Discovery of MIRAGE syndrome.

Since the first report in 2009, whole exome sequencing has become the most effective and efficient research tool in human genetics. MIRAGE syndrome is a novel single-gene disorder discovered through whole-exome sequencing for pediatric patients with adrenal insufficiency of unknown etiology, and is caused by de novo heterozygous variants in SAMD9. MIRAGE syndrome was initially discovered as a systemic disease affecting multiple systems, including hematopoietic, immune, endocrine, and gastrointestinal systems but later studies revealed a subset of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome as the sole manifestation. In addition, pathogenic variants in SAMD9L, a paralog gene of SAMD9, were reported to cause an inherited disorder of the hematopoietic system and central nervous system, called ataxia-pancytopenia syndrome. This article reviews the history of MIRAGE syndrome from its discovery to the proposal of SAMD9/SAMD9L syndromes, and discusses directions for future research.

A girl with MIRAGE syndrome who developed steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome: a case report.

BACKGROUND: MIRAGE syndrome is a recently discovered rare genetic disease characterized by myelodysplasia (M), infection (I), growth restriction (R), adrenal hypoplasia (A), genital phenotypes (G), and enteropathy (E), caused by a gain-of-function mutation in the SAMD9 gene. We encountered a girl with molecularly-confirmed MIRAGE syndrome who developed steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome. CASE PRESENTATION: She was born at 33 weeks gestational age with a birth weight of 1064 g. She showed growth failure, mild developmental delays, intractable enteropathy and recurrent pneumonia. She was diagnosed as MIRAGE syndrome by whole exome sequencing and a novel SAMD9 variant (c.4615 T > A, p.Leu1539Ile) was identified at age four. Biopsied skin fibroblast cells showed changes in the endosome system that are characteristic of MIRAGE syndrome, supporting the genetic diagnosis. Proteinuria was noted at age one, following nephrotic syndrome at age five. A renal biopsy showed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) with immune deposits. Steroid treatment was ineffective. Because we speculated that her nephrosis was a result of genetic FSGS, we decided not to introduce immunosuppressive agents and instead started enalapril to reduce proteinuria. Although her proteinuria persisted, her renal function was normal at age eight. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first detailed report of a MIRAGE syndrome patient with nephrotic syndrome. Because patients with MIRAGE syndrome have structural abnormalities in the endosomal system, we speculate that dysfunction of endocytosis in podocytes might be a possible mechanism for proteinuria.

Outcomes of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Patients with Germline SAMD9/SAMD9L Mutations.

Germline mutations in SAMD9 and SAMD9L genes cause MIRAGE (myelodysplasia, infection, restriction of growth, adrenal hypoplasia, genital phenotypes, and enteropathy) (OMIM: *610456) and ataxia-pancytopenia (OMIM: *611170) syndromes, respectively, and are associated with chromosome 7 deletions, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and bone marrow failure. In this retrospective series, we report outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in patients with hematologic disorders associated with SAMD9/SAMD9L mutations. Twelve patients underwent allogeneic HCT for MDS (n = 10), congenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia (n = 1), and dyskeratosis congenita (n = 1). Exome sequencing revealed heterozygous mutations in SAMD9 (n = 6) or SAMD9L (n = 6) genes. Four SAMD9 patients had features of MIRAGE syndrome. Median age at HCT was 2.8 years (range, 1.2 to 12.8 years). Conditioning was myeloablative in 9 cases and reduced intensity in 3 cases. Syndrome-related comorbidities (diarrhea, infections, adrenal insufficiency, malnutrition, and electrolyte imbalance) were present in MIRAGE syndrome cases. One patient with a familial SAMD9L mutation, MDS, and morbid obesity failed to engraft and died of refractory acute myeloid leukemia. The other 11 patients achieved neutrophil engraftment. Acute post-transplant course was complicated by syndrome-related comorbidities in MIRAGE cases. A patient with SAMD9L-associated MDS died of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. The other 10 patients had resolution of hematologic disorder and sustained peripheral blood donor chimerism. Ten of 12 patients were alive with a median follow-up of 3.1 years (range, 0.1 to 14.7 years). More data are needed to refine transplant approaches in SAMD9/SAMD9L patients with significant comorbidities and to develop guidelines for their long-term follow-up.

Somatic mosaic monosomy 7 and UPD7q in a child with MIRAGE syndrome caused by a novel SAMD9 mutation.

MIRAGE syndrome caused by mutations in SAMD9 is associated with potential loss of chromosome 7 (-7/7q-) and an increased risk to develop myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). We report a case of MIRAGE syndrome, caused by a novel SAMD9 mutation p.Leu641Pro, leading to characteristic clinical features as well as to the coexistence of cells with monosomy 7 (20%) and with uniparental disomy of long arm of chromosome 7 (UPD7q). In contrast to previously reported MIRAGE patients with -7/7q- developing MDS, our patient achieved complete cytogenetic remission of monosomy 7. As UPD7q remained unchanged, it seems to be a protective factor against MDS.

A novel SAMD9 variant identified in patient with MIRAGE syndrome: Further defining syndromic phenotype and review of previous cases.

We present here a case of MIRAGE syndrome due to novel variant (c.2318T>C) in the sterile α motif domain-containing protein 9 (SAMD9) gene. Previous reports have described the clinical phenotype, which includes myelodysplasia, recurrent infections, restriction of growth and development, adrenal insufficiency, genitourinary abnormalities, and enteropathies, often resulting in fatality within the first few years of life. This report illustrates the variability in phenotype by describing an 11-year-old male, diagnosed with MIRAGE at age 9 years when his novel variant was identified through whole exome sequencing. A brief review of previously published cases of MIRAGE syndrome and the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum are presented.

Two patients with MIRAGE syndrome lacking haematological features: role of somatic second-site reversion SAMD9 mutations.

BACKGROUND: Myelodysplasia, infection, restriction of growth, adrenal hypoplasia, genital phenotypes and enteropathy (MIRAGE) syndrome is a recently described congenital disorder caused by heterozygous SAMD9 mutations. The phenotypic spectrum of the syndrome remains to be elucidated. METHODS AND RESULTS: We describe two unrelated patients who showed manifestations compatible with MIRAGE syndrome, with the exception of haematological features. Leucocyte genomic DNA samples were analysed with next-generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing, revealing the patients to have two de novoSAMD9 mutations on the same allele (patient 1 p.[Gln695*; Ala722Glu] and patient 2 p.[Gln39*; Asp769Gly]). In patient 1, p.Gln695* was absent in genomic DNA extracted from hair follicles, implying that the non-sense mutation was acquired somatically. In patient 2, with the 46,XX karyotype, skewed X chromosome inactivation pattern was found in leucocyte DNA, suggesting monoclonality of cells in the haematopoietic system. In vitro expression experiments confirmed the growth-restricting capacity of the two missense mutant SAMD9 proteins that is a characteristic of MIRAGE-associated SAMD9 mutations. CONCLUSIONS: Acquisition of a somatic nonsense SAMD9 mutation in the cells of the haematopoietic system might revert the cellular growth repression caused by the germline SAMD9 mutations (ie, second-site reversion mutations). Unexpected lack of haematological features in the two patients would be explained by the reversion mutations.

A case of an infant suspected as IMAGE syndrome who were finally diagnosed with MIRAGE syndrome by targeted Mendelian exome sequencing.

BACKGROUND: Adrenal hypoplasia is a rare congenital disorder, which can be classified into a non-syndromic form, without extra-adrenal features, and a syndromic form, with such features. Despite biochemical and molecular genetic evaluation, etiologic diagnosis cannot be performed in many patients with adrenal hypoplasia. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient in this case was a boy born at 31 weeks of gestation with a weight of 882 g (< 3rd percentile) to non-consanguineous parents. Genital examination showed micropenis and bilateral cryptorchidism. On the third day of life, he manifested hypotension with high urine output, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, hypernatriuria, high plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone level, and high plasma renin activity, suggesting acute adrenal insufficiency. The serum 17α-hydroxyprogesterone level was normal. Adrenal insufficiency improved following administration of hydrocortisone and 9α-fludrocortisone, but the patient died of recurrent infection at 4 months of age. He was suspected as IMAGE (Intrauterine growth restriction, Metaphyseal dysplasia, Adrenal hypoplasia congenita, and Genital anomalies) syndrome. However, no mutation in CDKN1C was identified. Targeted exome sequencing using the TruSight One Sequencing Panel (Illumina) identified a heterozygous mutation of c.2944C > T (p.R982C) in exon 3 in SAMD9. CONCLUSION: This report describes the first Korean case of MIRAGE syndrome. The patient presented with severe primary adrenal insufficiency, intrauterine growth retardation, and recurrent infection. SAMD9 mutation should be considered in patients who present with adrenal hypoplasia and extra-adrenal phenotypes.

A novel SAMD9 mutation causing MIRAGE syndrome: An expansion and review of phenotype, dysmorphology, and natural history.

Germline gain-of-function variants in SAMD9 have been associated with a high risk of mortality and a newly recognized constellation of symptoms described by the acronym MIRAGE: Myelodysplasia, Infection, Restriction of growth, Adrenal insufficiency, Genital phenotypes, and Enteropathy. Here, we describe two additional patients currently living with the syndrome, including one patient with a novel de novo variant for which we provide functional data supporting its pathogenicity. We discuss features of dysmorphology, contrasting with previously described patients as well as drawing attention to additional clinical features, dysautonomia and hearing loss that have not previously been reported. We detail both patients' courses following diagnosis, with attention to treatment plans and recommended specialist care. Our patients are the oldest known with arginine-substituting amino acid variants, and we conclude that early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management may positively impact outcomes for this vulnerable group of patients.

Exploring Multiple Endocrinological Issues and Dysautonomia in a Rare Case: Hypoparathyroidism in MIRAGE Syndrome.

MIRAGE syndrome is a rare multisystemic disorder characterized by various manifestations, such as myelodysplasia, susceptibility to infections, growth retardation, adrenal hypoplasia, genital anomalies, and enteropathy. In the literature, there have been rare cases of dysautonomia. We present a 6.5-year-old girl, who was first admitted to our department with short stature. On follow up, she exhibited multiple endocrinological issues, including transient hypothyroidism, primary hypoparathyroidism and dysautonomia, along with multisystem involvement. Further investigations revealed recurrent moniliasis, low IgM levels, and transient monosomy 7 in the bone marrow. Whole exome sequencing revealed a heterozygous pathogenic variant of SAMD9 (c.2159del; p.Asn720ThrfsTer35). Additional complications observed during follow-up included medullary nephrocalcinosis, hypomagnesemia, hypermagnesiuria, hypophosphatemia, decreased glomerular filtration rate, and nephrotic proteinuria. The patient also developed hyperglycemia, which was managed with low-dose insulin. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges and the diverse phenotypic presentation observed in MIRAGE syndrome.

Prenatal Features of MIRAGE Syndrome-Case Report and Review of the Literature.

MIRAGE syndrome is a recently described congenital condition characterized genetically by heterozygous gain-of-function missense mutations in the growth repressor sterile alpha domain containing 9 (SAMD9) located on the arm of chromosome 7 (7q21.2). The syndrome is rare and is usually diagnosed in newborns and children with myelodysplasia, infection, restriction of growth, adrenal hypoplasia, genital phenotypes, and enteropathy, hence the acronym MIRAGE. The aims of this paper are (1) to present fetal ultrasound features in a case where MIRAGE syndrome was diagnosed prenatally and (2) to review the existing literature records on prenatal manifestations of MIRAGE syndrome. In our case, the fetus had severe early fetal growth restriction (FGR) with normal Doppler studies, atypical genitalia, oligohydramnios, and hyperechogenic bowel at the routine mid-gestation anomaly scan. Amniocentesis excluded infections and numeric or structural chromosomal abnormalities while whole exome sequencing (WES) of the fetal genetic material identified the specific mutation. Targeted testing in parents was negative, suggesting the "de novo" mutation in the fetus. We could not identify other specific case reports in the literature on the prenatal diagnosis of MIRAGE syndrome. In cases reported in the literature where the diagnosis of MIRAGE syndrome was achieved postnatally, there are mentions related to the marked FGR on prenatal ultrasound. Severe early-onset FGR with no other apparent cause seems to be a central prenatal feature in these babies, and WES should be offered, especially if there are other structural abnormalities. Prenatal diagnosis of MIRAGE syndrome is possible, allowing for reproductive choices, improved counseling of parents, and better preparation of neonatal care.

Case report: a premature infant with severe intrauterine growth restriction, adrenal insufficiency, and inflammatory diarrhea: a genetically confirmed case of MIRAGE syndrome.

Introduction: MIRAGE syndrome is a rare disease characterized by myelodysplasia, infection, growth restriction, adrenal hypoplasia, genital phenotypes, and enteropathy. Herein, we report the case of a girl with MIRAGE syndrome who presented with adrenal insufficiency and chronic diarrhea. Case presentation: The patient was born at 29 + 6 weeks of gestational age with a birth weight of 656 g (<3p). Her height and head circumference were also <3p. At birth, she presented with respiratory distress, meconium staining, and pneumomediastinum, which were managed with high-frequency ventilation and empirical antibiotics. Physical examination showed generalized hyperpigmentation and normal female genitalia. A few days after birth, polyuria and hypotension developed, and laboratory findings revealed hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, and hyperkalemia. Plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone levels were elevated with low serum cortisol levels and high plasma renin activity, which were suggestive of adrenal insufficiency. Hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone were introduced and maintained, and hyperpigmentation attenuated with time. Both kidneys looked dysplastic, and adrenal glands could not be traced on abdominal ultrasound. From the early days of life, thrombocytopenia and anemia were detected, but not to life-threatening level and slowly recovered up to the normal range. Despite aggressive nutritional support, weight gain and growth spurt were severely retarded during the hospital stay. Additionally, after introducing enteral feeding, she experienced severe diarrhea and subsequent perineal skin rashes and ulcerations. Fecal calprotectin level was highly elevated; however, a small bowel biopsy resulted in non-specific submucosal congestion. The patient was diagnosed with MIRAGE syndrome with SAMD9 gene mutation. She was discharged with tube feeding and elemental formula feeding continued, but chronic diarrhea persisted. By the time of the last follow-up at 15 months of corrected age, she was fortunately not subjected to severe invasive infection and myelodysplastic syndrome. However, she was dependent on tube feeding and demonstrated a severe developmental delay equivalent to approximately 5-6 months of age. Conclusion: The early diagnosis of adrenal crisis and hormone replacement therapy can save the life of -patients with MIRAGE syndrome; however, chronic intractable diarrhea and growth and developmental delay continue to impede the patient's well-being.

Investigating ultrastructural morphology in MIRAGE syndrome-derived fibroblasts using transmission electron microscopy.

Background: Heterozygous de novo variants in the gene SAMD9 cause the complex multisystem disorder, MIRAGE syndrome. Patients are characterised by myelodysplasia, infections, growth restriction, adrenal insufficiency, gonadal dysfunction and enteropathies. Pathogenic variants in SAMD9 are gain-of-function and enhance its role as a growth repressor, leading to growth restriction of many tissues. Two studies have reported changes in skin fibroblasts derived from MIRAGE patients, more specifically identifying enlarged endosomes. We have also previously shown subtle changes in endosome size in patients' fibroblasts compared to controls. However, these variations in endosomes were not as marked as those described in the literature. Methods: We have performed an observational study using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in a larger number of cells derived from three patients' fibroblasts to assess ultrastructure morphology compared to control images. Results: Consistent changes were observed in cell organelles in all patient samples. In particular, increased endosomal activity was detected, characterised by augmented pinocytosis and vesicle budding, increased endosome number, as well as by large lysosomes and endosomes. Endoplasmic reticulum was also prominent. Mitochondria appeared enlarged in selected cells, possibly due to cellular stress. Cell nuclei did not display major differences compared to controls. Conclusions: TEM is a powerful tool to investigate morphological features of tissues and cell organelles, although TEM data could be affected by sample preparation methodology, therefore potentially explaining the variability between independent studies, and its analysis can be dependent on the experience of the researcher. The increased endosomal activity we have observed in patients' fibroblasts could indicate that SAMD9 regulates endocytosis of receptors, acting as an endosome fusion facilitator, or in lysosomal activation. However, the precise mechanism(s) by which SAMD9 regulates cell growth is still not fully understood, and further studies are needed to elucidate its pathogenic pathway and develop therapeutic approaches to support patients.

A Small-for-Gestational-Age Infant with MIRAGE Syndrome Who Developed Heat Stroke and Rhabdomyolysis due to Severe Temperature Instability.

MIRAGE syndrome is characterized by myelodysplasia, infection, restriction of growth, adrenal hypoplasia, genital phenotypes, and enteropathy. This report describes heat stroke and rhabdomyolysis caused by anhidrosis as a symptom of MIRAGE syndrome in a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) female neonate born at 32 weeks of gestation (birth weight, 911 g [-3.8 SD]). She developed severe temperature instability with anhidrosis, growth failure, mild developmental delay, hypothyroidism, and intractable enteropathy. On day 156, her temperature reached 42.0°C; her fever persisted for 2 h with prolonged irritability. Her serum creatine kinase level increased to a peak value of 12,716 (normal range, 43-321) IU/L. The clinical feature was diagnosed as rhabdomyolysis caused by heat stroke, which resulted from physical exertion with anhidrosis. Her SAMD9 variant was c.2945G>A, p. (Arg982His). Neonatologists should be aware of MIRAGE syndrome as a differential diagnosis of SGA with temperature instability.

Emerging phenotypes linked to variants in SAMD9 and MIRAGE syndrome.

Background: Heterozygous de novo variants in SAMD9 cause MIRAGE syndrome, a complex multisystem disorder involving Myelodysplasia, Infection, Restriction of growth, Adrenal hypoplasia, Genital phenotypes, and Enteropathy. The range of additional clinical associations is expanding and includes disrupted placental development, poor post-natal growth and endocrine features. Increasingly, milder phenotypic features such as hypospadias in small for gestational age (SGA) boys and normal adrenal function are reported. Some children present with isolated myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS/monosomy 7) without MIRAGE features. Objective: We aimed to investigate: 1) the range of reported SAMD9 variants, clinical features, and possible genotype-phenotype correlations; 2) whether SAMD9 disruption affects placental function and leads to pregnancy loss/recurrent miscarriage (RM); 3) and if pathogenic variants are associated with isolated fetal growth restriction (FGR). Methods: Published data were analyzed, particularly reviewing position/type of variant, pregnancy, growth data, and associated endocrine features. Genetic analysis of SAMD9 was performed in products of conception (POC, n=26), RM couples, (couples n=48; individuals n=96), children with FGR (n=44), SGA (n=20), and clinical Silver-Russell Syndrome (SRS, n=8), (total n=194). Results: To date, SAMD9 variants are reported in 116 individuals [MDS/monosomy 7, 64 (55.2%); MIRAGE, 52 (44.8%)]. Children with MIRAGE features are increasingly reported without an adrenal phenotype (11/52, 21.2%). Infants without adrenal dysfunction were heavier at birth (median 1515 g versus 1020 g; P < 0.05) and born later (median 34.5 weeks versus 31.0; P < 0.05) compared to those with adrenal insufficiency. In MIRAGE patients, hypospadias is a common feature. Additional endocrinopathies include hypothyroidism, hypo- and hyper-glycemia, short stature and panhypopituitarism. Despite this increasing range of phenotypes, genetic analysis did not reveal any likely pathogenic variants/enrichment of specific variants in SAMD9 in the pregnancy loss/growth restriction cohorts studied. Conclusion: MIRAGE syndrome is more phenotypically diverse than originally reported and includes growth restriction and multisystem features, but without adrenal insufficiency. Endocrinopathies might be overlooked or develop gradually, and may be underreported. As clinical features including FGR, severe infections, anemia and lung problems can be non-specific and are often seen in neonatal medicine, SAMD9-associated conditions may be underdiagnosed. Reaching a specific diagnosis of MIRAGE syndrome is critical for personalized management.

Acquired uniparental disomy of chromosome 7 in a patient with MIRAGE syndrome that veiled a pathogenic SAMD9 variant.

Gain-of-function variants in SAMD9, which resides on chromosome 7, cause MIRAGE syndrome that is associated with congenital adrenal insufficiency and gonadal dysgenesis. We previously reported a Japanese patient with MIRAGE syndrome carrying a de novo heterozygous SAMD9 variant (p.Ala1479Ser). In this study, we confirmed the pathogenicity of Ala1479Ser-SAMD9 in vitro. Genetic study results revealed an atypically low variant allele frequency (26%) and we suspected of genomic rearrangement(s) involving chromosome 7. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array and short tandem repeat analysis showed presence of mosaic maternal isodisomic uniparental disomy 7 (UPD7). Deep sequencing using DNA samples obtained at 0, 6, 10, and 25 mo of age revealed that the percentage of cells with UPD7 increased constantly from 6% to 82% over 25 mo, and this increase coincided with a decrease in the percentage of cells with p.Ala1479Ser from 94% to nearly undetectable levels. We further screened for low-allele-frequency and rare SAMD9 variants in eight patients with Silver-Russel syndrome and maternal UPD7; however, none of the patients harbored such a variant. In conclusion, our case demonstrates that genetic findings can vary considerably in patients with MIRAGE syndrome and that a comprehensive diagnostic approach, including SNP array and deep sequencing, is important in such cases.

Evolution of histomorphologic, cytogenetic, and genetic abnormalities in an untreated patient with MIRAGE syndrome.

Gain of function variants in SAMD9 cause MIRAGE syndrome, a rare Mendelian disorder that results in myeloid dysplastic syndrome (MDS), poor immune response, restricted growth, adrenal insufficiency, ambiguous genitalia, feeding difficulties and most often significantly reduced lifespan. In this study, we describe histomorphologic and genetic changes occurring in serial bone marrow measurements in a patient with MIRAGE syndrome and untreated MDS of 9 years. Histomorphological analysis during childhood showed progressive hypocellularity with erythroid and megakaryocytic dysplasia and cytogenetic testing demonstrated monosomy 7. Serial leukemia gene panel testing performed over a seven year period revealed multiple pre-leukemic clones arising at age 7 years followed by sequential mutational events in ETV6 and RUNX1 driving acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at age 9. Comprehensive genotype-phenotype analysis with 28 previously reported patients found the presence of MDS did not impact overall survival, but in silico variant pathogenicity prediction scores for SAMD9 distinguished patients with poor prognosis. Overall, our analysis shows progression of MDS to AML can be monitored by following mutation evolution in leukemia related genes in patients with MIRAGE syndrome, and specific SAMD9 mutations likely influence disease severity and overall survival.

A Rare Etiology of 46,XY Disorder of Sex Development and Adrenal Insufficiency: A Case of MIRAGE Syndrome Caused by Mutations in the SAMD9 Gene

Adrenal hypoplasia is a rare congenital disorder. In spite of biochemical and molecular genetic evaluation, etiology in many patients with adrenal hypoplasia is not clear. MIRAGE syndrome is a recently recognized congenital disorder characterized by myelodysplasia, infection, growth restriction, adrenal hypoplasia, genital phenotypes, and enteropathy. Here we present a case of MIRAGE syndrome due to a heterozygous missense variant (c.2920G>A; p.E974K) mutation in the sterile alpha motif domain-containing protein-9 (SAMD9) gene. This report describes the first MIRAGE syndrome patient in Turkey.

The Neuropathology of MIRAGE Syndrome.

MIRAGE syndrome is a multisystem disorder characterized by myelodysplasia, infections, restriction of growth, adrenal hypoplasia, genital phenotypes, and enteropathy. Mutations in the sterile alpha motif domain containing 9 (SAMD9) gene which encodes a protein involved in growth factor signal transduction are thought to cause MIRAGE syndrome. SAMD9 mutations lead to an antiproliferative effect resulting in a multisystem growth restriction disorder. Though rare, a few patients with SAMD9 mutations were reported to have hydrocephalus and/or cerebellar hypoplasia on imaging. The neuropathologic features of MIRAGE syndrome have not been previously described. Here, we describe the postmortem neuropathologic examinations of 2 patients with a clinical diagnosis of MIRAGE syndrome and confirmed SAMD9 mutations. Common features included microcephaly, hydrocephalus, white matter abnormalities, and perivascular calcifications. One of the 2 cases showed marked cerebellar hypoplasia with loss of Purkinje and granule neurons as well as multifocal polymicrogyria and severe white matter volume loss; similar findings were not observed in the second patient. These cases demonstrate the variation in neuropathologic findings in patients with MIRAGE syndrome. Interestingly, the findings are similar to those reported in ataxia-pancytopenia syndrome caused by mutations in SAMD9L, a paralogue of SAMD9.

Current Insights Into Adrenal Insufficiency in the Newborn and Young Infant.

Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is a potentially life-threatening condition that can be difficult to diagnose, especially if it is not considered as a potential cause of a child's clinical presentation or unexpected deterioration. Children who present with AI in early life can have signs of glucocorticoid deficiency (hyperpigmentation, hypoglycemia, prolonged jaundice, poor weight gain), mineralocorticoid deficiency (hypotension, salt loss, collapse), adrenal androgen excess (atypical genitalia), or associated features linked to a specific underlying condition. Here, we provide an overview of causes of childhood AI, with a focus on genetic conditions that present in the first few months of life. Reaching a specific diagnosis can have lifelong implications for focusing management in an individual, and for counseling the family about inheritance and the risk of recurrence.