Griscelli syndrome: description of a case with Rab27A mutation

A 7-month-old Turkish boy presented with partial albinism and typical clinical features of an accelerated phase, suggesting the diagnosis of Griscelli syndrome. The diagnosis was confirmed by light microscopic evaluation of hair and a peripheral blood smear. Genetic analysis identified a mutation in the Rab27A gene. He was initiated immunosuppressive treatment but accelerated phase could not be ameliorated. He unfortunately died from multiorgan failure. The finding of partial albinism in children should alert clinicians to consider Griscelli syndrome since simple methods can corfirm the diagnosis and early diagnosis is life-saving.     

Griscelli syndrome

An eight month old male infant presented with recurrent infections and partial albinism. Initially a possibility of Chediak Higashi syndrome (CHS) was considered, but a negative investigative work up prompted us to look for an alternate diagnosis. A literature search revealed that Griscelli syndrome (GS) has overlapping symptoms and signs. The findings in skin and hair biopsies in Griscelli syndrome are distinctive.     

Griscelli syndrome: Rab 27a mutation

An infant with partial albinism was suspected to have Chediak-Higashi syndrome because two of his elder siblings had albinism and died in childhood following accelerated phase. Detailed investigations of blood, hair and skin of the proband revealed that he had Griscelli syndrome.     

Accelerated phase in partial albinism with immunodeficiency (Griscelli syndrome): genetics and stem cell transplantation in a 2-month-old girl

A 2-month-old girl presented with fever, hepatosplenomegaly, pancytopenia, hypertriglyceridaemia and silvery-greyish hair, suggesting the diagnosis of Griscelli syndrome (partial albinism with immunodeficiency). This diagnosis was confirmed by the characteristic agglomeration of melanin in the hair shaft and accumulation of melanosomes in melanocytes of the skin. The patient was homozygous for polymorphic markers around the myosin-Va gene on chromosome 15q21, which co-localize to the Griscelli disease locus. Natural-killer cells were in the lower range. The stimulation of lymphocytes with antigen and mitogen was normal. The patient's accelerated phase, characterized by haemophagocytosis was treated with prednisolone, rabbit anti-thymocyte globulins, and intrathecal methotrexate. Remission was maintained with cyclosporin A until HLA-compatible peripheral blood stem cell transplantation from her mother. Conclusion The silvery-greyish hair associated with fever, pancytopenia and hypertriglyceridaemia is the clue to early diagnosis of Griscelli syndrome and important to prevent death before stem cell transplantation. Received: 6 April 1999 / Accepted: 19 July 1999     

Griscelli syndrome - a case report

Griscelli syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by partial albinism with variable immunodeficiency. Silvery gray hair with large, clumped melanosomes on microscopy of hair shafts are diagnostic. The commonest complication leading to mortality includes lymphohistiocytic proliferation in various organs, including the brain. We present a child with classic clinical features and confirmatory findings of clumped melanosomes on microscopy of hair shaft.     

Griscelli syndrome: rare neonatal syndrome of recurrent hemophagocytosis

Griscelli syndrome (GS) is a rare inherited disease characterized by immunodeficiency and partial albinism. The microscopic findings of the skin and hair are highly suggestive of the disease. The GS locus colocalizes on chromosome 15q21 with the myosin-Va gene (MYO5a), and mutations have been identified in few patients. We describe a 2-month-old Hispanic girl with severe pancytopenia secondary to hemophagocytosis. Even though a mutation at the Griscelli locus had not been identified, her clinical features and outcome were typical of GS. The purpose of this article is to alert physicians to the association between GS and hemophagocytosis. We suggest that GS should be considered in infants with hemophagocytosis because the features of partial albinism can be subtle. The relevant literature is summarized.     

Clinical and microscopic hair features of griscelli syndrome associated with asymmetric crying facies in an infant.

Griscelli syndrome (GS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by immunodeficiency and partial albinism. Asymmetric crying facies (ACF) is caused by congenital hypoplasia or agenesis of the depressor anguli oris muscle. Asymmetric crying facies may be isolated or it may be associated with various anomalies. We report a 3-month-old Turkish boy who had clinical and microscopic hair features of GS associated with ACF. To the best of our knowledge, this is the 1st case of this association to be reported in the literature.     

Griscelli syndrome: Report of Three Cases

The clinical features of three children with Griscelli syndrome and autopsy findings of two are presented. The patients were 5 years, 9 months, and 3 months old, respectively. Clinical features included partial albinism, hepatosplenomegaly, and various neurological symptoms. Light and electron microscopic studies of the skin were compatible with Griscelli syndrome. Postmortem examination of the viscera and central nervous system revealed lymphohistiocytic infiltration with erythrophagocytosis. Bilateral diffuse involvement of the central nervous system, cranial nerve, and spinal cord was detected in both cases.     

Griscelli syndrome: a case report

BACKGROUND: Griscelli syndrome is a rare disorder with poor prognosis. It is characterized by silver-grey hair or strands of silver-grey hair in childhood, and variable cellular immunodeficiency. The course of the untreated disease is fatal. Recurrent episodes of fever and lymphohistocytic infiltration of organs lead to hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, pancytopenia, and progressive neurological impairment. Prognosis on morbidity and lethality depends on an early diagnosis. PATIENT: The girl we report on suffers from Griscelli syndrome. She developed normally and only her grey strands of hair, grey eyebrows, and eyelids were conspicuous. With the age of 4 years, she presented with a first episode of illness. RESULTS: Cytostatic treatment seemed to ameliorate the course of the disease although further accelerated phases could not be prevented. The only therapeutic option is a bone marrow transplantation, which we conferred upon our patient. CONCLUSION: The finding of grey hairs in childhood should alert clinicians to consider Griscelli syndrome since an early diagnosis is life and health saving.     

Griscelli syndrome types 1 and 3: analysis of four new cases and long-term evaluation of previously diagnosed patients

Griscelli syndrome (GS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by partial albinism. Three different types are caused by defects in three different genes. Patients with GS type 1 have primary central nervous system dysfunction, type 2 patients commonly develop hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, and type 3 patients have only partial albinism. While hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is life saving in type 2, no specific therapy is required for types 1 and 3. Patients with GS types 1 and 3 are very rare. To date, only 2 patients with type 3 and about 20 GS type 1 patients, including the patients described as Elejalde syndrome, have been reported. The neurological deficits in Elejalde syndrome were reported as severe neurodevelopmental delay, seizures, hypotonia, and ophthalmological problems including nystagmus, diplopia, and retinal problems. However, none of these patients' clinical progresses were reported. We described here our two new type 1 and two type 3 patients along with the progresses of our previously diagnosed patients with GS types 1 and 3. Our previous patient with GS type I is alive at age 21 without any other problems except severe mental and motor retardation, patients with type 3 are healthy at ages 21 and 24?years having only pigmentary dilution; silvery gray hair, eye brows, and eyelashes. Since prognosis, treatment options, and genetic counseling markedly differ among different types, molecular characterization has utmost importance in GS.     

Partial albinism, immunodeficiency, hypergammaglobulinemia and Dandy-Walker cyst--a Griscelli syndrome variant

A 6-year-old girl presented with recurrent infections, seizures, regression of milestones, silvery hair and organomegaly. A diagnosis of Griscelli syndrome with unusual features of a Dandy Walker cyst and hypergammaglobulinemia, not previously described in literature, was made. The child was treated with supportive measures.     

Griscelli disease with cerebral involvement

A 9-month-old Turkish boy was diagnosed as having Griscelli disease (Chediak-Higashi-like syndrome). Clinical signs consisted of silver-grey hair and a relatively light skin colour, recurrent episodes of fever, with or without detectable infections, increasing hepatosplenomegaly, hypotonia and motor retardation. Laboratory studies showed pancytopenia of varying degree but neither inclusion bodies nor vacuoles were seen in his leucocytes. Serum immunoglobulin levels were normal except for a IgG2 deficiency. In the mixed lymphocyte reaction the stimulation capacity of the leucocytes was decreased. Microscopic examination of his hair and electron-microscopic examination of a skin biopsy further confirmed the diagnosis. Shortly before the diagnosis was made, the child developed cerebral symptoms with hemiparesis and convulsions. A CT scan suggested cell infiltration of the brain. A few weeks later the boy died of an infection.     

Chediak-Higashi syndrome in a Chinese infant

ABSTRACT. Chediak-Higashi syndrome in Chinese has not been previously reported in the English literature. A 14-month Chinese girl who presented with partial oculocutaneous albinism and Pseudomonas infection was found to have the classical intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies in the leucocytes by light and electron microscopy. Other characteristic features typical of this syndrome included hepatosplenomegaly, defective chemotaxis, and coarse but sparse melanin granules in hair shaft. She was also found to have hypertriglyceridaemia, a rare lipid abnormality occasionally reported in children suffering from this syndrome.
Despite vigorous therapy with high dose ascorbate, corticosteroid and intravenous antibiotics, she died in the accelerated phase of Pseudomonas septicaemia.     

Síndrome de Griscelli-Prunieras: a propósito de dos casos

Griscelli-Prunieras syndrome (GS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by partial albinism. His pathogenic mechanism is associated with defects in the packaging of melanin and other cellular proteins. GS is classified into 3 types based on the genetic and molecular features. Mutations in the genes which cause GS are known. We report two first cases described in Spain who presented a silver-gray sheen of the hair and a severe immune disorder. They were studied for mutations principally related to this syndrome. Two patients showed the Rab27a mutation (frequently associated with GS2). The natural disorder evolution differs considerably among the various forms, so a genetic study is essential in GS to achieve the most accurate prognosis and treatment possible.     

Secretory lysosome disorders in the immune synapse and other tissues

IntroductionHaemophagocytic syndrome (HS) is a common manifestation of several congenital disorders characterised by a disruption of lysosomal secretion, interrupting the cytolytic pathway and triggering a dysfunction in the immune synapse. In this situation, the recognition of certain extra-immunological manifestations may help in the diagnostic process.Patients and methodsWe describe the clinical and biological features present in two brothers with familial haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis type 3 (FHL-3), two patients with Griscelli syndrome type 2 (GS-2) and one patient with Chédiak-Higashi syndrome (CHS).ResultsMutational assays at UNC13D were carried out on two brothers after diagnosing an early onset HS in the first one, yielding a positive result in both cases with a consequent diagnosis of FHL-3. The diagnosis of GS-2 was supported by positive results of mutational Rab27A studies in one patient with HS and abnormal pigmentation, and in her cousin who was affected by a similar abnormal pigmentation. The diagnosis of CHS was established in one patient with HS, abnormal pigmentation and atypical granules on cytological examination of a bone marrow smear. Diagnosis was confirmed in this patient by the finding of a homozygous LYST mutation.ConclusionsWe point out the importance of recognising the presence of typical extra-immunological manifestations of certain congenital disorders of lysosome secretion in patients diagnosed with HS. The association of albinism and immunodeficiency has played a critical role in the recent identification of the molecular mechanism involved in these disorders.     

Macrophage activation syndrome linked to Epstein-Barr virus

Epstein-Barr virus infection is one of the etiologies that should be discussed in patients with macrophage activation syndrome. We report a case that is consistent with this diagnosis. The role of the Epstein-Barr virus in the etiologic diagnosis of VAHS (virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome) is specified. In pediatric patients with VAHS, the other causes of macrophage activation should also be discussed.     

Chediak-Higashi综合征1例分析并文献复习

目的探讨Chediak-Higashi综合征的临床特点,以提高对本病的认识。方法分析1例Chediak-Higashi综合征患儿的临床资料,并对相关文献进行复习。结果本例Chediak-Higashi综合征患儿主要表现为皮肤、毛发色素减退、易感染、眼畏光、出血倾向、肝脾淋巴结肿大、外周神经病变等。血涂片或骨髓片见中性粒细胞内特征性的异常粗大溶酶体颗粒是确诊依据。造血干细胞移植是有望治愈本病的唯一方法。结论 Chediak-Higashi综合征较为罕见,临床表现复杂,预后差,极易漏诊误诊,应提高对本病的认识。     

A rare syndrome in the differential diagnosis of hepatosplenomegaly and pancytopenia: report of identical twins with Griscelli disease

White, identical twin boys aged 3 months were referred to our centre with persisting fever, mouth ulcers, hepatosplenomegaly, pancytopenia and failure to thrive. The parents were first cousins and there was a history of a sibling with similar manifestations who had died. The infants had silvery-grey hair and pigment clumps on the hair shafts, and skin biopsy showed accumulation of melanocytes on melanosomes. Bone marrow revealed hypercellularity and haemophagocytosis. HLH-94 chemotherapy (initial therapy with daily dexamethasone and etoposide, maintenance with dexamethasone pulses, etoposide and cyclosporin A) was started. Though partial haematological remission was achieved, one of the boys died on the 34th day following aspiration pneumonia. No pathogen could be identified. The second boy responded to therapy but had a haematological relapse and died 68 days after first being admitted. Genetic study revealed a 5 bp deletion in the RAB27A gene (510 del AAGCC in exon 5). Transient haematological remission can be achieved with chemotherapy but allogeneic bone marrow transplantation is the only curative therapy in Griscelli disease, as in other familial haemophagocytic syndromes. Identification of the mutation also provides an opportunity for prenatal diagnosis.     

巨噬细胞活化综合征的研究进展

巨噬细胞活化综合征是一种多见于儿童慢性风湿性疾病的严重、致命性并发症,其发病机制尚不完全清楚,目前仍没有统一的诊断标准,早期诊断有一定难度。文章综述了近几年巨噬细胞活化综合征发病机制的研究新进展以及早期诊断的生物学标志物。[临床儿科杂志,2012,30(5):496-498]     

A novel single point mutation of the LYST gene in two siblings with different phenotypic features of Chediak Higashi syndrome

Chediak Higashi syndrome (CHS) is an autosomal-recessive disorder characterized by oculocutaneous albinism, recurrent infections and a progressive primary neurological disease. Here, we describe two siblings with CHS due to a novel homozygous R1836X mutation in the LYST gene associated with loss of NK cell degranulation and cytotoxicity. While one sibling was born with fair skin and hair and died of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) at 5 months of age, the other sibling had dark black hair and skin and developed HLH at the age of 4 years.