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Frontiers in Genetics 2021Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome and congenital contractural arachnodactyly (CCA) or Beals-Hecht syndrome are clinically rare autosomal dominant genetic diseases. In this...
Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome and congenital contractural arachnodactyly (CCA) or Beals-Hecht syndrome are clinically rare autosomal dominant genetic diseases. In this study, we describe an extremely rare family with BHD syndrome and CCA. To investigate the clinical and genetic characteristics of a family with BHD syndrome and CCA. We describe the clinical characteristics, family history, and clinical manifestations of the patient's family members. The patient underwent a blood test, computed tomography (CT) of the chest, color Doppler ultrasound of the abdomen and heart, and digital radiography of the hands. Whole exome sequencing was performed on his family members. Two years ago, the male proband developed chest tightness and shortness of breath that was accompanied by an irritating cough as well as repeated (four times) spontaneous pneumothorax. The chest CT indicated spontaneous pneumothorax on the right side and cyst and bullae in both lungs. He had no kidney tumors or skin lesions. His son had a history of pulmonary bullae and experienced spontaneous pneumothorax twice. The proband, his mother, and his son were all born with a hand deformity. The sequencing results demonstrated that both the proband and his son had heterozygous variations of the folliculin (FLCN) gene c.1015C > T (p. Gln339Ter) and fibrillin-2 (FBN2) gene c.3485G > A (p. Cys1162Tyr), which are associated with BHD syndrome and CCA, respectively. For patients with chest tightness, shortness of breath, recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax, and congenital hand deformity without inducement, genetic testing should be carried out as soon as possible to make a clear diagnosis, which can then guide treatment and genetic counseling.
PubMed: 35126451
DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.768342 -
Pediatric Dermatology Mar 2022Herein, we report a lethal case of the ultra-rare COG6-congenital disorder of glycosylation (CDG) presenting with skin manifestations (scaling and erosions) and joint...
Herein, we report a lethal case of the ultra-rare COG6-congenital disorder of glycosylation (CDG) presenting with skin manifestations (scaling and erosions) and joint contractures in a neonate of Albanian origin. The patient was homozygous for a COG6 pathogenic variant, previously reported in another three individuals of Greek, Bulgarian and Turkish descent. The presence of a founder mutation in the geographical area is possible. The index case emphasizes the need to consider CDGs in neonatal patients with skin manifestations and joint contractures, particularly patients of Southeastern European or West Asian origin.
Topics: Adaptor Proteins, Vesicular Transport; Arachnodactyly; Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation; Contracture; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Mutation
PubMed: 35048409
DOI: 10.1111/pde.14922 -
The Application of Clinical Genetics 2022Meier-Gorlin syndrome (MGS) is a rare genetic syndrome inherited in an autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive manner. The disorder is characterized by bilateral...
BACKGROUND
Meier-Gorlin syndrome (MGS) is a rare genetic syndrome inherited in an autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive manner. The disorder is characterized by bilateral microtia, absence or hypoplasia of the patella, and an intrauterine growth retardation as well as a number of other characteristic features. The cause of the disease is mutations in genes encoding proteins involved in the regulation of the cell cycle (, and ). Meier-Gorlin syndrome 5 due to mutations in the gene is difficult to diagnose, and few clinical data have been described to date. Only one patient (male) with a missense mutation in a homozygous state has been previously reported. This report describes a new clinical case of Meier-Gorlin syndrome 5. This is also the first report of a Russian patient with Meier-Gorlin syndrome.
CASE PRESENTATION
The patient, a female, had extremely low physical development, neonatal progeroid appearance, lipodystrophy, thin skin, partial alopecia, cyanosis of the face, triangular face, microgenia, arachnodactyly, delayed bone age, hepatomegaly, hypoplasia of the labia majora, and hypertrophy of the clitoris in addition to known clinical signs. Differential diagnosis was performed with chromosomal abnormalities and Hutchinson-Gilford progeria. According to the results of sequencing of the clinical exome, the patient had two previously undescribed variants in the gene, c.230A>G (p.(Lys77Arg)) and c.232C>T (p.(Gln78Ter)), NM_001254.3, in a compound heterozygous state.
CONCLUSION
This case allows us to learn more about the clinical features and nature of MGS 5 and improve the speed of diagnostics and quality of genetic counseling for such families.
PubMed: 35023948
DOI: 10.2147/TACG.S342804 -
Journal of Medical Genetics Oct 2022Elevated transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signalling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) and Shprintzen-Goldberg syndrome...
BACKGROUND
Elevated transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signalling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) and Shprintzen-Goldberg syndrome (SGS). In this study, we provide a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the craniofacial and functional features among the LDS subtypes and SGS.
METHODS
We explore the variability within and across a cohort of 44 patients through deep clinical phenotyping, three-dimensional (3D) facial photo surface analysis, cephalometric and geometric morphometric analyses of cone-beam CT scans.
RESULTS
The most common craniofacial features detected in this cohort include mandibular retrognathism (84%), flat midface projection (84%), abnormal eye shape (73%), low-set ears (73%), abnormal nose (66%) and lip shape (64%), hypertelorism (41%) and a relatively high prevalence of nystagmus/strabismus (43%), temporomandibular joint disorders (38%) and obstructive sleep apnoea (23%). 3D cephalometric analysis demonstrated an increased cranial base angle with shortened anterior cranial base and underdevelopment of the maxilla and mandible, with evidence of a reduced pharyngeal airway in 55% of those analysed. Geometric morphometric analysis confirmed that the greatest craniofacial shape variation was among patients with LDS type 2, with distinct clustering of patients with SGS.
CONCLUSIONS
This comprehensive phenotypic approach identifies developmental abnormalities that segregate to mutation variants along the TGF-β signalling pathway, with a particularly severe phenotype associated with and mutations. Multimodality assessment of craniofacial anomalies objectively reveals the impact of mutations of the TGF-β pathway with perturbations associated with the cranium and cranial base with severe downstream effects on the orbit, maxilla and mandible with the resultant clinical phenotypes.
Topics: Arachnodactyly; Craniosynostoses; Humans; Loeys-Dietz Syndrome; Marfan Syndrome; Receptor, Transforming Growth Factor-beta Type II; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Transforming Growth Factors
PubMed: 34916229
DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2021-107695 -
Genetics in Medicine : Official Journal... Feb 2022Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is a connective tissue disorder affecting multiple organ systems, including bone.
PURPOSE
Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is a connective tissue disorder affecting multiple organ systems, including bone.
METHODS
We defined the bone phenotype and clinical predictors of low bone density and fracture risk in 77 patients with LDS type 1 to type 5.
RESULTS
Patients with LDS had dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) Z-scores significantly < 0, and 50% of children and 9% of adults had Z-scores < -2. Sixty percent of patients had ≥1 fracture, and 24% of patients with spinal x-rays scans showed spinal compression fractures. Lower body mass index, asthma, male sex and eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease were correlated with lower DXA Z-scores. The count of 5 LDS-associated skeletal features (scoliosis, pes planus, arachnodactyly, spondylolisthesis, and camptodactyly) in patients with LDS was correlated with DXA Z-score. Adults with ≥1 skeletal features had DXA Z-scores significantly < 0, and children with >2 features had DXA Z-score significantly < -2. Bone turnover markers suggest accelerated bone resorption. Data from 5 patients treated with bisphosphonates suggest a beneficial effect.
CONCLUSION
All LDS types are associated with reduced bone density and increased risk of fracture, which may be due to increased bone resorption. Clinical features can predict a subgroup of patients at highest risk of low bone density and fracture risk.
Topics: Absorptiometry, Photon; Bone Density; Bone Diseases, Metabolic; Fractures, Bone; Humans; Loeys-Dietz Syndrome; Male
PubMed: 34906513
DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2021.10.002 -
Current Rheumatology Reports Nov 2021Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominant heritable disorder of fibrillin-1 (FBN1) with predominantly ocular, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal manifestations... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominant heritable disorder of fibrillin-1 (FBN1) with predominantly ocular, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal manifestations that has a population prevalence of approximately 1 in 5-10,000 (Chiu et al. Mayo Clin Proc. 89(1):34-42, 146, Dietz 3, Loeys et al. J Med Genet. 47(7):476-85, 4).
RECENT FINDINGS
The vascular complications of MFS still pose the greatest threat, but effective management options, such as regular cardiac monitoring and elective surgical intervention, have reduced the risk of life-threatening cardiovascular events, such as aortic dissection. Although cardiovascular morbidity and mortality remains high, these improvements in cardiovascular management have extended the life expectancy of those with MFS by perhaps 30-50 years from an estimated mean of 32 years in 1972 (Dietz 3, Gott et al. Eur J Cardio-thoracic Surg. 10(3):149-58, 147, Murdoch et al. N Engl J Med. 286(15):804-8, 148). The musculoskeletal manifestations of MFS, which to date have received less attention, can also have a significant impact on the quality of life and are likely to become more important as the age of the Marfan syndrome population increases (Hasan et al. Int J Clin Pract. 61(8):1308-1320, 127). In addition, musculoskeletal manifestations are often critically important in the diagnosis of MFS. Here, we review the main clinically relevant and diagnostically useful musculoskeletal features of MFS, which together contribute to the "systemic features score" (referred to hereafter as systemic score), part of the revised Ghent nosology for MFS. We discuss current treatment strategies and highlight the need for a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and management. Finally, we review new pharmacological approaches that may be disease modifying and could help to improve the outcome for individuals with this syndrome.
Topics: Cardiovascular Diseases; Humans; Marfan Syndrome; Quality of Life
PubMed: 34825999
DOI: 10.1007/s11926-021-01045-3 -
Advances in Experimental Medicine and... 2021Loeys-Dietz syndrome is an autosomal dominant aortic aneurysm syndrome characterized by multisystemic involvement. The most typical clinical triad includes...
Loeys-Dietz syndrome is an autosomal dominant aortic aneurysm syndrome characterized by multisystemic involvement. The most typical clinical triad includes hypertelorism, bifid uvula or cleft palate and aortic aneurysm with tortuosity. Natural history is significant for aortic dissection at smaller aortic diameter and arterial aneurysms throughout the arterial tree. The genetic cause is heterogeneous and includes mutations in genes encoding for components of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signalling pathway: TGFBR1, TGFBR2, SMAD2, SMAD3, TGFB2 and TGFB3. Despite the loss of function nature of these mutations, the patient-derived aortic tissues show evidence of increased (rather than decreased) TGFβ signalling. These insights offer new options for therapeutic interventions.
Topics: Aortic Dissection; Humans; Loeys-Dietz Syndrome; Mutation; Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta
PubMed: 34807423
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-80614-9_11 -
Cureus Jul 2021Congenital contractural arachnodactyly (CCA) is a rare connective tissue disorder that has several phenotypic similarities to Marfan syndrome. Among the phenotypic...
Congenital contractural arachnodactyly (CCA) is a rare connective tissue disorder that has several phenotypic similarities to Marfan syndrome. Among the phenotypic characteristics of patients with CCA, severe kyphoscoliosis and thoracic cage abnormalities are commonly reported. In this case report, we describe a patient with coexisting CCA and severe pectus excavatum requiring multiple surgical repairs. The impact severe scoliosis and pectus excavatum in isolation have on cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology can be significant, and their effects can be profound concomitantly. These defects have the propensity of causing restrictive lung disease and external cardiac compression.
PubMed: 34466327
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.16701 -
American Journal of Medical Genetics.... Dec 2021Heritable connective tissue disorders are a group of diseases, each rare, characterized by various combinations of skin, joint, musculoskeletal, organ, and vascular...
Heritable connective tissue disorders are a group of diseases, each rare, characterized by various combinations of skin, joint, musculoskeletal, organ, and vascular involvement. Although kidney abnormalities have been reported in some connective tissue disorders, they are rarely a presenting feature. Here we present three patients with prominent kidney phenotypes who were found by whole exome sequencing to have variants in established connective tissue genes associated with Loeys-Dietz syndrome and congenital contractural arachnodactyly. These cases highlight the importance of considering connective tissue disease in children presenting with structural kidney disease and also serves to expand the phenotype of Loeys-Dietz syndrome and possibly congenital contractural arachnodactyly to include cystic kidney disease and cystic kidney dysplasia, respectively.
Topics: Adolescent; Arachnodactyly; Child; Connective Tissue; Connective Tissue Diseases; Contracture; Fibrillin-2; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Humans; Kidney; Kidney Diseases, Cystic; Loeys-Dietz Syndrome; Male; Mutation; Phenotype; Receptor, Transforming Growth Factor-beta Type I; Skin Abnormalities; Smad2 Protein; Exome Sequencing
PubMed: 34355836
DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62449 -
Neurology. Genetics Aug 2021To determine whether mutations reported for can cause mixed neurodevelopmental disorders, we performed both functional studies on variant pathogenicity and ZDHHC15...
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether mutations reported for can cause mixed neurodevelopmental disorders, we performed both functional studies on variant pathogenicity and ZDHHC15 function in animal models.
METHODS
We examined protein function of 4 identified variants in ZDHHC15 in a yeast complementation assay and locomotor defects of loss-of-function genotypes in a model.
RESULTS
Although we assessed multiple patient variants, only 1 (p.H158R) affected protein function. We report a patient with a diagnosis of hypotonic cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy, and intellectual disability associated with this bona fide damaging X-linked variant. Features include tall forehead with mild brachycephaly, down-slanting palpebral fissures, large ears, long face, facial muscle hypotonia, high-arched palate with dental crowding, and arachnodactyly. The patient had mild diminished cerebral volume, with left-sided T2/FLAIR hyperintense periatrial ovoid lesion. We found that loss-of-function mutations in orthologs of this gene cause flight and coordinated movement defects in .
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings support a functional expansion of this gene to a role in motor dysfunction. Although mutations represent a rare cause of neurodevelopmental disability, candidate variants need to be carefully assessed before pathogenicity can be determined.
PubMed: 34345675
DOI: 10.1212/NXG.0000000000000602