NSDHL-containing duplication at Xq28 in a male patient with autism spectrum disorder: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which genetics plays a key aetiological role. The gene encoding NAD(P)H steroid dehydrogenase-like protein (NSDHL) is expressed in developing cortical neurons and glia, and its mutation may result in intellectual disability or congenital hemidysplasia.

CASE PRESENTATION: An 8-year-old boy presented with a 260-kb NSDHL-containing duplication at Xq28 (151,868,909 - 152,129,300) inherited from his mother. His clinical features included defects in social communication and interaction, restricted interests, attention deficit, impulsive behaviour, minor facial anomalies and serum free fatty acid abnormality.

CONCLUSION: This is the first report of an ASD patient with a related NSDHL-containing duplication at Xq28. Further studies and case reports are required for genetic research to demonstrate that duplication as well as mutation can cause neurodevelopmental diseases.