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Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive &... Feb 2022Cerebellar tonsillar herniation (TH) occurs frequently in syndromic craniosynostosis; however, the exact pathogenesis is unknown. This study evaluates the association...
PURPOSE
Cerebellar tonsillar herniation (TH) occurs frequently in syndromic craniosynostosis; however, the exact pathogenesis is unknown. This study evaluates the association between skull base deformities and TH in syndromic craniosynostosis.
METHODS
Retrospective study MRI study comparing syndromic craniosynostosis to controls. Measured parameters included clivus length, skull base angle, Boogard's angle, foramen magnum area, and cerebellar tonsillar position (TP). The association between skull base parameters and TP was evaluated with linear mixed models, correcting for age and risk factors for TH in craniosynostosis (hydrocephalus, intracranial hypertension, craniocerebral disproportion, and lambdoid synostosis).
RESULTS
Two hundred and eighty-two scans in 145 patients were included, and 146 scans in 146 controls. The clivus was smaller at birth, and its growth was retarded in all syndromes. The skull base angle was smaller at birth in Apert and Crouzon syndromes, and the evolution through time was normal. Boogard's angle was smaller at birth in Apert syndrome, and its evolution was disturbed in Apert and Saethre-Chotzen syndromes. The foramen magnum was smaller at birth in Crouzon and Saethre-Chotzen syndromes, and its growth was disturbed in Apert, Crouzon, and Saethre-Chotzen syndromes. TP was higher at birth in Apert syndrome, but lowered faster. In Crouzon syndrome, TP was lower at birth and throughout life. A smaller clivus and larger foramen magnum were associated with a lower TP in controls (p<0.001, p=0.007), and in Crouzon syndrome, this applied to only foramen magnum size (p=0.004).
CONCLUSION
The skull base and its growth are significantly different in syndromic craniosynostosis compared to controls. However, only foramen magnum area is associated with TP in Crouzon syndrome.
Topics: Acrocephalosyndactylia; Craniofacial Dysostosis; Craniosynostoses; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Retrospective Studies; Skull Base; Syndrome
PubMed: 34799294
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2021.09.066 -
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics Jul 2022Syndromic craniosynostosis is a rare genetic disease caused by premature fusion of one or multiple cranial sutures combined with malformations of other organs. The aim...
PURPOSE
Syndromic craniosynostosis is a rare genetic disease caused by premature fusion of one or multiple cranial sutures combined with malformations of other organs. The aim of this publication is to investigate sonographic signs of different syndromic craniosynostoses and associated malformations to facilitate a precise and early diagnosis.
METHODS
We identified in the period of 2000-2019 thirteen cases with a prenatal suspected diagnosis of syndromic craniosynostosis at our department. We analyzed the ultrasound findings, MRI scans, genetic results as well as the mode of delivery, and postnatal procedures.
RESULTS
Eight children were diagnosed with Apert Syndrome, two with Saethre Chotzen syndrome, one with Crouzon syndrome, and one with Greig cephalopolysyndactyly syndrome. One child had a mutation p.(Pro253Leu) in the FGFR2 gene. We identified characteristic changes of the head shape as well as typical associated malformations.
CONCLUSION
Second trimester diagnosis of syndromic craniosynostosis is feasible based on the identified sonographic signs. In case of a suspected diagnosis a genetic, neonatal as well as surgical counseling is recommended. We also recommend to offer a fetal MRI. The delivery should be planned in a perinatal center.
Topics: Acrocephalosyndactylia; Child; Craniosynostoses; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Mutation; Pregnancy
PubMed: 34633507
DOI: 10.1007/s00404-021-06263-9 -
Revue Medicale de Liege Oct 2021Apert syndrome, or acrocephalosyndactilia type I, is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the FGFR2 gene and characterized by craniosynostosis, craniofacial...
Apert syndrome, or acrocephalosyndactilia type I, is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the FGFR2 gene and characterized by craniosynostosis, craniofacial dysmorphia and symmetrical syndactyly of the hands and feet. The estimated prevalence of this syndrome is 10 to 15.5 cases per 1,000,000 live births. This syndrome presents significant clinical variability and its early diagnosis is essential. We report an isolated case of Apert syndrome, diagnosed during follow-up of a biamniotic bichorium twin pregnancy.
Topics: Acrocephalosyndactylia; Craniosynostoses; Female; Humans; Mutation; Pregnancy; Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 2; Syndactyly
PubMed: 34632738
DOI: No ID Found -
Blood Dec 2021Mastocytosis is a heterogeneous disease characterized by an abnormal accumulation of mast cells (MCs) in 1 or several organs. Although a somatic KIT D816V mutation is...
Mastocytosis is a heterogeneous disease characterized by an abnormal accumulation of mast cells (MCs) in 1 or several organs. Although a somatic KIT D816V mutation is detected in ∼85% of patients, attempts to demonstrate its oncogenic effect alone have repeatedly failed, suggesting that additional pathways are involved in MC transformation. From 3 children presenting with both Greig cephalopolysyndactyly syndrome (GCPS, Mendelian Inheritance in Man [175700]) and congenital mastocytosis, we demonstrated the involvement of the hedgehog (Hh) pathway in mastocytosis. GCPS is an extremely rare syndrome resulting from haploinsufficiency of GLI3, the major repressor of Hh family members. From these familial cases of mastocytosis, we demonstrate that the Hh pathway is barely active in normal primary MCs and is overactive in neoplastic MCs. GLI3 and KIT mutations had a synergistic, tumorigenic effect on the onset of mastocytosis in a GCPS mouse model. Finally, Hh inhibitors suppressed neoplastic MC proliferation in vitro and extend the survival time of mice with aggressive systemic mastocytosis (ASM). This work revealed, for the first time, the involvement of Hh signaling in the pathophysiology of mastocytosis and demonstrated the cooperative effects of the KIT and Hh oncogenic pathways in mice with ASM, leading to the identification of new promising therapeutic targets.
Topics: Acrocephalosyndactylia; Animals; Cells, Cultured; Child; Hedgehog Proteins; Humans; Mastocytosis; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, SCID; Signal Transduction; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Mice
PubMed: 34424959
DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020010207 -
European Journal of Orthodontics May 2022To determine whether dental maturity (dental development) was delayed in patients with Muenke syndrome, Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, and TCF12-related craniosynostosis,...
OBJECTIVES
To determine whether dental maturity (dental development) was delayed in patients with Muenke syndrome, Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, and TCF12-related craniosynostosis, compared with a Dutch control group without syndromes.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study included 60 patients (38 patients with Muenke syndrome, 17 patients with Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, and 5 with TCF12-related craniosynostosis), aged 5.8-16.8 years that were treated at the Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Special Dental Care, and Orthodontics, in Sophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Dental age was calculated according to Demirjian's index of dental maturity. The control group included 451 children without a syndrome.
RESULTS
Compared with the control group, dental development was delayed by an average of one year in 5- to 8-year-old patients with Muenke syndrome (P = 0.007) and in 8- to 10-year-old patients with Saethre-Chotzen syndrome (P = 0.044), but not in patients with TCF12-related craniosynostosis.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results indicated that dental development was delayed by one year, on average, in patients with Muenke syndrome and Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, compared with a Dutch control group without syndromes.
IMPLICATIONS
Our findings have improved the understanding of dental development in patients with Muenke and Saethre-Chotzen syndrome. These results can provide guidance on whether the orthodontist needs to consider growth disturbances related to dental development.
Topics: Acrocephalosyndactylia; Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors; Child; Child, Preschool; Craniosynostoses; Humans; Netherlands; Syndrome
PubMed: 34424951
DOI: 10.1093/ejo/cjab056 -
Nature Communications Aug 2021Sutures separate the flat bones of the skull and enable coordinated growth of the brain and overlying cranium. The coronal suture is most commonly fused in monogenic...
Sutures separate the flat bones of the skull and enable coordinated growth of the brain and overlying cranium. The coronal suture is most commonly fused in monogenic craniosynostosis, yet the unique aspects of its development remain incompletely understood. To uncover the cellular diversity within the murine embryonic coronal suture, we generated single-cell transcriptomes and performed extensive expression validation. We find distinct pre-osteoblast signatures between the bone fronts and periosteum, a ligament-like population above the suture that persists into adulthood, and a chondrogenic-like population in the dura mater underlying the suture. Lineage tracing reveals an embryonic Six2+ osteoprogenitor population that contributes to the postnatal suture mesenchyme, with these progenitors being preferentially affected in a Twist1+/-; Tcf12+/- mouse model of Saethre-Chotzen Syndrome. This single-cell atlas provides a resource for understanding the development of the coronal suture and the mechanisms for its loss in craniosynostosis.
Topics: Acrocephalosyndactylia; Animals; Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors; Cranial Sutures; Dura Mater; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Mesoderm; Mice, Knockout; Mice, Transgenic; Osteoblasts; Osteogenesis; RNA-Seq; Single-Cell Analysis; Skull; Transcriptome; Twist-Related Protein 1; Mice
PubMed: 34376651
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24917-9 -
The American Journal of Case Reports Aug 2021BACKGROUND Pfeiffer syndrome (PS) is a fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)-associated craniosynostosis syndrome, characterized by abnormally broad and medially...
Autopsy Case of Pfeiffer Syndrome Type 2, a Phenotype of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-Associated Craniosynostosis Syndromes, with Tracheal Cartilage Sleeve and Abnormal Hyperplasia of Bronchial Cartilages.
BACKGROUND Pfeiffer syndrome (PS) is a fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)-associated craniosynostosis syndrome, characterized by abnormally broad and medially deviated thumbs and great toes. Tracheal cartilage sleeve (TCS) is associated with several FGFR-associated craniosynostosis syndromes, including PS. TCS is an airway malformation in which the tracheal cartilage rings fuse with each other to form a sleeve of cartilage. CASE REPORT The patient was a 4-year-old girl with PS, TCS, and abnormal hyperplasia of non-fused intrapulmonary cartilages. The patient showed cranial dysplasia on prenatal ultrasonography. At birth, a cloverleaf skull in association with hydrocephalus and digital malformations was apparent. These findings were consistent with PS type 2. The diagnosis of PS type 2 was confirmed from a genetic test detecting a FGFR2 mutation (Y340C). During the clinical course, she underwent several surgeries, including ventriculoperitoneal shunts, sequential cranioplasty surgeries, and tracheotomy due to upper airway abnormalities. At 4 years old, she died of multiple organ failure following aspiration pneumonia. The autopsy revealed that the tracheal cartilages had fused with each other, resulting in a condition called TCS, in which the cartilage rings and tracheal ligaments were absent. The lungs were poorly aerated, and the dilated bronchi had thickened walls surrounded by many cartilage fragments, mainly at the hilum. These cartilages tended to overlap at both ends, did not fuse, and were greatly altered in size and shape. CONCLUSIONS We report the results of autopsy for PS with the first histopathological findings for the lungs and other visceral organs.
Topics: Acrocephalosyndactylia; Autopsy; Bronchi; Cartilage; Child, Preschool; Craniosynostoses; Female; Humans; Hyperplasia; Infant, Newborn; Phenotype; Pregnancy; Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 2; Syndrome
PubMed: 34366428
DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.932450 -
Human Genomics Aug 2021The diagnostic process for uncommon disorders with similar manifestations is complicated and requires newer technology, like gene sequencing for a correct diagnosis. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The diagnostic process for uncommon disorders with similar manifestations is complicated and requires newer technology, like gene sequencing for a correct diagnosis.
MAIN BODY
We described two brothers clinically diagnosed with Carpenter syndrome, which is a condition characterized by the premature fusion of certain skull bones (craniosynostosis), abnormalities of the fingers and toes, and other developmental problems, for which they underwent craniotomies. However, whole exome sequencing analysis concluded a novel pathological variation in the ATRX chromatin remodeler gene and protein remodeling demonstrated structural variations that decreased the function, giving a completely different diagnosis to these patients.
CONCLUSION
Our study focuses on the importance of using newer technologies, such as whole exome sequencing analysis, in patients with ambiguous phenotypes.
Topics: Acrocephalosyndactylia; DNA Helicases; Exome; Humans; Mental Retardation, X-Linked; Mutation; Nuclear Proteins; Phenotype; Exome Sequencing; X-linked Nuclear Protein; alpha-Thalassemia
PubMed: 34348791
DOI: 10.1186/s40246-021-00348-x -
Eye (London, England) May 2022To determine visual outcomes and prevalence of amblyogenic risk factors in children with Apert, Crouzon, Pfeiffer and Saethre-Chotzen syndromes. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To determine visual outcomes and prevalence of amblyogenic risk factors in children with Apert, Crouzon, Pfeiffer and Saethre-Chotzen syndromes.
METHODS
We conducted a single-centre, retrospective chart review of patients assessed at our unit between October 2000 and May 2017. Our outcome measures were as follows: age at first and last examination, refraction, horizontal ocular alignment, alphabet pattern deviations, anterior segment appearance, fundus examination findings, visual evoked potentials (VEPs) and genetics. The study's primary endpoint was the proportion of children achieving best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ≥ 6/12 in the better eye at final visit, as per UK driving standards.
RESULTS
165 patients were included in this study. Breakdown of diagnoses was as follows: Crouzon (n = 60), Apert (n = 57), Pfeiffer (n = 14) and Saethre-Chotzen (n = 34). 98 patients were male. Of 133 patients with full BCVA data available, 76.7% achieved BCVA ≥ 6/12 in the better eye. Of 122 patients, anisometropia >1.00 dioptre sphere (DS) affected 18.9% and astigmatism ≥1.00DS in at least one eye affected 67.2%. Of 246 eyes, 48.4% had oblique astigmatism. Of 165 patients, 60 had exotropia and 12 had esotropia. 48 of 99 patients demonstrated 'V' pattern. On multivariable logistic regression, nystagmus (p = 0.009) and ON involvement (p = 0.001) were associated with decreased vision in the worse eye. Normal VEPs were associated with better BCVA (p = 0.036).
CONCLUSION
There was a high prevalence of amblyogenic factors, however, the majority achieved BCVA ≥ 6/12 in their better eye. Optic neuropathy and nystagmus had the most significant impact on vision. VEPs can help the in overall assessment of visual function.
Topics: Acrocephalosyndactylia; Astigmatism; Child; Craniosynostoses; Evoked Potentials, Visual; Eye Diseases; Female; Humans; Male; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 33972704
DOI: 10.1038/s41433-021-01458-5 -
Scientific Reports Apr 2021Midface hypoplasia is a major manifestation of Apert syndrome. However, the tissue component responsible for midface hypoplasia has not been elucidated. We studied mice...
Midface hypoplasia is a major manifestation of Apert syndrome. However, the tissue component responsible for midface hypoplasia has not been elucidated. We studied mice with a chondrocyte-specific Fgfr2 mutation (Col2a1-cre; Fgfr2) to investigate the effect of cartilaginous components in midface hypoplasia of Apert syndrome. In Col2a1-cre; Fgfr2 mice, skull shape was normal at birth, but hypoplastic phenotypes became evident with age. General dimensional changes of mutant mice were comparable with those of mice with mutations in EIIa-cre; Fgfr2, a classic model of Apert syndrome in mice. Col2a1-cre; Fgfr2 mice showed some unique facial phenotypes, such as elevated nasion, abnormal fusion of the suture between the premaxilla and the vomer, and decreased perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone volume, which are related to the development of the nasal septal cartilage. Morphological and histological examination revealed that the presence of increased septal chondrocyte hypertrophy and abnormal thickening of nasal septum is causally related to midface deformities in nasal septum-associated structures. Our results suggest that careful examination and surgical correction of the nasal septal cartilage may improve the prognosis in the surgical treatment of midface hypoplasia and respiratory problems in patients with Apert syndrome.
Topics: Acrocephalosyndactylia; Animals; Chondrocytes; Collagen Type II; Cranial Sutures; Disease Models, Animal; Face; Hypertrophy; Mice; Mutation; Nasal Septum; Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 2; X-Ray Microtomography
PubMed: 33846505
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87260-5