Summary

The police brought a 65-year-old female patient to the EADU after being found ‘roaming the streets’ in an apparent state of confusion. This was her third admission under the same circumstances during the last 3 years. Neurological examination revealed (1) cognitive impairment, (2) oculomotor apraxia, (3) abnormal cancellation of vestibular ocular reflex, (4) mild ataxia and (5) mild hypotonia. Renal function was abnormal and liver function was normal. No retinal disturbance was found. The head CT on admission was normal for stroke and the lumbar puncture was negative for encephalitis. Her brain MRI showed ‘molar tooth sign’, suggestive of Joubert syndrome, which was confirmed by genetic testing showing anomalous NPHP1 gene