Congenital Orbital Glial Heterotopia Associated with Clinicopathological Anophthalmia: A Case Report.

Glial heterotopia (GH) is the presence of glial tissue outside the cranial cavity, without communication with the brain. The orbital location usually presents as eyelid swelling, strabismus, and proptosis. This is considered a congenital location that usually presents at birth. Its association with anophthalmia is uncommon. We report the case of a 2-day-old male neonate with left congenital intraorbital lesion presenting with massive proptosis. No eyeball could be seen. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging disclosed a large and predominantly cystic mass occupying and protruding from the left orbit without intracranial extension. In the operating theatre, a large amount of fluid was aspirated prior to total resection of the mass. Chemical analysis of the fluid was compatible with cerebrospinal fluid. Histologically, the tumor was composed of mature neuroglial tissue and ependymal cells. Despite multiple sections, no choroid plexus or intraocular content was found. The diagnosis of GH with anophthalmia was made.

Long-read genome sequencing resolves a complex 13q structural variant associated with syndromic anophthalmia.

Microphthalmia, anophthalmia, and coloboma (MAC) are a heterogeneous spectrum of anomalous eye development and degeneration with genetic and environmental etiologies. Structural and copy number variants of chromosome 13 have been implicated in MAC; however, the specific loci involved in disease pathogenesis have not been well-defined. Herein we report a newborn with syndromic degenerative anophthalmia and a complex de novo rearrangement of chromosome 13q. Long-read genome sequencing improved the resolution and clinical interpretation of a duplication-triplication/inversion-duplication (DUP-TRP/INV-DUP) and terminal deletion. Sequence features at the breakpoint junctions suggested microhomology-mediated break-induced replication (MMBIR) of the maternal chromosome as the origin. Comparing this rearrangement to previously reported copy number alterations in 13q, we refine a putative dosage-sensitive critical region for MAC that might provide new insights into its molecular etiology.

Microphthalmia is not a mandatory finding in X-linked recessive syndromic microphthalmia caused by the recurrent BCOR variant p.Pro85Leu.

Mutations in BCOR cause X-linked dominant and X-linked recessive forms of syndromic microphthalmia. By exome sequencing, we identified the recurrent BCOR mutation p.Pro85Leu in two brothers and their unaffected mother. While the older brother's phenotype completely fits the described phenotypic spectrum of X-linked recessive BCOR-associated Lenz microphthalmia syndrome, the younger brother showed developmental delay, microcephaly, and skeletal anomalies, but not the key feature of microphthalmia. In contrast to the previously published families, our findings demonstrate a large variability of BCOR-associated, syndromic phenotypes, indicating incomplete penetrance of p.Pro85Leu with regards to microphthalmia in males.

Epidemiology of anophthalmia and microphthalmia: Prevalence and patterns in Texas, 1999-2009.

Anophthalmia and microphthalmia are a set of rare, yet severe, birth defects considered to be part of a spectrum of developmental ocular malformations ranging from smaller than average to completely absent eyes. Despite their clinical significance, little is known about the etiologies of these conditions. The goal of this study was to expand our understanding of the epidemiology of anophthalmia and microphthalmia. Data for this population-based assessment were obtained from the Texas Birth Defects Registry (TBDR) and Center for Health Statistics for the period 1999-2009. Descriptive analyses and estimates of birth prevalence and prevalence ratios (PR) were determined for this defect. There were 1,262 definite anophthalmia and microphthalmia patients identified in the TBDR, with an overall combined prevalence of 3.0 per 10,000 live births. More than half (55.7%) of the patients had at least one chromosome abnormality or syndrome. In addition, 92.4% of nonsyndromic patients (i.e., have no recorded chromosome abnormalities or syndromes) had at least one additional birth defect. After adjustment for multiple factors, the prevalence of nonsyndromic anophthalmia and microphthalmia was higher among mothers who had ≥2 previous fetal deaths (PR = 1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.97) and among mothers with any reported diabetes (PR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.49-2.90). Our results confirm that children with anophthalmia and microphthalmia frequently have genetic syndromes or are born with other major birth defects. Our findings add to the limited body of literature on anophthalmia and microphthalmia as well as help define subgroups of women who are more likely to have children with this malformation.

Genetic analysis of consanguineous families presenting with congenital ocular defects.

Anophthalmia and microphthalmia (A/M) are a group of rare developmental disorders that affect the size of the ocular globe. A/M may present as the sole clinical feature, but are also frequently found in a variety of syndromes. A/M is genetically heterogeneous and can be caused by chromosomal aberrations, copy number variations and single gene mutations. To date, A/M has been caused by mutations in at least 20 genes that show different modes of inheritance. In this study, we enrolled eight consanguineous families with A/M, including seven from Pakistan and one from India. Sanger and exome sequencing of DNA samples from these families identified three novel mutations including two mutations in the Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 Family Member A3 (ALDH1A3) gene, [c.1310_1311delAT; p.(Tyr437Trpfs*44) and c.964G > A; p.(Val322Met)] and a single missense mutation in Forkhead Box E3 (FOXE3) gene, [c.289A > G p.(Ile97Val)]. Additionally two previously reported mutations were identified in FOXE3 and in Visual System Homeobox 2 (VSX2). This is the first comprehensive study on families with A/M from the Indian subcontinent which provides further evidence for the involvement of known genes with novel and recurrent mutations.

MATTHEW-WOOD SYNDROME: A CASE WITH DEXTROCARDIA AND STREAK GONADS.

Matthew-Wood syndrome (MWS), also termed Microphthalmia, syndrome 9 (MCOPS9, MIM 601186), Spear syndrome, or pulmonary hypoplasia, diaphragmatic hernia, anophthalmia and cardiac defects syndrome (PDAC syndrome), is an autosomal recessive disorder characterised by ocular, respiratory and cardiac abnormalities. Mutations in retinoic acid 6 gene (STRA6) have been reported in clinically diagnosed patients with MWS. Here we presented a case with MWS, who has characteristic findings of the syndrome as well as dextrocardia as an undescribed feature, and bilateral streak gonads which was described only in one patient previously. Molecular analysis showed a homozygous exonic missense mutation in the STRA6 gene.

[Clinical and anatomical features of congenital microphthalmia and anophthalmia in children and conservative methods of rehabilitation]. / Kliniko-anatomicheskie osobennosti vrozhdennogo mikroftal'ma i anoftal'ma u detei i konservativnye metody reabilitatsii.

AIM: To develop a comprehensive classification system of distinctive clinical and anatomical features of congenital microphthalmia and anophthalmia in children and to specify indications, contraindications, and optimal timing of the primary and subsequent prosthetic treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 70 patients with congenital micro- or anophthalmia aged from 1 month to 12 years were examined. Besides the routine ophthalmic examination, all patients underwent eye and orbit ultrasound (axial length measurement and B-scan), computed tomography of the orbits and skull, and immunological tests for infectious diseases (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays). RESULTS: Basing on the examination RESULTS: we have determined the common types of congenital micro- and anophthalmia in children. We have also developed a stepwise prosthetic treatment aimed at better cosmetic rehabilitation. Indications and contraindications for the use of ocular prostheses in children with congenital micro- and anophthalmia have been identified. CONCLUSION: The proposed method of stepwise prosthetics is the principal option for conservative rehabilitation of children with congenital micro- or anophthalmia.

Molecular findings and clinical data in a cohort of 150 patients with anophthalmia/microphthalmia.

Anophthalmia and microphthalmia (AM) are the most severe malformations of the eye, corresponding respectively to reduced size or absent ocular globe. Wide genetic heterogeneity has been reported and different genes have been demonstrated to be causative of syndromic and non-syndromic forms of AM. We screened seven AM genes [GDF6 (growth differentiation factor 6), FOXE3 (forkhead box E3), OTX2 (orthodenticle protein homolog 2), PAX6 (paired box 6), RAX (retina and anterior neural fold homeobox), SOX2 (SRY sex determining region Y-box 2), and VSX2 (visual system homeobox 2 gene)] in a cohort of 150 patients with isolated or syndromic AM. The causative genetic defect was identified in 21% of the patients (32/150). Point mutations were identified by direct sequencing of these genes in 25 patients (13 in SOX2, 4 in RAX, 3 in OTX2, 2 in FOXE3, 1 in VSX2, 1 in PAX6, and 1 in GDF6). In addition eight gene deletions (five SOX2, two OTX2 and one RAX) were identified using a semi-quantitative multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) [quantitative multiplex PCR amplification of short fluorescent fragments (QMPSF)]. The causative genetic defect was identified in 21% of the patients. This result contributes to our knowledge of the molecular basis of AM, and will facilitate accurate genetic counselling.

Congenital cystic eye associated with a low-grade cerebellar lesion that spontaneously regressed.

BACKGROUND: Congenital cystic eye is an exceedingly rare ocular malformative disease, originated from the failure in the invagination of the optic vesicle during the fetal period and it can be associated with other ocular and non-ocular abnormalities. Diagnosis is based on clinical, radiological and histological features. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a congenital cystic eye associated with a cerebellar lesion accidentally detected at magnetic resonance imaging. Biopsy of the mass has not been performed due to parental rejection. Based on radiologic features and absence of clinical signs, a low-grade glioma diagnosis was hypothesized, but histological characterization was not obtained. Follow-up neuro-imaging 6 months after diagnosis showed that intracranial lesion spontaneously regressed without any treatment. CONCLUSION: Our report stresses the importance of early MRI in children with ocular malformations, in order to detect associated intracranial defects, also of non-malformative origin. Additionally, we debate the clinic-radiological features of the intracranial lesions that could allow a wait-and-see policy. We also recommend a strict clinical and neuro-imaging follow-up for these lesions. Finally, biological mechanisms at the base of spontaneous regression of the brain lesions are discussed.

Fryns anophthalmia-plus syndrome: two rare cases.

Fryns anophthalmia-plus syndrome is a rare syndrome with clinical diversity primarily including anophthalmia/microphthalmia, facial clefts, cleft lip/palate, ear and nasal deformities. Here we present two different cases of APS with anopthalmia/microphthalmia, cleft palate, low set ears, ventriculomegaly and one of which had intestinal non-fixation anomaly not described in the literature before.

Lenz micropthalmia syndrome with associated orbital cysts.

An 8-year-old boy presented for oculoplastic evaluation of bilateral microphthalmia. He had multiple other congenital anomalies, including microcephaly, wide-spaced teeth, sloping shoulders, protruding ears, syndactyly, a posterior urethral valve, cystic dysplasia of the kidneys, and a bicuspid aortic valve. Taken together, these findings supported the diagnosis of Lenz microphthalmia syndrome. CT of the orbits revealed bilateral microphthalmic globes with associated colobomatous cysts. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of Lenz microphthalmia syndrome with associated orbital cysts.

Anophthalmic syndrome: a review of management.

PURPOSE: To review and summarize current management of anophthalmic syndrome-enophthalmos, superior sulcus syndrome, lower eyelid laxity, and upper eyelid ptosis. METHODS: The authors performed a PubMed search of all articles published in English on the management of anophthalmic socket syndrome. RESULTS: A review of 37 articles demonstrated that anophthalmic syndrome occurs in a significant proportion of this patient population. Primary prevention through careful selection of primary orbital implant is ideal. Residual mild deficits can then be corrected through prosthesis modification. When modification of the prosthesis is no longer sufficient, specifically targeted procedures become necessary. CONCLUSIONS: Ocularists and oculoplastic surgeons should work together closely to treat anophthalmic syndrome. Future studies should establish uniform measurement criteria as the next step in validating the benefit and limitation of each technique.

High Clinical Exome Sequencing Diagnostic Rates and Novel Phenotypic Expansions for Nonisolated Microphthalmia, Anophthalmia, and Coloboma.

Purpose: A molecular diagnosis is only made in a subset of individuals with nonisolated microphthalmia, anophthalmia, and coloboma (MAC). This may be due to underutilization of clinical (whole) exome sequencing (cES) and an incomplete understanding of the genes that cause MAC. The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of cES in cases of nonisolated MAC and to identify new MAC phenotypic expansions. Methods: We determined the efficacy of cES in 189 individuals with nonisolated MAC. We then used cES data, a validated machine learning algorithm, and previously published expression data, case reports, and animal models to determine which candidate genes were most likely to contribute to the development of MAC. Results: We found the efficacy of cES in nonisolated MAC to be between 32.3% (61/189) and 48.1% (91/189). Most genes affected in our cohort were not among genes currently screened in clinically available ophthalmologic gene panels. A subset of the genes implicated in our cohort had not been clearly associated with MAC. Our analyses revealed sufficient evidence to support low-penetrance MAC phenotypic expansions involving nine of these human disease genes. Conclusions: We conclude that cES is an effective means of identifying a molecular diagnosis in individuals with nonisolated MAC and may identify putatively damaging variants that would be missed if only a clinically available ophthalmologic gene panel was obtained. Our data also suggest that deleterious variants in BRCA2, BRIP1, KAT6A, KAT6B, NSF, RAC1, SMARCA4, SMC1A, and TUBA1A can contribute to the development of MAC.

Long term follow-up of axial length and orbital dimensions in congenital microphthalmia and anophthalmia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate axial length (AL), orbital width (OW) and height (OH) development in congenital microphthalmia and anophthalmia (MICA) using serial ultrasonography measurements. METHODS: A longitudinal prospective cohort (n = 74) of unilaterally and bilaterally affected MICA patients was followed from 2013 to 2022 at the university hospital in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Clinical entity, age, severity category based on axial length, conformer treatment and intra-orbital cysts were registered. The main outcome measures were the absolute and relative growth of AL, OW and OH. Surgical and intra-orbital cyst cases were described separately. RESULTS: Absolute microphthalmic eye size increased in 27/49 (55%) unilateral MICA eyes, but growth arrest/decrease in the remaining could shift the case to a more severe category over time. A final affected/unaffected orbital symmetry ≥80% was seen in the large majority of unilateral cases (45/46 for OW, 43/46 for OH). Cases with AL < 10.5 mm had orbital symmetry <80% more often. Most orbital symmetry changes were seen in moderate and severe unilateral cases treated with 3D-printed conformer therapy starting at age <1 year, with 6/10 (60%) symmetry increase, 30% unchanged symmetry and 10% symmetry decrease. All cases older than 6.5 years (n = 6) did not show any change anymore, regardless of treatment. For bilateral and unilateral mild cases, orbital dimensions kept the same proportions during follow-up, with or without conformer treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Using severity categories in MICA based on relative AL may aid the decision to start conformer treatment, as most orbital symmetry changes were seen in moderate and severe unilateral cases receiving 3D-printed conformer therapy that started under age 1.

Serial sub-conjunctival 5-Fluorouracil for early recurrent anophthalmic contracted socket.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effects and side-effects of serial sub-conjunctival injections of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in early postoperative period for recurrent anophthalmic contracted socket. METHODS: Retrospective comparative case series at tertiary eye care centre including fifteen adult patients with features of postoperative recurrent socket contraction after buccal mucosal graft. Group A comprised eight patients treated with 10 mg weekly sub-conjunctival injection of 5-FU in the fornices. Group B comprised seven patients taken as control. Main outcome measures were: superior fornix depth (SFD), inferior fornix depth (IFD), and socket volume (SV) at 6 months follow up. Patients were re-evaluated clinically for recurrence at last follow-up. RESULTS: The mean ± SD values in group A versus group B were as follows: 10 ± 1.6 mm vs 5.1 ± 0.9 mm (p < 0.005) for SFD, 6.7 ± 1.5 mm vs 3.5 ± 0.5 mm (p = 0.02) for IFD; and 2 ± 0.55 ml versus 0.27 ± 0.06 ml (p = 0.005) for SV at 6 months. There was significant improvement in depth of fornices and volume of socket in seven patients in group A. One patient in group A did not benefit from 5-FU treatment. The beneficial effects of 5-FU were observed when first injection was given within 4 weeks after socket reconstruction. There was no recurrence (in six cases) and no side-effects seen in group A at final follow-up of 18.2 (12-24) months. CONCLUSIONS: Weekly injections of 5-FU are effective for stopping the progression of recurrent contracted socket following primary reconstructive surgery. It provides early rehabilitation, and avoids repetitive surgery.

Prenatal diagnosis of X-linked recessive Lenz microphthalmia syndrome.

Lenz microphthalmia syndrome comprises microphthalmia-anophthalmia with mental retardation, malformed ears and skeletal anomalies, and is inherited in an X-linked recessive pattern. In 2004, it was reported that the missense mutation (BCL-6 co-repressor gene [BCOR] c.254C>T, p.P85L) in a single family with Lenz microphthalmia syndrome co-segregated with the disease phenotype. We report a case of prenatal diagnosis for X-linked recessive Lenz microphthalmia syndrome with the mutation. A 32-year-old gravida 5, para 2 Japanese woman was referred to Nagoya City University Hospital at 15 weeks of gestation. After genetic counseling and informed consent, amniocentesis was performed for fetal karyotyping, which was 46,XY. Using the extracted DNA from cultured amniotic cells, fetal search for BCOR c.254C>T mutation was undertaken. The couple requested medical termination of pregnancy, and the postabortion examination confirmed the diagnosis. This is the third report of a BCOR mutation, associated with X-linked syndromic microphthalmia, and most importantly, it is always the same mutation. The prenatal genetic diagnosis of the Lenz microphthalmia syndrome allowed time for parental counseling and delivery planning.

Anophthalmia-plus syndrome with unusual findings. A clinical report and review of the literature.

We present a male child at 3 years old with Anophthalmia-Plus Syndrome (APS). He has asymmetry of the face and head, left choanal atresia, a sunken facial appearance, microphthalmia in the right eye, severe microphthalmia in the left eye, bilateral low-set ears, scarring from cleft palate surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sections revealed decreased right globe volume, an undeveloped left globe, decreased left optical nerve thickness, Chiari type 2 malformation, left choanal atresia and cleft palate. Echocardiography and abdominal ultrasonography were normal. The patient has a 45 dB conductive hearing loss in the left ear. Repeated thyroid function tests were evaluated as compatible with central hypothyroidism. We report a Fryns Anophthalmia-Plus Syndrome in a child with unusual findings including central hypothyroidism, chiari type 2 malformation, conductive hearing loss and developmental regression. Summary of the features reported in the present case and all 14 previous cases that might be defined as APS.