COG5-congenital disorder of glycosylation diagnosed by whole genome sequencing in siblings with unexplained optic atrophy, macular atrophy, and developmental delay: case report - Report - MDSpire

COG5-congenital disorder of glycosylation diagnosed by whole genome sequencing in siblings with unexplained optic atrophy, macular atrophy, and developmental delay: case report

  • By

  • Katherine Granger

  • Catherine Do

  • Catherine Quindipan

  • Ryan Schmidt

  • Mark S. Borchert

  • Aaron Nagiel

  • Melinda Y. Chang

  • June 1, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Diagnosis of COG5 Congenital Disorder of Glycosylation

Overview

This report details the diagnosis of COG5-CDG in two siblings presenting with unexplained optic atrophy, macular atrophy, and developmental delays. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was essential in identifying the genetic variants responsible for their condition after other testing methods failed to provide a diagnosis.

Background

COG5-CDG is a rare autosomal recessive disorder that can lead to significant neurologic and ophthalmologic complications. The condition often presents with developmental delays and visual impairments, which can complicate diagnosis. Understanding the genetic basis of such disorders is crucial for proper management and counseling of affected families.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data presented in the article.

Key Findings

  • Both siblings exhibited early-onset severe visual impairment and developmental delays.
  • Clinical features included bilateral optic atrophy, central macular atrophy, sensory nystagmus, and strabismus.
  • Whole genome sequencing identified compound heterozygous variants in the COG5 gene in both siblings.
  • One variant was a pathogenic frameshift, while the other was a deep intronic variant with predicted splicing impact.
  • Visual function remained stable over five years of follow-up.
  • This case expands the phenotypic spectrum of COG5-CDG to include concurrent optic nerve and macular involvement.

Clinical Implications

The findings underscore the importance of whole genome sequencing in diagnosing complex neuro-ophthalmologic conditions when traditional genetic testing is inconclusive. Clinicians should consider COG5-CDG in patients with unexplained developmental and visual impairments.

Conclusion

This case highlights the critical role of advanced genetic testing in identifying rare metabolic disorders and expanding the understanding of their clinical manifestations.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2026 -- Identification of Novel Compound Heterozygous Mutations in the GLB1 Gene by Whole-Exome Sequencing in a Case of Infantile GM1 Gangliosidosis: A Case Report
  2. Acta Neuropathologica, 2025 -- Altered Protein Expression and Loss in White Matter Observed in Human Brain Tissue with Somatic SLC35A2 Variants Associated with MOGHE
  3. Brain, 2025 -- Genetic and Clinical Overview of Optic Atrophy in 826 Families: Findings from 50 Nuclear Genes
  4. Clinical and Biochemical Footprints of Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation: Proposed Nosology - PMC
  5. COG5 variants lead to complex early onset retinal degeneration - PMC
  6. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism — Genetic and Clinical Characteristics of Pediatric Monogenic Diabetes Subtypes: In-Depth Analysis of 138 Cases
  7. Genetic Evaluation of the Child With Intellectual Disability or Global Developmental Delay: Clinical Report | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics
  8. Whole Genome Sequencing
  9. Clinical and Biochemical Footprints of Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation: Proposed Nosology - PMC
  10. COG5 variants lead to complex early onset retinal degeneration, upregulation of PERK and DNA damage - PMC
  11. Biochemical diagnosis of congenital disorders of glycosylation - ScienceDirect
  12. Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin for Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation, Serum - Mayo Clinic Laboratories | Neurology Catalog
  13. Treatment of congenital disorders of glycosylation: An overview - ScienceDirect
  14. ALG13-Congenital Disorder of Glycosylation (ALG13-CDG): Updated clinical and molecular review and clinical management guidelines - ScienceDirect

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