A case of congenital partial absence of the left pericardium presenting with atypical chest pain.

Congenital absence of the pericardium (CAP) is a rare cardiac malformation and can be defined as the partial or total absence of the fibroelastic sac that surrounds the heart and great vessels. As the patients are often asymptomatic or have nonspecific symptoms, the diagnosis of this rare congenital anomaly is difficult. Therefore, it is usually diagnosed incidentally during imaging, intraoperatively, or during postmortem examinations. In this regard, it is important to keep specific images in mind during the examination and to suspect CAP to make an accurate diagnosis. In this report, we present a case of a 42-year-old male who presented with a complaint of atypical chest pain and was diagnosed with CAP using multimodality imaging.

Role of the DDX11 DNA Helicase in Warsaw Breakage Syndrome Etiology.

Warsaw breakage syndrome (WABS) is a genetic disorder characterized by sister chromatid cohesion defects, growth retardation, microcephaly, hearing loss and other variable clinical manifestations. WABS is due to biallelic mutations of the gene coding for the super-family 2 DNA helicase DDX11/ChlR1, orthologous to the yeast chromosome loss protein 1 (Chl1). WABS is classified in the group of "cohesinopathies", rare hereditary diseases that are caused by mutations in genes coding for subunits of the cohesin complex or protein factors having regulatory roles in the sister chromatid cohesion process. In fact, among the cohesion regulators, an important player is DDX11, which is believed to be important for the functional coupling of DNA synthesis and cohesion establishment at the replication forks. Here, we will review what is known about the molecular and cellular functions of human DDX11 and its role in WABS etiopathogenesis, even in light of recent findings on the role of cohesin and its regulator network in promoting chromatin loop formation and regulating chromatin spatial organization.

Animal Model Contributions to Congenital Metabolic Disease.

Genetic model systems allow researchers to probe and decipher aspects of human disease, and animal models of disease are frequently specifically engineered and have been identified serendipitously as well. Animal models are useful for probing the etiology and pathophysiology of disease and are critical for effective discovery and development of novel therapeutics for rare diseases. Here we review the impact of animal model organism research in three examples of congenital metabolic disorders to highlight distinct advantages of model system research. First, we discuss phenylketonuria research where a wide variety of research fields and models came together to make impressive progress and where a nearly ideal mouse model has been central to therapeutic advancements. Second, we review advancements in Lesch-Nyhan syndrome research to illustrate the role of models that do not perfectly recapitulate human disease as well as the need for multiple models of the same disease to fully investigate human disease aspects. Finally, we highlight research on the GM2 gangliosidoses Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff disease to illustrate the important role of both engineered traditional laboratory animal models and serendipitously identified atypical models in congenital metabolic disorder research. We close with perspectives for the future for animal model research in congenital metabolic disorders.

Congenital diabetes mellitus.

Congenital diabetes mellitus is a rare disorder characterized by hyperglycemia that occurs shortly after birth. We define "Diabetes of Infancy" if hyperglycemia onset before 6 months of life. From the clinical point of view, we distinguish two main types of diabetes of infancy: transient (TNDM), which remits spontaneously, and permanent (PNDM), which requires lifelong treatment. TNDM may relapse later in life. About 50% of cases are transient (TNDM) and 50% permanent. Clinical manifestations include severe intrauterine growth retardation, hyperglycemia and dehydration. A wide range of different associated clinical signs including facial dysmorphism, deafness and neurological, cardiac, kidney or urinary tract anomalies are reported. Developmental delay and learning difficulties may also be observed. In this paper we review all the causes of congenital diabetes and all genes and syndromes involved in this pathology. The discovery of the pathogenesis of most forms of congenital diabetes has made it possible to adapt the therapy to the diagnosis and in the forms of alteration of the potassium channels of the pancreatic Beta cells the switch from insulin to glibenclamide per os has greatly improved the quality of life. Congenital diabetes, although it is a very rare form, has been at the must of research in recent years especially for pathogenesis and pharmacogenetics. The most striking difference compared to the more frequent autoimmune diabetes in children (type 1 diabetes) is the possibility of treatment with hypoglycemic agents and the apparent lower frequency of chronic complications.

Undiagnosed and Rare Diseases in Perinatal Medicine: Lessons in Context and Cognitive Diagnostic Error.

Critically ill neonates experience high rates of morbidity and mortality. Major diagnostic errors are identified in up to 20% of autopsied neonatal intensive care unit deaths. Neonates with undiagnosed or rare congenital disorders may mimic critically ill neonates with more common acquired conditions. The context of the diagnostic evaluation can introduce unique biases that increase the likelihood of diagnostic error. Herein is presented a framework for understanding diagnostic errors in perinatal medicine, and individual, team, and systems-based solutions for improving diagnosis learned through the implementation and administration of an undiagnosed and rare disease program.

Mitochondrial DNA Depletion Syndromes.

Mitochondrial disorders present in a myriad of ways, which causes them to be included in the differential diagnosis for many patients with undiagnosed disease. A subset of mitochondrial disorders are caused by intrinsic defects in the mitochondrial replication machinery, leading to loss of cellular mitochondrial content over time. The diagnosis of mitochondrial disease is complex. Several best-practice guides are available that enable a higher likelihood of detecting a mitochondrial disorder. The application of genomic sequencing and advanced physiologic analysis of the electron transport chain can offer more definitive evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction.

Nonimmune Anemias.

Anemia in the newborn period can be a diagnostic challenge. This article explores the diagnosis, work-up, and differential diagnosis of anemia in this patient population with a focus on anemia that is not related to blood loss or immune-mediated conditions (isoimmune hemolysis).

Neonatal and Infant Appendicitis.

Neonatal appendicitis is a rare disease with a high mortality rate. Appendicitis is difficult to diagnose in neonatal and infant populations because it mimics other more common conditions in these age groups. Furthermore, signs and symptoms of appendicitis are often nonspecific in nonverbal patients and a high index of suspicion is necessary to initiate the appropriate diagnostic work-up. The keys to successful management of appendicitis in infants include keeping the diagnosis on the differential in the setting of unexplained intra-abdominal sepsis, following a diagnostic algorithm in the work-up of infant abdominal pathology, and performing appendectomy once the diagnosis is confirmed.

Neonatal Acute Liver Failure.

Neonatal acute liver failure (NALF) is a rare disease with a few known primary causes: gestational alloimmune liver disease (GALD), viral infections, metabolic diseases, and ischemic injury. Many cases still do not have a known cause. Laboratory evaluation may suggest a diagnosis. Most of the known causes have disease-specific treatments that improve outcomes. Survival is improving with better knowledge about and treatment options for GALD; however, overall mortality for NALF is still 24%. Liver transplant remains an important option for neonates with an indeterminate cause of NALF and those who do not respond to established treatments.

Autoinflammatory Disorders with Perinatal Onset.

Autoinflammatory disorders are rare genetic defects that result in inflammation in the absence of an infectious or autoimmune disease. Although very rare, these disorders can occur in the perinatal period, and recognizing their presentation is important because there are often long-term complications and effective targeted therapies for these disorders. Most of these disorders present with rash, fevers, and laboratory evidence of inflammation. Importantly, these disorders can now be separated into their pathophysiologic mechanisms of action, which can also guide therapies. The article reviews the different mechanisms of autoinflammatory disorders and highlights those disorders that can present in the newborn period.

Rare Vesiculopustular Eruptions of the Neonatal Period.

Numerous disorders present with vesiculopustular eruptions in the neonatal period, ranging from benign to life-threatening. Accurate and prompt diagnosis is imperative to avoid unnecessary testing and treatment for benign eruptions, while allowing for adequate treatment of potentially fatal disorders. In this review, we highlight several rare blistering diseases of the newborn. A diagnostic approach is outlined to provide clinicians with a framework for approaching a neonate with vesicles, pustules, or ulcers.

Congenital Diarrheal Syndromes.

Congenital diarrheal disorders are heterogeneous conditions characterized by diarrhea with onset in the first years of life. They range from simple temporary conditions, such as cow's milk protein intolerance to irreversible complications, such as microvillous inclusion disease with significant morbidity and mortality. Advances in genomic medicine have improved our understanding of these disorders, leading to an ever-increasing list of identified causative genes. The diagnostic approach to these conditions consists of establishing the presence of diarrhea by detailed review of the history, followed by characterizing the composition of the diarrhea, the response to fasting, and with further specialized testing.

Presentation and Management Patterns of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Adults Due to Rare Inherited Neuromuscular Diseases.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the urologic sequalae of several rare congenital neuromuscular diseases. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records at Gillette Specialty Healthcare (2014-2018) of patients presenting to urology clinic with lower urinary tract symptoms and select rare congenital diseases: muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, and Rett syndrome. RESULTS: Muscular dystrophies (n = 19) are X-linked myogenic disorders characterized by progressive muscle wasting and weakness. Men present to the urologist at variable ages, typically with complaints of functional incontinence and normal cystometrograms; we manage them with oral anticholinergic medications, condom catheter, or suprapubic catheter. Spinal muscular atrophy (n = 6) is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by degeneration of the anterior horn cells in the spinal cord and motor nuclei in the lower brainstem leading to progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. Patients typically present with nephrolithiasis and urinary retention in late adolescence/early adulthood, but timing varies. Filling cystometrograms have been normal. We allow passive retention with intermittent catheterization and creation of catheterizable channels, when indicated. Rett syndrome (n = 5) is a rare, noninheritable genetic condition affecting females characterized by a brief period of normal development followed by loss of speech and purposeful hand use; there are characteristic behaviors. Patients present in early adulthood with complaints of urinary retention. We manage retention with permissive retention or sphincter chemodenervation. CONCLUSION: Several congenital neuromuscular conditions can cause lower urinary tract symptoms when these individuals become adults. We have discussed the clinical characteristics and management of select neurogenic and myogenic bladder conditions seen in adults with congenital conditions.

Anomalias congênitas na perspectiva da vigilância em saúde: compilação de uma lista com base na CID-10 / Anomalías congénitas desde la perspectiva de la vigilancia de la salud: compilación de una lista basada en la CIE-10 / Congenital anomalies from the health surveillance perspective: compilation of a list based on ICD-10

Objetivo: Propor uma lista de anomalias congênitas com códigos correspondentes na Classificação Estatística Internacional de Doenças e Problemas Relacionados à Saúde - 10ᵃ Revisão (CID-10), visando a aplicação no âmbito da vigilância em saúde. Métodos: Em dezembro de 2019, realizou-se busca nas seguintes fontes de dados: CID-10; CID-11; anomalias monitoradas por três modelos de vigilância; base de informações sobre doenças raras (Orphanet). Realizou-se extração das anomalias a partir dessas fontes, processamento para correspondência com base na CID-10 e compilação mediante revisão manual. Resultados: Foram identificados 898 códigos, dos quais 619 (68,9%) constavam no capítulo XVII da CID-10. Dos 279 códigos de outros capítulos, 19 foram exclusivos da busca na CID-11, 72 dos modelos de vigilância, 79 da Orphanet e 36 da busca de termos na CID-10. Conclusão: Os códigos que constam do capítulo XVII da CID-10 não captam a totalidade das anomalias congênitas, indicando a necessidade de adoção de uma lista ampliada.

Objetivo: Proponer una lista de anomalías congénitas con códigos correspondientes en la décima revisión de la Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades (CIE), con el objetivo de su aplicación en el ámbito de la vigilancia de la salud. Métodos: En diciembre de 2019, se buscaron las siguientes fuentes: CIE-10; CIE-11; anomalías monitoreadas por tres modelos de vigilancia; y base de informaciones sobre enfermedades raras (Orphanet). Las anomalías se extrajeron de estas fuentes de datos, se procesó en base a la CIE-10 y se compiló con una revisión manual. Resultados: Se identificaron 898 códigos, de los cuales 619 (68,9%) estaban en el Capítulo XVII de la CIE-10. De los 279 códigos en otros capítulos, 19 fueron exclusivos de la búsqueda en la CIE-11, 72 de los modelos de vigilancia, 79 de Orphanet y 36 de la búsqueda de términos en la CIE-10. Conclusión: Los códigos contenidos en el capítulo XVII de la CIE-10 no capturan la totalidad de las anomalías congénitas, lo que indica la necesidad de adoptar una lista ampliada.

Objective: To propose a list of congenital anomalies having corresponding codes in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10thRevision (ICD-10), with the aim of applying it in health surveillance. Methods: In December 2019, the following data sources were searched: ICD-10; ICD-11; anomalies monitored by three surveillance programs; and a database of rare diseases (Orphanet). Anomalies were retrieved from these data sources, processed to check for correspondence with ICD-10 and reviewed manually to compile the list. Results: 898 codes were identified, of which 619 (68.9%) were contained in ICD-10 Chapter XVII. Of the 279 codes contained in other chapters, 19 were exclusive to the ICD-11 search, 72 to the surveillance programs, 79 to Orphanet and 36 to the search for terms in ICD-10. Conclusion: The codes contained in ICD-10 Chapter XVII do not capture the totality of congenital anomalies, indicating the need to adopt an expanded list.

Red española de registros de enfermedades raras para la investigación: primeros resultados del proyecto Spain-RDR en Navarra / Spanish rare disease registries research network: first results of Spain-RDR's project in Navarre

Fundamento: La Red Española de Registros de Enfermedades Raras para la Investigación, Spain-RDR, fue un proyecto del Instituto de Salud Carlos III (2012-2015) en el que participaron todas las Comunidades Autónomas. Se presentan los primeros resultados de Navarra. Material y métodos: Se explotó el Conjunto Mínimo Básico de Datos de 2010-2011 para valorar la recogida de posibles casos de enfermedades raras en Navarra (estudio piloto) y después se amplió la información, tanto en tiempo (año 2012) como en fuentes de captación (Estadística de Mortalidad y Registro de Incapacidad Temporal). Resultados: En el estudio piloto, Navarra identificó 9.420 posibles casos de 8.141 residentes, pasando a 13.494 casos de 11.644 personas con la ampliación temporal y de fuentes. El 38% de los casos correspondió a enfermedades endocrinas, metabólicas e inmunes, y anomalías congénitas. Conclusiones: Es necesario ampliar las fuentes y el período de captación, así como validar los casos captados para conocer la magnitud real del problema en su conjunto y de cada enfermedad específica incluida en el registro

Background: The Spanish Rare Disease Registries Research Network, Spain-RDR, was a project of the Carlos III Health Institute (2012-2015) in which all the Autonomous Communities participated. The initial results for Navarre are presented. Methods: The Minimum Basic Data Set for 2010-2011 was explored to assess the collection of possible cases of rare diseases in Navarre (pilot study). The information was later extended in both time (the year 2012) and sources consulted (Mortality Statistics and Temporary Disability Registry). Results: Navarre identified 9,420 possible cases amongst the 8,141 residents in the pilot study, reaching 13,494 cases amongst the 11,644 people obtained with the extension of time and sources. Thirty-eight percent of the cases corresponded to endocrine, metabolic and immune diseases, and congenital anomalies. Conclusions: It is necessary to expand the sources and the period of data collection, as well as to validate the cases registered in order to know the real magnitude of the problem as a whole and for each specific disease included in the registry

[Spanish rare disease registries research network: first results of Spain-RDR's project in Navarre]. / Red española de registros de enfermedades raras para la investigación: primeros resultados del proyecto Spain-RDR en Navarra.

BACKGROUND: The Spanish Rare Disease Registries Research Network, Spain-RDR, was a project of the Carlos III Health Institute (2012-2015) in which all the Autonomous Communities participated. The initial results for Navarre are presented. METHODS: The Minimum Basic Data Set for 2010-2011 was explored to assess the collection of possible cases of rare diseases in Navarre (pilot study). The information was later extended in both time (the year 2012) and sources consulted (Mortality Statistics and Temporary Disability Registry). RESULTS: Navarre identified 9,420 possible cases amongst the 8,141 residents in the pilot study, reaching 13,494 cases amongst the 11,644 people obtained with the extension of time and sources. Thirty-eight percent of the cases corresponded to endocrine, metabolic and immune diseases, and congenital anomalies. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to expand the sources and the period of data collection, as well as to validate the cases registered in order to know the real magnitude of the problem as a whole and for each specific disease included in the registry.

Bilateral testicular torsion in a 36-week neonate.

A male neonate born after uncomplicated vaginal delivery at 36 weeks' gestation was noted to have large and firm testicles bilaterally on routine examination. A testicular ultrasound scan was subsequently organised that showed detailed appearances consistent with bilateral testicular torsion. This was thought to have taken place antenatally and as such was unfortunately not suitable for intervention. The patient was therefore managed conservatively with the testicles left to involute naturally. He was started on testosterone replacement therapy after follow-up when gonadotrophin levels were found to be raised and testosterone low (suggesting absent testicular function) and will be closely followed up regarding his future development which is normal to this point.

Congenital plaque-like glomangioma: report of two cases.

Glomus tumors are rare hamartomas that originate from the glomus body. These tumors can be divided into solitary and multiple, the latter also known as glomangioma. We report the case of two patients with a rare variety of glomangioma called congenital plaque-like glomangioma. It presents as numerous red to bluish compressible papules, that increase in size in proportion with the weight and height growth of the child. Diagnostic confirmation is with histopathology and the treatment is surgical.