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Brain-lung-thyroid syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by congenital hypothyroidism (CH), infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS) and benign hereditary chorea (BHC).
Organ System | Phenotype Count | Example Features |
|---|---|---|
Lungs and breathing | 17 | Elevated bronchoalveolar lavage fluid lymphocyte proportion, Elevated bronchoalveolar lavage fluid neutrophil proportion, Pulmonary infiltrates |
Brain and nerves | 16 | Dystonia, Ataxia, Broad-based gait |
Hormones | 7 | Congenital hypothyroidism, Compensated hypothyroidism, Elevated circulating thyroid-stimulating hormone concentration |
Heart and blood vessels | 4 | Ventricular septal defect, Atrial septal defect, Abnormal cardiac septum morphology |
Growth and development | 4 | Decreased response to growth hormone stimulation test, Short stature, Failure to thrive |
Muscles | 3 | Low muscle tone (hypotonia), Generalized hypotonia, Falls |
Blood and immune system | 2 | Elevated bronchoalveolar lavage fluid neutrophil proportion, Recurrent respiratory infections |
Pregnancy and birth | 2 | Congenital hypothyroidism, Neonatal respiratory distress |
Head and neck | 2 | Microcephaly, Abnormal facial shape |
Digestive system | 1 | Cholesteatoma |
Lab test results | 1 | Elevated circulating thyroid-stimulating hormone concentration |
Metabolism | 1 | Unexplained fevers |
Ears | 1 | Inner ear hearing loss (sensorineural hearing impairment) |
NKX2-1-related disorders include benign hereditary chorea (BHC) and choreoathetosis, congenital hypothyroidism, and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (collectively known as brain-lung-thyroid syndrome). Individuals can have one or more of several features associated with this spectrum . To date, more than 120 individuals have been identified with a pathogenic variant in NKX2-1 . In a review of 46 affected individuals, found that 50% had the full brain-lung-thyroid syndrome, 30% had only brain and thyroid involvement, and 13% had isolated chorea. The following description of the phenotypic features associated with this condition is based on these reports. Table 2. NKX2-1-Related Disorders: Frequency of Select Features
System1 | Feature | % of Persons w/Feature |
|---|---|---|
Neurologic | Benign hereditary chorea | Most common neurologic feature Hypotonia, motor delays, incoordination |
Pulmonary | Neonatal respiratory distress | ~50% |
Thyroid | Congenital hypothyroidism2 | ~67% Based on , , 1. When all three organ systems are involved, this is also known as "brain-lung-thyroid syndrome" . |
Source: GeneReviews — "NKX2-1-Related Disorders"
NKX2-1 encodes NK2 homeobox 1 (371 aa). Transcription factor that binds and activates the promoter of thyroid specific genes such as thyroglobulin, thyroperoxidase, and thyrotropin receptor. Highest expression in Thyroid (352.6 TPM) and Lung (89.7 TPM).
Brain-lung-thyroid syndrome is associated with mutations in the NKX2-1 gene on chromosome 14.
The NKX2-1 protein participates in Expression of NKX2-5 in cardiogenesis, NEUROG3-dependent synthesis of NKX2-2, and GATA4, SMAD1:SMAD4, MEF2C, TBX20, and NKX2-5 bind the NKX2-5 gene pathways.
NKX2-1 is classified as a druggable target (Clinically Actionable, Transcription Factor, and Transcription Factor Complex categories) with score 0.0.
No studies have evaluated the penetrance of NKX2-1 pathogenic variants to date. Published case series provide limited descriptions of penetrance across families, though intrafamilial variation has been reported.
Source: GeneReviews — "NKX2-1-Related Disorders"
NKX2-1-related disorders should be suspected in probands with the following clinical and laboratory findings and family history.
Clinical findings
Infancy- or childhood-onset non-progressive chorea that may or may not be associated with:
Mild neurologic symptoms including axial hypotonia, ataxia, developmental delays, impaired mobility of upper and lower limbs;
Congenital hypothyroidism;
Respiratory distress syndrome;
OR
A history of congenital hypothyroidism and:
Neurologic manifestations including hypotonia, neurodevelopmental delay, seizures; and/or
Respiratory dysfunction including interstitial lung disease in children.
Laboratory findings
Source: GeneReviews — "NKX2-1-Related Disorders"
The differential diagnosis of NKX2-1-related disorders includes hereditary and acquired causes of chorea, congenital hypothyroidism, and respiratory insufficiency. Table 3a. Selected Hereditary Disorders in the Differential Diagnosis of NKX2-1-Related Disorders
Gene(s) | Disorder | MOI | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
ADCY5 dyskinesia | AD(AR) | Hyperkinetic movement disorder (more prominent in face arms than legs) characterized by infantile- to late adolescent-onset of chorea, athetosis, dystonia, myoclonus, or combination of these features. ATN1 | — |
DRPLA |
Genetic testing for NKX2-1 is available. Testing is considered confirmatory for diagnosis.
Biomarker and diagnostic research for brain-lung-thyroid syndrome has been reported in the published literature.
No approved treatments are currently available for brain-lung-thyroid syndrome. The disease remains an area of unmet medical need.
No clinical practice guidelines for NKX2-1-related disorders have been published. Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis To establish the extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with an NKX2-1-related disorder, the evaluations summarized (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to the diagnosis) are recommended. Table 4. NKX2-1-Related Disorders: Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis
System/Concern | Evaluation | Comment |
|---|---|---|
Neurologic | Neurologic eval | Evaluate for chorea (especially benign hereditary chorea), as well as other neurologic manifestations (e.g., tone abnormalities, other abnormal movements).; Brain MRI eval |
Pulmonary | Pulmonary eval | Evaluate treat pulmonary dysfunction; Pulmonary function tests; Initial screening for pulmonary malignancy w/chest x-ray or CT scan of chest during early adolescence (age 13 yrs) Thyroid; Initial eval for thyroid malignancy by physical exam incl thyroid palpation. |
Developmental | Eval by neurodevelopmental pediatrician /or physical therapist | In early childhood (age 12 mos); Evaluate for gross motor issues gait abnormalities, which can occur in early course of disease. |
Neuropsychiatric | Neuropsychiatric eval | Evaluate for ADHD other psychiatric manifestations |
Genetic counseling |
Source: GeneReviews — "NKX2-1-Related Disorders"
Although reported amelioration of choreic movements in an individual with benign hereditary chorea treated with olanzapine for psychosis, dopamine receptor blockers are not recommended as a first-line therapy for the treatment of chorea. Olanzapine and dopamine receptor blockers, while effective in treating choreiform movements, are associated with a small risk of developing tardive dyskinesia, which can worsen choreiform movements long term. Due to the risk of pulmonary disease in NKX2-1-related disorders, exposure to smoking may exacerbate pulmonary dysfunction and increase the risk of lung cancer in affected individuals.
Source: GeneReviews — "NKX2-1-Related Disorders"
Search ClinicalTrials.gov in the US and EU Clinical Trials Register in Europe for access to information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions. Note: There may not be clinical trials for this disorder.
Source: GeneReviews — "NKX2-1-Related Disorders"
View trials for brain-lung-thyroid syndrome
To monitor existing manifestations, the individual's response to supportive care, and the emergence of new manifestations, the evaluations summarized in are recommended.
Table 6.
NKX2-1-Related Disorders: Recommended Surveillance
System/Concern | Evaluation | Frequency
| Neurologic eval | Annually or more frequently as needed (incl persons w/o neurologic manifestations)
| • Pulmonary eval
Pulmonary function tests
Lung imaging (chest x-ray or chest CT scan) to screen for pulmonary malignancy
| Annually or more frequently as needed (incl persons w/o pulmonary manifestations)
| • Eval w/endocrinologist
Thyroid function tests (T4, TSH)
Physical exam incl palpation of thyroid to assess for thyroid cancer
| Annually or more frequently as needed (incl persons w/o endocrine manifestations)
T4 = thyroxine; TSH = thyroid-stimulating hormone
Source: GeneReviews — "NKX2-1-Related Disorders"
Phenotype severity distribution: 2 always present features, 3 very common features, 17 common features.
Estimated prevalence: <1 in 1,000,000 (VERY_RARE).
No clinical trials have been registered for brain-lung-thyroid syndrome.
180 publications have been identified in PubMed for brain-lung-thyroid syndrome. Research spans Review / Meta-Analysis (49%), Basic Science / Preclinical (16%), and Epidemiology / Natural History (11%).
Research Type | Count | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
Research summaries | 88 | 49% |
Laboratory research | 28 | 16% |
Disease patterns and progression | 20 | 11% |
Patient case studies | 15 | 8% |
Other research | 10 | 6% |
Clinical study results | 9 | 5% |
Testing and diagnosis research | 8 | 4% |
New treatment approaches | 2 | 1% |
Vlachou C (2026). [PMID: 41724015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41724015/). *Injury*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Chiumello D (2026). [PMID: 41791986](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41791986/). *Br J Anaesth*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Winkler M (2026). [PMID: 41850914](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41850914/). *Paediatr Respir Rev*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Zhang H (2026). [PMID: 41656759](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41656759/). *J Int Med Res*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Kiseleva V (2026). [PMID: 41596367](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41596367/). *Int J Mol Sci*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Zhang D (2026). [PMID: 40525648](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40525648/). *Cell Prolif*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Servetti A (2026). [PMID: 41592990](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41592990/). *Br J Anaesth*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Muñoz J (2026). [PMID: 41619711](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41619711/). *J Crit Care*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Nou-Fontanet L (2026). [PMID: 41552915](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41552915/). *Mov Disord*. [Diagnostic / Biomarker]
Liu X (2026). [PMID: 41656950](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41656950/). *J Extracell Vesicles*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Data assembled from 7 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 18, 2026, 10:10 PM UTC
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
European rare disease database
Genetic and Rare Diseases Info Center
Common questions about brain-lung-thyroid syndrome
AD
Rare disorder assoc w/adult-onset chorea, myoclonic epilepsy, dementia, ataxia. Not typically seen in infants or children. ATP13A2 C19orf12 COASY CP DCAF17 FA2H FTL GNAO1 PANK2 PLA2G6 WDR45 |
— |
Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation | ARADXL2 | Neurologic disorders characterized by abnormal accumulation of iron in basal ganglia. Hallmark clinical manifestations are progressive dystonia dysarthria, spasticity, parkinsonism, neuropsychiatric abnormalities, optic atrophy or retinal degeneration. | — |
Wilson disease | AR | Disorder of copper metabolism that, when untreated, can present w/hepatic, neurologic, or psychiatric disturbances – or combination of these – in persons ages 3 yrs to 70 yrs. | — |
Huntington disease | AD | Progressive disorder of motor, cognitive, psychiatric disturbances. Mean age of onset is 35-44 yrs. JPH3 | — |
Huntington disease-like 2 | AD | Similar presentation to Huntington disease. Assoc w/progressive course of chorea, rigidity, cognitive psychiatric disturbances. Typically presents in midlife. PNKD | — |
Familial paroxysmal nonkinesigenic dyskinesia | AD | Unilateral or bilateral involuntary movements. Attacks – typically precipitated by coffee, tea, or alcohol – involve dystonic posturing w/choreic ballistic movements, may be accompanied by preceding aura, occur while person is awake, are not assoc w/seizures. | — |
TBP | Spinocerebellar ataxia type 17 (Huntington disease-like 4) | AD | Similar presentation to Huntington disease. Assoc w/progressive course of chorea, rigidity, cognitive psychiatric disturbances. Age of onset ranges from 3 to 55 yrs. PRNP |
Genetic prion disease | AD | Similar presentation to Huntington disease. Assoc w/progressive course of chorea, rigidity, cognitive psychiatric disturbances. | — |
Source: GeneReviews — "NKX2-1-Related Disorders"
By genetics professionals1
To inform affected persons their families re nature, MOI, implications of NKX2-1-related disorders to facilitate medical personal decision making Family support resources |
NKX2-1-Related Disorders: Treatment of Manifestations Manifestation/Concern | Treatment | Considerations/Other |
Chorea | Tetrabenazine, deutetrabenazine, or valbenazine starting at low doses gradually increasing dose to optimally control symptoms | Considered a first-line treatment for chorea.; Reported to chorea in low doses.1; Dosage recommendation:; Children: 0.5 mg/kg/day starting dose divided into 2-3 doses Levodopa, esp in persons w/gait abnormalities |
Pulmonary carcinoma | Standard treatment per oncologist pulmonologist | — |
Hypothyroidism/Thyroid dysfunction | Thyroid hormone replacement per endocrinologist | Early initiation in neonatal period is critical to avoid neurodevelopmental consequences of untreated hypothyroidism. |
Motor gait issues | Early intervention PT | — |
Neuropsychiatric issues | Standard treatment per neuropsychiatrist | ILD = interstitial lung disease; PT = physical therapy 1. , , , , , 2. , To monitor existing manifestations, the individual's response to supportive care, and the emergence of new manifestations, the evaluations summarized in are recommended. Table 6. |