Apert syndrome: craniofacial challenges and clinical implications.

Apert syndrome is a rare acro-cephalo-syndactyly syndrome characterised by craniosynostosis, severe syndactyly of hands and feet, and dysmorphic facial features. It demonstrates autosomal dominant inheritance assigned to mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor gene, as a result of which signals are not received to produce necessary fibrous material necessary for normal cranial sutures. Deformities are generally cosmetic but can affect various functions such as hearing, visual abnormalities, swallowing, writing, etc, so a multidisciplinary approach is needed for their management.Presently described is a case of a male in his late adolescence who was medically diagnosed with Apert syndrome at birth. Physical appearance and dental examination of the patient included acrocephaly, prominent forehead, ocular hypertelorism, proptosis, short and broad nose, pseudo-prognathism, dental crowding and ectopia, maxillary hypoplasia, low hairline, webbed neck, pectus excavatum and severe bilateral syndactyly of hands and feet.

Perinatal imaging findings of a fetus with Pfeiffer syndrome and a heterozygous c.1019A>G, p.Tyr340Cys (Y340C) mutation in FGFR2 presenting a cloverleaf skull, craniosynostosis and short limbs on prenatal ultrasound mimicking thanatophoric dysplasia type II.

OBJECTIVE: We present perinatal imaging findings of a fetus with Pfeiffer syndrome and a heterozygous c.1019A>G, p.Tyr340Cys (Y340C) mutation in FGFR2 presenting a cloverleaf skull, craniosynostosis and short limbs on prenatal ultrasound mimicking thanatophoric dysplasia type II (TD2). CASE REPORT: A 37-year-old, gravida 2, para 1, woman underwent amniocentesis at 17 weeks of gestation because of advanced maternal age. Amniocentesis revealed a karyotype of 46,XY. However, craniofacial anomaly was found on prenatal ultrasound at 21 weeks of gestation, which showed a cloverleaf skull with severe craniosynostosis and relatively short straight long bones. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis at 22 weeks of gestation showed a cloverleaf skull, proptosis and relatively shallowing of the sylvian fissures. Prenatal ultrasound at 24 weeks of gestation showed a fetus with a cloverleaf skull with a biparietal diameter (BPD) of 6.16 cm (equivalent to 24 weeks), an abdominal circumference (AC) of 18.89 cm (equivalent to 24 weeks) and a femur length (FL) of 3.65 cm (equivalent to 21 weeks). A tentative diagnosis of TD2 was made. The pregnancy was subsequently terminated, and a 928-g malformed fetus was delivered with severe craniosynostosis, proptosis, midface retrusion, a cloverleaf skull, broad thumbs and broad big toes. The broad thumbs were medially deviated. Whole body X-ray showed a cloverleaf skull and straight long bones. However, molecular analysis of FGFR3 on the fetus revealed no mutation in the target regions. Subsequent whole exome sequencing (WES) on the DNA extracted from umbilical cord revealed a heterozygous c.1019A>G, p.Tyr340Cys (Y340C) mutation in the FGFR2 gene. CONCLUSION: Fetuses with a Y340C mutation in FGFR2 may present a cloverleaf skull on prenatal ultrasound, and WES is useful for a rapid differential diagnosis of Pfeiffer syndrome from TD2 under such a circumstance.

Métodos de avaliação cognitiva de pacientes com Síndrome de Apert e de Crouzon / Cognitive assessment methods of patients with Apert and Crouzon syndrome

A Craniossinostose Coronal bilateral implica em diminuição do Perímetro Craniano (PC) no eixo ântero-posterior (Braquicefalia) e frequentemente se associa ao aumento do eixo céfalo-caudal (vertical-altura) do crânio (Turricefalia), sendo um dos achados mais comuns nas Síndromes de Crouzon e Apert. Objetivo: Identificar, analisar e sintetizar os métodos de avaliação cognitiva apropriados para o acompanhamento da evolução de pacientes com cranioestenoses sindrômicas, em particular as síndromes de Apert e de Crouzon. Método: Trata-se de uma revisão de escopo. Para a formulação da pergunta norteadora da pesquisa e da estratégia de busca, foi utilizada a estratégia Population [((Apert OR Crouzon) AND (Disease OR Syndrom*))], Concept [((cognit* OR neurobehavioral OR neurocognit* OR neuropsyc*) AND (evaluation OR evaluations OR assessment OR "test" OR tests OR status OR development OR disorder OR disorders OR impairment OR impairments OR impaired OR function OR functions))] e Context (em qualquer contexto). Foram inclusos os artigos escritos em inglês, português e espanhol em qualquer período. A busca foi realizada nas bases de dados: Embase, Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE e rede BVS Salud. Resultados:Inúmeros testes de avaliação cognitiva validados internacionalmente foram aplicados aos pacientes com Apert e Crouzon, mas não se observou uma padronização (protocolo) seguida pelas várias unidades de assistência. Dos 75 tipos de Testes Cognitivos aplicados houve o predomínio da Escala de Inteligência de Wechsler (e seus subtestes), 50%. Na população avaliada predominou duas faixas etárias: escolares e adolescentes. As crianças com Apert e Crouzon obtiveram escores piores nos transtornos de socialização, atenção e internalização quando comparadas com o grupo normativo, sendo os piores resultados encontrados em Apert. Fatores que interferem no desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor: pressão intracraniana, malformações encefálicas, genética, idade na correção cirúrgica (postergação da primeira cirurgia após um ano de idade associou-se a um quociente de inteligência mais baixo), institucionalização, ambiente familiar, escolaridade dos cuidadores e nível socioeconômico. Considerações finais: os resultados obtidos contribuíram para maior conhecimento do perfil cognitivo dos pacientes com estas síndromes. Somente conhecendo as habilidades e dificuldades neuropsicomotoras, cognitivas e psicossociais dos pacientes com Apert e Crouzon é que as equipes de saúde, da escola e de cuidadores poderão entender melhor a capacidade perceptiva destes no processo de aprendizado e estarão mais aptas em atender as necessidades especiais destes pacientes e poderão ofertar os estímulos mais adequados no momento mais oportuno (AU).

Bilateral Coronal Craniosynostosis implies a decrease in the Cranial Perimeter (CP) in the anteroposterior axis (Brachycephaly) and is frequently associated with an increase in the cephalocaudal (vertical height) axis of the skull (Turrycephaly); being one of the most common findings in Crouzon and Apert Syndromes (Syndromic Craniosynostosis). In this Scope Review study, among the Syndromic Craniosynostosis, Apert and Crouzon Syndromes will be of special interest. Objective: This study aimed to identify, analyze, and synthesize the appropriate cognitive assessment methods for monitoring the evolution of patients with syndromic craniosynostosis, in particular Apert's and Crouzon's syndromes. Method: This is a scope review. In order to formulate the research guiding question and the searching strategy, the Population [((Apert OR Crouzon) AND (Disease OR Syndrom*))], Concept [((cognit* OR neurobehavioral OR neurocognit* OR neuropsyc*) AND (evaluation OR evaluations OR assessment OR "test" OR tests OR status OR development OR disorder OR disorders OR impairment OR impairments OR impaired OR function OR functions))] and Context (in any context) strategy was used. The articles written in English, Portuguese, and Spanish in any period were included. The search was performed in the following databases: Embase, Scopus, National Library of Medicine (PubMed/MEDLINE), and in the BVS Salud network (PAHO, WHO, BIREME, LILACS). Results: many internationally validated cognitive assessment tests were applied to patients with Apert and Crouzon, but no standardization (protocol) was followed. Of the 75 types of Cognitive Tests applied, the Wechsler Intelligence Scale predominated, 50%. In the evaluated population, two age groups predominated: school children and adolescents. Children with Apert and Crouzon had worse scores on disorders of socialization, attention, and internalization when compared to the normative group, with the worst results found in Apert. Factors that interfere with cognitive development: intracranial pressure, brain malformations, genetics, age at surgical correction, institutionalization, family environment, caregiver education, and socioeconomic status. Conclusion: the results contributed to a better understanding of the cognitive profile of patients with these syndromes and only by knowing about the neuropsychomotor, cognitive, and psychosocial skills and difficulties of these patients with Apert and Crouzon that health, school, and caregiver teams will be able to understand the perceptive capacity in the learning process of these patients deeply and will be able to offer the most appropriate stimuli at the most opportune time. Keywords: Apert, Crouzon, Neuropsyc, Tests, Development (AU).

Clinical and Genetic Studies of the First Monozygotic Twins with Pfeiffer Syndrome.

Objective: To report the clinical and radiographic findings and molecular etiology of the first monozygotic twins affected with Pfeiffer syndrome. Methods: Clinical and radiographic examination and whole exome sequencing were performed on two monozygotic twins with Pfeiffer syndrome. Results: An acceptor splice site mutation in FGFR2 (c.940-2A>G) was detected in both twins. The father and both twins shared the same haplotype, indicating that the mutant allele was from their father's chromosome who suffered severe upper airway obstruction and subsequent obstructive sleep apnea. Hypertrophy of nasal turbinates appears to be a newly recognized finding of Pfeiffer syndrome. Increased intracranial pressure in both twins were corrected early by fronto-orbital advancement with skull expansion and open osteotomy, in order to prevent the more severe consequences of increased intracranial pressure, including hydrocephalus, the bulging of the anterior fontanelle, and the diastasis of suture. Conclusions: Both twins carried a FGFR2 mutation and were discordant for lambdoid synostosis. Midface hypoplasia, narrow nasal cavities, and hypertrophic nasal turbinates resulted in severe upper airway obstruction and subsequent obstructive sleep apnea in both twins. Hypertrophy of the nasal turbinates appears to be a newly recognized finding of Pfeiffer syndrome. Fronto-orbital advancement with skull expansion and open osteotomy was performed to treat increased intracranial pressure in both twins. This is the first report of monozygotic twins with Pfeiffer syndrome.

[A case of Pfeiffer syndrome caused by FGFR2 gene variation].

A 29-month-old male child with FGFR2 heterozygous missense mutation at birth was diagnosed as Pfeiffer syndrome. He was treating for binocular exophthalmos and exposed keratitis in Beijing Tongren Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University. The child had skull fusion (clover head), obvious exophthalmos, deformity of fingers and toes, ankylosis of elbow joint or bony fusion, accompanied by neurological complications and growth retardation; FGFR2 (NM_001144916) gene c.679T>G (thymine>guanine) and p.c227gG(cysteine>glycine) heterozygous missense mutations were found in the the child, and his parents did not carry the same mutation. Pfeiffer syndrome type Ⅱ was diagnosed. Permanent adhesion of eyelid margin was performed under general anesthesia, and the postoperative condition was stable.

Apert syndrome: an informative long-term dentofacial outcome.

The management of patients with Apert syndrome (AS) is complex and reflects the multisystem disease as a result of premature fusion of cranial vault, cranial base and midface sutures as well as extremity anomalies characterised by syndactyly. Early cranial sutural fusion results in craniocerebral disproportion which can lead to crisis surgical intervention due to raised intracranial pressure, ophthalmic and compromised airway concerns. Childhood inventions are often determined by psychosocial concerns and adult surgical interventions are often determined by cosmetic concerns. Treatments are provided by many different specialists within multidisciplinary teams (MDT). The treatment pathway extends from birth well into adulthood and is often associated with a heavy burden of care. Due to the extensive nature of the interaction with these patients MDT members have opportunities to provide enhanced patient-centred care and support.This case report provides an overview of the current knowledge of the aetiology of AS, illustrates the pathway of surgical and non-surgical management of AS and provides a long-term review of the dentofacial treatment outcomes.By having a better understanding of the impact of AS and treatment provided, MDT members can not only provide improved clinical treatment but also offer improved patient experiences for those with craniofacial anomalies, in particular, an increased awareness of the psychosocial challenges they endure.

Quantitative Morphologic Analysis of Cranial Vault in Twist1+/- Mice: Implications in Craniosynostosis.

BACKGROUND: The haploinsufficiency in the TWIST1 gene encoding a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor is a cause of one of the craniosynostosis syndromes, Saethre-Chotzen syndrome. Patients with craniosynostosis usually require operative release of affected sutures, which makes it difficult to observe the long-term consequence of suture fusion on craniofacial growth. METHODS: In this study, we performed quantitative analysis of morphologic changes of the skull in Twist1 heterozygously-deleted mice (Twist1+/-) with micro-computed tomographic images. RESULTS: In Twist1+/- mice, fusion of the coronal suture began before postnatal day 14 and progressed until postnatal day 56, during which morphologic changes occurred. The growth of the skull was not achieved by a constant increase in the measured distances in wild type mice; some distances in the top-basal axis were decreased during the observation period. In the Twist1+/- mouse, growth in the top-basal axis was accelerated and that of the frontal cranium was reduced. In the unicoronal suture fusion mouse, the length of the zygomatic arch of affected side was shorter in the Twist1+/- mouse. In one postnatal day 56 Twist1+/- mouse with bilateral coronal suture fusion, asymmetric zygomatic arch length was identified. CONCLUSION: The authors'results suggest that measuring the length of the left and right zygomatic arches may be useful for early diagnosis of coronal suture fusion and for estimation of the timing of synostosis, and that more detailed study on the growth pattern of the normal and the synostosed skull could provide prediction of the risk of resynostosis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The data from this study can be useful to better understand the cranial growth pattern in patients with craniosynostosis.

Prenatal diagnosis of Greig Cephalopolysyndactyly Syndrome. When to suspect it.

Greig Cephalopolysyndactyly Syndrome (GCPS) is a very rare multiple congenital anomaly with an estimated incidence of 1-9:1,000,000 in newborns with principal findings of macrocephaly, ocular hypertelorism, and polysyndactyly (preaxial or mixed preaxial and postaxial). Very few cases of prenatal diagnoses have been reported. The postnatal diagnosis is based on clinical findings and family background. GLI3, the only gene associated with this anomaly, is altered in more than 75% of cases. Deletions over 1 Mb and involving other genes yield severe clinical cases, which are known collectively as Greig Cephalopolysyndactyly-contiguous gene Syndrome. We report a case in which, despite early polydactyly findings on week 16, the diagnosis was established during the third trimester of pregnancy due to the late presentation of other anomalies corresponding to this syndrome.

Pfeiffer syndrome type 3 with FGR2 c.1052C>G (p.Ser351Cys) variant in West Africa: a case report.

Pfeiffer syndrome is a rare genetic condition that includes anomalies of the head, hands, and feet. It was originally described by Rudolf Pfeiffer in 1964. As a result of varied clinical presentations, there is a low threshold for missing the diagnosis. Three (3) cases were found by the authors in the medical literature from the African continent, all of which lacked molecular studies. The main dysmorphic features we observed in our patient were; macrocephaly with widely gaped sagittal sutures, proptosis with ocular hypertelorism, ankylosed elbows, wide sandal gap and medially deviated broad great toes. In this case, sequence analysis using Illumina technology and deletion/duplication testing of 65 genes for variants associated with craniosynostosis syndromes was performed at Invitae Medical Genetic laboratory. A diagnosis of Pfeiffer syndrome type 3 with FGFR2 c.1052C>G (p.Ser351Cys) variant was made. In conclusion, this case will aid health care providers especially in areas of low accessibility to molecular studies to promptly identify, appropriately manage the condition as well as counselling the parents to offset the risk of abandonment of neonates with dysmorphic features.

[Apert syndrome or acrocephalosyndactilia type I]. / Cas clinique. Le syndrome d'Apert : acrocéphalosyndactilie de type I.

Apert syndrome, or acrocephalosyndactilia type I, is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the FGFR2 gene and characterized by craniosynostosis, craniofacial dysmorphia and symmetrical syndactyly of the hands and feet. The estimated prevalence of this syndrome is 10 to 15.5 cases per 1,000,000 live births. This syndrome presents significant clinical variability and its early diagnosis is essential. We report an isolated case of Apert syndrome, diagnosed during follow-up of a biamniotic bichorium twin pregnancy.

Le syndrome d'Apert, ou acrocéphalosyndactilie de type I, est une maladie génétique rare causée par des mutations du gène FGFR2 et caractérisé par une craniosténose, une dysmorphie cranio-faciale et une syndactylie symétrique des mains et des pieds. La prévalence estimée de ce syndrome est de 10 à 15,5 cas pour 1.000.000 de naissances vivantes. Ce syndrome présente des variabilités cliniques importantes et son diagnostic précoce est essentiel. Nous rapportons un cas isolé de syndrome d'Apert, diagnostiqué en période prénatale, au cours d'un suivi d'une grossesse gémellaire bichoriale biamniotique.

Respective Roles of Craniosynostosis and Syndromic Influences on Cranial Fossa Development.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the detailed growth of the cranial fossae, even though they provide an important structural connection between the cranial vault and the facial skeleton. This study details the morphologic development of isolated cranial vault synostosis and associated syndromes on cranial fossa development. METHODS: A total of 125 computed tomographic scans were included (nonsyndromic bicoronal synostosis, n = 36; Apert syndrome associated with bicoronal synostosis, n = 24; Crouzon syndrome associated with bicoronal synostosis, n = 11; and controls, n = 54). Three-dimensional analyses were produced using Materialise software. RESULTS: The regional anterior and middle cranial fossae volumes of nonsyndromic bicoronal synostosis are characterized by significant increases of 43 percent (p < 0.001) and 60 percent (p < 0.001), respectively, and normal posterior cranial fossa volume. The cranial fossae depths of nonsyndromic bicoronal synostosis were increased, by 37, 42, and 21 percent (all p < 0.001) for anterior, middle, and posterior cranial fossae, respectively, accompanying the shortened cranial fossae lengths. The volume and morphology of all cranial fossae in Apert syndrome nearly paralleled nonsyndromic bicoronal synostosis. However, Crouzon syndrome had reduced depths of cranial fossae, and more restricted fossa volumes than both Apert syndrome and nonsyndromic bicoronal synostosis. CONCLUSIONS: Cranial vault suture synostosis is likely to be more influential on cranial fossae development than other associated influences (genetic, morphologic) in Apert and Crouzon syndromes. Isolated Apert syndrome pathogenesis is associated with an elongation of the anterior cranial fossa length in infants, whereas in Crouzon syndrome, there is a tendency to reduce cranial fossa depth, suggesting individual adaptability in cranial fossae development related to vault synostosis.

[Saethre-Chotzen syndrome: a case report]. / Síndrome de Saethre-Chotzen: a propósito de un caso.

The Saethre-Chotzen syndrome is a craniofacial malformation syndrome characterized by synostosis of coronal sutures and limb anomalies. The estimated prevalence of this syndrome is 1 in 25 000-50 000 live births. We present a case report of a neonate, without relevant family history, who presented craniofacial alterations at birth. Given the phenotypic features, a cranial computed tomography scan was performed, showing partial fusion of the coronal suture, evidencing the presence Síndrome de Saethre-Chotzen: a propósito de un caso Saethre-Chotzen syndrome: a case report of wormian bones in the metopic and right lambdoid location. With the clinical suspicion of craniofacial malformation syndrome, an analysis of the directed exome was requested confirming that the patient is a heterozygous carrier of the pathogenic variant c.415C>A, which induces a change of proline to threonine at position 139 of the TWIST1 gene, responsible for Saethre-Chotzen syndrome. The presence of wormian bones, a finding not described so far in the literature, extends the well-known phenotypic variability of this syndrome.

El síndrome de Saethre-Chotzen es un síndrome malformativo craneofacial caracterizado por una sinostosis de las suturas coronales y alteraciones de extremidades. Tiene una prevalencia de 1 de cada 25 000-50 000 recién nacidos vivos. Se presenta el caso de un neonato sin antecedentes de interés con alteraciones craneofaciales al nacer. Ante los rasgos fenotípicos del paciente, se realizó una tomografía axial computada craneal, que mostró la fusión parcial de la sutura coronal y evidenció la presencia de huesos wormianos en localización metópica y lambdoidea derecha. Con la sospecha clínica de síndrome malformativo craneofacial, se solicitó análisis del exoma dirigido, que confirmó que el paciente era portador heterocigoto de la variante patogénica c.415C>A, que inducía un cambio de prolina a treonina en la posición 139 del gen TWIST1, responsable del síndrome. La presencia de huesos wormianos, hallazgo no descrito hasta ahora en la literatura, amplía la variabilidad fenotípica conocida de este síndrome.

Novel GLI3 pathogenic variants in complex pre- and postaxial polysyndactyly and Greig cephalopolysyndactyly syndrome.

Polydactyly is a limb malformation and can occur as nonsyndromic polydactyly, syndromic polydactyly, or along with other limb defects. A few genes have been identified that cause various forms of syndromic and nonsyndromic polydactyly, of which GLI3 has been extensively explored. In the present study, GLI3 gene was screened by direct resequencing in 15 polydactyly cases with or without other anomalies. GLI3 screening revealed two novel pathogenic variants, NM_000168.6:c.3414delC [p.(H1138Qfs*68)] and NM_000168.6:c.1862C>T [p.(P621L)], found in two unrelated cases of familial complex pre- and postaxial polysyndactyly and sporadic Greig cephalopolysyndactyly syndrome (GCPS), respectively. The first pathogenic GLI3 variant, NM_000168.6:c.3414delC, causes premature protein truncation at the C-terminal domain of GLI3. Alternatively, the second pathogenic variant, NM_000168.6:c.1862C>T, lies in the DNA binding domain of GLI3 protein and may affect its hydrophobic interaction with DNA. Both pathogenic GLI3 variants had reduced transcriptional activity in HEK293 cells that likely had led to haploinsufficiency and, consequently, the clinical phenotypes. Overall, the present study reports a novel familial case of complex pre- and postaxial polysyndactyly and the underlying novel pathogenic GLI3 variant expanding the clinical criteria for GLI3 mutational spectrum to complex pre- and postaxial polysyndactyly. Furthermore, this study also reports a novel GLI3 pathogenic variant linked to GCPS, highlighting the known genotype-phenotype correlation.

Helal Metatarsal Osteotomy in Apert Foot.

BACKGROUND: Apert syndrome is a rare condition characterized by a craniosynostosis associated with complex bilateral malformations of the hands and feet. Although correction of syndactyly of the extremities is largely described, just a few authors have focused their attention on the gradual subluxation of the second metatarsal head during child growth, with hyper pressure, hyperkeratosis on the plantar surface and acute pain leading to walking impairment. The aim of this study is to describe our experience with the Helal metatarsal osteotomy technique on this group of patients. An oblique osteotomy performed dorsal to plantar, proximal to distal on the subluxed metatarsal bone is carried out. No internal bone fixation is needed, but a fundamental hypercorrective bandage is placed under the plantar surface. Immediate full weight-bearing, 24 hours after surgery, is highly recommended. METHODS: Seventeen feet of 12 patients were treated between 2003 and 2018. Corrective osteotomy was performed on a single bone in 13 patients, on 2 bones in 3 patients, and on 3 bones on 1 patient. The mean follow-up was 5 years, with a physical examination once a year. RESULTS: No complication such as infection or delayed wound healing was registered. X-rays taken 3 weeks after surgery showed complete bone consolidation and a correction of the previous plantarflexed position of the metatarsal with consistent reduction of pressure and pain for every patient who was able to wear normal shoes again after surgery. CONCLUSION: The Helal metatarsal osteotomy is a safe, reproducible, and feasible technique that should be considered in cases of painful metatarsal head plantar subluxation in Apert feet. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Estudo cefalométrico nas craniossinostoses sindrômicas / Cephalometric study of syndromic craniosynostosis

As craniossinostoses constituem um grupo heterogêneo de síndromes caracterizadas por uma fusão sutural prematura que ocorre isoladamente ou associada a outras anomalias. A retrusão facial é regra nas craniossinostoses faciais, com inversão da oclusão, recuo dos zigomáticos, falta de projeção nasal, desencadeando déficits funcionais como: defeitos na mastigação, má proteção ocular, exotropia e dificuldade respiratória por falta de profundidade da faringe. Postula-se que uma malformação da base do crânio tenha como consequência a fusão prematura das suturas cranianas. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever e analisar através de exames cefalométricos obtidos a partir de tomografias computadorizadas com reconstruções tridimensionais o fenótipo cefalométrico das craniossinostoses sindrômicas e as peculiaridades da caracterização pontos anatômicos referentes a essa patologia. Apresentamos análise cefalométrica de uma série de casos de pacientes com craniossinostose sindrômica caracterizada por S. Crouzon (4 casos), S. Apert (1 caso), e S. Pfeiffer (1 caso). Nossos resultados demostraram que o fenótipo cefalométrico das craniossinostoses sindrômicas apresenta discrepância grave entre os complexos craniomaxilomandibulares associada à restrição do crescimento da base do crânio, exibindo maxila retruída e mandíbula em posição anteriorizada. Quando comparados à norma clínica apresentam retrusão maxilar grave, diminuição da base posterior do crânio, retroposição horizontal da maxila no sentido anteroposterior, retroinclinação do plano palatal e mordida aberta esquelética, e tendência a desenvolver Classe III de Angle. O estudo cefalométrico tridimensional torna-se uma propedêutica recomendada para as craniossinostoses sindrômicas visando intervenções cirúrgicas, terapias ortodônticas e estéticas pois exigem abordagens clínicas precoces que modificam os pontos anatômicos craniofaciais fundamentais para um correto diagnóstico e programa terapêutico..

Craniosynostosis is a heterogeneous group of syndromes characterized by premature suture fusion that occurs alone or associated with other anomalies. Facial retrusion is a rule in facial craniosystosis, with inversion of occlusion, recoil of zygomatics, lack of nasal projection, triggering functional deficits such as: defects in chewing, poor eye protection, exotropia and difficulty breathing due to lack of pharynx depth. It is postulated that a malformation of the base of the skull has as a consequence the premature fusion of cranial sutures. The aim of this study is to describe and analyze through cephalometric examinations obtained from computed tomography scans with three-dimensional reconstructions the cephalometric phenotype of syndromic craniosystosis and the peculiarities of the characterization of anatomical points related to this pathology. We present cephalometric analysis of a series of cases of patients with syndromic craniosynostosis characterized by S. Crouzon (4 cases), S. Apert (1 case), and S. Pfeiffer (1 case). Our results showed that the cephalometric phenotype of the syndromic craniosystosis presents a severe discrepancy between the craniomaxillomandibular complexes associated with the restriction of the growth of the skull base, presenting a retrudible maxilla and a mandible in an anteriorposition. When compared to the clinical norm, they present severe maxillary retrusion, decreased posterior base of the skull, horizontal retroposition of the maxilla in the anteroposterior direction, retroinclination of the palatal plane and skeletal open bite, and tendency to develop Angle Class III. Three-dimensional cephalometric study becomes a recommended propaedeutic for syndromic craniosynostosis aimed at surgical interventions, orthodontic and aesthetic therapies because they require early clinical approaches that modify the anatomical craniofacial points fundamental to a correct diagnosis and therapeutic program..

Is the Apert foot an overlooked aspect of this rare genetic disease? Clinical findings and treatment options for foot deformities in Apert syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Apert syndrome is characterised by the presence of craniosynostosis, midface retrusion and syndactyly of hands and feet, thus, synonymously referred to as acrocephalosyndactyly type I. Considering these multidisciplinary issues, frequently requiring surgical interventions at an early age, deformities of the feet have often been neglected and seem to be underestimated in the management of Apert syndrome. Typical Apert foot features range from complete fusion of the toes and a central nail mass to syndactyly of the second to fifth toe with a medially deviated great toe; however, no clear treatment algorithms were presented so far. This article reviews the current existing literature regarding the treatment approach of foot deformities in Apert syndrome. STATE-OF-THE-ART TOPIC REVIEW: Overall, the main focus in the literature seems to be on the surgical approach to syndactyly separation of the toes and the management of the great toe deformity (hallux varus). Although the functional benefit of syndactyly separation in the foot has yet to be determined, some authors perform syndactyly separation usually in a staged procedure. Realignment of the great toe and first ray can be performed by multiple means including but not limited to second ray deletion, resection of the proximal phalanx delta bone on one side, corrective open wedge osteotomy, osteotomy of the osseous fusion between metatarsals I and II, and metatarsal I lengthening using gradual osteodistraction. Tarsal fusions and other anatomical variants may be present and have to be corrected on an individual basis. Shoe fitting problems are frequently mentioned as indication for surgery while insole support may be helpful to alleviate abnormal plantar pressures. CONCLUSION: There is a particular need for multicenter studies to better elaborate surgical indications and treatment plans for this rare entity. Plantar pressure measurements using pedobarography should be enforced in order to document the biomechanical foot development and abnormalities during growth, and to help with indication setting. Treatment options may include conservative means (i.e. insoles, orthopedic shoes) or surgery to improve biomechanics and normalize plantar pressures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.

A novel FGFR2 (S137W) mutation resulting in Apert syndrome: A case report.

RATIONALE: Apert syndrome (AS) is an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern of the most severe craniosynostosis syndrome. AS is characterized by synostosis of cranial sutures and acrocephaly, including brachycephaly, midfacial hypoplasia, and syndactyly of the hands and feet. Patients with AS often present with craniosynostosis, severe syndactyly, and skin, skeletal, brain, and visceral abnormalities. PATIENT CONCERNS: A pregnant Chinese woman presented with a fetus at 23 + 5 weeks of gestation with suspected AS in a prenatal ultrasound examination. Following ultrasound, the pregnancy underwent spontaneous abortion. Gene sequencing was performed on the back skin of the dead fetus. DIAGNOSIS: The diagnosis of AS was confirmed on the basis of clinical manifestations of the fetus, and a de novo mutation in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene was identified. INTERVENTIONS: The couple finally chose to terminate the pregnancy based on the ultrasonic malformations and the risk of the parents having a neonate with AS in the future is small. However, any future pregnancy must be assessed by prenatal diagnosis. OUTCOMES: The dead fetus presented with bilateral skull deformation. Additionally, there were bilateral changes to the temporal bone caused by inwards movement leading to concave morphology, a "clover" sign, and syndactyly from the index finger/second toe to the little finger/little toe. AS was diagnosed by genetic testing, which showed a p.S137W (c.410C>G, chr10:123279677) mutation in the FGFR2 gene. LESSONS: Clinicians should be aware that there are a variety of ultrasound findings for AS. Therefore, genetic testing should be used when appropriate to confirm diagnosis of AS.