Novel COL4A1 mutation in an infant with severe dysmorphic syndrome with schizencephaly, periventricular calcifications, and cataract resembling congenital infection.

BACKGROUND: A clinical case is described of growth retardation, severe developmental delay, facial dysmorphic features with microcephaly, as well as congenital cataract, schizencephaly, periventricular calcifications, and epilepsy. METHODS: TORCH infection was suspected, but all tests for toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus were negative for the child and her mother; however, an increased level of antibodies against parvovirus B19 was detected in the proband. RESULTS: Chromosomal analysis and array-CGH showed no aberration. Target capture sequencing for COL4A1 and COL4A2 revealed a de novo COL4A1 mutation (c.2123G>T [p.Gly708Val]). The mutation occurred at a highly conserved Gly residue in the Gly-X-Y repeat of the collagen triple helical domain, suggesting that these mutations may alter the collagen IV α1α1α2 heterotrimers. The mutation was predicted to be damaging. CONCLUSION: We suggest that COL4A1 testing should be considered in patients with schizencephaly as well as with phenotype suggesting TORCH infection without any proven etiological factors.

[Rapid diagnosis of the most common fetal aneuploidies with the QF-PCR method--a study of 100 cases]. / Szybka diagnostyka najczestszych aneuploidii u plodu meaoda QF-PCR--analiza 100 przypadków.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to assess whether commercial kit QF-PCR can be used as the only method for rapic prenatal dia gnosis of chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X and Y aneuploidies, omitting cell culture and complete cyt6genetik analysis of fetal chromosomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: DNA from amniocytes (94 cases) and trophoblast cells (6 cases) was analyzed witt QF-PCR according to the manufacturer's protocol. The obtained products were separated using ABI 310 Genetic Analyzer and the resulting data were analyzed using GeneMarker software. RESULTS: The results of QF-PCR were obtained in 95 out of 100 cases (95%). Abnormalities were found in 28 casea (29.5%). All these results were confirmed in subsequent cytogenetic analysis. Normal results were obtained in 62 patients (70.5%). However in that group, we found three chromosomal aberrations other than those analyzed b3 QF-PCR. Additionally two abnormal and three normal karyotypes were found in patients with inconclusive QF-POF results. CONCLUSIONS: QF-PCR is a fast and reliable tool for chromosomal aneuploidy analysis and can be used as the only method without a full analysis of the karyotype, but only in cases of suspected fetal 13, 18, 21 trisomy or numerica aberrations of X chromosome. In other cases, fetal karyotype analysis from cells obtained after cell culture should be offered to the patient.

Further evidence for FGF16 truncating mutations as the cause of X-linked recessive fusion of metacarpals 4 / 5.

BACKGROUND: Metacarpal 4-5 fusion (MF4; MIM#309630) is a rare congenital malformation of the hand characterized by the partial or complete fusion of the fourth and fifth metacarpals. The anomaly occurs as an isolated trait or part of a genetic syndrome. Recently, we have identified FGF16 nonsense mutations as the underlying cause of isolated X-linked recessive MF4. METHODS: In this report, we provide a detailed clinical description of a sporadic male patient showing MF4 in whom we performed Sanger sequencing of the entire coding sequence of FGF16. RESULTS: In addition to MF4 symptoms, the patient presented with generalized joint laxity and hypermobility. FGF16 sequencing detected a novel truncating mutation (c.474_477del; p.E158DfsX25) in exon 3 of the gene. A heterozygous mutation was found in a clinically and radiologically unaffected mother of the proband. CONCLUSION: Our finding confirms that truncating mutations of FGF16 are causative for X-linked recessive metacarpal 4-5 fusion. Importantly, the mutation detected in this study was located in last exon of the gene (exon 3), like the only two FGF16 disease-causing variants identified to date. Thus, all FGF16 mutations known to give rise to this rare skeletal hand malformation are C-terminal and most probably do not result in a nonsense mediated decay. Additionally, our proband showed mild symptoms of a connective tissue disorder, as some other patients previously reported to have X-linked MF4. Therefore, we suggest that impaired FGF16 function may also be responsible for connective tissue symptoms in MF4 patients.

Co-occurrence of severe Goltz-Gorlin syndrome and pentalogy of Cantrell - Case report and review of the literature.

Goltz-Gorlin syndrome is a highly variable disorder affecting many body parts of meso-ectodermal origin. Mutations in X-linked PORCN have been identified in almost all patients with a classical Goltz-Gorlin phenotype. The pentalogy of Cantrell is an infrequently described congenital disorder characterized by the combination of five anomalies: a midline supra-umbilical abdominal wall defect; absent or cleft lower part of the sternum; deficiency of the diaphragmatic pericardium; deficiency of the anterior diaphragm; and congenital heart anomalies. Etiology and pathogenesis are unknown. We report on an infant with findings fitting both Goltz-Gorlin syndrome (sparse hair; anophthalmia; clefting; bifid nose; irregular vermillion of both lips; asymmetrical limb malformations; caudal appendage; linear aplastic skin defects; unilateral hearing loss) and the pentalogy of Cantrell (absent lower sternum; anterior diaphragmatic hernia; ectopia cordis; omphalocele). The clinical diagnosis Goltz-Gorlin syndrome was confirmed molecularly by a point mutation in PORCN (c.727C>T). The presence of molecularly confirmed Goltz-Gorlin syndrome and pentalogy of Cantrell in a single patient has been reported twice before. The present patient confirms that the pentalogy of Cantrell can be caused in some patients by a PORCN mutation. It remains at present uncertain whether this can be explained by the type or localization of the mutation within PORCN, or whether the co-occurrence of the two entities is additionally determined by mutations or polymorphisms in other genes, environmental factors, and/or epigenetic influences.

Complex glycerol kinase deficiency - long-term follow-up of two patients.

Complex glycerol kinase deficiency (CGKD) is a rare genetic syndrome which belongs to the group of contiguous gene syndromes and is caused by microdeletion of genes located in Xp21. Patients with CGKD present with features characteristic for adrenal hypoplasia, glycerol kinase deficiency, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and sometimes intellectual disability. We present a long-term follow-up of two unrelated boys with molecular diagnosis of complex glycerol kinase deficiency. Genetic examinations in both patients revealed a deletion on Xp21 chromosome including complete deletion of NR0B1 and GK genes. Additionally in patient 2 IL1RAPL1 genes were deleted. In separate MLPA test DMD gene deletion was diagnosed in both patients as follow: in patient 1 whole gene while in patient 2 the C-terminal region of DMD was deleted. Although the first symptom in both was salt loss syndrome, the course of the disease was different for them. We share our experience resulting from the opportunity of caring for patients with this rare disease from the beginning of their life to the end of pediatric care.

Variants of ATP1A3 in residue 756 cause a separate phenotype of relapsing encephalopathy with cerebellar ataxia (RECA)-Report of two cases and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Variants in ATP1A3 cause well-known phenotypes-alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC), rapid-onset dystonia-parkinsonism (RDP), cerebellar ataxia, areflexia, pes cavus, optic atrophy, sensorineural hearing loss (CAPOS), and severe early infantile epileptic encephalopathy. Recently, there has been growing evidence for genotype-phenotype correlations in the ATP1A3 variants, and a separate phenotype associated with variants in residue 756-two acronyms are proposed for the moment-FIPWE (fever-induced paroxysmal weakness and encephalopathy) and RECA (relapsing encephalopathy with cerebellar ataxia). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Herein, we are describing two new pediatric cases with a p.Arg756His change in the ATP1A3 gene. Both patients have had more than one episode of a neurological decompensation triggered by fever with severe hypotonia and followed by ataxia. Thirty-three cases from literature were analyzed to define and strengthen the genotype-phenotype correlation of variants located in residue 756 (p.Arg756His, p.Arg756Cys, p.Arg756Leu). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a ATP1A3 variant in residue 756 are characterized by recurrent paroxysmal episodes of neurological decompensations triggered by fever, with severe hypotonia, ataxia, dysarthria, symptoms from the orofacial area (dysphagia, drooling) as well as with altered consciousness. Recovery is slow and usually not full with the persistent symptoms of cerebellar ataxia, dysarthria, dystonic and choreiform movements.

Clinical characteristics of Polish patients with molecularly confirmed Mowat-Wilson syndrome.

Mowat-Wilson syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the ZEB2 gene, intragenic deletions of the ZEB2 gene, and microdeletions in the critical chromosomal region 2q22-23, where the ZEB2 gene is located. Mowat-Wilson syndrome is characterized by typical facial features that change with the age, severe developmental delay with intellectual disability, and multiple congenital abnormalities. The authors describe the clinical and genetic aspects of 28th patients with Mowat-Wilson syndrome diagnosed in Poland. Characteristic dysmorphic features, psychomotor retardation, intellectual disability, and congenital anomalies were present in all cases. The incidence of most common congenital anomalies (heart defect, Hirschsprung disease, brain defects) was similar to presented in literature. Epilepsy was less common compared to previously reported cases. Although the spectrum of disorders in patients with Mowat-Wilson syndrome is wide, knowledge of characteristic dysmorphic features awareness of accompanying abnormalities, especially intellectual disability, improves detection of the syndrome.

Novel frameshifting mutations of the ZMPSTE24 gene in two siblings affected with restrictive dermopathy and review of the mutations described in the literature.

Restrictive dermopathy (RD) is a rare, severe, lethal genodermatosis in which tautness of the skin causes fetal akinesia or hypokinesia deformation sequence. To date, about 60 cases of RD were described. The signs of the disease are very characteristic and include intrauterine growth retardation, thin, tightly adherent translucent skin, superficial vessels, typical facial dysmorphism as well as generalized joint contractures. The syndrome is caused in most cases by ZMPSTE24 autosomal recessive mutations, or, less frequently, by LMNA autosomal dominant mutations. We report on two brothers affected with RD, who died in the neonatal period. Molecular analyses were performed in the second child, for whom biological material was available, and both parents. Compound heterozygous frameshifting mutations were identified in exon 1 (c.50delA) and exon 5 (c.584_585delAT) of the ZMPSTE24 gene. The autosomal recessive inheritance was confirmed by the parents' genomic analysis. Besides, a review of the mutations causing RD is made.

Application of the 64-slice computed tomography as a diagnostic method in acute posttraumatic ischaemia of the upper limbs - 3 case reports.

BACKGROUND: Acute limb ischaemia' is a sudden, rapidly progressing inhibition of blood supply to a limb, characterised by appearance of new symptoms or by aggravation of the already existing ones, which may lead to amputation of the limb. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) performed with a multislice scanner belongs to methods used for arterial imaging in acute limb ischaemia. The main advantages of this method include: short examination time, low invasiveness, and possibility of a multiplanar and multivolume imaging of the vessels and adjacent tissues. CASE REPORTS: We presented 3 cases of acute posttraumatic ischaemia of the upper limbs, diagnosed in the emergency setting with the use of a 64-slice CT scanner. CONCLUSIONS: The CTA examination performed with the 64-slice CT unit revealed high effectiveness when used for localisation of vascular pathologies resulting in acute ischaemia of the upper limbs. Owing to this rapid radiological diagnostic method, it is now possible to perform successful limb-saving surgeries and to introduce postoperative monitoring immediately after the procedure.

Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification as a screening test in children with autism spectrum disorders.

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders, characterized by the presence of various symptoms related to deficits in communication and social interactions as well as stereotyped and repetitive behavior. Increasing evidence indicates the contribution of genetic factors in the etiology of ASDs. Genetic diagnosis in ASDs is based on identifying chromosome aberrations, microaberrations and point mutations in specific genes. One of the diagnostic tools is multiplex ligase-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) with a set of probes dedicated to ASDs (SALSA MLPA P343 Autism-1; MRC-Holland BV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands) targeting the genes located in the regions 15q11-q13, 16p11 and the SHANK3 gene in the 22q13 region. OBJECTIVES: Our study included 240 patients referred to the clinical genetics unit because of ASDs and/or developmental delay and/or an intellectual disability. Before genetic testing, the patients underwent a comprehensive medical work-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Multiplex ligase-dependent probe amplification was performed in 256 DNA samples from 240 probands and 16 family members using the SALSA MLPA P343 Autism-1 probe mix (MRC-Holland BV) according to the manufacturer's protocol. RESULTS: We obtained 234 normal results and 22 abnormal results (15 probands and 7 abnormal results for probands' parents or siblings). We diagnosed 1 16p11 microdeletion syndrome and 1 16p11 microduplication syndrome. We also found 3 deletions and 1 duplication in 15q13 region including 2 or 3 genes and 9 single probe alterations in the regions examined (1 duplication and 7 deletions). CONCLUSIONS: Due to the low costs, MLPA test may be a good tool for the genetic screening of ASD patients.

Phenotype analysis of Polish patients with mandibulofacial dysostosis type Guion-Almeida associated with esophageal atresia and choanal atresia caused by EFTUD2 gene mutations.

We present the phenotype of three unrelated Polish patients with MFD type Guion-Almeida confirmed by EFTUD2 mutations. In all of our patients, dysmorphic craniofacial features, microcephaly, thumb abnormalities, psychomotor and speech delay were described. In addition, among other major defects, esophageal atresia (EA) in one patient and choanal atresia in two of them were present. Three different mutations in EFTUD2 gene were found in presented patients. Our observations confirm the clinical heterogeneity of mandibulofacial dysostosis type Guion-Almeida and its connection with major congenital defects such as esophageal atresia and choanal atresia.

Exonic deletions in the NF1 gene in patients with neurofibromatosis type I from the lower Silesian region of Poland.

BACKGROUND: Neurofibromatosis type I (NF1, Recklinghausen's disease) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the following clinical features: café au lait spots, neurofibromas, Lisch nodules, freckling of the axillary and inguinal regions, optic nerve gliomas, bone dysplasia and increased risk of certain tumors. NF1 is diagnosed on the basis of clinical criteria, while identifying the genetic background of the disease is important mainly for genetic counseling. NF1 genetic analysis is based on searching for NF1 exon deletions/duplications using Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), searching for microdeletions of the critical region using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), searching for point mutations by gene sequencing (in most cases) and analyzing mRNA. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency of single and multi-exon deletions/duplications in the NF1 gene in Polish patients, and to evaluate the usefulness of MLPA as a cheap and easy method for NF1 molecular diagnosis, despite the fact that such changes may be found in only a small group of NF1 patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 65 patients suspected of NF1 or with recognized NF1 on the basis of clinical criteria. Cytogenetic analysis were carried out for all the patients, and for one patient with a translocation [46,XY,t(17;22)(q11.2;q11.2)], a FISH analysis was performed. All patients were tested for deletions/duplications in the NF1 gene using two MLPA kits for neurofibromatosis I. RESULTS: The MLPA analysis showed deletions in the NF1 gene in 7.7% of the cases (5/65). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that an MLPA analysis may be performed in patients with a clinical diagnosis of NF1 or patients with suspected NF1 as an easy and inexpensive first molecular test, enabling the exclusion of about 7% of NF1 patients from expensive and time-consuming molecular diagnosis by DNA sequencing.

[Diagnostic difficulties in Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS) on the basis of own experience and literature data]. / Trudnosci diagnostyczne w zespole Smitha i Magenisa (SMS) na podstawie wlasnych doswiadcen i danych z literatury.

The Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS) is a rare microdeletion dysmorphic syndrome (interstitial microdeletion of chromosome 17p11.2), which occurs sporadically. Mutations in the RAI1 gene are found in part of the patients. SMS is characterized by intellectual disability and behavioural disturbances (sleep disturbances, hyperactivity, attention deficit, self-injury behaviour), craniofacial dysmorphism and defects of other organs and systems (teeth, eyes and upper respiratory and hearing disturbances, short stature, brachydactyly, scoliosis, cardiac and genitourinary defects). There are also neurological problems (muscular hypotonia, peripheral neuropathy, epilepsy and decreased sensitivity to pain). Many of the features that appear in the SMS may occur in other genetic syndromes, which may cause diagnostic difficulties. We report two cases of late diagnosed patients with the Smith-Magenis syndrome. Additionally, we present a review of literature and differential diagnosis. This may help in making the diagnosis and in giving optimal medical and psychological care to patients with SMS.

Complex glycerol kinase deficiency - X-linked contiguous gene syndrome involving congenital adrenal hypoplasia, glycerol kinase deficiency, muscular Duchenne dystrophy and intellectual disability (IL1RAPL gene deletion).

Contiguous gene syndromes are disorders caused by deletions of genes that are adjacent to one another. One of them is complex glycerol kinase deficiency. It is caused by partial deletion of Xp21, which includes the genes responsible for glycerol kinase deficiency, congenital adrenal hypoplasia, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and intellectual disability. There are no definite dysmorphic features for this syndrome. The diagnosis is based on clinical and laboratory findings. Symptoms depend on the size of deletion and appear almost exclusively in the male gender. Usually the first and most severe are the signs of adrenal hypoplasia, which, if not cured, may lead to death in a short time. The symptoms of glycerol kinase deficiency occur also early in life, but they may be masked by the deficiency of mineralocorticoids. Duchenne muscular dystrophy appears in childhood and is always accompanied by certain symptoms. Developmental retardation and intellectual disability occur often with complex glycerol kinase deficiency. The reasons for it are heterogeneous, but usually, there is a connection with the deletion of DMD or I L1R A P L genes. Due to the fact that loci of all genes responsible for complex glycerol kinase deficiency were determined, it is possible to carry out molecular examination, confirm clinical diagnosis and determine female carriers of the disorder.

[Multiplex Ligation - dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) as a screening test in children with developmental defects and intellectual disability of unknown etiology]. / Badania przesiewowe technika Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification(MLPA) u dzieci z zaburzeniem rozwoju i niepelnosprawnoscia intelektualna o nieokreslonej etiologii.

UNLABELLED: Developmental delay and intellectual disability are significant medical and social problems which concern 1-3% of population. The etiology remains unknown in over half of the cases. THE AIM: To evaluate the efficiency of MLPA (Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification) as a screening test in diagnosis of patients with developmental delay and/or intellectual disability. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 313 MLPA tests were performed in 256 patients with developmental delay and/ or intellectual disability with unknown etiology. MLPA test was made after exclusion of genetic disorders possible to diagnose by dysmorphological examination or using specifi c genetic tests. Positive results were confirmed by FISH analysis with appropriate probes. RESULTS: Chromosomal microaberrations were identifi ed in 15 patients (4,8%): deletions of 1p36 in 4 cases, in one case deletion of 22q11.21, 22q13.33, SNRPN1, 4ptel, 6qtel, 7q11.23, 16ptel, 18qtel as well as one ca se of deletion 3ptel/duplication 15qtel; deletion 18qtel/duplication Xqtel, and also duplication 7q11.23. Detail clinical analysis was performed in patients with diagnosed microaberrations in MLPA test. CONCLUSIONS: The molecular MLPA test, screening for chromosomal microaberration syndromes, should be performed in each patient with developmental delay and/or intellectual disability of unknown etiology and normal cytogenetic analysis, even if congenital defects and positive familial history do not exist.