Siblings with Cockayne Syndrome B Type III Presenting with Slowly Progressive Cerebellar Ataxia

Abstract

Two patients, 48- and 50-year-old sisters, presented with a characteristic facial appearance with slowly progressive deafness and cerebellar ataxia starting in their 30s. Genetic testing identified compound heterozygous pathogenic variants in the ERCC6 gene: c.1583G>A (p.G528E) and c.1873T>G (p.Y625D). A diagnosis of Cockayne syndrome (CS) B type III was made. CS is usually diagnosed in childhood with well-defined facial characteristics and photosensitivity. This case report describes rare cases of adulthood CS with a primary presentation of slowly progressing deafness and cerebellar ataxia. CS should be considered in adults with characteristic facial and skin findings, deafness, and cerebellar ataxia.