A 15-year-old boy presents with progressive gait instability and recurrent falls over 2 years. Vital signs: BP 118/76, HR 92, RR 16, temp 37°C. Examination reveals pes cavus deformity, absent ankle reflexes, extensor plantar responses, decreased vibration sense distally, and wide-based gait. Proprioception remains intact. Echocardiography shows hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Serum vitamin B12 and folate levels are normal. Which genetic mutation best explains this constellation of findings?

  1. A)Loss of dystrophin in skeletal muscle
  2. B)Autosomal recessive GAA repeat expansion causing mitochondrial dysfunctionGABARITO
  3. C)Autosomal dominant degeneration of Purkinje cells
  4. D)Mutation in ATP7B causing copper accumulation
  5. E)Postinfectious autoimmune demyelination of peripheral nerves

Explicação

Autosomal recessive GAA repeat expansion causing mitochondrial dysfunction is correct. Friedreich ataxia is caused by a GAA trinucleotide repeat expansion in the frataxin gene, leading to degeneration of spinocerebellar tracts, dorsal columns, and corticospina... Ver explicação completa e trilha adaptativa →

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