-
The Journal of Clinical Investigation Apr 2024Capillary malformation (CM), or port wine birthmark, is a cutaneous congenital vascular anomaly that occurs in 0.1%-2% of newborns. Patients with a CM localized on the... (Review)
Review
Capillary malformation (CM), or port wine birthmark, is a cutaneous congenital vascular anomaly that occurs in 0.1%-2% of newborns. Patients with a CM localized on the forehead have an increased risk of developing a neurocutaneous disorder called encephalotrigeminal angiomatosis or Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS), with complications including seizure, developmental delay, glaucoma, and vision loss. In 2013, a groundbreaking study revealed causative activating somatic mutations in the gene (GNAQ) encoding guanine nucleotide-binding protein Q subunit α (Gαq) in CM and SWS patient tissues. In this Review, we discuss the disease phenotype, the causative GNAQ mutations, and their cellular origin. We also present the endothelial Gαq-related signaling pathways, the current animal models to study CM and its complications, and future options for therapeutic treatment. Further work remains to fully elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the formation and maintenance of the abnormal vessels.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Animals; Humans; Glaucoma; Models, Animal; Mutation; Capillaries; Vascular Malformations
PubMed: 38618955
DOI: 10.1172/JCI172842 -
Asian Journal of Surgery Jun 2024
PubMed: 38876853
DOI: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2024.05.297 -
World Journal of Pediatrics : WJP May 2024Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a rare congenital neurocutaneous disorder characterized by the simultaneous presence of both cutaneous and extracutaneous capillary... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a rare congenital neurocutaneous disorder characterized by the simultaneous presence of both cutaneous and extracutaneous capillary malformations. SWS usually presents as a facial port-wine birthmark, with a varying presence of leptomeningeal capillary malformations and ocular vascular abnormalities. The latter may lead to significant neurological and ocular morbidity such as epilepsy and glaucoma. SWS is most often caused by a somatic mutation involving the G protein subunit alpha Q or G protein subunit alpha 11 gene causing various alterations in downstream signaling pathways. We specifically conducted a comprehensive review focusing on the current knowledge of clinical practices, the latest pathophysiological insights, and the potential novel therapeutic avenues they provide.
DATA SOURCES
A narrative, non-systematic review of the literature was conducted, combining expert opinion with a balanced review of the available literature. A search of PubMed, Google Scholar and Embase was conducted, using keywords "Sturge-Weber Syndrome" OR "SWS", "Capillary malformations", "G protein subunit alpha 11" OR "G protein subunit alpha Q".
RESULTS
One of the hallmark features of SWS is the presence of a port-wine birthmark at birth, and forehead involvement is most indicative for SWS. The most common ocular manifestations of SWS are glaucoma and choroidal hemangioma. Glaucoma presents in either in infancy (0-3 years of age) or later in life. Neurological complications are common in SWS, occurring in about 70%-80% of patients, with seizures being the most common one. SWS significantly impacts the quality of life for patients and their families, and requires a multidisciplinary approach for diagnosis and treatment. Currently, no disease-modifying therapies exist, and treatment is mostly focused on symptoms or complications as they arise. CONCLUSIONS: SWS remains a complex and heterogeneous disorder. Further research is needed to optimize diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, and to translate insights from molecular pathogenesis to clinical practice.
Topics: Sturge-Weber Syndrome; Humans; Child
PubMed: 38658498
DOI: 10.1007/s12519-024-00809-y -
JNMA; Journal of the Nepal Medical... Nov 2023Sturge-Weber syndrome is a rare congenital neurocutaneous syndrome with an incidence of 1 in 50000 characterised by facial capillary malformation and vascular anomalies...
UNLABELLED
Sturge-Weber syndrome is a rare congenital neurocutaneous syndrome with an incidence of 1 in 50000 characterised by facial capillary malformation and vascular anomalies in the brain and eye. We present the case of a five-year-old child diagnosed with Sturge-Weber syndrome. The patient exhibited high-grade fever, headaches, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. The history revealed a port-wine stain on the face and a history of seizures from the age of four months. Diagnostic imaging confirmed the presence of leptomeningeal vascular malformation, calcification in the brain, and abnormal electroencephalogram patterns, establishing the diagnosis of Sturge-Weber syndrome. Treatment with antiepileptic drugs led to seizure control. This case underscores the importance of early diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies for patients with Sturge-Weber syndrome.
KEYWORDS
brain; case reports; port-wine stain; seizures; Sturge-Weber syndrome.
Topics: Child, Preschool; Humans; Anticonvulsants; Brain; Port-Wine Stain; Seizures; Sturge-Weber Syndrome
PubMed: 38289732
DOI: 10.31729/jnma.8344 -
Brain & Development Aug 2024Sturge Weber syndrome (SWS) is a neurovascular condition with an estimated incidence of 1 in 20,000 to 50,000 live births. SWS Types I and II involve cutaneous and...
OBJECTIVES
Sturge Weber syndrome (SWS) is a neurovascular condition with an estimated incidence of 1 in 20,000 to 50,000 live births. SWS Types I and II involve cutaneous and ophthalmological findings, with neurological involvement in Type I. SWS Type III is exclusive to brain stigmata. Our study aims to describe the characteristics of brain MRI findings and report neuroradiological features with seizure and cognitive outcomes in patients with SWS Type III.
METHODS
This is a retrospective case series examining the clinical, radiological, and cognitive characteristics of patients with SWS Type III referred to the SWS Clinic at Boston Children's Hospital. We analyzed brain MRI findings based on vascular and parenchymal features. Clinical and cognitive outcomes were based on a validated assessment tool in this population (Neuroscore).
RESULTS
This dedicated case series of patients with Type III SWS from a single center identified ten patients. All patients had classic stigmata indicative of SWS. Two distinct radiological phenotypes were found, one characterized by more pronounced deep venous enlargement, and the other, with more pronounced parenchymal abnormalities. There was heterogeneity in seizure presentation and outcome. Earlier age of onset and seizures predict more severe outcomes, as seen in classic SWS.
CONCLUSION
We could not find significant divergence in outcomes between patients with differing neuroimaging phenotypes. These results raise the question of whether the two distinct radiological phenotypes found in SWS Type III are reflective of different disease entities, with underlying genetic heterogeneity. These results suggest the need for larger, multi-center natural history studies.
Topics: Humans; Sturge-Weber Syndrome; Female; Male; Retrospective Studies; Child, Preschool; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Neuroimaging; Child; Brain; Infant; Seizures; Adolescent
PubMed: 38740533
DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2024.05.001 -
QJM : Monthly Journal of the... Feb 2024
Topics: Humans; Sturge-Weber Syndrome; Cone-Rod Dystrophies; Seizures
PubMed: 37572312
DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcad190 -
Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases Sep 2023Somatic mutations of cancer driver genes are found to be responsible for vascular malformations with clinical manifestations ranging from cutaneous birthmarks to...
BACKGROUND
Somatic mutations of cancer driver genes are found to be responsible for vascular malformations with clinical manifestations ranging from cutaneous birthmarks to life-threatening systemic anomalies. Till now, only a limited number of cases and mutations were reported in Chinese population. The purpose of this study was to describe the somatic mutation spectrum of a cohort of Chinese pediatrics with vascular malformations.
METHODS
Pediatrics diagnosed with various vascular malformations were collected between May 2019 and October 2020 from Beijing Children's Hospital. Genomic DNA of skin lesion of each patient was extracted and sequenced by whole-exome sequencing to identify pathogenic somatic mutations. Mutations with variant allele frequency less than 5% were validated by ultra-deep sequencing.
RESULTS
A total of 67 pediatrics (33 males, 34 females, age range: 0.1-14.8 years) were analyzed. Exome sequencing identified somatic mutations of corresponding genes in 53 patients, yielding a molecular diagnosis rate of 79.1%. Among 29 PIK3CA mutations, 17 were well-known hotspot p.E542K, p.E545K and p.H1047R/L. Non-hotspot mutations were prevalent in patients with PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum, accounting for 50.0% (11/22) of detected mutations. The hotspot GNAQ p.R183Q and TEK p.L914F mutations were responsible for the majority of port-wine stain/Sturge-Weber syndrome and venous malformation, respectively. In addition, we identified a novel AKT1 p.Q79K mutation in Proteus syndrome and MAP3K3 p.E387D mutation in verrucous venous malformation.
CONCLUSIONS
The somatic mutation spectrum of vascular malformations in Chinese population is similar to that reported in other populations, but non-hotspot PIK3CA mutations may also be prevalent. Molecular diagnosis may help the clinical diagnosis, treatment and management of these pediatric patients with vascular malformations.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Class I Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; East Asian People; Hemangioma; Mutation; Vascular Malformations
PubMed: 37658401
DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02860-w -
Annals of the Child Neurology Society Mar 2024Ninety percent of infants with Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) brain involvement have seizure onset before 2 years of age; this is associated with worse neurologic outcome....
BACKGROUND
Ninety percent of infants with Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) brain involvement have seizure onset before 2 years of age; this is associated with worse neurologic outcome. Presymptomatic treatment before seizure onset may delay seizure onset and improve outcome, as has been shown in other conditions with a high-risk of developing epilepsy such as tuberous sclerosis complex. Electroencephalogram (EEG) may be a biomarker to predict seizure onset. This retrospective clinical data analysis aims to assess impact of presymptomatic treatment in SWS.
METHODS
This two-centered, IRB-approved, retrospective study analyzed records from patients with SWS brain involvement. Clinical data recorded included demographics, age of seizure onset (if present), brain involvement extent (unilateral versus bilateral), port-wine birthmark (PWB) extent, family history of seizure, presymptomatic treatment if received, neuroscore, and anti-seizure medication. EEG reports prior to seizure onset were analyzed.
RESULTS
Ninety-two patients were included (48 females), and 32 received presymptomatic treatment outside of a formal protocol (5 aspirin, 16 aspirin and levetiracetam; 9 aspirin and oxcarbazepine, 2 valproic acid). Presymptomatically-treated patients were more likely to be seizure-free at 2 years (15 of 32; 47% versus 7 of 60; 12%; p<.001). A percentage of presymptomatically-treated patients had bilateral brain involvement (38% treated versus 17% untreated; p=.026). Median hemiparesis neuroscore at 2 years was better in presymptomatically-treated patients. In EEG reports prior to seizure onset, the presence of slowing, epileptiform discharges, or EEG-identified seizures was associated with seizure onset by 2 (p=.001).
CONCLUSION
Presymptomatic treatment is a promising approach to children diagnosed with SWS prior to seizure onset. Further study is needed, including prospective drug trials, long-term neuropsychological outcome, and prospective EEG analysis to assess this approach and determine biomarkers for presymptomatic treatment.
PubMed: 38745912
DOI: 10.1002/cns3.20058 -
American Journal of Clinical Pathology May 2024We aimed to investigate the clinicopathologic features of and genetic changes in Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) in patients with refractory epilepsy.
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to investigate the clinicopathologic features of and genetic changes in Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) in patients with refractory epilepsy.
METHODS
Clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. H&E and immunohistochemistry were performed to assess pathologic changes. Targeted amplicon sequencing was applied to investigate the somatic GNAQ (c.548G>A) mutation. The potential predictors of seizure outcomes were estimated by univariate and multivariate statistical analyses.
RESULTS
Forty-eight patients with SWS and refractory epilepsy were enrolled. According to the imaging data and pathologic examination, ipsilateral hippocampal sclerosis (HS), calcification of leptomeningeal arteries, and focal cortical dysplasia were found in 14 (29.2%), 31 (64.6%), and 37 (77.1%) patients, respectively. A high frequency of GNAQ alteration was detected in both cerebral cortex (57.7%) and ipsilateral hippocampus (50.0%) from patients with SWS. During follow-up, 43 of 48 patients (85.4%) had achieved seizure control (Engel class I). Statistically, HS signs on imaging were found to be independent predictors of unfavorable seizure outcomes (P = .015).
CONCLUSIONS
Calcification of leptomeningeal arteries, focal cortical dysplasia, and GNAQ alteration are common features in SWS pathology. Patients with refractory epilepsy caused by SWS can achieve satisfactory seizure control after surgery, but seizure control was compromised in patients with comorbid HS.
Topics: Humans; Sturge-Weber Syndrome; Male; Female; Drug Resistant Epilepsy; Child; Adolescent; Retrospective Studies; Adult; Child, Preschool; Young Adult; GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gq-G11; Mutation; Hippocampus; Infant; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38217527
DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqad174