molar tooth sign. Patients with JS typically present with neurological manifestations, moreover, a heterogeneous spectrum of multisystemic anomalies may be observed. Signs and symptoms onset varies according to the age range and clinical diagnosis might become complicated. Moreover, specific neurodevelopmental disorders can be associated with JS such as autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit with hyperactivity, and a wide range of behavioral disturbances. Here, we examined the main neurological and neurodevelopmental features of JS according to an age-dependent mode of presentation. Furthermore, differential diagnosis with other neurological syndromes was closely reviewed.

Keywords

neurodevelopment - age-related onset - Joubert syndrome

Authors' Contributions

Conceptualization: A.S., G.G.; Investigation: A.P., D.D.; Resources: G.S.; Data curation: V.S., F.G., E.P.; Writing-original draft preparation: G.F., G.I.; Writing review and editing: L.Z., G.N., I.C.; Supervision: G.A., L.Z.

All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Data Availability Statement

The data presented in this study are available on re-quest from the corresponding author.

Publication History

Received: 23 August 2022

Accepted: 27 October 2022

Article published online:
05 December 2022

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