Molecular and clinical studies in 8 patients with Temple syndrome.

Temple syndrome (TS14, #616222) is a rare imprinting disorder characterised by phenotypic features including pre- and postnatal growth retardation, muscular hypotonia and feeding difficulties in infancy, early puberty and short stature with small hands and feet and often truncal obesity. It is caused by maternal uniparental disomies, paternal deletions and primary imprinting defects that affect the chromosomal region 14q32 and lead to a disturbed expression of imprinted genes in this region. Here, we present detailed clinical data of 8 patients with Temple syndrome, 4 with an imprinting defect, 2 with an imprinting defect in a mosaic state as well as 1 complete and 1 segmental maternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 14.

De novo variants in KLF7 are a potential novel cause of developmental delay/intellectual disability, neuromuscular and psychiatric symptoms.

Due to small numbers of reported patients with pathogenic variants in single genes, the phenotypic spectrum associated with genes causing neurodevelopmental disorders such as intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder is expanding. Among these genes is KLF7 (Krüppel-like factor 7), which is located at 2q33.3 and has been implicated in several developmental processes. KLF7 has been proposed to be a candidate gene for the phenotype of autism features seen in patients with a 2q33.3q34 deletion. Herein, we report 4 unrelated individuals with de novo KLF7 missense variants who share similar clinical features of developmental delay/ID, hypotonia, feeding/swallowing issues, psychiatric features and neuromuscular symptoms, and add to the knowledge about the phenotypic spectrum associated with KLF7 haploinsufficiency.

Chromosomal abnormalities in 1663 infertile men with azoospermia: the clinical consequences.

STUDY QUESTION: What is the prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities in azoospermic men and what are the clinical consequences in terms of increased risk for absent spermatogenesis, miscarriages and offspring with congenital malformations? SUMMARY ANSWER: The prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities in azoospermia was 14.4%, and the number of azoospermic men needed to be screened (NNS) to identify one man with a chromosomal abnormality with increased risk for absence of spermatogenesis was 72, to prevent one miscarriage 370-739 and to prevent one child with congenital malformations 4751-23 757. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Infertility guidelines worldwide advise screening of non-iatrogenic azoospermic men for chromosomal abnormalities, but only few data are available on the clinical consequences of this screening strategy. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This retrospective multicentre cross-sectional study of non-iatrogenic azoospermic men was performed at the University Hospital Brussels, Belgium, and the University Medical Centre Groningen, The Netherlands, between January 2000 and July 2016. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Analysis of clinical registries retrospectively identified 1663 non-iatrogenic azoospermic men with available results of karyotyping and FSH serum levels. Iatrogenic azoospermia was an exclusion criterion, defined as azoospermia after spermatotoxic medical treatment, exogenous androgen suppletion or vasectomy and/or vasovasostomy. Also, men with a clinical diagnosis of anejaculation or hypogonadotropic hypo-androgenism and/or FSH values <1.0 U/l were excluded. Chromosomal abnormalities were categorized according to their (theoretical) impact on clinical consequences for the patient (i.e. an increased risk for absence of spermatogenesis) and adverse pregnancy outcomes (i.e. miscarriage or offspring with congenital malformations), in both normogonadotropic (FSH < 10 U/l) and hypergonadotropic (FSH ≥ 10 U/l) azoospermia. We estimated the NNS for chromosomal abnormalities to identify one man with absence of spermatogenesis and to prevent one miscarriage or one child with congenital malformations, and calculated the surgical sperm retrieval rates per chromosomal abnormality. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: The overall prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities in azoospermia was 14.4% (95% CI 12.7-16.1%), its prevalence being higher in hypergonadotropic azoospermia (20.2%, 95% CI 17.8-22.7%) compared to normogonadotropic azoospermia (4.9%, 95% CI 3.2-6.6%, P < 0.001). Klinefelter syndrome accounted for 83% (95% CI 77-87%) of abnormalities in hypergonadotropic azoospermia. The NNS to identify one man with increased risk for absence of spermatogenesis was 72, to prevent one miscarriage 370-739, and to prevent one child with congenital malformations 4751-23 757. There was no clinically significant difference in NNS between men with normogonadotropic and hypergonadotropic azoospermia. The surgical sperm retrieval rate was significantly higher in azoospermic men with a normal karyotype (60%, 95% CI 57.7-63.1%) compared to men with a chromosomal abnormality (32%, 95% CI 25.9-39.0%, P < 0.001). The sperm retrieval rate in Klinefelter syndrome was 28% (95% CI 20.7-35.0%). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The absolute number of chromosomal abnormalities associated with clinical consequences and adverse pregnancy outcomes in our study was limited, thereby increasing the role of chance. Further, as there are currently no large series on outcomes of pregnancies in men with chromosomal abnormalities, our conclusions are partly based on assumptions derived from the literature. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The NNS found can be used in future cost-effectiveness studies and the evaluation of current guidelines on karyotyping in non-iatrogenic azoospermia. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): None to declare.

CT findings of the temporal bone in CHARGE syndrome: aspects of importance in cochlear implant surgery.

To provide an overview of anomalies of the temporal bone in CHARGE syndrome relevant to cochlear implantation (CI), anatomical structures of the temporal bone and the respective genotypes were analysed. In this retrospective study, 42 CTs of the temporal bone of 42 patients with CHARGE syndrome were reviewed in consensus by two head-and-neck radiologists and two otological surgeons. Anatomical structures of the temporal bone were evaluated and correlated with genetic data. Abnormalities that might affect CI surgery were seen, such as a vascular structure, a petrosquamosal sinus (13 %), an underdeveloped mastoid (8 %) and an aberrant course of the facial nerve crossing the round window (9 %) and/or the promontory (18 %). The appearance of the inner ear varied widely: in 77 % of patients all semicircular canals were absent and the cochlea varied from normal to hypoplastic. A stenotic cochlear aperture was observed in 37 %. The middle ear was often affected with a stenotic round (14 %) or oval window (71 %). More anomalies were observed in patients with truncating mutations than with non-truncating mutations. Temporal bone findings in CHARGE syndrome vary widely. Vascular variants, aberrant route of the facial nerve, an underdeveloped mastoid, aplasia of the semicircular canals, and stenotic round window may complicate cochlear implantation.

Recurrent miscarriage in translocation carriers: no differences in clinical characteristics between couples who accept and couples who decline PGD.

STUDY QUESTION: Do clinical characteristics of recurrent miscarriage couples with a chromosomal abnormality and who opt for PGD differ from couples that decline PGD after extensive genetic counselling? SUMMARY ANSWER: No differences in clinical characteristics are identified between recurrent miscarriage couples carrying a structural chromosomal abnormality who opt for PGD compared with those that decline PGD after extensive genetic counselling. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Couples who have experienced two or more miscarriages (recurrent miscarriage) are at increased recurrence risk if one of the partners carries a structural chromosomal abnormality. PGD can be offered to avoid (another) miscarriage or pregnancy termination when (invasive) prenatal diagnosis shows an abnormal result. To date, no reports are available that describe reproductive decision-making after genetic counselling on PGD in these specific couples. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Retrospective cohort study of 294 couples carrying a structural chromosomal abnormality seeking genetic counselling on PGD between 1996 and 2012. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Participants were recurrent miscarriage couples carrying a structural chromosomal abnormality. They had been referred for genetic counselling to the only national licensed PGD centre. Clinical characteristics analysed included couple associated characteristics, characteristics concerning reproductive history and external characteristics such as type of physician that referred the couple for genetic counselling and the clinical geneticist performing the counselling on PGD. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Of 294 couples referred for counselling on PGD, 26 were not accepted because they did not meet the criteria for IVF-PGD. The remaining cohort of 268 couples consisted of two-thirds female and one-third male carriers. Main PGD indications were reciprocal translocations (83.9%) and Robertsonian translocations (16.7%). Following genetic counselling, 76.9% of included couples chose PGD as their reproductive option, the others declined PGD. Reproductive choice is not influenced by sex of the translocation carrier (P = 0.499), type of chromosomal abnormality (P = 0.346), number of previous miscarriages (P = 0.882), history of termination of pregnancy (TOP) because of an unbalanced fetal karyotype (P = 0.800), referring physician (P = 0.208) or geneticist who performed the counselling (P = 0.410). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: This study only included recurrent miscarriage couples carrying a structural chromosomal abnormality, who were actually referred to a PGD clinic for genetic counselling. We lack information on couples who were not referred for PGD. Some of these patients may not have been informed on PGD at all, while others were not referred for counselling because they did not opt for PGD to start with. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: This study shows that reproductive choices in couples with recurrent miscarriage on the basis of a structural chromosomal abnormality are not influenced by characteristics of the couple itself, nor by their obstetric history or external characteristics. These findings suggest that a couples' intrinsic attitude towards PGD treatment is a major factor influencing their reproductive choice. Future research will focus on these personal motives that seem to push reproductive decision-making following genetic counselling in a given direction.

3p14 deletion is a rare contiguous gene syndrome: report of 2 new patients and an overview of 14 patients.

Interstitial deletions of chromosome 3p14p12 are a rare chromosome rearrangement. Twenty-six patients have been reported in the literature to date, however, a specific clinical phenotype has not yet been delineated. We describe three patients (two new) with overlapping chromosome 3p14p12 deletions and review the clinical and molecular data of 11 well-characterized, published cases. These patients had a number of features in common, such as short stature, failure to thrive, facial dysmorphism, congenital heart defects, urogenital abnormalities, neurological problems, hearing loss, and global developmental delay, suggesting that the interstitial chromosome 3p14p12 deletion gives rise to a multiple congenital anomaly syndrome. Some of the patients show clinical overlap with other complex syndromes such as CHARGE syndrome. Genotype-phenotype analysis revealed candidate genes for parts of the clinical features suggesting that the 3p14 deletion is a contiguous gene syndrome.

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis for X;autosome translocations: lessons from a case of misdiagnosis.

UNLABELLED: Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is offered to couples carrying a reciprocal translocation in an attempt to increase their chance of phenotypically normal offspring. For the selection of embryos that are balanced for the translocation chromosomes, it is critical to use a combination of DNA probes that can take account of all the segregation patterns of the particular translocation. The frequency of the different segregation types differs depending on the chromosomes involved, the location of the breakpoints and the number of chiasmata and the sex of the carrier. We report on a case of misdiagnosis after PGD-fluorescence in situ hybridization in a female translocation 46,X,t(X;5)(q13;p14) carrier. Transfer of two embryos diagnosed as balanced for the translocation chromosomes resulted in a singleton pregnancy that miscarried at 8 weeks' gestational age. The unbalanced karyotype of the fetus was consistent with 3:1 segregation resulting in tertiary trisomy for the derivative chromosome 5: 47,XX,+der(5)t(X;5)(q13;p14)mat. Based on additional molecular cytogenetic studies of fetal tissue and the initially investigated blastomeres, we concluded that the misdiagnosis was most probably due to a technical error, i.e. a partial hybridization failure or co-localization of the Xq/Yq subtelomere probe signals. No evidence for a normal cell line (mosaicism) was found in the fetus, which could have explained the discrepancy. This case demonstrates the importance of using two diagnostic probes or testing 2 cells to detect translocation products with potentially viable imbalance. X;autosome translocations are a special case due to the added complication of X chromosome inactivation and particular caution is advised when designing a PGD strategy. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: not applicable.

Chromosomal abnormalities in azoospermic and non-azoospermic infertile men: numbers needed to be screened to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes.

STUDY QUESTION: How many infertile men who wish to conceive need to be screened for chromosomal abnormalities to prevent one miscarriage or the birth of one child with congenital anomalies (CAs)? SUMMARY ANSWER: In azoospermic men, the prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities is 15.2% and the number needed to be screened (NNS; minimum-maximum estimate) for a miscarriage is 80-88 and for a child with CAs is 790-3951. The prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities in non-azoospermic men is 2.3% and the NNS are 315-347 and 2543-12 723, respectively. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Guidelines advise the screening of infertile men for chromosomal abnormalities to prevent miscarriages and children with congenital abnormalities, but no studies have been published on the effectiveness of this screening strategy. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Retrospective cohort study of 1223 infertile men between 1994 and 2007. PARTICIPANTS, SETTING, METHODS: Men with azoospermia and men eligible for ICSI treatment visiting a university hospital fertility clinic in The Netherlands who underwent chromosomal analysis between 1994 and 2007 were identified retrospectively in a registry. Only cases of which at least one sperm analysis was available were included. Data were collected by chart review, with a follow-up of pregnancies and their outcomes until 2010. The chromosomal abnormalities were categorized according to their risk of unbalanced offspring, i.e. miscarriage and/or child with CAs. Multi-level analysis was used to estimate the impact of chromosomal abnormalities on the outcome of pregnancies in the different subgroups of our cohort. NNS for miscarriages and children with CAs were calculated based on data from our cohort and data published in the literature. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: A chromosomal abnormality was found in 12 of 79 men with azoospermia (15.2%) and in 26 of 1144 non-azoospermic men (2.3%). The chromosomal abnormalities were categorized based on the literature, into abnormalities with and abnormalities without increased risk for miscarriage and/or child with CAs. In our study group, there was no statistically significant difference between the subgroups with and without increased risk respectively, regarding the frequency of children born with CAs (1/20; 5.0% versus 1/14; 7.1%), miscarriage (9/20; 45.0% versus 2/14; 14.3%) or unaffected liveborn children (9/20; 45.0% versus 9/14; 64.3%). The prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities with a theoretically increased risk of unbalanced progeny was 1.0% in non-azoospermic men and 3.8% in men with azoospermia. For the calculation of the NNS, the risk of an adverse pregnancy outcome in our cohort was compared with the incidence ranges of miscarriage and children with CAs in the general population. The number of azoospermic men that needs to be screened to prevent one miscarriage (80-88) or one child with CAs (790-3951) was considerably lower compared with the NNS in the non-azoospermic group (315-347 and 2543-12 723, respectively). LIMITATIONS, REASON FOR CAUTION: The prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities in infertile men is low, and although we included 1223 men, our conclusions are based on a small number (38) of abnormal karyotypes. As there are no large series on outcomes of pregnancies in infertile men with chromosomal abnormalities, our conclusions had to be partly based on assumptions derived from the literature. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Based on the NNS calculated in our study, screening for chromosomal abnormalities is recommended in all azoospermic men. In non-azoospermic infertile men, screening might be limited to men with an additional risk factor (e.g. a history of recurrent miscarriage or a positive family history for recurrent miscarriage or children with CAs). The NNS can be used in future cost-effectiveness studies and the evaluation of current guidelines on karyotyping infertile men.

The prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities in subgroups of infertile men.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities is assumed to be higher in infertile men and inversely correlated with sperm concentration. Although guidelines advise karyotyping infertile men, karyotyping is costly, therefore it would be of benefit to identify men with the highest risk of chromosomal abnormalities, possibly by using parameters other than sperm concentration. The aim of this study was to evaluate several clinical parameters in azoospermic and non-azoospermic men, in order to assess the prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities in different subgroups of infertile men. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort of 1223 azoospermic men and men eligible for ICSI treatment, we studied sperm parameters, hormone levels and medical history for an association with chromosomal abnormalities. RESULTS: The prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities in the cohort was 3.1%. No association was found between chromosomal abnormalities and sperm volume, concentration, progressive motility or total motile sperm count. Azoospermia was significantly associated with the presence of a chromosomal abnormality [15.2%, odds ratio (OR) 7.70, P < 0.001]. High gonadotrophin levels were also associated with an increased prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities (OR 2.96, P = 0.013). Azoospermic men with a positive andrologic history had a lower prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities than azoospermic men with an uneventful history (OR 0.28, P = 0.047). In non-azoospermic men, we found that none of the studied variables were associated with the prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: We show that the highest prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities is found in hypergonadotrophic azoospermic men with an uneventful andrologic history.

CHD7 mutations and CHARGE syndrome: the clinical implications of an expanding phenotype.

BACKGROUND: CHARGE syndrome is a highly variable, multiple congenital anomaly syndrome, of which the complete phenotypic spectrum was only revealed after identification of the causative gene in 2004. CHARGE is an acronym for ocular coloboma, congenital heart defects, choanal atresia, retardation of growth and development, genital hypoplasia, and ear anomalies associated with deafness. This typical combination of clinical features is caused by autosomal dominant mutations in the CHD7 gene. OBJECTIVE: To explore the emerging phenotypic spectrum of CHD7 mutations, with a special focus on the mild end of the spectrum. METHODS: We evaluated the clinical characteristics in our own cohort of 280 CHD7 positive patients and in previously reported patients with CHD7 mutations and compared these with previously reported patients with CHARGE syndrome but an unknown CHD7 status. We then further explored the mild end of the phenotypic spectrum of CHD7 mutations. RESULTS: We discuss that CHARGE syndrome is primarily a clinical diagnosis. In addition, we propose guidelines for CHD7 analysis and indicate when evaluation of the semicircular canals is helpful in the diagnostic process. Finally, we give updated recommendations for clinical surveillance of patients with a CHD7 mutation, based on our exploration of the phenotypic spectrum and on our experience in a multidisciplinary outpatient clinic for CHARGE syndrome. CONCLUSION: CHARGE syndrome is an extremely variable clinical syndrome. CHD7 analysis can be helpful in the diagnostic process, but the phenotype cannot be predicted from the genotype.

Death in CHARGE syndrome after the neonatal period.

CHARGE syndrome is a multiple congenital anomaly syndrome that can be life-threatening in the neonatal period. Complex heart defects, bilateral choanal atresia, esophageal atresia, severe T-cell deficiency, and brain anomalies can cause neonatal death. As little is known about the causes of death in childhood and adolescence, we studied post-neonatal death in patients with CHARGE syndrome. We collected medical data on three deceased children from a follow-up cohort of 48 CHARGE patients and retrospectively on an additional four deceased patients (age at death 11 months to 22 years). We analyzed the factors that had contributed to their death. In five patients respiratory aspiration had most likely contributed to premature death, one died of post-operative complications, and another choked during eating. From our findings and a literature review, we suggest that swallowing problems, gastro-esophageal reflux disease, respiratory aspiration and post-operative airway events are important contributors to post-neonatal death in CHARGE syndrome. Cranial nerve dysfunction is proposed as the underlying pathogenic mechanism. We recommend every CHARGE patient with feeding difficulties to be assessed by a multidisciplinary team to evaluate cranial nerve function and swallowing. Timely treatment of swallowing problems and gastro-esophageal reflux disease is important. Surgical procedures on these patients should be combined whenever possible because of their increased risk of post-operative complications and intubation problems. Finally, we recommend performing autopsy in deceased CHARGE patients in order to gain more insight into causes of death.

Who should be screened for chromosomal abnormalities before ICSI treatment?

Guidelines on karyotyping infertile men before ICSI treatment are not consistent. Most guidelines recommend chromosomal screening in azoospermic and severe oligozoospermic men, because they are assumed to have the highest risk of abnormalities. We performed a retrospective cohort study in azoospermic men and men eligible for ICSI. We determined the prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities in relation to sperm concentration and compared our data to studies in the literature. A high prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities in azoospermic men was found, but no difference in the prevalence of abnormalities was seen between different sperm concentration categories in non-azoospermic men. This raises the question of who should be screened for chromosomal abnormalities before ICSI treatment. Considering the costs and benefits, we would propose limiting screening to infertile couples with non-obstructive azoospermia.

CHD7 mutations in patients initially diagnosed with Kallmann syndrome--the clinical overlap with CHARGE syndrome.

Kallmann syndrome (KS) is the combination of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and anosmia or hyposmia, two features that are also frequently present in CHARGE syndrome. CHARGE syndrome is caused by mutations in the CHD7 gene. We performed analysis of CHD7 in 36 patients with KS and 20 patients with normosmic idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (nIHH) in whom mutations in KAL1, FGFR1, PROK2 and PROKR2 genes were excluded. Three of 56 KS/nIHH patients had de novo mutations in CHD7. In retrospect, these three CHD7-positive patients showed additional features that are seen in CHARGE syndrome. CHD7 mutations can be present in KS patients who have additional features that are part of the CHARGE syndrome phenotype. We did not find mutations in patients with isolated KS. These findings imply that patients diagnosed with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and anosmia should be screened for clinical features consistent with CHARGE syndrome. If such features are present, particularly deafness, dysmorphic ears and/or hypoplasia or aplasia of the semicircular canals, CHD7 sequencing is recommended.

Mandibuloacral dysplasia type B (MADB): a cohort of eight patients from Suriname with a homozygous founder mutation in ZMPSTE24 (FACE1), clinical diagnostic criteria and management guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Mandibuloacral Dysplasia with type B lipodystrophy (MADB) is a rare premature aging disorder with an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. MADB is characterized by brittle hair, mottled, atrophic skin, generalized lipodystrophy, insulin resistance, metabolic complications and skeletal features like stunted growth, mandibular and clavicular hypoplasia and acro-osteolysis of the distal phalanges. MADB is caused by reduced activity of the enzyme zinc metalloprotease ZMPSTE24 resulting from compound heterozygous or homozygous mutations in ZMPSTE24. METHODS: In 2012, and again in 2018, eight related patients from the remote tropical rainforest of inland Suriname were analysed for dysmorphic features. DNA analysis was performed and clinical features were documented. We also analysed all previously reported genetically confirmed MADB patients from literature (n = 12) for their clinical features. Based on the features of all cases (n = 20) we defined major criteria as those present in 85-100% of all MADB patients and minor criteria as those present in 70-84% of patients. RESULTS: All the Surinamese patients are of African descent and share the same homozygous c.1196A > G, p.(Tyr399Cys) missense variant in the ZMPSTE24 gene, confirming MADB. Major criteria were found to be: short stature, clavicular hypoplasia, delayed closure of cranial sutures, high palate, mandibular hypoplasia, dental crowding, acro-osteolysis of the distal phalanges, hypoplastic nails, brittle and/or sparse hair, mottled pigmentation, atrophic and sclerodermic skin, and calcified skin nodules. Minor criteria were (generalized or partial) lipoatrophy of the extremities, joint contractures and shortened phalanges. Based on our detailed clinical observations, and a review of previously described cases, we propose that the clinical diagnosis of MADB is highly likely if a patient exhibits ≥4 major clinical criteria OR ≥ 3 major clinical criteria and ≥ 2 minor clinical criteria. CONCLUSIONS: We report on eight related Surinamese patients with MADB due to a homozygous founder mutation in ZMPSTE24. In low-income countries laboratory facilities for molecular genetic testing are scarce or lacking. However, because diagnosing MADB is essential for guiding clinical management and for family counselling, we defined clinical diagnostic criteria and suggest management guidelines.

Imaging of Clival Hypoplasia in CHARGE Syndrome and Hypothesis for Development: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We present the largest case series to date on basiocciput abnormalities in CHARGE syndrome (Coloboma of the eye, Heart defects, Atresia of the choanae, Retardation of growth and/or development, Genital and/or urinary abnormalities, and Ear abnormalities and/or deafness). We aimed to show that basiocciput abnormalities are common and may aid in diagnosis. We furthermore explored whether clivus size correlates with the type of chromodomain-helicase-DNA binding protein 7 gene (CHD7) mutation, which causes CHARGE syndrome, and with clinical criteria according to Blake et al and Verloes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clivus of 23 patients with CHARGE syndrome with CHD7 mutations on MR imaging or CT. We recorded the size of the clivus, the Welcher angle, basilar invagination, and Chiari I malformations. We compared the clival size and Welcher angle of patients with CHARGE syndrome with those of 72 age-matched controls. Additionally, we tested for correlations between clivus size and mutation type or clinical criteria. RESULTS: Eighty-seven percent of the patients with CHARGE syndrome had an abnormal clivus; 61% had a clivus >2.5 SD smaller than that of age-matched controls. An abnormally large Welcher angle was observed in 35%. Basiocciput hypoplasia was found in 70%, and basilar invagination, in 29%. None of the patients had a Chiari I malformation. At the group level, patients with CHARGE syndrome had a smaller clivus and larger Welcher angle than controls. No significant correlation between clivus size and mutation type or clinical criteria was found. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with CHARGE syndrome have an abnormal clivus. This suggests that clivus abnormalities may be used as an additional diagnostic tool. Our results provide evidence that CHD7, which is expressed in the presomitic mesoderm during somitogenesis, plays an important role in the formation of the clivus.

Imaging in cutis laxa syndrome caused by a dominant negative ALDH18A1 mutation, with hypotheses for intracranial vascular tortuosity and wide perivascular spaces.

The autosomal dominant progeroid form of cutis laxa is a recently identified multiple congenital anomaly disorder characterized by thin, wrinkled skin, a progeroid appearance, intra-uterine growth retardation, postnatal growth restriction, psychomotor developmental delay, microcephaly, cataract, hypotonia and contractures. De novo heterozygous mutations in ALDH18A1 have been described in this condition. We present neuroimaging abnormalities in three patients. One patient had intracranial arterial and venous tortuosity, widened ventricular and extra-axial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spaces, wide perivascular spaces and increased T2 signal intensity in the cerebral white matter over time. The second patient had vascular tortuosity. The third patient had prominent ventricular and extra-axial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spaces on CT. We propose an embryological mechanism for the development of intracranial vascular tortuosity and discuss the anatomical basis of wide perivascular spaces in relation to this syndrome. Although we do not know the clinical implications of these cerebral vascular anomalies, we suggest inclusion of neuroimaging in the baseline evaluation of these patients.

Disturbed serine metabolism and psychosis in a patient with a de novo translocation (2;10)(p23;q22.1).

Psychiatric diagnosing in mentally retarded patients is notoriously difficult and routine application of current taxonomies is of very limited use. Although psychotic disorders in general can be satisfactory grouped on a descriptive level, the aetiology is most probably very heterogeneous. In this case report a female patient is described who presented with mild mental retardation and recurrent affective psychotic episodes. Chromosome analysis showed a female karyotype with a de novo translocation (2;10)(p23;q22.1). Biochemical evaluation demonstrated a persistently increased taurine and decreased methionine in plasma, suggesting a disturbed one-carbon metabolism. Treatment with risperidone in combination with valproic acid resulted in prevention of further relapses and stabilisation of mood. An imbalance of chromosomes 2 and 10 was excluded by array CGH. A disruption of the PCBD gene could not be demonstrated by FISH.

Neuropsychological phenotype and psychopathology in seven adult patients with Phelan-McDermid syndrome: implications for treatment strategy.

Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS) or 22q13.3 deletion syndrome is characterized by a variable degree of intellectual disability, impaired speech and language as well as social communicative skills and mild dysmorphic features. The SHANK3 gene is thought to be a major contributor to the phenotype. Apart from the syndrome-associated autistic features, symptoms from the bipolar spectrum can be discerned, in particular behavior instability and fluctuating mood culminating in a (hypo)manic state. In case of coincident major somatic events, a deteriorating course may occur. This study comprises seven adult patients (four females and three males; aged 21-44 years) with genetically proven PMS. Data from medical records were collected and extensive assessment of neuropsychological variables was performed to identify cognitive characteristics and their relation with psychopathology and treatment. All patients showed profound communication deficits and their developmental functioning ranged from 1.0 to 6.3 years. In addition, they had slow speed of information processing, impairment of attentional and executive functions and cognitive alexithymia. As to psychopathology, features from the affective and anxiety domains were prominent findings in these seven patients suggesting the presence of a bipolar spectrum disorder that could be effectively moderated with mood-stabilizing agents. Results are discussed in terms of the putative involvement of structural brain abnormalities, in particular cerebellar vermis hypoplasia and corpus callosum thinning and their cognitive and emotional sequelae. It is concluded that the treatment of 22q13.3-associated psychopathology should include prescription of mood-stabilizing agents in combination with individually tailored contextual neuropsychological measures.

[From gene to disease; craniosynostosis syndromes due to FGFR2-mutation]. / Van gen naar ziekte; craniosynostosesyndromen door FGFR2-mutaties.

One of the genes involved in craniosynostosis syndromes is the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene, a tyrosine kinase receptor gene. Upon ligand binding the FGFR2 receptors dimerise, and this is followed by activation of the intracellular tyrosine kinase domains. This initiates a cascade of signals that influence cell division and differentiation. FGFR2 mutations have been found in the Apert, Crouzon and Pfeiffer craniosynostosis syndromes. Most mutations are gain of function mutations, inducing ligand-independent receptor activation or altered ligand binding. With the exception of Apert syndrome, there is no clear genotype-phenotype correlation. Many different mutations have been found in Pfeiffer and Crouzon syndrome, but all of the mutations occur in the same extracellular region of the receptor. Identical mutations have been found in Pfeiffer and Crouzon syndrome. So within one family, both Crouzon and Pfeiffer syndrome may occur. Mutations in other FGFR-genes have also been found in craniosynostosis syndromes.

Otocephaly-Dysgnathia Complex: Description of Four Cases and Confirmation of the Role of OTX2.

Otocephaly-dysgnathia complex is characterized by mandibular hypo- or aplasia, ear abnormalities, microstomia, and microglossia. Mutations in the orthodenticle homeobox 2 (OTX2) and paired related homeobox 1 (PRRX1) genes have recently been identified in some cases. We screened 4 otocephalic cases for these 2 genes and identified OTX2 mutations in 2 of them, thus confirming OTX2 is implicated in otocephaly. No PRRX1 mutation was identified. Interestingly, ocular involvement is not a constant feature in otocephalic cases with an OTX2 mutation. In one case, the mutation was inherited from a microphthalmic mother. The mechanism underlying this intrafamilial phenotypic variability remains unclear, but other genetic factors are likely to be necessary for the manifestation of the otocephalic phenotype.