Identification of autosomal dominant lateral temporal epilepsy caused by a novel mutation in RELN in China: a case report

Temporal lobe epilepsy is the most common type of focal epilepsy, but hereditary factors are usually overlooked. Reelin (RELN) is considered to be the second most common pathogenic gene implicated in autosomal dominant lateral temporal epilepsy (ADLTE). However, this mutation is not frequently discovered in the Chinese population. Additionally, there are few clinical studies regarding the connection between RELN and glioma.

The healthcare records of an 8-year-old child who experienced generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) during sleep for 7 years were retrospectively analyzed. In addition to experiencing his first seizure at the age of one, his mother also suffered from GTCS during her pregnancy, and a glioma was discovered. An investigation involving gene sequencing was conducted on the proband and his parents. He was diagnosed with ADLTE once a missense mutation in RELN (c.1799 C > T) was identified as the causal factor. The mutation was inherited from his mother. He was taking levetiracetam (500 mg twice a day) to avoid seizures, but his mother died of status epilepticus caused by glioma recurrence two years earlier.

Genetic issues should be given more consideration in cases of temporal lobe epilepsy. If the source of the seizures is determined to be inherited, anti-seizure medications should be used for prolonged periods. Furthermore, more research is required to determine whether mutations in RELN are related to the occurrence and progression of gliomas.