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Familial Cancer Oct 2023Pathogenic germline DICER1 variants are associated with pleuropulmonary blastoma, multinodular goiter, embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma and other tumour types, while mosaic...
Pathogenic germline DICER1 variants are associated with pleuropulmonary blastoma, multinodular goiter, embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma and other tumour types, while mosaic missense DICER1 variants in the RNase IIIb domain are linked to cause GLOW (global developmental delay, lung cysts, overgrowth, and Wilms' tumor) syndrome. Here, we report four families with germline DICER1 pathogenic variants in which one member in each family had a more complex phenotype, including skeletal findings, facial dysmorphism and developmental abnormalities. The developmental features occur with a variable expressivity and incomplete penetrance as also described for the neoplastic and dysplastic lesions associated with DICER1 variants. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed on all four cases and revealed no further pathogenic or likely pathogenic dominant, homozygous or compound heterozygous variants in three of them. Notably, a frameshift variant in ARID1B was detected in one patient explaining part of her phenotype. This series of patients shows that pathogenic DICER1 variants may be associated with a broader phenotypic spectrum than initially assumed, including predisposition to different tumours, skeletal findings, dysmorphism and developmental abnormalities, but genetic work up in syndromic patients should be comprehensive in order not to miss additional underlying /modifying causes.
Topics: Female; Humans; Germ-Line Mutation; Phenotype; Frameshift Mutation; Cysts; Ribonuclease III; Germ Cells; DEAD-box RNA Helicases
PubMed: 34331184
DOI: 10.1007/s10689-021-00271-z -
Radiology Case Reports Oct 2023Congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) is a rare congenital dysplastic malformation characterized by failure of bronchial development and localized glandular...
Congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) is a rare congenital dysplastic malformation characterized by failure of bronchial development and localized glandular overgrowth. Previously known as Congenital Cystic Adenoid Malformation (CCAM), CPAM is classified into 5 types, from type 0 to type IV, depending upon the origin of pulmonary areas of the lung, cyst size, and cyst appearance. CPAM is a rare congenital anomaly typically diagnosed prenatally in ultrasound. However, few cases are diagnosed in childhood and even fewer in adulthood. CPAM can be differentiated from pulmonary sequestration based on the origin of the arterial supply; the former has its arterial supply from the pulmonary artery, whereas pulmonary sequestration has its arterial supply from the systemic circulation. Another differential diagnosis of CPAM includes congenital bronchogenic cyst, congenital lobar emphysema, pleuropulmonary blastoma, congenital cystic bronchiectasis, and congenital diaphragmatic hernia. The most common presentation is recurrent chest infection and chest pain, whereas other presentation includes pneumothorax and hemoptysis. Here, we present a case of a 6-year-old child with recurrent episodes of fever and cough diagnosed as a type II CPAM based on computed tomography findings.
PubMed: 37539443
DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2023.07.018 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Jul 2023Pleuropulmonary blastoma is a rare, aggressive intrathoracic neoplasm of early childhood.
INTRODUCTION
Pleuropulmonary blastoma is a rare, aggressive intrathoracic neoplasm of early childhood.
CASE PRESENTATION
We report a case of a 4-month-old male baby who has presented with recurrent respiratory infections since birth. A surgical team was consulted due to abnormal opacification observed on a chest X-ray. An enhanced-contrast CT scan of the chest revealed a heterogenous, well-delineated mass measuring about 3,8 × 6 cm in the posterior mediastinum. A left posterolateral thoracotomy was performed. The mass was separated from the lung parenchyma, located behind the parietal pleura, and adherent to the chest wall and superior ribs. The lesion was totally removed. Histologically, the lesion was a pleuropulmonary blastoma type III. Currently, the patient is on a 6-month course of chemotherapy.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
The aggressive, insidious behavior of PPB requires a high index of suspicion for diagnosis. The clinical manifestations and imaging modalities are atypical and nonspecific. However, PPB should be kept in mind when a huge solid or cystic mass is observed in the lung field on imaging.
CONCLUSION
Extrapulmonary pleuropulmonary blastoma is a very rare entity characterized by highly aggressive behavior and a poor prognosis. Early excision of thoracic cystic lesions in children is warranted regardless of the symptoms to avoid future mishaps.
PubMed: 37423144
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2023.108461 -
Cancers Jan 2024Mutations in , a gene involved in RNA interference, have been associated with a wide range of multi-organ neoplastic and non-neoplastic conditions. Historically known... (Review)
Review
Mutations in , a gene involved in RNA interference, have been associated with a wide range of multi-organ neoplastic and non-neoplastic conditions. Historically known for its association with pleuropulmonary blastoma, DICER1 syndrome has received more attention due to the association with newly discovered diseases and tumors. Recent studies evaluating mutations and DICER1-driven thyroid disease in both pediatric and adult thyroid nodules revealed thyroid disease as the most common manifestation of mutations. This study undertakes a comprehensive investigation into mutations, focusing on their role in thyroid diseases. Specific attention was given to thyroid follicular nodular disease and differentiated thyroid carcinomas in infancy as highly indicative of germline mutation or DICER1 syndrome. Additionally, poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma and thyroblastoma were identified as potential indicators of somatic mutations. Recognizing these manifestations should prompt clinicians to expedite genetic evaluation for this neoplastic syndrome and classify these patients as high risk for additional multi-organ malignancies. This study comprehensively synthesizes the current knowledge surrounding this genetically associated entity, providing intricate details on histologic findings to facilitate its diagnosis.
PubMed: 38254836
DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020347 -
Cureus May 2024Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare malignant tumor arising from the lung and pleura. It has three types based on the solid and cystic components. The prognosis of...
Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare malignant tumor arising from the lung and pleura. It has three types based on the solid and cystic components. The prognosis of PPB varies depending on the type. Here, we present two female patients who come with complaints of breathlessness. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) chest showed a pleural-based mass. Biopsy from the pleural-based mass showed a tumor with features of the malignant mesenchymal tumor. Tumor cells in both cases were positive for vimentin and negative for PanCK. In addition, tumor cells of one case showed positive for BCL2 and α-1 antitrypsin and negative for desmin, CD99, NSE, and p53. Tumor cells of another case are negative for CD99, WT-1, S100, synaptophysin, and chromogranin. In addition, some of the cells have abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm. Desmin shows positive in many cells and highlights rhabdomyoblasts. Morphological and immunohistochemical findings were correlated with the CECT diagnosis of PPB. Both cases were started on neoadjuvant chemotherapy and kept under follow-up. Both the patient's condition improved.
PubMed: 38854270
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60021 -
Genes Aug 2023The identification of cancer predisposition syndromes (CPSs) plays a crucial role in understanding the etiology of pediatric cancers. CPSs are genetic mutations that...
The identification of cancer predisposition syndromes (CPSs) plays a crucial role in understanding the etiology of pediatric cancers. CPSs are genetic mutations that increase the risk of developing cancer at an earlier age compared to the risk for the general population. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of three unique cases involving pediatric patients with CPS who were diagnosed with multiple simultaneous or metachronous cancers. The first case involves a child with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, nephroblastoma, glioma, and subsequent medulloblastoma. Genetic analysis identified two pathogenic variants in the gene. The second case involves a child with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, juvenile xanthogranuloma, gliomas, and subsequent JMML/MDS/MPS. A pathogenic variant in the gene was identified. The third case involves a child with pleuropulmonary blastoma and pediatric cystic nephroma/nephroblastoma, in whom a pathogenic variant in the gene was identified. Multiple simultaneous and metachronous cancers in pediatric patients with CPSs are a rare but significant phenomenon. Comprehensive analysis and genetic testing play significant roles in understanding the underlying mechanisms and guiding treatment strategies for these unique cases. Early detection and targeted interventions are important for improving outcomes in these individuals.
PubMed: 37761810
DOI: 10.3390/genes14091670 -
JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan... Dec 2023Intraocular medulloepithelioma is a rare, congenital tumour of the non-pigmented ciliary epithelium. It most frequently arises from the ciliary body but can also have...
Intraocular medulloepithelioma is a rare, congenital tumour of the non-pigmented ciliary epithelium. It most frequently arises from the ciliary body but can also have its origin from the retina, iris and optic nerve. The age when lesion first appears is typically around 2-10 years. Nearly 50-60% of patients having this lesion may also have secondary features such as cataract and neovascular glaucoma. Those with extrascleral medulloepithelioma are at risk for metastasis. Systemic correlation of the tumour with pleuropulmonary blastoma/DICER1 gene is reported in the literature. Here, we report a case of a 15 years old boy with one year history of right eye proptosis and painful red right eye along with decreased vision for one week. He was assessed and operated for cataract elsewhere three years back. The ophthalmology team managed him for endophthalmitis with intravenous antibiotics, followed by 2 sessions of cryotherapy and finally an enucleation of right eye was performed due to severe pain and no vision in the involved eye. His left eye, general physical examination and systemic evaluation were normal. Histopathology revealed the diagnosis of 'malignant teratoid medulloepithelioma'. Therefore, evaluation of systemic associations for DICER1 gene mutations was performed by the oncology team. For high risk feature of scleral invasion on histopathology, he was treated with chemotherapy. Since the tumour is of rare occurrence; an international expert team with vast research experience in PPB/DICER1 associated tumours was also contacted. He was registered in International PPB/DICER1 registry where a detailed central radiology and pathology review was performed. Genetic counseling and surveillance plan was also suggested by the international registry.
Topics: Humans; Male; Child; Child, Preschool; Adolescent; Ciliary Body; Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive; Pulmonary Blastoma; Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal; Cataract; Ribonuclease III; DEAD-box RNA Helicases
PubMed: 38083935
DOI: 10.47391/JPMA.8253 -
MedRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Nov 2023Current clinical variant analysis pipelines focus on coding variants and intronic variants within 10-20 bases of an exon-intron boundary that may affect splicing. The...
BACKGROUND
Current clinical variant analysis pipelines focus on coding variants and intronic variants within 10-20 bases of an exon-intron boundary that may affect splicing. The impact of newer splicing prediction algorithms combined with splicing assays on rare variants currently considered Benign/Likely Benign (B/LB) is unknown.
METHODS
Exome sequencing data from 576 pediatric cancer patients enrolled in the Texas KidsCanSeq study were filtered for intronic or synonymous variants absent from population databases, predicted to alter splicing via SpliceAI (>0.20), and scored as potentially deleterious by CADD (>10.0). Total cellular RNA was extracted from monocytes and RT-PCR products analyzed. Subsequently, rare synonymous or intronic B/LB variants in a subset of genes submitted to ClinVar were similarly evaluated. Variants predicted to lead to a frameshifted splicing product were functionally assessed using an splicing reporter assay in HEK-293T cells.
RESULTS
KidsCanSeq exome data analysis revealed a rare, heterozygous, intronic variant (NM_177438.3():c.574-26A>G) predicted by SpliceAI to result in gain of a secondary splice acceptor site. The proband had a personal and family history of pleuropulmonary blastoma consistent with syndrome but negative clinical sequencing reports. Proband RNA analysis revealed alternative transcripts including the SpliceAI-predicted transcript.Similar bioinformatic analysis of synonymous or intronic B/LB variants (n=31,715) in ClinVar from 61 Mendelian disease genes yielded 18 variants, none of which could be scored by MaxEntScan. Eight of these variants were assessed ( n=4, n=2, n=2) using splice reporter assay and demonstrated abnormal splice products (mean 66%; range 6% to 100%). Available phenotypic information from submitting laboratories demonstrated phenotypes in 2 families (1 variant) and breast cancer phenotypes for in 3 families (2 variants).
CONCLUSIONS
Our results demonstrate the power of newer predictive splicing algorithms to highlight rare variants previously considered B/LB in patients with features of hereditary conditions. Incorporation of SpliceAI annotation of existing variant data combined with either direct RNA analysis or assays has the potential to identify disease-associated variants in patients without a molecular diagnosis.
PubMed: 37961416
DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.30.23297632 -
Indian Journal of Pathology &... 2023Here we intend to document a rare case of PPB type III in a 2-year male presenting with an extensive tumor occupying the right hemithorax with immunohistochemical (IHC)...
Here we intend to document a rare case of PPB type III in a 2-year male presenting with an extensive tumor occupying the right hemithorax with immunohistochemical (IHC) study. Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare variably aggressive, dysodontogenetic, childhood primary intrathoracic malignancy which in up to 25% of cases can be extrapulmonary with attachment to the parietal pleura. It is found in pediatric population under 5 years of age. It was initially proposed as a distinct entity by Manivel et al. in 1988. PPB is a proliferation of primitive mesenchymal cells that initially form air-filled cysts lined by benign-appearing epithelium (type I, cystic). Later on, the mesenchymal cells outgrow the cysts with formation of focal solid areas (type II, solid and cystic) and finally, mainly solid mass (type III, solid PPB).
Topics: Humans; Male; Child; Lung Neoplasms; Pleural Neoplasms; Pulmonary Blastoma; Cysts
PubMed: 37530358
DOI: 10.4103/ijpm.ijpm_781_21 -
A rare case of type III pleuropulmonary blastoma infiltrating the left heart in an 11-year-old girl.International Journal of Surgery Case... Feb 2024Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare primary malignant tumor in the chest that mainly occurs in children <6 years of age. Vascular extensions are even rarer,...
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare primary malignant tumor in the chest that mainly occurs in children <6 years of age. Vascular extensions are even rarer, approximately 3 % of types II and III PPB, and have fatal complications. The patients of reported cases who had tumor extension to the heart are younger than three years old, whereas in this case, we reported an 11-year-old girl who was of school age. This case report aims to describe a rare case of a type III Pleuropulmonary Blastoma infiltrating the left heart of a school-age girl.
CASE PRESENTATION
An 11-year-old girl presented at an emergency department with two months of progressive dyspnea with malnutrition. A fused mass was found in LA on an echocardiogram along with moderate MR, severe MS, and mild pericardial effusion. CT scan showed a massive pleural effusion with a solid mass in the left lung obstructing the left bronchial tree, accompanied by the expansion of the tumor mass into the left pulmonary vein and LA.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
Total removal of the tumor was performed, aided by cardiopulmonary bypass. Type III PPB was confirmed histopathologically.
CONCLUSION
PPB is a rare, aggressive tumor that has three types. Various manifestations can occur in line with the presence of metastases. The treatment consists of aggressive surgery and chemotherapy. Because of its poor prognosis, prompt recognition of the involvement of the cardiac chamber and great vessels in type III PPB should be considered before surgery.
PubMed: 38232413
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109237