OBJECTIVETo analyze clinical features and genetic mutations in a Chinese family affected with autosomal dominant caveolinopathies.

METHODSClinical data of the proband and her family members were collected. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples with a standard procedure. Next generation sequencing was carried out for the proband, and direct sequencing was employed to detect potential mutation of the CAV gene.

RESULTSThe proband presented with slowly progressing distal muscle weakness and atrophy, especially distal upper limbs and muscular soreness during early childhood, with her CK level moderately elevated and EMG showing myogenic and neurogenic injuries. Her sisters presented mild symptoms with hand muscle atrophy and fasciculation after exercise. A heterozygous missense mutation c.80G>A (p.Arg27Gln), which was reported as being pathogenic, was identified in the CAV3 gene in the proband and her sisters.

CONCLUSIONA heterozygous c.80G>A (p.Arg27Gln) mutation in the CAV3 gene probably underlies the autosomal dominant caveolinopathies in this Chinese family.