SPOAN syndrome: a novel mutation and new ocular findings; a case report

BACKGROUND: To report a novel mutation and new clinical findings in a case with SPOAN syndrome (spastic paraplegia, optic atrophy, neuropathy). CASE PRESENTATION: Clinical examination, genetic testing and electroretinography were used to study a 2-year-old child who was referred to our clinic with no visual attention and documented SPOAN syndrome. Fundoscopy revealed optic atrophy, diffuse retinal pigment mottling, severe vascular attenuation, and completely non-vascularized peripheral retina in both eyes. Full-field electroretinogram (ERG) revealed flat responses. CONCLUSIONS: Severe retinopathy and flat full-field ERG responses can occur in SPOAN syndrome.