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Case Report: Recurrent stroke-like episodes triggered by high-altitude exposure in X-linked charcot-marie-tooth disease

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1 (CMTX1) is a rare inherited neuropathy caused by mutations in the GJB1 gene, leading to progressive distal muscle weakness and atrophy. In this case study, a 37-year-old man presented with recurrent episodes of numbness involving the lips, right hand, and foot, followed by right-sided limb weakness and dysarthria four times over the past 20 years. Notably, the last three episodes were consistently triggered within 3 days after descent to sea level following exposure to high-altitude environments (8,500-10,000 feet, with transit above 13,000 feet). Based on the neurologic examination, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and genetic testing, the patient was diagnosed with X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. This case underscores the importance of considering high-altitude exposure as a potential trigger and highlights the value of GJB1 testing in young patients presenting with acute stroke-like episodes and signs of peripheral neuropathy.

Source: Frontiers in Genetics

DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2026.1769172

Authors: Jing Zhong, Tang Yang, Bo Wu, Shuai Jiang

Institutions: Sichuan University, West China Hospital of Sichuan University

Language: English

Topic: Hereditary Neurological Disorders

Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801