Catatonia responsive to corticosteroids in a patient with an SCN2A variant

Abstract

AbstractVariants in SCN2A are a known risk factor for developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Catatonia is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome, which occurs at a higher rate in individuals with ASD. Catatonia has also been associated with COVID‐19 infection, though the majority of these cases are associated with increased serum inflammatory markers. We present a case of a 15‐year‐old female with ASD and corticosteroid responsive stuporous catatonia to explore the relationship between SCN2A variants, ASD, COVID‐19 exposure, and treatment refractory catatonia. Despite a lack of significantly elevated serum or CSF inflammatory markers, this patient showed significant improvement following initiation of corticosteroid therapy. This case presents a novel approach to the work‐up and treatment of catatonia in individuals with SCN2A variants independent of elevated inflammatory markers.