Microcephaly type 22 and autism spectrum disorder: A case report and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with a multifaceted etiology. This case report explores the ischemic cryptogenic vascular dissection as a potential underlying cause of ASD. METHODS: A 9-year-old child presented with symptoms of ASD, including social interaction difficulties, repetitive behaviors, and cognitive challenges. Despite conventional ASD treatments, significant improvement was only observed after addressing an underlying ischemic cryptogenic vascular dissection identified through DCE-CT. RESULTS: Following a reconstructive treatment approach to the vascular dissection, the patient showed marked improvement in cognitive functions, social abilities, and a reduction in ASD-related symptoms whether during the perioperative period or during approximately 5-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: This case suggests that ischemic cryptogenic vascular dissection may contribute to the symptoms of ASD. Identifying and treating underlying vascular anomalies may offer a new avenue for mitigating ASD symptoms, emphasizing the need for comprehensive diagnostic estimations in ASD management.

Phosphoserine aminotransferase deficiency diagnosed by whole-exome sequencing and LC-MS/MS reanalysis: A case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Phosphoserine aminotransferase deficiency (PSATD) is an autosomal recessive disorder associated with hypertonia, psychomotor retardation, and acquired microcephaly. Patients with PSATD have low concentrations of serine in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. METHODS: We reported a 2-year-old female child with developmental delay, dyskinesia, and microcephaly. LC-MS/MS was used to detect amino acid concentration in the blood and whole-exome sequencing (WES) was used to identify the variants. PolyPhen-2 web server and PyMol were used to predict the pathogenicity and changes in the 3D model molecular structure of protein caused by variants. RESULTS: WES demonstrated compound heterozygous variants in PSAT1, which is associated with PSATD, with a paternal likely pathogenic variant (c.235G>A, Gly79Arg) and a maternal likely pathogenic variant (c.43G>C, Ala15Pro). Reduced serine concentration in LC-MS/MS further confirmed the diagnosis of PSATD in this patient. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate the importance of WES combined with LC-MS/MS reanalysis in the diagnosis of genetic diseases and expand the PSAT1 variant spectrum in PSATD. Moreover, we summarize all the cases caused by PSAT1 variants in the literature. This case provides a vital reference for the diagnosis of future cases.

A novel variant in ASNS gene responsible for syndromic intellectual disability and microcephaly: Case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: The ASNS (ASNS, MIM 108370) gene variations are responsible for asparagine synthetase deficiency (ASNSD, MIM 615574), a very rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by cerebral anomalies. These patients have congenital microcephaly, progressive encephalopathy, severe intellectual disability, and intractable seizures. METHOD: Clinical characteristics of the patient were collected. Exome sequencing was used for the identification of variants. Sanger sequencing was used to confirm the variant in the target region. The structure of the protein was checked using the DynaMut2 web server. RESULTS: The proband is an 11-year-old Iranian-Azeri girl with primary microcephaly and severe intellectual disability in a family with a consanguineous marriage. Symptoms emerged around the 10-20th days of life, when refractory epileptic gaze and unilateral tonic-clonic seizures initiated without any provoking factor such as fever. A brain MRI revealed no abnormalities except for brain atrophy. The karyotype was normal. Using exome sequencing, we identified a novel homozygous variant of thymine to adenine (NM_001673.5:c.538T>A) in the ASNS gene. Both parents had a heterozygous variant in this location. Subsequently, Sanger sequencing confirmed this variant. We also reviewed the clinical manifestations and MRI findings of the previously reported patients. CONCLUSION: In the present study, a novel homozygous variant was recognized in the ASNS gene in an Iranian-Azeri girl manifesting typical ASNSD symptoms, particularly intellectual disability and microcephaly. This study expands the mutation spectrum of ASNSD and reviews previously reported patients.

Cohen syndrome combined with psychiatric symptoms: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Cohen syndrome (CS) is a rare autosomal recessive inherited condition characterized by pathological changes affecting multiple systems. The extensive clinical variability associated with CS poses a significant diagnostic challenge. Additionally, there is limited documentation on the co-occurrence of CS with psychiatric symptoms. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a 30-year-old patient exhibiting characteristic physical features and psychiatric symptoms. Whole exome sequencing identified two heterozygous variants, a nonsense variation c.4336 C > T and a missense mutation c.4729G > A. Integrating clinical manifestations with genetic test results, we established the diagnosis of CS combined with psychiatric symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: This case introduces a novel missense variant as a candidate in the expanding array of VPS13B pathogenic variants. Its clinical significance remains unknown, and further investigation may broaden the spectrum of pathogenic variants associated with the VPS13B gene. Early diagnosis of CS is crucial for the prognosis of young children and holds significant importance for their families.

Identification of the DNA methylation signature of Mowat-Wilson syndrome.

Mowat-Wilson syndrome (MOWS) is a rare congenital disease caused by haploinsufficiency of ZEB2, encoding a transcription factor required for neurodevelopment. MOWS is characterized by intellectual disability, epilepsy, typical facial phenotype and other anomalies, such as short stature, Hirschsprung disease, brain and heart defects. Despite some recognizable features, MOWS rarity and phenotypic variability may complicate its diagnosis, particularly in the neonatal period. In order to define a novel diagnostic biomarker for MOWS, we determined the genome-wide DNA methylation profile of DNA samples from 29 individuals with confirmed clinical and molecular diagnosis. Through multidimensional scaling and hierarchical clustering analysis, we identified and validated a DNA methylation signature involving 296 differentially methylated probes as part of the broader MOWS DNA methylation profile. The prevalence of hypomethylated CpG sites agrees with the main role of ZEB2 as a transcriptional repressor, while differential methylation within the ZEB2 locus supports the previously proposed autoregulation ability. Correlation studies compared the MOWS cohort with 56 previously described DNA methylation profiles of other neurodevelopmental disorders, further validating the specificity of this biomarker. In conclusion, MOWS DNA methylation signature is highly sensitive and reproducible, providing a useful tool to facilitate diagnosis.

Unilateral progressive anterior iris adhesions in Mowat-Wilson syndrome: a new ocular finding.

Ocular associations in Mowat-Wilson syndrome (MWS) are rare. Those involving the anterior segment are scarce in the literature. We describe a child with genetic confirmation of MWS that presented with acquired onset of unilateral anterior iris adhesions with no known trauma.

Novel compound heterozygous ATP1A2 variants in a patient with fetal akinesia/hypokinesia sequence.

ATP1A2 encodes a subunit of sodium/potassium-transporting adenosine triphosphatase (Na+ /K+ -ATPase). Heterozygous pathogenic variants of ATP1A2 cause familial hemiplegic migraine, alternating hemiplegia of childhood, and developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Biallelic loss-of-function variants in ATP1A2 lead to fetal akinesia, respiratory insufficiency, microcephaly, polymicrogyria, and dysmorphic facies, resulting in fetal death. Here, we describe a patient with compound heterozygous ATP1A2 variants consisting of missense and nonsense variants. He survived after birth with brain malformations and the fetal akinesia/hypokinesia sequence. We report a novel type of compound heterozygous variant that might extend the disease spectrum of ATP1A2.

Growth charts in DYRK1A syndrome.

DYRK1A Syndrome (OMIM #614104) is caused by pathogenic variations in the DYRK1A gene located on 21q22. Haploinsufficiency of DYRK1A causes a syndrome with global psychomotor delay and intellectual disability. Low birth weight, growth restriction with feeding difficulties, stature insufficiency, and microcephaly are frequently reported. This study aims to create specific growth charts for individuals with DYRK1A Syndrome and identify parameters for size prognosis. Growth parameters were obtained for 92 individuals with DYRK1A Syndrome (49 males vs. 43 females). The data were obtained from pediatric records, parent reporting, and scientific literature. Growth charts for height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and occipitofrontal circumference (OFC) were generated using generalized additive models through R package gamlss. The growth curves include height, weight, and OFC measurements for patients aged 0-5 years. In accordance with the literature, the charts show that individuals are more likely to present intrauterine growth restriction with low birth weight and microcephaly. The growth is then characterized by severe microcephaly, low weight, and short stature. This study proposes growth charts for widespread use in the management of patients with DYRK1A syndrome.

Prenatal diagnosis of microcephaly through combined MRI and ultrasonography: Analysis of a case series.

INTRODUCTION: Intrauterine microcephaly is a complex and lifelong condition that poses significant ethical challenges for clinicians and parents. The prognosis of microcephaly is highly variable and depends on the underlying cause and severity. In addition, microcephaly is often associated with various comorbidities, including intellectual disability, developmental delay, and epilepsy. Ultrasonography (US) is currently the most commonly used imaging modality for detecting microcephaly in the second trimester of pregnancy. However, antenatal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly being used as a more sensitive tool to identify structural abnormalities that may suggest a specific diagnosis. In this study, we report a case series of microcephaly diagnosed through the combination of MRI and US. PATIENT CONCERNS: How to utilize a combination of MRI and US to screen for fetal microcephaly. DIAGNOSIS: Based on the results of US and MRI examinations, patient 1 was found to have other craniocerebral malformations, patient 2 demonstrated macrogyria, and patient 3 exhibited skull irregularities. INTERVENTIONS: The pregnancies of all 3 patients were terminated through the induction of labor by injecting Rivanol into the amniotic cavity. OUTCOMES: The 3 patients were discharged after a period of observation. CONCLUSION: US is an important tool for diagnosing fetal microcephaly. However, MRI can overcome the limitations of US and detect additional brain structural abnormalities, thereby providing more specific and valuable prenatal diagnostic information. Therefore, combining MRI and US has significant diagnostic value for fetal microcephaly.

Serial head circumference measurements should be used to classify congenital microcephaly.

BACKGROUND: Measuring the maximum occipitofrontal circumference only once at birth or within 24 h after birth may lead to misclassifications of microcephaly. This study compared the head circumference (HC) of newborns at birth or within 24 h after birth to their third day of life (DOL3) as well as evaluated maternal- and infant-specific factors associated with increased HC by DOL3. METHODS: This prospective study included 1131 live births between February and May 2019 with a gestational age > 27 weeks. All newborns had their HC measured at birth or within 24 h after birth as well as on DOL3 before discharge. HC measurements were performed by trained personnel using non-elastic tape measures. The World Health Organization (WHO) and Fenton Growth Charts were used as reference ranges for interpretation of full-term and preterm neonates, respectively. RESULTS: Paired sample t-test analyses found a statistically significant increase in HC measured on the DOL3 compared with HCs of the same newborns at birth or within 24 h of birth. The mean HC increase was 0.17 cm (95% confidence interval [0.13, 0.21], P < 0.001). The mean ± standard deviation HC within 24 h of birth and at DOL3 were 33.58 ± 1.53 cm and 33.75 ± 1.37 cm, respectively. Thirty-two newborns had HCs less than the third percentile (< P3) at birth, 25 of which had HC ≥ P3 at DOL3. After adjusting for mode of and presentation at delivery, newborns whose mothers experienced labor pains (ß = 0.31, P < 0.001) and were either symmetrically (ß = 0.59, P = 0.002) or asymmetrically small-for-gestational age (SGA; ß = 0.37, P = 0.03) had significantly increased HC at DOL3. On average, newborns whose mothers experienced labor pain had 0.31 cm increases in HC at DOL3. Symmetrical SGA newborns also had an average 0.59 cm increase in HC at DOL3. Parity and gestational age were not associated with changes in HC. CONCLUSIONS: Serial HC measurements on DOL3 or before newborns' discharge is crucial to classifying congenital microcephaly.

Next-generation sequencing through multi-gene panel testing for the diagnosis of a Chinese patient with atypical Cockayne syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Cockayne syndrome (CS, OMIM #133540, #216400) is a rare autosomal recessive disease involving multiple systems, typically characterized by microcephaly, premature aging, growth retardation, neurosensory abnormalities, and photosensitivity. The age of onset is related to the severity of the clinical phenotype, which may lead to fatal outcomes. METHODS: We report a 3-year-old girl who presented with photosensitivity, gait abnormalities, stunting, and microcephaly and showed atypical clinical classification due to mild clinical manifestations at an early onset age. RESULTS: Next-generation sequencing reveals the frameshift mutation (c.394_398del, p.Leu132Asnfs*6) and a novel microdeletion of ERCC8 (exon4del, p.Arg92fs). CONCLUSION: Therefore, it is still necessary to carry out next-generation sequencing for CS patients with atypical clinical manifestations, which is essential for diagnosis and accurate genetic counseling.

Craniofacial and dental features in children aged 3-5 years with congenital Zika syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Zika virus infection has been associated to congenital zika syndrome (CZS) in newborns and is characterized by microcephaly, central/axial motor and sensory dysfunction, dysphagia among other previously described severe health complications. CZS is usually diagnosed postpartum by evident/apparent neural development problems. Although there are some reports of craniofacial/dentition development in CZS, several clinical oral aspects are still unknown. This study describes some structural and functional characteristics of facial and cranial growth and deciduous dentition in CZS-affected children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Some cranial, facial and dental characteristics were determined in 14 children with CZS aged 3-5 years and compared them against 12 apparently healthy children paired by age and gender. RESULTS: Fourteen CZS cases presented microcephaly, maxillary prognathism, altered facial thirds, asymmetric pupillary line, bruxism (p = 0.006), deep and anterior open bite and distal step decidual molar relationship (p = 0.031). CZS children cannot feed by themselves and most cannot walk and have not develop coordinated and intelligible language according to their chronological age. In contrast, controls presented normal skull features, have autonomous locomotion skills, speak intelligible language, feed by themselves, presented a harmonic intermaxillary relationship and have symmetrical facial thirds. CONCLUSION: Microcephaly, dysphagia, bruxism, mandibular retrognathia, altered facial proportions and malocclusion are the main craniofacial and oral features at CZS. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The complications of CZS including those related with the face and the oral cavity are still being identified. This study revealed some cranial, facial and oral features in children affected by CSZ. Interdisciplinary rehabilitation protocols must address these syndromic features that could improve children and parents living conditions.

Does Intra-Uterine Exposure to the Zika Virus Increase Risks of Cognitive Delay at Preschool Ages? Findings from a Zika-Exposed Cohort from Grenada, West Indies.

Maternal infection with Zika virus (ZIKV) is associated with a distinct pattern of birth defects, known as congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). In ZIKV-exposed children without CZS, it is often unclear whether they were protected from in utero infection and neurotropism. Early neurodevelopmental assessment is essential for detecting neurodevelopmental delays (NDDs) and prioritizing at-risk children for early intervention. We compared neurodevelopmental outcomes between ZIKV-exposed and unexposed children at 1, 3 and 4 years to assess exposure-associated NDD risk. A total of 384 mother-child dyads were enrolled during a period of active ZIKV transmission (2016-2017) in Grenada, West Indies. Exposure status was based on laboratory assessment of prenatal and postnatal maternal serum. Neurodevelopment was assessed using the Oxford Neurodevelopment Assessment, the NEPSY® Second Edition and Cardiff Vision Tests, at 12 (n = 66), 36 (n = 58) and 48 (n = 59) months, respectively. There were no differences in NDD rates or vision scores between ZIKV-exposed and unexposed children. Rates of microcephaly at birth (0.88% vs. 0.83%, p = 0.81), and childhood stunting and wasting did not differ between groups. Our results show that Grenadian ZIKV-exposed children, the majority of whom were without microcephaly, had similar neurodevelopmental outcomes to unexposed controls up to at least an age of 4 years.

Case Report: short stature, kidney anomalies, and cerebral aneurysms in a novel homozygous mutation in the PCNT gene associated with microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type II.

We report the case of a boy (aged 3 years and 7 months) with severe growth failure (length: -9.53 SDS; weight: -9.36 SDS), microcephaly, intellectual disability, distinctive craniofacial features, multiple skeletal anomalies, micropenis, cryptorchidism, generalized hypotonia, and tendon retraction. Abdominal US showed bilateral increased echogenicity of the kidneys, with poor corticomedullary differentiation, and a slightly enlarged liver with diffuse irregular echotexture. Initial MRI of the brain, performed at presentation, showed areas of gliosis with encephalomalacia and diffused hypo/delayed myelination, and a thinned appearance of the middle and anterior cerebral arteries. Genetic analysis evidenced a novel homozygous pathogenic variant of the pericentrin (PCNT) gene. PCNT is a structural protein expressed in the centrosome that plays a role in anchoring of protein complexes, regulation of the mitotic cycle, and cell proliferation. Loss-of-function variants of this gene are responsible for microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type II (MOPDII), a rare inherited autosomal recessive disorder. The boy died at 8 years of age as a result of an intracranial hemorrhage due to a cerebral aneurism associated with the Moyamoya malformation. In confirmation of previously published results, intracranial anomalies and kidney findings were evidenced very early in life. For this reason, we suggest including MRI of the brain with angiography as soon as possible after diagnosis in follow-up of MODPII, in order to identify and prevent complications related to vascular anomalies and multiorgan failure.

Expanding the genetic spectrum of ALKU syndrome: Compound heterozygosity for two deleterious variants in SMG8 gene.

Alzahrani-Kuwahara syndrome (ALKUS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that includes microcephaly, facial dysmorphism, and variable congenital and eye malformations. We present the first case of ALKUS described in the European population caused by two variants in compound heterozygosity of the gene SMG8. We present a patient with two variants in compound heterozygosity in the SMG8 gene identified by in trio whole exome sequencing based in next generation sequencing (xGEN® Exome Research Panel, Nextseq550 platform). International case reporting (CARE) criteria were followed. Patient written consent was obtained through legal responsible persons. We describe a 27-year-old male, the second child of a healthy and non-consanguineous couple, whose genetic analysis showed two variants in compound heterozygosity, c.1159C > T (p.Arg387*) and c.2407del (p.Arg803Glyfs*10), in the SMG8 gene, both classified as likely pathogenic. As described by Fatema Alzahrani et al. in a series of eight patients, our patient had global developmental delay with impaired intellectual development, facial dysmorphism, and limb disproportion. Additionally, our patient had lower limb spastic paraparesis, marked osteotendinous hyperreflexia with extensor plantar response bilaterally and paretic gait. Our patient resembles the phenotype described by Fatema Alzahrani et al., however, he is the first patient with two SMG8 deleterious variants in compound heterozygosity, and the first to exhibit pyramidal signs and gait disorder as part of the phenotype.