Atypical Neuropsychiatric Presentation of FTD-ALS Caused by a Pathogenic Repeat Expansion in C9orf72: A Case Report

J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol. 2024 Mar;37(2):157-162. doi: 10.1177/08919887231195337. Epub 2023 Aug 7.

Abstract

The case report describes the presentation of a 42-year-old male ultimately diagnosed with FTD-ALS caused by a genetic mutation, who initially presented with atypical psychiatric symptoms. Given that the initial clinical manifestations of FTD-ALS can be quite variable, the diagnosis is often challenging; the case report aims to highlight several key considerations in the diagnostic assessment, including genetic testing in order to guide clinicians in more timely diagnosis and ultimately improve patient care.

Keywords: c9orf72; frontotemporal dementia; psychosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis* / diagnosis
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis* / genetics
  • C9orf72 Protein / genetics
  • DNA Repeat Expansion
  • Frontotemporal Dementia* / diagnosis
  • Frontotemporal Dementia* / genetics
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mutation

Substances

  • C9orf72 Protein
  • C9orf72 protein, human