Abstract

Menkes disease is a multisystem disorder caused by disturbances in copper absorption and metabolism. This lethal neurodegenerative disease presents with fine, ‘kinky’ hair, connective tissue dysfunction and developmental regression after 2–3 months of age. The primary variant associated with Menkes is in the ATP7A gene with X-linked recessive inheritance. Historically, the diagnosis of Menkes has relied on clinical signs and symptoms, but as the disease has varying levels of severity and presentation, it can take months to diagnose and treat. Emerging technology for ultrarapid genome sequencing offers a DNA-based route of diagnosis with preliminary results in hours, allowing for earlier discovery and treatment of Menkes with the potential for better long-term outcomes. Ultrarapid whole genome sequencing identified a novel, likely pathogenic, frameshift variant in the ATP7A gene consistent with a diagnosis of Menkes disease. The clinical manifestations and pathophysiology of this disorder, as well as a rapid DNA-based diagnosis, are described in this case.