Familial occurrence of imperforate hymen in premature monozygotic twins and their mother: a case report and literature review.

Background: Imperforate hymen is an uncommon obstructive anomaly of the developing female reproductive tract. There are occasional case reports of imperforate hymen occurring in family clusters, suggesting a plausible familial mode of inheritance. We describe a set of monozygotic premature twins with imperforate hymen noted at birth, whose mother was diagnosed with the same condition as a teenager. We also elucidate the likely underlying mode of inheritance of imperforate hymen. Method: We utilized the CARE (Case Report) guideline in reporting the cases. Case presentation: These are monozygotic twins born prematurely at 30 weeks of gestation, noted at birth to have bulging cyst-like structures protruding from their vaginas. The twins were not dysmorphic and did not have any other congenital malformations. Over the next few weeks, these cyst-like structures (mucoceles) became less prominent. The genital anomaly was diagnosed as imperforate hymen. Their mother was also diagnosed with an imperforate hymen when she was 12 years old and was treated with hymenectomy. Discussion: This unique occurrence of imperforate hymen in a set of premature monozygotic twins and their mother suggests a plausible autosomal or X-linked dominant mode of inheritance. Given the role of genetic inheritance in imperforate hymen development, it is important to screen female relatives of an index case for this genital anomaly.

A novel frameshift variant in BCOR causes congenital nuclear cataract.

BACKGROUND: BCL6 co-repressor (BCOR) gene variants are involved in oculofaciocardiodental (OFCD) syndrome, acute myeloid leukaemia, renal tumours, and photoreceptor degenerative diseases. Here, we describe a British family with a pathogenic heterozygous variant in the BCOR gene causing congenital nuclear cataract. METHODS: Whole-exome sequencing was conducted on an individual affected by X-linked dominant congenital cataract in a three-generation family to establish the underlying genetic basis. Bioinformatics analysis confirmed the variants with damaging pathogenicity scores. RESULTS: A novel likely pathogenic frameshift variant BCOR NM_001123385.1: c.3621del; p.Lys1207AsnfsTer31, was identified and found to co-segregate with the disease in this family. CONCLUSIONS: This is apparently the first report of a variant in BCOR causing X-linked dominant congenital cataract which is potentially isolated or presenting with a remarkably mild systemic phenotype. Our findings extend the genetic basis for congenital cataract and add to the phenotypic spectrum of BCOR variants.

De Novo Large Deletions in the PHEX Gene Caused X-Linked Hypophosphataemic Rickets in Two Italian Female Infants Successfully Treated with Burosumab.

Pathogenic variants in the PHEX gene cause rare and severe X-linked dominant hypophosphataemia (XLH), a form of heritable hypophosphatemic rickets (HR) characterized by renal phosphate wasting and elevated fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) levels. Burosumab, the approved human monoclonal anti-FGF23 antibody, is the treatment of choice for XLH. The genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity of HR often delays XLH diagnoses, with critical effects on disease course and therapy. We herein report the clinical and genetic features of two Italian female infants with sporadic HR who successfully responded to burosumab. Their diagnoses were based on clinical and laboratory findings and physical examinations. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the genes associated with inherited HR and multiple ligation probe amplification (MLPA) analysis of the PHEX and FGF23 genes were performed. While a conventional analysis of the NGS data did not reveal pathogenic or likely pathogenic small nucleotide variants (SNVs) in the known HR-related genes, a quantitative analysis identified two different heterozygous de novo large intragenic deletions in PHEX, and this was confirmed by MLPA. Our molecular data indicated that deletions in the PHEX gene can be the cause of a significant fraction of XLH; hence, their presence should be evaluated in SNV-negative female patients. Our patients successfully responded to burosumab, demonstrating the efficacy of this drug in the treatment of XLH. In conclusion, the execution of a phenotype-oriented genetic test, guided by known types of variants, including the rarest ones, was crucial to reach the definitive diagnoses and ensure our patients of long-term therapy administration.

NEXMIF pathogenic variant in a female child with epilepsy and multiple organ failure: a case report.

Background: The neurite extension and migration factor (NEXMIF) gene encodes the neurite growth-directed factor whose main function is to play a role in neurite extension and migration for nerve development. It is associated with X-linked intellectual disability 98 and X-linked dominant inheritance, and its clinical manifestations mainly include intellectual disability, autistic behavior, poor development, dysmorphic features, gastroesophageal reflux, renal infection, and early seizures. Few cases of patients with NEXMIF variants had been reported, and to date, no deaths have been reported to our knowledge. Case Description: We present a clinical report of a female child who had a history of epilepsy, and was diagnosed with multiple organ failure (MOF), sepsis, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, severe pneumonia, and pulmonary hemorrhaging. Genetic testing identified the NEXMIF variant c.937C>T (p.R313*) in this patient. Despite aggressive treatment with anti-inflammation drugs with methylprednisolone, plasma exchange, hemodialysis and mechanical ventilation, the patient died. Conclusions: We reported the first case of the NEXMIF variant in a patient with the symptom of MOF, including acute liver failure and acute kidney injury (Grade 3). In addition, some complications, such as sepsis, hemophagocytic syndrome, pneumonia, and pulmonary hemorrhage, can also occur with this disease. All of these complications may have contributed to the patient's death. This report not only broadens the phenotype for NEXMIF variants but may also help physicians involved in the care of patients with this syndrome and enhance their understanding of this variant.

Focal Dermal Hypoplasia: Case Series.

Background: Focal dermal hypoplasia (Goltz syndrome) is a genetic multisystem disorder characterized primarily by involvement of the skin associated to face, skeletal, and eyes anomalies. The objective of the present series is to shed light on this rare syndrome and these atypical manifestations. Methodology: Our study reports the case of five Moroccan patients who present typical clinical picture of the Goltz syndrome with some rare manifestations. Results: A total of 5 patients with Goltz syndrome were evaluated. All of them are female with one familial case. The age ranged from 8 months to 35 years. A characteristic Blaschkoid hypo- and hyper-pigmented skin lesions, congenital nodular fat herniation, and skin atrophy were present in all patients. Ocular manifestations were present in 80% of patients. Cranio-facial deformity was seen in 80% of patients. Short stature and intellectual delay were documented in 80% and 40% of patients, respectively. Limb abnormality was found in all patients. Two patients had a cleft lip, one of which unusual lateral facial cleft. Limitations: Genetic testing could not be performed in the present series. Conclusions: Through this work we will discuss the different clinical signs and genetic aspects of Goltz syndrome and the interest of a good clinical expertise.

Clinical and genetic characteristics of 29 Chinese patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia.

Objective: The aim of this study was to fully describe the clinical and genetic characteristics, including clinical manifestations, intact fibroblast growth factor 23 (iFGF23) levels, and presence of PHEX gene mutations, of 22 and 7 patients with familial and sporadic X-linked dominant hypophosphatemia (XLH), respectively. Methods: Demographic data, clinical features, biochemical indicators, and imaging data of 29 patients were collected. All 22 exons and exon-intron boundaries of the PHEX gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and directly sequenced. The serum level of iFGF23 was measured in 15 of the patients. Results: Twenty-nine patients (male/female: 13:16, juvenile/adult: 15:14) with XLH were included. The main symptoms were bowed lower extremities (89.7%), abnormal gait (89.7%), and short stature/growth retardation (78.6%). Hypophosphatemia with a high alkaline phosphatase level was the main biochemical feature and the median value of serum iFGF23 was 55.7 pg/ml (reference range: 16.1-42.2 pg/ml). Eight novel mutations in the PHEX gene were identified by Sanger sequencing, including two missense mutations (p. Gln682Leu and p. Phe312Ser), two deletions (c.350_356del and c.755_761del), one insertion (c.1985_1986insTGAC), and three splice mutations (c.1700+5G>C, c.1966-1G>T, and c.350-14_350-1del). Additionally, the recurrence rate after the first orthopedic surgery was 77.8% (7/9), and five of them had their first surgery before puberty. Conclusion: Our study expanded the clinical phenotypes and gene mutation spectrum of XLH and provided a reference for the optimal timing of orthopedic surgeries.

A novel NSDHL variant in CHILD syndrome with gastrointestinal manifestations and localized skin involvement.

BACKGROUND: CHILD syndrome is an X-linked dominant disorder associated with pathogenic mutations in the NSDHL gene. The condition is predominantly found in females as it is lethal in males. Most cases present at birth with extensive unilateral ichthyosiform erythroderma involving the trunk and limbs. Milder and less extensive presentations have been reported, leading to misdiagnosis especially during early childhood. METHODS AND RESULTS: We report an adult female of Malay ancestry who presented with minimal skin and limb involvement. She was only diagnosed in adulthood when she presented with gastrointestinal symptoms and worsening of skin manifestations. The clinical diagnosis was suspected after a combination of clinical, pathological and immunohistochemistry correlation, and molecularly confirmed with the discovery of a frameshift variant in NSDHL. The novel variant was inherited from her mother who had some linear hypopigmented patches over the medial aspects of both her arms and right forearm. CONCLUSION: We uncovered a novel frameshift variant associated with presentations that cast a new light on the clinical features of CHILD syndrome.

Novel variant in NSDHL gene associated with CHILD syndrome and syndactyly- a case report.

BACKGROUND: Congenital hemidysplasia with ichthyosiform erythroderma and limb defects also known as CHILD syndrome is an X-linked dominant, male lethal genodermatosis with a prevalence of 1 in 100,000 live births. Mutations in NSDHL gene located at Xq28 potentially impair the function of NAD(P) H steroid dehydrogenase-like protein and is responsible for its pathogenesis. CASE PRESENTATION: The proband was a 9-month-old twin (T2) girl with a healthy twin sister (T1) of Sri Lankan origin born to non-consanguineous parents. She presented with right sided continuous icthyosiform erythroderma and ipsilateral limb defects and congenital hemidysplasia since birth. Notably the child had ipsilateral hand hypoplasia and syndactyly. There were other visceral abnormalities. We performed whole exome sequencing and found a novel heterozygous variant (NSDHL, c.713C > A, p.Thr238Asn). CONCLUSION: We report a novel missense variant in the NSDHL gene that resides in a highly-conserved region. This variant affects the NAD(P) H steroid dehydrogenase-like protein function via reduction in the number of active sites resulting in the CHILD syndrome phenotype and syndactyly.

A Rare Case of Mainly Unilateral Focal Dermal Hypoplasia (Goltz Syndrome) in an Adult Male: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Focal dermal hypoplasia (Goltz syndrome), is an exceedingly rare X-linked dominant genetic disorder. It is a multisystem disease, but it is hallmarked by characteristic skin changes. Focal dermal hypoplasia typically occurs in females (90%), and males are thought to only survive through having either a sporadic new mutation or somatic mosaicism. This report details a 48-year-old male diagnosed with predominately unilateral focal dermal hypoplasia that was reviewed decades post his initial diagnosis. He presented with multiple atrophic hyperpigmented macules and fat herniation along the lines of Blaschko, across primarily the right side of the body. Skin biopsy is the mainstay for the diagnosis and therefore dermatologists need to be aware of the classical cutaneous findings of familial dermal hypoplasia to ensure accurate diagnosis. Familial dermal hypoplasia is best managed through the collective minds of multidisciplinary teams.

Expression of Normal or Mutated X-Linked BCOR Transcripts in OFCD iPSCs.

Reprogramming diseased cells with mutated genes into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can allow studies of disease mechanism and correct the mutation. Oculofaciocardiodental (OFCD) syndrome is a developmental disorder caused by heterozygous mutations in the X-linked BCL-6 corepressor (BCOR) gene. In this present study, we aimed to reprogram stem cells from a tooth apical papilla (SCAP) of a patient with OFCD, termed SCAP-O, into iPSCs. The SCAP-O carry a copy of the BCOR gene having 1 nucleotide deletion in 1 of the alleles, therefore harboring a mixture of cells expressing either normal (SCAP-OBCOR-WT) or mutated (SCAP-OBCOR-mut) BCOR transcripts. We subcloned SCAP-O and separated SCAP-OBCOR-WT and SCAP-OBCOR-mut as verified by sequencing. The selected subclone SCAP-OBCOR-mut expressed only the mutated BCOR transcripts and remained in such condition after multiple passages. We reprogrammed SCAP-O and subclone SCAP-OBCOR-mut into transgene-free iPSCs using an excisable lentiviral vector system (hSTEMCCA-loxP) carrying 4 reprogramming factors in a single cassette, followed by removal of transgenes via Cre-mediated excision. We found that after reprogramming SCAP-O or subclone SCAP-OBCOR-mut into iPSCs, some of the iPSC clones expressed either solely the normal BCOR-WT or BCOR-mut transcripts, while other clones expressed both BCOR-WT and BCOR-mut transcripts. This is our first step toward establishing OFCD study models by generating isogenic control BCOR-WT iPSCs versus BCOR-mut iPSCs.

Congenital cataracts in females caused by BCOR mutations; report of six further families demonstrating clinical variability and diverse genetic mechanisms.

BACKGROUND: Pathogenic variants in the BCOR gene have been identified in males with X-linked recessive microphthalmia and in females with X-linked dominant oculofaciocardiodental (OFCD) syndrome. This latter condition has previously been regarded as rare but the increased availability of genetic testing in recent years has led to the identification of a greater number of patients. METHODS: We report the clinical and molecular findings in a series of 10 patients with pathogenic BCOR variants from 5 families, all seen in a single institution over a two year period. RESULTS: We emphasize the phenotypic variability in this cohort and the diverse genetic mechanisms involved which included point mutations and deletions of BCOR as well as the occurrence of gonadal and somatic mosaicism. CONCLUSION: In this report we demonstrate the novel findings of four newly identified variants in BCOR associated with an OFCD phenotype, and suggest that the frequency of this condition in females presenting with congenital cataract, including unilateral cataract, is more common than anticipated. We demonstrate the utility of screening for genetic causes of congenital cataract. Although gonadal mosaicism in OFCD had previously been reported, we demonstrate the presence of somatic mosaicism where BCOR mutations may only be detected in DNA from tissues other than blood such as buccal cells.

Bain type of X-linked syndromic mental retardation in a male with a pathogenic variant in HNRNPH2.

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) are RNA binding proteins, which aid in maturation, stabilization, and transport of mRNA. They have a significant role in cellular nucleic acid metabolism. The hnRNPs alter gene expression and are linked to various neurodegenerative disorders and cancers. Previously, six unrelated girls with developmental delay, intellectual disability, and hypotonia were found to have de novo heterozygous pathogenic missense variants in HNRNPH2, located on the X chromosome. A gain-of-function effect was proposed for the variant and it was thought to be lethal in males as no surviving males were identified. We describe a family with two affected siblings, one male and one female, with a known pathogenic variant in HNRNPH2, possibly due to maternal germline mosaicism.

Male CDPX2 patient with EBP mosaicism and asymmetrically lateralized skin lesions with strict midline demarcation.

X-linked dominant chondrodysplasia punctata (Conradi-Hunermann-Happle syndrome, CDPX2) caused by mutations in the emopamil-binding protein (EBP) gene and congenital hemidysplasia with ichthyosiform nevus and limb defects (CHILD) syndrome caused by mutation in the NAD(P)H steroid dehydrogenase-like (NSDHL) gene are rare, typically male lethal disorders. CDPX2 skin lesions are characterized by transient severe congenital ichthyosis following the lines of Blaschko, whereas in CHILD syndrome, the lesions show striking lateralization. Here, we report a male CDPX2 patient with postzygotic mosaicism of the EBP gene presenting with lateralized skin lesions with strict midline demarcation as seen in CHILD syndrome (although this diagnosis was ruled out based on analysis of NSDHL), but also partly distributed along Blaschko's lines as seen in CDPX2. The lesions resolved within a few months, but the patient had other abnormalities, including shortening of the limbs, epiphyseal stippling, and forearm asymmetry; he also had problems with respiration and feeding in the first 4 years after birth. Kyphoscoliosis with dysplastic vertebral bodies progressed rapidly and required posterior spinal fusion surgery at 6 years old. These findings provide insights into the pathophysiology of CDPX2 and the mechanism of asymmetric lesion formation during development.

[Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease showing transient central nervous system lesions after a large amount of alcohol intake: A case report].

A 23-year-old man experienced numbness in the perioral region and right arm, and right leg weakness on the second day after drinking a large amount of alcohol during foreign travel. His symptoms disappeared but then reappeared repetitively. Cerebral MRI performed on the third day after onset showed multiple white matter lesions; however, these lesions disappeared 26 days after onset. Neurological examination and nerve conduction studies revealed demyelinating polyneuropathy. Genetic testing for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, X-linked dominant 1 (CMTX1) due to GJB1 mutation was conducted based on the symptoms of transient central nervous system lesions and polyneuropathy exhibited by the patient and his mother. As a result, a c.530T>C (p.V177A) substitution in exon 2 of GJB1 was identified. CMTX1 patients should be advised to avoid excessive drinking because this could induce central nervous system lesions.

Unilateral Focal Dermal Hypoplasia (Goltz Syndrome): Case Report and Literature Review.

Focal dermal hypoplasia (FDH) or Goltz syndrome is a rare X-linked dominant multisystemic disease involving the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. About 95% of the cases appear de novo, and 90% of them are females. Recently, the studies revealed that FDH is caused by a mutation in the PORCN gene. We report a case of unilateral FDH or Goltz syndrome in a 16-year-old girl presenting with hypopigmented-reticulated atrophic macules and patches in a linear pattern distributed along the lines of Blaschko over the right side of the face and the right arm. Also she is having hypoplasia of the right breast with dental enamel abnormality and partial anodontia in the lower jaw. Sparse hair and partial alopecia on the right side (scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes) were also observed.

Focal dermal hypoplasia: A novel finding in disguise.

Focal Dermal Hypoplasia (FDH) or Goltz-Gorlin syndrome is an unusual X-linked dominant syndrome characterised by anomalies of both ectodermal and mesodermal structures. We present a case report on the management of a 58 year old Caucasian male with Focal Dermal Hypoplasia. This report describes an additional clinical manifestation of an intraosseous mandibular lipoma, which has not been previously described in cases of FDH. Intraosseous lipomas in the head and neck region are reported in only seventeen cases in isolation of any associated syndrome. Diagnosis was hindered due to similitude with Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome (Gorlin-Goltz Syndrome) which despite similar nomenclature, is an exclusively separate condition This novel finding encourages clinicians to consider unusual differential diagnoses in such cases and highlights the importance of avoiding eponyms to prevent confusion with similar conditions.

A Novel PORCN Frameshift Mutation Leading to Focal Dermal Hypoplasia: A Case Report.

Focal dermal hypoplasia (FDH), also known as Goltz-Gorlin syndrome, is a rare, multisystemic, X-linked dominant genodermatosis characterized by defective development of mesodermal and ectodermal tissues. Major clinical features of the disorder are skin manifestations, skeletal defects, and developmental eye abnormalities. FDH is caused by heterozygous mutations in the PORCN gene located at Xp11.23, and 90% of individuals with FDH are females. Here, we report a female patient with cutaneous changes, multiple eye anomalies, short stature, and ectrodactyly of the right foot. These clinical findings were compatible with the diagnosis of FDH, and a novel mutation, NM_022825.3:c.488delG was found in the PORCN gene causing a premature stop codon.

Clinical characteristics of X-linked infantile nystagmus in a Chinese family / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Objective • To identify the clinical features of a Chinese Han family with X-linked infantile nystagmus. Methods • A Chinese family with X-linked infantile nystagmus was recruited from Department of Ophthalmology in Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. Peripheral blood from the members of the family was collected and molecular genetic analysis was done. The 5 patients in the family received comprehensive ocular examinations including measurement of visual acuity, degree of anomalous head posture, stereoscopic vision, binocular function, electroretinogram, visual evoked potential, optical coherence tomography, eye movement recording and cycloplegic refraction. Results • A frame-shift mutation (c.823-829delACCCTAC, p.Thr275fs) in the 9th exon of FERM domain containing protein 7 (FRMD7) in the family was found. The similar clinical features of the family included moderate impairment of visual acuity, mild astigmatism, reduced stereoscopic vision, no fusion function, and bidirectional jerk wave form. Their electroretinograms were normal, but there was a peak latency and decreased amplitudes in visual evoked potential. And the structures of maculae had no obvious abnormality. The performance of the anomalous head posture was varied. Conclusion • Thr275fs in FRMD7 protein is identified as the main factor in the Chinese family with X-linked infantile nystagmus. The clinical features of the family show a certain degree of consistency.