Monodactyly in a patient with CHARGE syndrome: An additional case report.

CHARGE syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant syndrome characterized by multiple congenital anomalies including coloboma, heart defects, ear anomalies, and developmental delay, caused by pathogenic variants in the CHD7 gene. The discovery of the molecular basis of this syndrome increased the number of cases reported and expanded the phenotype and clinical variability. Limb anomalies are occasional clinical findings in this syndrome, present in about 30% of reported cases. The occurrence of limb anomalies in this syndrome suggests that it should be considered as part of the phenotypic spectrum. Here, we describe an individual with CHARGE syndrome presenting unilateral monodactyly.

Detailed analysis of inner ear malformations in CHARGE syndrome patients - correlation with audiological results and proposal for computed tomography scans evaluation methodology.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to describe the spectrum of inner ear malformations in CHARGE syndrome and propose a Computed Tomography (CT) detailed scan evaluation methodology. The secondary aim was to correlate the CT findings with hearing thresholds. METHODS: Twenty ears of ten patients diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome were subjected to CT analysis focusing on the inner ear and internal acoustic canal. The protocol used is presented in detail. ASSR results were analyzed and correlated with inner ear malformations. RESULTS: Cochlear hypoplasia type III was the most common malformation found in 12 ears (60%). Cochlear hypoplasia type II, aplasia with a dilated vestibule, and rudimentary otocyst were also identified. In 20%, no cochlear anomaly was found. The lateral Semicircular Canal (SCC) absence affected 100% of ears, the absence of the posterior SCC 95%, and the superior SCC 65%. Better development of cochlea structures and IAC correlated significantly with the lower hearing thresholds. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that rudimentary SCC or a complete absence of these SCCs was universally observed in all patients diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome. This finding supports the idea that inner ear anomalies are a hallmark feature of the CHARGE, contributing to its distinct clinical profile. The presence of inner ear malformations has substantial clinical implications. Audiological assessments are crucial for CHARGE syndrome, as hearing loss is common. Early detection of these malformations can guide appropriate interventions, such as hearing aids or cochlear implants, which may significantly improve developmental outcomes and communication for affected individuals. Recognizing inner ear malformations as a diagnostic criterion presents implications beyond clinical diagnosis. A better understanding of these malformations can advance the knowledge of CHARGE pathophysiology. It may also help guide future research into targeted therapies to mitigate the impact of inner ear anomalies on hearing and balance function.

Non-conditioned cord blood transplantation for infection control in athymic CHARGE syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: CHARGE syndrome is a congenital malformation syndrome caused by heterozygous mutations in the CHD7 gene. Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) arises from congenital athymia called CHARGE/complete DiGeorge syndrome. While cultured thymus tissue implantation (CTTI) provides an immunological cure, hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is an alternative option for immuno-reconstitution of affected infants. We aimed to clarify the clinical outcomes of patients with athymic CHARGE syndrome after HCT. METHODS: We studied the immunological reconstitution and outcomes of four patients who received non-conditioned unrelated donor cord blood transplantation (CBT) at Kyushu University Hospital from 2007 to 2022. The posttransplant outcomes were compared with the outcomes of eight reported patients. RESULTS: Four index cases received CBT 70-144 days after birth and had no higher than grade II acute graft-versus-host disease. One infant was the first newborn-screened athymic case in Japan. They achieved more than 500/µL naïve T cells with balanced repertoire 1 month post transplant, and survived more than 12 months with home care. Twelve patients including the index cases received HCT at a median 106 days after birth (range: 70-195 days). One-year overall survival rate was significantly higher in patients who underwent non-conditioned HCT than in those who received conditioned HCT (100% vs. 37.5%, p = .02). Nine patients died, and the major cause of death was cardiopulmonary failure. CONCLUSIONS: Athymic infants achieved a prompt reconstitution of non-skewing naïve T cells after non-conditioned CBT that led to home care in infancy without significant infections. Non-conditioned CBT is a useful bridging therapy for newborn-screened cases toward an immunological cure by CTTI.

Complete Isolation of Left Innominate Artery in a Patient With CHARGE Syndrome: Case Presentation and Review of Reported Cases.

We report a rare case of complete isolation of the left innominate artery in a child with CHARGE (coloboma, heart defects, atresia choanae, growth retardation, genital abnormalities, and ear abnormalities) syndrome. This anatomical cluster had been undetected for a relatively large period of time and the patient was referred to us with an incomplete diagnosis even after multiple medical evaluations and a thoracic surgery during the neonatal period. In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of a complete isolation of left innominate artery treated with a transcatheter approach.

Insights Regarding Optometric Findings of CHARGE Syndrome in a Pediatric Low Vision Clinic.

SIGNIFICANCE: CHARGE, named for common findings-coloboma, heart defects, atresia of choanae, retardation of growth and development, genital hypoplasia, and ear anomalies-is a frequent etiology of deaf-blindness. A retrospective review in a pediatric low vision clinic presented the opportunity to investigate ocular findings in this syndrome with variable clinical presentations. PURPOSE: This retrospective study reviewed ocular findings and visual function measures from low vision evaluations of patients with CHARGE syndrome, which may influence their multidisciplinary management. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted by three examiners of 60 patients presenting with CHARGE syndrome at a pediatric low vision clinic. Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were obtained using standard measures. Ocular alignment and cycloplegic refractive error measurements were recorded. Refractive findings were analyzed using vector analysis. Anterior and posterior segment findings were recorded. RESULTS: Patients ranged in age from 1 to 29 years and were followed up for a mean of 4.3 years. Best-corrected visual acuity ranged from no light perception to 20/20 Snellen equivalent. Characteristics of strabismus, occurring in 82% of patients, were reported. Contrast sensitivity was reduced in 52% of patients. Chorioretinal colobomas were reported in 88% of patients. The most common ocular findings included nystagmus (43%), microphthalmia (27%), iris coloboma (27%), and facial nerve palsy (23%). Refractive vector analysis revealed significant myopic progression of the spherical equivalent with age and a tendency for with-the-rule astigmatism and minimal obliquity. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective review of a relatively large sample size for this rare condition outlined the most common ocular manifestations of CHARGE syndrome. Decreased visual acuity, myopic refractive error, strabismus, and reduced contrast sensitivity were common. Thus, careful optometric evaluation in this population is required, as these findings must be considered in appropriate clinical and habilitative management.

Predicting the clinical trajectory of feeding and swallowing abilities in CHARGE syndrome.

To date, the feeding and oral-motor abilities of patients with CHARGE syndrome (CS) have not been longitudinally assessed. This study aims to investigate the level of these abilities at different ages and evaluate how they evolve during growth. We retrospectively analysed oral-motor features of 16 patients with molecularly confirmed CS (age range 4-21 years old; mean 11 years; SD 6 years; median 10 years). Nearly 100% of CS new-borns had weak sucking at birth, and half of them demonstrated poor coordination between breathing and swallowing. Over time, the percentages of children with tube feeding dependence (60% at birth) faced a slow but steady decrease (from 33% at 6 months, 25% at 12 months, to 13% at school age) in tandem with the decreasing risk of aspiration. The ability of eating foods requiring chewing was achieved at school age, after the acquisition of an adequate oral sensory processing. A mature chewing pattern with a variety of food textures was not achieved by more than half of patients, including those requiring artificial enteral nutrition. Most patients started prolonged oral-motor treatments with speech language therapists in early childhood. CONCLUSIONS: Although feeding and swallowing disorders are constant features in CS patients, a slow and gradual development of feeding abilities occurs in most cases. Rehabilitation plays a key role in overcoming structural and functional difficulties and attaining appropriate eating skills. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Feeding problems and swallowing dysfunction have been noted in CHARGE syndrome. • The involvement of multiple factors, including structural problems in the mouth, throat, or esophagus, and neurological impairment, make feeding a complicated task in CHARGE individuals. WHAT IS NEW: • Dysphagia gradually improves in most CHARGE children over time, though with a wide interindividual variability. • The percentages of children with tube feeding dependence decrease over time from 60% at birth to 33% at 6 months and 13% at school age.

The spectrum of cochlear malformations in CHARGE syndrome and insights into the role of the CHD7 gene during embryogenesis of the inner ear.

PURPOSE: We reviewed the genotypes and the imaging appearances of cochleae in CHARGE patients from two large tertiary centres and analysed the observed cochlear anomalies, providing detailed anatomical description and a grading system. The goal was to gain insight into the spectrum of cochlear anomalies in CHARGE syndrome, and thus, in the role of the CHD7 gene in otic vesicle development. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed CT and/or MR imaging of CHARGE patients referred to our institutions between 2005 and 2022. Cochlear morphology was analysed and, when abnormal, divided into 3 groups in order of progressive severity. Other radiological findings in the temporal bone were also recorded. Comparison with the existing classification system of cochlear malformation was also attempted. RESULTS: Cochlear morphology in our CHARGE cohort ranged from normal to extreme hypoplasia. The most common phenotype was cochlear hypoplasia in which the basal turn was relatively preserved, and the upper turns were underdeveloped. All patients in the cohort had absent or markedly hypoplastic semicircular canals and small, misshapen vestibules. Aside from a stenotic cochlear aperture (fossette) being associated with a hypoplastic or absent cochlear nerve, there was no consistent relationship between cochlear nerve status (normal, hypoplasia, or aplasia) and cochlear morphology. CONCLUSION: Cochlear morphology in CHARGE syndrome is variable. Whenever the cochlea was abnormal, it was almost invariably hypoplastic. This may shed light on the role of CHD7 in cochlear development. Accurate morphological description of the cochlea contributes to proper clinical diagnosis and is important for planning surgical treatment options.

Acute myeloid leukemia associated with CHARGE syndrome.

CHARGE syndrome is a malformation disorder with diverse phenotypes that shows autosomal dominance with heterozygous variants in the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding 7 (CHD7) gene. Only a few cases of CHARGE syndrome accompanied by neoplasm during childhood have been reported. We report the case of a girl with CHARGE syndrome who developed acute myelogenous leukemia at 12 years old. She had mild intellectual disability, and hearing loss with inner ear malformation, myopia, astigmatism, laryngotracheal malacia, hypogonadism, and clival hypoplasia, with a history of patent ductus arteriosus. The patient was genetically diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome based on the detection of a novel heterozygous frameshift pathogenic variant in the CHD7 gene. We review the reported pediatric cases of CHARGE syndrome with malignancy and suggest a possible molecular mechanism of carcinogenesis involving pathogenic variants of the CHD7 gene.

Phenotypic characteristics and variability in CHARGE syndrome: a PRISMA compliant systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: CHARGE syndrome (OMIM #214800) is a phenotypically complex genetic condition characterised by multi-system, multi-sensory impairments. Behavioural, psychological, cognitive and sleep difficulties are not well delineated and are likely associated with biopsychosocial factors. METHODS: This meta-analysis investigated the prevalence of clinical features, physical characteristics and conditions, behavioural, psychological, cognitive and sleep characteristics in CHARGE syndrome, and statistically evaluated directional associations between these characteristics. Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated using reliable, prespecified quality weighting criteria, and meta-regression was conducted to identify associations between characteristics. RESULTS: Of the 42 eligible studies, data could be extracted for 1675 participants. Prevalence estimates were highest for developmental delay (84%), intellectual disability (64%), aggressive behaviour (48%), self-injurious behaviour (44%) and sleep difficulties (45%). Meta-regression indicated significant associations between intellectual disability and choanal atresia, intellectual disability and inner ear anomalies, sleep difficulties and growth deficiency, and sleep difficulties and gross motor difficulties. CONCLUSIONS: Our comprehensive review of clinical features, behavioural, psychological, cognitive and physical characteristics, conditions and comorbidities in CHARGE syndrome provides an empirically based foundation to further research and practice.

CHARGE syndrome presenting with persistent hypoglycemia: case report and overview of the main genetic syndromes associated with neonatal hypoglycemia.

BACKGROUND: CHARGE syndrome (CS) is an autosomal dominant genetic condition whose recognition in the neonatal period is complicated by considerable phenotypic variability. Pediatric patients with genetic disorders have a known high incidence of hypoglycemia, due to many concurring factors. To date, neonatal hypoglycemia is a feature poorly explored in the literature associated with CS. This paper adds to the existing literature on hypoglycemia in CS and provides a brief review of the mechanisms through which CS, as well as the main genetic syndromes associated with neonatal hypoglycemia, may determine it. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was a term newborn, first-born daughter to non-consanguineous parents. At birth, axial hypotonia with slight hypertonia of the limbs, and dysplastic auricles were noted. The incidental finding of asymptomatic hypoglycemia led to the initiation of glucose infusion on the II day of life, continued for a total of 8 days (maximum infusion rate: 8 mg/kg/min). In-depth endocrinological examinations showed poor cortisol response to the hypoglycemic stimulus, with normal GH values, thyroid function and ACTH. In view of the suspected hypoadrenalism, oral hydrocortisone therapy was initiated. Inappropriately low values of plasmatic and urinary ketones supported the hypothesis of concomitant transient hyperinsulinism, not requiring therapy. A brain MRI was performed, documenting thinning of the optic nerves, non-displayable olfactory bulbs and dysmorphic corpus callosum. An eye examination revealed bilateral chorioretinal coloboma. Temporal bone CT scan showed absence of the semicircular canals. The unexpected findings of coloboma and absence of semicircular canals led to the suspicion of CS, later confirmed by the molecular analysis of CHD7. CONCLUSIONS: It seems important to consider CS in the differential diagnosis of persistent hypoglycemia in newborns with specific anomalies. At the same time, it is advisable to consider the risk of hypoglycemia in children with CS, as well as other genetic syndromes. Awareness of the many possible causes of hypoglycemia in newborns with genetic conditions may help steer the investigations, allowing for an appropriate and timely treatment.

[CHARGE syndrome in children with congenital choanal atresia]. / Sindrom CHARGE u detei s vrozhdennoi atreziei khoan.

One of the most commonly associated genetic syndromes with congenital choanal atresia is CHARGE syndrome, which includes multiple congenital anomalies with variable phenotypic manifestations. The article presents data on the history of the study, prevalence, etiology and clinical criteria of this pathology. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of detection and features of clinical manifestations of CHARGE syndrome in children with congenital choanal atresia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Based on the literature data and our own research, the features of the clinical manifestations of CHARGE syndrome in children with congenital choanal atresia are presented. RESULTS: The association of malformations, which in most cases had bilateral localization, was detected in 27 (18.8%) patients with congenital choanal atresia. In 20 children, the analysis for the presence of the CHD7 mutation was carried out by sequencing, while CHD7 mutations were detected in 18 (90%) patients meeting the clinical criteria of CHARGE syndrome. The absence of mutations of the CHD7 gene in the remaining patients indicates the genetic heterogeneity of this syndrome. CONCLUSION: The detection of CHARGE syndrome in children with congenital choanal atresia is of great clinical importance, since timely diagnosis and correction of other pathology minimizes the chance of complications during surgical treatment and allows for the formation of individual routing of patients for treatment and rehabilitation. Therefore, the examination and management of children with congenital choanal atresia associated with other malformations should be carried out on the basis of an interdisciplinary approach.

Cochlear Implant Outcomes in CHARGE Syndrome: Updated Perspectives.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate outcomes of auditory implants in children with CHARGE syndrome and describe the evolution in management of hearing loss in this complex population. METHODS: A retrospective case review was performed at a tertiary referral center. Children with CHARGE syndrome who received either a cochlear implant (CI) or auditory brainstem implant (ABI) were included. Clinical records, demographic information, CHARGE features, neuroimaging, audiology, hearing rehabilitation interventions, operative notes, and outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: Thirteen children with CHARGE syndrome underwent a total of 19 cochlear implants between 2008 and 2020. Among the congenitally deafened children (n = 9), six underwent bilateral implantation (five simultaneous and one sequential). Bilateral implantation was performed even in the presence of diminutive-appearing cochlear nerves. The average age of implantation was 1.1 years, and the mean device use time was 9.4 hours per day. Patients showed improvements in subjective family assessment related to hearing. In this group, two patients use oral communication, five use total communication, and two use sign language exclusively. Among the children with progressive hearing loss, the mean age of hearing deterioration was 4.4 years of age, and the device use time on average was 9.8 hours per day. The highest performer in the cohort was a child who lost hearing in their only hearing ear at age 4 and had normal cochleovestibular anatomy on that side. One child received an auditory brainstem implant at age two after deriving no benefit from a CI and can detect environmental sounds but is currently a nonuser. Over time, we noted that implantation occurred earlier in life and that practice has shifted toward bilateral implantation. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to a previous institutional cohort, children evaluated in this study were often implanted at a younger age and bilaterally with significantly improved outcomes. A CI evaluation should be considered in children with CHARGE syndrome to maximize sensory input and auditory ability.

Partial CHARGE syndrome with bilateral retinochoroidal colobomas associated with 7q11.23 duplication syndrome: case report.

BACKGROUND: CHARGE syndrome is a relatively common cause of deafness and blindness resulting from failure to form the primordia of specific organs due to deficient contribution of neural crest cell derivatives. The majority of CHARGE syndrome cases are caused by heterozygous mutations in CHD7 on chromosome 8q21. Those with CHARGE syndrome without CHD7 mutation typically do not have an identified genetic defect. 7q11.23 duplication syndrome is associated with mild facial dysmorphism, heart defects, language delay, and autism spectrum disorder. In the current literature, 7q11.23 duplication has not been associated with CHARGE syndrome, retinochoroidal colobomas, or significant ear abnormalities. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a patient with 7q11.23 duplication syndrome and clinical CHARGE syndrome with no variant in CHARGE-associated genes. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the still incomplete understanding of the pathogenesis of CHARGE syndrome and raises the possibility of a dose-sensitive effect of genes in the 7q11.23 critical region on neural crest differentiation and fate.

[Perioperative management of cochlear implantation for CHARGE syndrome].

Objective:To explore the perioperative period characteristics of paediatric cochlear implant recipients of CHARGE syndrome with complex deformities. Methods:Retrospective case series of CHARGE syndrome were included. Radiological results, intraoperative findings, surgical planning and post-operative complications were analyzed. Routine audiometric measurements, speech perception categories and speech intelligibility ratings were performed pre and post-operatively to measure auditory speech rehabilitation outcomes. Results:Five prelingual profoundly deaf children were identified, aged from 14 months to 60 months. All patients had congenital heart disease and underwent surgery before cochlear implantation. Upper airway abnormalities were detected as choanal atresia, laryngomalacia and tracheal stenosis. All ten ears showed cochlear abnormalities（Incomplete partition Ⅱ）, eight of them combined with secretory otitis media and/or middle ear deformity. All patients underwent single side surgery using standard transmastoid facial recess approach. Full insertion of the electrode was achieved in two cochleas, while partial insertion was done in three cochleas. Three ears with absent auditory nerves in MRI showed no response in the neural remote test. All patients had improved audio-speech performance with CAP scores 3.0±0.7 and 3.6±0.9, SIR scores 1.2±0.4 and 1.8±0.8, IT-MAIS scores 18.8±9.1 and 26.2±10.0, MUSS scores 2.2±2.4 and 7.2±8.3 after twelve months and twenty-four months follow up. Conclusion:Cochlear implantation in patients with CHARGE syndrome is a challenge in both its surgical and rehabilitation aspects due to multiple abnormalities. Adequate treatment planning is necessary for safe and effective surgery, including airway structures and intricate temporal bone landmarks.

Otopathologic Abnormalities in CHARGE Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To perform an otopathologic analysis of temporal bones (TBs) with CHARGE syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: Otopathologic study of human TB specimens. SETTING: Otopathology laboratories. METHODS: From the otopathology laboratories at the University of Minnesota and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, we selected TBs from donors with CHARGE syndrome. These TBs were serially sectioned at a thickness of 20 µm, and every 10th section was stained with hematoxylin and eosin. We performed otopathologic analyses of the external ear, middle ear (middle ear cleft, mucosal lining, ossicles, mastoid, and facial nerve), and inner ear (cochlea, vestibule, internal auditory canal, and cochlear and vestibular nerves). The gathered data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Our study included 12 TBs from 6 donors. We found a high prevalence of abnormalities affecting the ears. The most frequent findings were stapes malformation (100%), aberrant course of the facial nerve (100%) with narrow facial recess (50%), sclerotic and hypodeveloped mastoids (50%), cochlear (100%) and vestibular (83.3%) hypoplasia with aplasia of the semicircular canals, hypoplasia and aplasia of the cochlear (66.6%) and vestibular (91.6%) nerves, and narrowing of the bony canal of the cochlear nerve (66.6%). The number of spiral ganglion and Scarpa's ganglion neurons were decreased in all specimens (versus normative data). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, CHARGE syndrome was associated with multiple TB abnormalities that may severely affect audiovestibular function and rehabilitation.

[Cochlear implant and surgical intervention for CHARGE syndrome with laryngeal airway lesions].

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of surgical intervention for laryngeal airway lesions with concurrent cochlear implantation in CHARGE syndrome concomitant laryngeal airway lesions, and provide clinical data for cochlear implantation in children with CHARGE syndrome concomitant laryngeal airway lesions. Methods:The medical records of five cases diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome were retrospectively reviewed, two of them treated with surgical intervention for laryngeal airway lesions and concurrent cochlear implantation. One child treated with balloon dilatation of laryngeal stenosis and Cochlear implant, and another case received with modified supraglottoplasty for laryngeal malacia and Cochlear implant. Results:Two cases of CHARGE syndrome concomitant laryngeal airway disease, who underwent Cochlear implant and concurrent surgical intervention, recovered well after treatment. The remining three cases treated with Cochlear implant, who previously received deformity-correction surgery. All of the five cases presented with CHD7 mutation. Conclusion:Cochlear implant concurrent with surgical intervention of laryngeal airway lesions for the treatment of CHARGE syndrome concomitant laryngeal airway disease was safe and efficient, which could be a treatment option for children in this situation.

Ebstein Anomaly and Right Aortic Arch in Patient with Charge Syndrome.

Ebstein anomaly is a rare congenital heart disease characterized by a varying degree of anatomical and functional abnormalities of tricuspid valve and right ventricle. It often coexists with other congenital cardiac malformations. Up to 79-89% of patients with Ebstein anomaly have interatrial communication in the form of patent oval foramen or atrial septal defect and more than one-third has other types of cardiac malformations. Association between Ebstein anomaly and right aortic arch is extremely rare and only few cases have been described in the literature so far. Much rarer than with other cardiac malformations, Ebstein anomaly is associated with non-cardiac malformations or genetic syndromes. Several cases of association between Ebstein anomaly and Charge syndrome have been reported, nevertheless, Ebstein anomaly accounts for less than 1% of cardiac defects seen in patients with Charge syndrome. In this case report, we present a unique case of a patient with Charge syndrome where both Ebstein anomaly and right aortic arch are present. The diagnosis of Ebstein anomaly and right aortic arch was established prenatally. In the first years of life, the patient did not exhibit any remarkable symptoms. However, over time, deterioration of right ventricle function and increased tricuspid regurgitation were observed, requiring consideration of surgical treatment at the age of five. In addition, delay in physical, motor, and mental development was observed and thus, at the age of five, the patient was consulted by a medical geneticist and a gene panel to test for structural heart defects was ordered. The test showed a mutation in chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 7 (CHD7) gene, which, along with clinical features, allowed to establish a diagnosis of Charge syndrome. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first case report of a patient with Charge syndrome, Ebstein anomaly, and right aortic arch that has been described in the literature.

A case of migraine treatment in a patient with a clinical diagnosis of CHARGE syndrome using onabotulinum toxin A.

CHARGE syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects multiple organ and sensory systems. Cranial nerve involvement is one of the key clinical diagnostic criteria. We present the case of an 8-year-old girl with CHARGE syndrome, associated right-sided facial palsy, and chronic severe migraines, that were intractable to medical treatment. At age 6, onabotulinum toxin A was used to weaken the contralateral non-paralyzed side of her face to address her stigmatizing asymmetry. Onabotulinum toxin A chemodenervation was performed on the left lower lip depressors to relax the muscles and improve left lower lip position. Coincidentally, it was noted that with these treatments, migraine symptoms resolved. As the chemodenervation subsided over the next 3-4 months, the severe migraines returned. Continued treatment with onabotulinum toxin A injections every 3 months has resulted in ongoing improvements in facial symmetry and migraine control. Onabotulinum toxin A is a well-known treatment of chronic migraine. Injections are usually directed to the occipitalis, frontalis, and corrugator muscles. The literature has no reports of injections to the lower lip depressors as a useful therapy for migraine, making the results from this case unique.

Diagnostics and therapy of bilateral choanal atresia in association with CHARGE syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Bilateral choanal atresia in patients with CHARGE syndrome becomes symptomatic immediately after birth. A prompt diagnosis, the implementation of sufficient preliminary measures, and the delivery of surgical therapy are crucial. This article is intended to assist in terms of diagnostics and a therapy recommendation. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study using the medical records of all newborns in the University Hospital in Bonn, diagnosed with bilateral choanal atresia and CHARGE syndrome and underwent surgery at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. RESULTS: A total of 21 patients have been treated with a unilateral or bilateral choanal atresia. 14 patients were primarily treated with transnasal endoscopy or underwent transnasal endoscopic surgery as a follow-up intervention (73.68%). Nine patients had a syndromal appearance, which was considered a definite diagnosis in six patients (five with CHARGE syndrome). All five patients with CHARGE syndrome received transnasal endoscopic treatment and a stent was inserted. DISCUSSION: Bilateral choanal atresia can be a life-threatening situation requiring acute measures. The therapeutic trend goes towards transnasal endoscopic resection. Primary intervention should be: minimally invasive, one-stage surgery, functional, and associated with low complication rates. Patency can be increased by saline irrigations, topical corticosteroids, endoscopic controls, and regular dilatation. The insertion of stents is controversially discussed but can be useful in syndromal patients. However, adjuvant therapy with a stent and mitomycin C is increasingly being abandoned. A significantly higher recurrence rate must be expected in association with CHARGE syndrome. Stenting should be considered on an individual basis. Continuous training and support of the parents are obligatory.