Bardet-Biedl syndrome with unique manifestations of congenital giant nevi and refractory anemia: a case report from Palestine.

Introduction and importance: Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder impacting multiple organs. Characterized by renal dysfunction, retinal dystrophy, obesity, polydactyly, intellectual disability, and hypogonadism, it lacks targeted treatment. Diagnosis relies on clinical criteria, and management emphasizes early detection, complication screening, and genetic counselling. Case presentation: A 4-year-old boy, born to first-cousin parents, presented with refractory iron-deficiency anaemia (IDA) and recurrent respiratory infections. Prenatal ultrasound revealed renal and limb anomalies. Physical examination showed dysmorphic features, polydactyly, and a giant-congenital naevus. Genetic testing revealed a homozygous MKKS variant. Despite oral iron, severe IDA persisted. Intravenous iron therapy yielded significant improvement. Clinical discussion: BBS, an autosomal recessive ciliopathy, involves various genes. In this case, the MKKS gene variant contributed to the syndrome. The incidence of BBS in the Arab population is discussed, emphasizing its rarity and varied clinical presentations. Incidence in the Arab population, including Palestine, is 1 in 13 500. Diagnostic criteria, encompassing major and minor features, highlight BBS complexity. Renal anomalies, visual disturbances, and cutaneous manifestations are common. Multidisciplinary care addresses systemic involvement with emerging treatments like setmelanotide. Conclusion: This case underscores BBS's rarity and complexity, featuring unique aspects like giant nevi and refractory IDA. Comprehensive management addresses renal, visual, cardiac, and neurologic aspects. Genetic counselling, prenatal testing, and preimplantation genetic diagnosis prevent transmission. Limitations include lacking local epidemiological data and prior studies in Palestine. This case contributes insights, stressing multidisciplinary management and prompting further research in underexplored populations.

A 10-year-old male with chest wall Desmoid tumor - a rare tumor with unusual presentation.

Desmoid fibromatosis (DF) is a connective tissue tumor that grows aggressively in musculoaponeurotic tissues. It has an annual incidence rate of 2-4/million and is commonly seen in individuals aged 15 to 60 years, with female predominance. While it can occur in any body part, it is commonly found in the extremities, abdominal wall, and abdominal mesentery. But it rarely develops in the chest wall. The cause of the tumor is unknown. However, trauma to the tumor site has been identified in 25% of known cases. The primary treatment is surgical resection. Local recurrence after surgical excision is common. Our study highlights the case of a 12-year-old male patient diagnosed with a desmoid tumor on the chest wall 2 years ago, at the age of 10 years, after mild trauma. The tumor was successfully managed with surgery without radiotherapy treatment and no recurrence was observed in the last 2 years.