PHACES syndrome and multi-regional odontodysplasia: a case report.

PHACES syndrome is an acronym for the syndromic presentation of Posterior fossa malformation, Hemangioma, Arterial anomalies, Coarctation of aorta/cardiac defects, Eye abnormalities and Sternal malformations. Infantile hemangiomas are the most common tumors of infancy. Regional odontodysplasia, commonly referred to as "ghost teeth", is a rare localized developmental malformation of enamel and dentin with varying levels of severity that results in unusual clinical and radiographic appearances of affected teeth. This report describes a rare case of a two-year-old Caucasian male diagnosed with PHACES syndrome also presenting with multi-regional odontodysplasia. Ten of twenty teeth were dysplastic. The patient was treated under general anesthesia in a hospital setting. All affected primary teeth were extracted due to sensitivity, abscess and extremely poor long-term prognosis. Moving forward, a long-term interdisciplinary approach will be necessary to address this child's dentition as it develops.

Encephalocraniocutaneous Lipomatosis: A Case Report.

ABSTRACT: Encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis (ECCL) is a rare congenital syndrome and subclassification of oculoectodermal syndrome. Encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis may be associated with postzygotic mutations. However, absence of an identifiable mutation does not preclude a diagnosis of ECCL. Encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis commonly causes skin, eye, and central nervous system anomalies. Diagnosis can be made through genetic sequencing or standardized clinical criteria. One clinically apparent major criterion for the diagnosis of ECCL is nevus psiloliparus (NP), a fatty nevus with overlying nonscarring alopecia. In this case, a 50-day-old female infant with uncomplicated birth history presented to dermatology clinic for evaluation of 2 superficial cranial masses that had been present since birth without regression or evolution. One of the masses was located within the hairline and demonstrated overlying nonscarring alopecia, suspicious of NP. Because of concern for ECCL, brain magnetic resonance imaging was ordered and revealed 2 intracranial lipomas. Genetic testing was inconclusive. Excision of the masses was performed at the request of the parents for cosmetic purposes. Histologic evaluation of the surgical specimens confirmed the diagnosis of NP and ECCL. A suspected NP should raise concern for ECCL and prompt further evaluation for systemic involvement. In particular, patients with suspected ECCL should be screened for ocular and CNS involvement. Early identification and diagnosis are important for prognostication because patients with ECCL are at increased risk of developing neoplasms of the head and neck and may require more frequent screening examinations.

Multidisciplinary team for patients with neurocutaneous syndromes: The little discussed importance of dentistry.

Neurocutaneous syndromes comprise a heterogeneous group of congenital or hereditary conditions that are known to be associated with the risk of different disorders and complications. Two of the most common neurocutaneous syndromes are Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). Although there appears to be a general consensus on the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing these cases, there is still very little emphasis in discussions addressed in the literature on the role of dentistry in accordance with the perspective of comprehensive care. Evidence-based propositions, together with a broad discussion of new insights in this regard, should have the ability to strongly impact related future perspectives, aiming for greater advances and better outcomes for these patients. In this review article, the authors discuss updated general aspects of NF1 and TSC, and the potential additional roles of dentistry, in addition to addressing suggestions for actions in dentistry at related levels of care, as well as priorities for future research.

Expansion of the complex genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of FGFR2-associated neurocutaneous syndromes.

The fibroblast growth factor receptors comprise a family of related but individually distinct tyrosine kinase receptors. Within this family, FGFR2 is a key regulator in many biological processes, e.g., cell proliferation, tumorigenesis, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Heterozygous activating non-mosaic germline variants in FGFR2 have been linked to numerous autosomal dominantly inherited disorders including several craniosynostoses and skeletal dysplasia syndromes. We report on a girl with cutaneous nevi, ocular malformations, macrocephaly, mild developmental delay, and the initial clinical diagnosis of Schimmelpenning-Feuerstein-Mims syndrome, a very rare mosaic neurocutaneous disorder caused by postzygotic missense variants in HRAS, KRAS, and NRAS. Exome sequencing of blood and affected skin tissue identified the mosaic variant c.1647=/T > G p.(Asn549=/Lys) in FGFR2, upstream of the RAS signaling pathway. The variant is located in the tyrosine kinase domain of FGFR2 in a region that regulates the activity of the receptor and structural mapping and functional characterization revealed that it results in constitutive receptor activation. Overall, our findings indicate FGFR2-associated neurocutaneous syndrome as the accurate clinical-molecular diagnosis for the reported individual, and thereby expand the complex genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of FGFR-associated disorders. We conclude that molecular analysis of FGFR2 should be considered in the genetic workup of individuals with the clinical suspicion of a mosaic neurocutaneous condition, as the knowledge of the molecular cause might have relevant implications for genetic counseling, prognosis, tumor surveillance and potential treatment options.

Melanoma of the central nervous system based on neurocutaneous melanocytosis in childhood: A rare but fatal condition.

BACKGROUND: Melanomas of the central nervous system (CNS) based on neurocutaneous melanocytosis (NCM) are exceptionally rare in childhood and have been described only sporadically. Rapidly progressive disease may represent a major challenge for treating physicians, especially given the limited knowledge about this condition. This analysis aimed to increase knowledge about the occurrence and treatment of these malignancies. PROCEDURE: Data on diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of patients aged 0-18 years with CNS melanoma based on NCM recorded in the German Registry for Rare Pediatric Tumors (STEP registry) were analyzed. Additionally, published case reports on this condition were analyzed. RESULTS: In STEP, five patients with leptomeningeal melanoma based on NCM were identified, with a median age at melanoma diagnosis of 3.7 years. Various multimodal treatments were performed: (partial) resection (n = 4), irradiation (n = 2), trametinib (n = 3), different cytostatics (n = 2), and anti-GD2 immunotherapy (n = 1). All patients died between 0.3 and 0.8 years after diagnosis. Including published case reports, 27 patients were identified with a median age of 2.8 years at melanoma diagnosis (range: 0.2-16.6). Fourteen of 16 cases with reported data had a NRAS alteration (88%), particularly NRAS p.Q61K (85%). In the expanded cohort, no patient survived longer than 1 year after diagnosis despite multimodal therapy (including trametinib; n = 9), with a median survival of 0.4 years (range 0.1-0.9). CONCLUSIONS: CNS melanomas based on NCM in childhood are aggressive malignancies without curative treatment to date. Therapeutic approaches must be individualized. Genetic tumor sequencing is essential to improve understanding of tumorigenesis and potentially identify new therapeutic targets.

Multicenter Study of Long-Term Outcomes and Quality of Life in PHACE Syndrome after Age 10.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize long-term outcomes of PHACE syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter study with cross-sectional interviews and chart review of individuals with definite PHACE syndrome ≥10 years of age. Data from charts were collected across multiple PHACE-related topics. Data not available in charts were collected from patients directly. Likert scales were used to assess the impact of specific findings. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scales were used to assess quality of life domains. RESULTS: A total of 104/153 (68%) individuals contacted participated in the study at a median of 14 years of age (range 10-77 years). There were infantile hemangioma (IH) residua in 94.1%. Approximately one-half had received laser treatment for residual IH, and the majority (89.5%) of participants were satisfied or very satisfied with the appearance. Neurocognitive manifestations were common including headaches/migraines (72.1%), participant-reported learning differences (45.1%), and need for individualized education plans (39.4%). Cerebrovascular arteriopathy was present in 91.3%, with progression identified in 20/68 (29.4%) of those with available follow-up imaging reports. Among these, 6/68 (8.8%) developed moyamoya vasculopathy or progressive stenoocclusion, leading to isolated circulation at or above the level of the circle of Willis. Despite the prevalence of cerebrovascular arteriopathy, the proportion of those with ischemic stroke was low (2/104; 1.9%). PROMIS global health scores were lower than population norms by at least 1 SD. CONCLUSIONS: PHACE syndrome is associated with long-term, mild to severe morbidities including IH residua, headaches, learning differences, and progressive arteriopathy. Primary and specialty follow-up care is critical for PHACE patients into adulthood.

Missense mutation of NRAS is associated with malignant progression in neurocutaneous melanosis.

Neurocutaneous melanosis (NCM) is a rare congenital neurocutaneous syndrome characterized by congenital melanocytic nevus of skin and abnormal proliferation of leptomeningeal melanocytes. Early acquisition of post-zygotic somatic mutations has been postulated to underlie the pathogenesis of NCM. The pathogenesis of NCM remains to be fully elucidated, and treatment options have not been established. Here, we report for the first time, multiregional genomic analyses in a 3-year-old autopsied girl with leptomeningeal melanomatosis associated with NCM, in which a ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt was inserted for the treatment of hydrocephalus. The patient expired six months after the onset due to respiratory failure caused by abdominal dissemination via VP shunt. We performed multiregional exome sequencing to identify genomic differences among brain and abdominal tumors, nevus, and normal tissues. A total of 87 somatic mutations were found in 71 genes, with a significantly large number of gene mutations found in the tumor site. The genetic alterations detected in the nevus were only few and not shared with other sites. Three mutations, namely GNAQ R183Q, S1PR3 G89S and NRAS G12V, considered pathogenic, were found, although S1PR3 mutations have not been previously reported in melanocytic tumors. GNAQ and S1PR3 mutations were shared in both tumor and normal sites. Moreover, the mutant allele frequencies of the two mutations were markedly higher in tumor sites than in normal sites, with copy-neutral loss-of-heterozygosity (CN-LOH) occurring in tumor. NRAS mutation was found only in the abdominal tumor and was thought to be responsible for malignant progression in the present case. Multiregional comprehensive genetic analysis may lead to discovering novel driver mutations associated with tumorigenesis and targeted therapy.

Navigating the complexities of encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis: a case series and review.

INTRODUCTION: Encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis (ECCL) is a rare congenital syndrome with complex skin, eye, and central nervous system (CNS) symptoms. Diagnosis and treatment are challenging due to its rarity and diverse manifestations. It often involves issues like porencephalic cysts, cortical atrophy, and low-grade gliomas in the CNS, resulting in developmental delays. The spinal cord is frequently affected, leading to problems like medullary compression and radiculopathy, causing back pain and sensory/motor deficits. Surgical interventions are reserved for symptomatic cases to address hydrocephalus or alleviate spinal lipomas. This article reviews a case series to assess surgical risks and neurological outcomes. CASE SERIES: We present a case series ECCL, focusing on the diffuse lipomatosis of the spinal cord and the intricate surgical procedures involved. A multi-stage surgical approach was adopted, with continuous neuromonitoring employed to safeguard motor pathways. We discuss clinical characteristics, imaging studies, and indications for neurosurgical interventions. DISCUSSION: ECCL is a complex syndrome. Diagnosis is challenging and includes clinical evaluation, neuroimaging, and genetic testing. Treatment targets specific symptoms, often requiring surgery for issues like lipomas or cerebral cysts. Surgery involves laminectomies, spinal fusion, and motor pathway monitoring. Thorough follow-up is crucial due to potential CNS complications like low-grade gliomas. Hydrocephalus occurs in some cases, with endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) preferred over ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement. CONCLUSION: Neurosurgery for ECCL is for symptomatic cases. ETV is preferred for hydrocephalus, while the treatment for lipoma is based on the presence of symptoms; the follow-up should assess growth and prevent deformities.

Topical trametinib for epidermal and sebaceous nevi in a child with Schimmelpenning-Feuerstein-Mims syndrome.

We present the case of a 20-month-old girl with Schimmelpenning-Feuerstein-Mims (SFM) syndrome with extensive head, neck, and torso skin involvement successfully managed with topical trametinib. Trametinib interferes downstream of KRAS and HRAS in the MAPK signaling pathway, of which KRAS was implicated in our child's pathogenic variant. Although other dermatologic conditions have shown benefit from oral trametinib, its topical use has not been well reported. Our patient showed benefit from the use of twice-daily topical trametinib, applied to the epidermal and sebaceous nevi over a 16-month period, leading to decreased pruritus and thinning of the plaques.

Next generation sequencing aids diagnosis and management in a case of encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis.

Encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis (ECCL) is a rare neurocutaneous disorder caused by somatic FGFR1 and KRAS variants. It shares significant phenotypic overlap with several closely related disorders caused by mutations in the RAS-MAPK pathway (mosaic RASopathies). We report a diagnostically challenging case of ECCL in which next-generation sequencing of affected tissue identified a pathologic FGFR1 p.K656E variant, thereby establishing a molecular diagnosis. Patients with FGFR1-associated ECCL carry a risk of developing malignant brain tumors; thus, genetic testing of patients with suspected ECCL has important management implications.

Non-vascular intracranial lesions in three children with PHACE association.

PHACE (posterior fossa malformations, hemangiomas, arterial anomalies, cardiac anomalies, eye anomalies) association has many recognized clinical features. A link between PHACE and non-vascular intracranial lesions has not been well-described. We report three pediatric patients with PHACE and non-vascular intracranial lesions.

GNAQ/GNA11 Mosaicism Is Associated with Abnormal Serum Calcium Indices and Microvascular Neurocalcification.

Mosaic mutations in genes GNAQ or GNA11 lead to a spectrum of diseases including Sturge-Weber syndrome and phakomatosis pigmentovascularis with dermal melanocytosis. The pathognomonic finding of localized "tramlining" on plain skull radiography, representing medium-sized neurovascular calcification and associated with postnatal neurological deterioration, led us to study calcium metabolism in a cohort of 42 children. In this study, we find that 74% of patients had at least one abnormal measurement of calcium metabolism, the commonest being moderately low serum ionized calcium (41%) or high parathyroid hormone (17%). Lower levels of ionized calcium even within the normal range were significantly associated with seizures, and with specific antiepileptics despite normal vitamin D levels. Successive measurements documented substantial intrapersonal fluctuation in indices over time, and DEXA scans were normal in patients with hypocalcemia. Neurohistology from epilepsy surgery in five patients revealed not only intravascular, but perivascular and intraparenchymal mineral deposition and intraparenchymal microvascular disease in addition to previously reported findings. Neuroradiology review clearly demonstrated progressive calcium deposition in individuals over time. These findings and those of the adjoining paper suggest that calcium deposition in the brain of patients with GNAQ/GNA11 mosaicism may not be a nonspecific sign of damage as was previously thought, but may instead reflect the central postnatal pathological process in this disease spectrum.

Multidisciplinary Outpatient Clinic of Neurocutaneous Diseases: Five-year Experience of a Pediatric Tertiary Hospital in Portugal.

INTRODUCTION: Neurocutaneous syndromes (NCS) are a heterogeneous group of conditions with multiorgan involvement and diverse manifestations, evolving throughout life with significant morbidity. A multidisciplinary approach to NCS patients has been advocated, although a specific model is not yet established. The aim of this study was 1) to describe the organization of the recently created Multidisciplinary Outpatient Clinic of Neurocutaneous Diseases (MOCND) at a Portuguese pediatric tertiary hospital; 2) to share our institutional experience focusing on the most common conditions, neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC); 3) to analyze the advantages of a multidisciplinary center and approach in NCS. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 281 patients enrolled in the MOCND over the first five years of activity (October 2016 to December 2021), reviewing genetics, family history, clinical features, complications, and therapeutic strategies for NF1 and TSC. RESULTS: The clinic works weekly with a core team of pediatricians and pediatric neurologists supported by other specialties as needed. Of the 281 patients enrolled, 224 (79.7%) had identifiable syndromes such as NF1 (n = 105), TSC (n = 35), hypomelanosis of Ito (n = 11), Sturge-Weber syndrome (n = 5), and others. In NF1 patients, 41.0% had a positive family history, all manifested café-au-lait macules, 38.1% neurofibromas with 45.0% being large plexiform neurofibromas. Sixteen were under treatment with selumetinib. Genetic testing was performed in 82.9% of TSC patients with pathogenic variants found in TSC2 gene in 72.4% patients (82.7% if considered contiguous gene syndrome). Family history was positive in 31.4%. All TSC patients presented hypomelanotic macules and fulfilled diagnostic criteria. Fourteen patients were being treated with mTOR inhibitors. CONCLUSION: Offering a systematic and multidisciplinary approach to NCS patients enables timely diagnosis, promotes a structured follow-up, and encourages discussion to outline management plans for optimal care to every patient, with significant impact on the quality of life of patients and families.

Pediatric Neuro-oncology.

OBJECTIVE: This article reviews the most common pediatric brain tumors, neurocutaneous syndromes, treatment-related neurotoxicities, and the long-term outcomes of survivors. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS: In the era of molecular diagnostics, the classification, management, and prognostication of pediatric brain tumors and neurocutaneous syndromes has been refined, resulting in advancements in patient management. Molecular diagnostics have been incorporated into the most recent World Health Organization 2021 classification. This knowledge has allowed for novel therapeutic approaches targeting the biology of these tumors with the intent to improve overall survival, decrease treatment-related morbidity, and improve quality of life. Advances in management have led to better survival, but mortality remains high and significant morbidity persists. Current clinical trials focus on tumor biology targeted therapy, deescalation of therapy, and multimodal intensified approaches with targeted therapy in more high-risk tumors. ESSENTIAL POINTS: Molecular diagnostics for pediatric brain tumors and neurocutaneous syndromes have led to novel therapeutic approaches targeting the biology of these tumors with the goals of improving overall survival and decreasing treatment-related morbidity. Further understanding will lead to continued refinement and improvement of tumor classification, management, and prognostication.