Clinico-pathogenetic findings and management of chondrodystrophic myotonia (Schwartz-Jampel syndrome): a case report

BACKGROUND Chondrodystrophic myotonia or Schwartz-Jampel syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by myotonia and skeletal dysplasia. It may be progressive in nature. Recently, the gene responsible for Schwartz-Jampel syndrome has been found and the defective protein it encodes leads to abnormal cartilage development and anomalous neuromuscular activity. CASE PRESENTATION We report the clinical findings and the management of an 8-year-old boy with this disorder. The molecular findings confirm that the patient is a compound heterozygote with a different splicing mutation in each Perlecan allele. This resulted in a significant reduction in the production of the encoded normal protein. CONCLUSION We discuss the multi-disciplinary management of Schwartz-Jampel syndrome that will facilitate optimal care and timely intervention of patients with this disorder.