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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 -
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 -
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 -
Journal of Education and Health... 2023Studies on Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) have already focused on various medical aspects of this syndrome. This review is focusing on the psychological aspects of... (Review)
Review
Studies on Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) have already focused on various medical aspects of this syndrome. This review is focusing on the psychological aspects of Sturge-Weber syndrome patients, the behaviors of patients, and the effects of the disease on the children. This disorder is characterized by angiomas, glaucoma, and seizures with a birthmark. Patients with this syndrome have behavioral problems, a lack of social skills, and a lack of intellectual or academic skills. These patients are usually introverted because of a lack of warmth and limited communication. Friends or classmates tease them by calling them "ugly." All this leads to a lack of social skills, and they mostly keep their feelings to themselves and prefer to be alone. Because of all this mocking by classmates, they keep isolating themselves. All this causes psychological problems in children. They start behaving differently, have suicidal tendencies, and fight with their friends who bully them. Psychological problems are mostly seen in children who are lacking in intelligence and functioning and who have seizure disorders, mostly in those who have frequent seizures. Problems like anxiety, depression, mood changes, anger, and violence are also observed in these patients. All this is always ignored by the parents as well as the doctors. This review aims to focus on the psychological aspect of the patients with SWS, to inform the parents about the behavior of their children with SWS, and to pay more attention to the psychological problems. This review is focusing on the importance of the psychological behavior of patients with SWS, how to diagnose it at an early stage, and how to treat and take care of children with SWS.
PubMed: 38144021
DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_104_23 -
Cureus Dec 2023Sturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS) is a rare congenital developmental disorder that arises from the abnormal persistence of the embryonic vascular plexus. The syndrome...
Sturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS) is a rare congenital developmental disorder that arises from the abnormal persistence of the embryonic vascular plexus. The syndrome encompasses hamartomatous malformations that can impact the skin, eyes, and nervous system. The broad array of clinical manifestations and potentially life-threatening complications underscores the crucial and imperative need for an accurate diagnosis. An effective treatment strategy for SWS patients involves a multidisciplinary approach. Dental procedures in these individuals pose challenges due to the potential risk for substantial bleeding during both intra- and postoperative phases. This article aims to document a rare case of Sturge Weber Syndrome in a 21-year-old female patient who presented with seizures, unilateral facial port wine stains, gingival hyperplasia, and intracranial calcifications.
PubMed: 38274914
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51110 -
Vision (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2023Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is characterized by facial port-wine stains, leptomeningeal hemangiomas, and prominent ocular manifestations such as glaucoma and diffuse... (Review)
Review
Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is characterized by facial port-wine stains, leptomeningeal hemangiomas, and prominent ocular manifestations such as glaucoma and diffuse choroidal hemangiomas (DCHs). Imaging modalities are critical for diagnosing and longitudinally monitoring DCHs in SWS. Fundus photography is fundamental in assessing both eyes simultaneously, fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography effectively map the retinal and choroidal circulation, and ultrasonography offers essential structural insights into the choroid and retina. NIR imaging reveals subtle retinal pigment changes, often overlooked in standard fundus examination. Enhanced depth imaging spectral domain optical coherence tomography (EDI-SDOCT) and swept-source OCT (SSOCT) improve the visualization of the choroidal-scleral boundary, essential for DCH characterization. The potential of OCT angiography (OCTA) is under exploration, particularly its role in predicting signs of disease progression or worsening, as well as potential new biomarkers such as the choroidal vascularity index (CVI). The present review aims to provide an update on multimodal imaging of DCHs in SWS.
PubMed: 37873892
DOI: 10.3390/vision7040064 -
Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2012) Jun 2024Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a rare neurocutaneous disorder characterized by a facial port-wine birthmark, leptomeningeal angiomatosis, and glaucoma. This case report...
BACKGROUND
Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a rare neurocutaneous disorder characterized by a facial port-wine birthmark, leptomeningeal angiomatosis, and glaucoma. This case report highlights the challenges of diagnosing SWS when presenting with atypical features. Here, the authors present a 55-year-old man with an extrafacial port-wine stain and delayed-onset seizures, deviating from the classic triad.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 55-year-old man presented with a recent seizure and a characteristic port-wine birthmark extending beyond the typical facial region. Neurological examination revealed no weakness, speech difficulties, or coordination problems. Ophthalmological examination didn't reveal glaucoma. Limited resources restricted access to advanced imaging like MRI scans. However, based on the constellation of clinical findings, including the facial birthmark with angiomatosis and the new-onset seizure, the patient received a diagnosis of SWS. Treatment with Levetiracetam was initiated to prevent future seizures, and patient education on managing diabetes and hypertension was provided.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
This case underscores the importance of considering SWS in diagnosing adult-onset seizures, especially with a characteristic facial birthmark. The delayed presentation and isolated seizure suggest potentially less severe brain involvement. Resource limitations necessitated a clinical diagnosis and treatment with readily available medications.
CONCLUSION
This case highlights the challenges of diagnosing atypical SWS presentations. Early diagnosis is crucial for prompt management and improved patient outcomes. Future research should focus on developing robust diagnostic tools and exploring novel treatment options for atypical SWS presentations.
PubMed: 38846877
DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000002049 -
Genetics Aug 2023Sturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS) is a sporadic (non-inherited) syndrome characterized by capillary vascular malformations in the facial skin, leptomeninges, or the choroid. A...
Sturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS) is a sporadic (non-inherited) syndrome characterized by capillary vascular malformations in the facial skin, leptomeninges, or the choroid. A hallmark feature is the mosaic nature of the phenotype. SWS is caused by a somatic mosaic mutation in the GNAQ gene (p.R183Q), leading to activation of the G protein, Gαq. Decades ago, Rudolf Happle hypothesized SWS as an example of "paradominant inheritance", that is, a "lethal gene (mutation) surviving by mosaicism". He predicted that the "presence of the mutation in the zygote will lead to death of the embryo at an early stage of development". We have created a mouse model for SWS using gene targeting to conditionally express the GNAQ p.R183Q mutation. We have employed two different Cre-drivers to examine the phenotypic effects of expression of this mutation at different levels and stages of development. As predicted by Happle, global, ubiquitous expression of this mutation in the blastocyst stage results in 100% embryonic death. The majority of these developing embryos show vascular defects consistent with the human vascular phenotype. By contrast, global but mosaic expression of the mutation enables a fraction of the embryos to survive, but those that survive to birth and beyond do not exhibit obvious vascular defects. These data validate Happle's paradominant inheritance hypothesis for SWS and suggest the requirement of a tight temporal and developmental window of mutation expression for the generation of the vascular phenotype. Furthermore, these engineered murine alleles provide the template for the development of a mouse model of SWS that acquires the somatic mutation during embryonic development, but permits the embryo to progress to live birth and beyond, so that postnatal phenotypes can also be investigated. These mice could then also be employed in pre-clinical studies of novel therapies.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Male; Mice; Capillaries; Mutation; Sturge-Weber Syndrome; Vascular Malformations
PubMed: 37098137
DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyad077