Williams-Beuren-Syndrom Frühdiagnose bei einem 10 Wochen alten Säugling

Background. The Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a contiguous gene syndrome with variable expression. Most cases are sporadic, autosomal dominant inheritance is rare, but possible. WBS is leading to multiple malformations: congenital heart defects (particularly supravalvular aortic stenosis, partly in combination with peripheral pulmonary stenosis), dysmorphic craniofacial signs, retardation and disturbed calcium homeostasis. Many babies suffer from gastrointestinal problems like recurrent vomiting and failure to thrive. Many children have growth deficiency. The combination of some of these symptoms often leads to an early diagnosis. Any of these symptoms may be absent, leading to a markedly delayed diagnosis. Genetic diagnosis. Today the WBS can be confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization. In 95% of the cases a microdeletion of chromosome 7q11.23 is found. Today the deleted genes are identified and we can explain some of the symptoms, but not all of them. Case report. We report a case with WBS in whom an early diagnosis was made at the age of 10 weeks because of the characteristic facies. Being aware of possible further problems and complications, they can be detected, controled and treated in time.     

Growth hormone treatment in a child with Williams-Beuren syndrome: a case report

Growth retardation is a consistent finding in Williams-Beuren syndrome. The cause of short stature in this syndrome is unknown. Endocrine studies have failed to reveal abnormalities in the growth hormone – insulin-like growth factor I axis. We report a boy with confirmed Williams-Beuren syndrome, who was found to have classical growth hormone deficiency and responded well to growth hormone therapy. Conclusion Although growth hormone deficiency is not likely to be a common cause of short stature in Williams-Beuren syndrome, we nevertheless recommend evaluation of the growth hormone – insulin-like growth factor I axis in all cases. Received: 14 February 1998 / Accepted in revised form: 4 April 1998     

4例Williams-Beuren综合征家系遗传学诊断与产前诊断

Williams-Beuren综合征是一类常见的染色体微缺失综合征,早期诊断及干预对患儿及其家庭十分重要。本研究应用染色体核型分析技术(G显带),多重连接依赖探针扩增技术(MLPA)及微阵列比较基因组杂交技术(array-CGH)对4个家系中1例超声异常的胎儿及3例发育异常患儿行染色体核型和基因组DNA分析,为这4个家庭的再生育提供指导,为产前诊断提供依据。研究结果发现1例产前超声异常孕妇羊水及3例发育异常患儿外周血MLPA分析提示染色体7q11.23区域ELN基因探针信号降低,array-CGH检测提示染色体7q11.23区域杂合缺失。4个家系中母亲再次妊娠时取羊水细胞标本行上述检测均未发现异常。研究结果提示MLPA技术及array-CGH技术能够快速、准确地诊断Williams-Beuren综合征,为临床提供更好的遗传咨询服务。     

MR imaging of pentalogy of Cantrell variant with an intact diaphragm and pericardium

We present a case of a neonate with the stigmata for pentalogy of Cantrell with the exception of diaphragmatic and pericardial defects. Diagnosing most of the anomalies in this rare syndrome can be accomplished using conventional modalities in radiology, but difficulties may arise determining diaphragmatic continuity. Accurate, early diagnosis of components of this syndrome is vital for surgical planning and assessing prognostic factors. Received: 26 October 1999/Accepted: 13 April 2000     

Congenital long QT syndrome in newborns]

The perinatal manifestations of the long QT syndrome are rare, but early diagnosis and therapy are necessary to prevent sudden death. CASE REPORTS: A long QT syndrome was diagnosed in two neonates who presented with foetal bradycardia. In one case, a mutation in the gene KCNQ1 was identified, and a long QT syndrome was diagnosed in the mother and two brothers of the neonate. On beta-blocker therapy, one infant became free of long QT syndrome related symptoms, but a sudden death of the second infant occurred. CONCLUSION: The long QT syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of foetal bradycardia. Early treatment of the neonate and his family may prevent ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death.     

Progressive vascular lesions in Williams-Beuren syndrome

Summary We report two patients with Williams-Beuren syndrome. The first patient showed no evidence of coarctation of the aorta at the first examination. Seven years later, she developed coarctation of the aorta. In the second patient, we found the progression of renal artery stenosis by serial angiography. We report that vascular lesions may be progressive in Williams-Beuren syndrome.     

Anomalies of the abdominal aorta in Williams-Beuren syndrome – another cause of arterial hypertension

Vascular disease in Williams-Beuren syndrome is based on an elastin arteriopathy which may cause stenoses in small and great vessels. This study presents the pattern of stenotic lesions of the abdominal aorta and the incidence of arterial hypertension. From 112 patients with Williams-Beuren syndrome followed since 1975, 25 patients were studied by aortography. The diameter of the thoracic aorta and the change in diameter to the iliac bifurcation were compared with normal data. Renal artery stenosis was suspected when the proximal vessel diameter was less than 50% of the distal diameter. Of the 25 patients, 20 had vascular stenosis of whom 19 patients were affected by segmental narrowing either of the thoracic aorta (n=9) or the abdominal aorta (n = 7) or both (n = 3). Hypoplasia of the abdominal aorta was characterised by the smallest diameters at the renal artery level and an increased diameter of the infrarenal abdominal aorta. A total of 11 patients had renal arterial stenosis, associated with narrowing of other aortic segments in 10 cases. Only one patient had a solitary stenosis of the renal artery. Arterial hypertension was diagnosed in 17 patients, 2 of them had no vascular lesions; in the remaining 15 patients stenosis was present in more than one segment (aorta 6, renal artery stenosis 1, both 8). CONCLUSION: Narrowing of the abdominal aorta in patients with Williams-Beuren syndrome is a frequent morphological manifestation of the arteriopathy. Isolated renal arterial stenosis was rare, since it was more frequently combined with a narrowed aorta. Hypertension is a common symptom in the affected group and must be regarded as a manifestation of generalised arteriopathy rather than renal hypoperfusion.     

A rare case report of simultaneous presentation of myopathy, Addison's disease, primary hypoparathyroidism, and Fanconi syndrome in a child diagnosed with Kearns–Sayre syndrome

Kearns–Sayre syndrome (KSS) is a rare mitochondrial DNA deletion syndrome defined as the presence of ophthalmoplegia, pigmentary retinopathy, onset less than age 20 years, and one of the following: cardiac conduction defects, cerebellar syndrome, or cerebrospinal fluid protein above 100 mg/dl. KSS may affect many organ systems causing endocrinopathies, encephalomyopathy, sensorineural hearing loss, and renal tubulopathy. Clinical presentation at diagnosis is quite heterogeneous and, usually, few organs are affected with progression to generalized disease early in adulthood. We present the case of a boy with KSS presenting at the age of 5 years with myopathy, Addison's disease, primary hypoparathyroidism, and Fanconi syndrome. The proper replacement treatment along with the administration of mitochondrial metabolism-improving agents had a brief ameliorating effect, but gradual severe multisystemic deterioration was inevitable over the next 5 years. Conclusion This report highlights the fact that in case of simultaneous presentation of polyendocrinopathies and renal disease early in childhood, KSS should be considered.     

Curable dementia revealing late congenital syphilis]

SUMMARY: Late congenital syphilis is a rare disease and its neurological expression is exceptional. We report a case revealed by a curable dementia. CASE REPORT: This 17-year-old patient presented for one year progressive dementia, frontal syndrome and extra pyramidal syndrome. The cerebral CT scan showed a diffuse cortical and subcortical atrophy. Blood and CSF positive antibodies confirmed the diagnosis of late congenital meningoencephalitis due to syphilis. The outcome after 13 months follow-up was favourable with penicillin therapy. COMMENTS: Late congenital syphilis is a rare disease, that may be exceptionally revealed by a curable dementia. Evolution may be favourable with early penicillin therapy.     

Endocardial fibroelastosis of the left ventricle in a patient with Alagille syndrome

We present a case of a 6 week old infant with Alagille syndrome. Cardiological evaluation revealed peripheral pulmonary arterial stenosis and left ventricular endocardial fibroelastosis. While peripheral pulmonary arterial stenosis are typical for the syndrome this is the first case reported with endocardial fibroelastosis. Complex cardiac malformations may worsen the prognosis in Alagille syndrome. They require early diagnosis and therapy.     

Gastrointestinal bleeding in a 15 month old male. A presentation of Munchausen's syndrome by proxy

Munchausen's syndrome by Proxy is a well-described entity that may not always be immediately considered in a complicated case. We describe this syndrome being portrayed through the guise of gastrointestinal bleeding in a 15 month old male and discuss not only the difficulty involved in solidifying this diagnosis but also the consequences that may occur should this diagnosis not be entertained. Failure to diagnose Munchausen's syndrome by proxy often results from failure to consider the diagnosis. These cases frequently have specific characteristics that allow seasoned clinicians to suspect the diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is considered, it is crucial to take steps to protect not only the index patient but also siblings who not infrequently are also recipients of this life threatening form of child abuse.     

Pre- and postnatal imaging of early cerebral damage in Sturge-Weber syndrome

A case of prenatal diagnosis of Sturge-Weber syndrome associated with polymicrogyria is reported. The diagnosis was based on a unique association with unilateral hemispheric gyriform calcification, focal hemispheric atrophy and white matter changes on prenatal imaging including ultrasound and MRI. Polymicrogyria, which is exceptionally associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome, is suggestive of and reinforces the hypothesis of early impairment of the cerebral microvasculature related to leptomeningeal angioma, which may lead to abnormal cerebral development as early as the second trimester of pregnancy.     

Williams-Beuren syndrome: an update and review for the primary physician.

Williams-Beuren syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder resulting from a submicroscopic deletion of contiguous genes on the long arm of chromosome 7. It consists of a variety of hallmark physical features, which include distinctive facial characteristics, cardiac anomalies (of which the most common is supravalvular aortic stenosis), and occasional idiopathic hypercalcemia. The condition also includes a unique cognitive profile, with relative sparing of language and facial recognition skills against a background of mental retardation. This paper reviews the early history and clinical experience with this syndrome, how it unfolds from infancy through adulthood, and how it manifests in different organ systems. Evidence-based recommendations are then offered for the treatment of the specific developmental and medical issues that arise in patients with Williams syndrome.     

Elastin Mutation Screening in a Group of Patients Affected by Vascular Abnormalities

Supravalvular aortic stenosis is an uncommon but well-characterized congenital form of left ventricular outflow obstruction. The lesion involves the ascending aorta and often occurs in association with pulmonary arterial stenoses or stenoses of other arteries, especially at major branch points. It can occur sporadically, as an autosomal dominant condition, or as one component of Williams-Beuren syndrome. In fact, the clinical and structural characteristics of supravalvular aortic stenosis are identical in both syndromic and nonsyndromic cases. The severity of supravalvular aortic stenosis varies; but if it is left untreated, it may result in heart failure, myocardial infarction, and sudden death. Supravalvular aortic stenosis in Williams-Beuren patients occurs as a consequence of a complete deletion of one copy of the elastin gene on chromosome 7q11.23. However, the underlying genetic cause of isolated supravalvular aortic stenosis has been identified as translations, gross intragenic deletions, and point mutations that disrupt the elastin gene. We report the results obtained in a mutation screening of the elastin gene in 28 patients with supravalvular aortic stenosis and other vascular abnormalities. The aim of the screening was to characterize the molecular cause of this lesion. We have detected 11 changes, including nine polymorphisms and two novel putative missense mutations. Grant support: 98TV1110 from “Fundació Marató TVS”, and V2003RedC-07 from “Institute de salud Carlos III”.     

Evolving phenotype of Marfan's syndrome

AIM: To examine evolution of the physical characteristics of Marfan's syndrome throughout childhood. METHODS: 40 children were ascertained during the development of a regional register for Marfan's syndrome. Evolution of the clinical characteristics was determined by repeat evaluation of 10 patients with sporadic Marfan's syndrome and 30 with a family history of the condition. DNA marker studies were used to facilitate diagnosis in those with the familial condition. RESULTS: Musculoskeletal features predominated and evolved throughout childhood. Gene tracking enabled early diagnosis in children with familial Marfan's syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: These observations may aid the clinical diagnosis of Marfan's syndrome in childhood, especially in those with the sporadic condition. Gene tracking has a role in the early diagnosis of familial Marfan's syndrome, allowing appropriate follow up and preventive care.     

DIAGNOSIS OF CONGENITAL NEPHROTIC SYNDROME: A CLINICAL AND A PATHOLOGIC CHALLENGE

The diagnosis of congenital nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a challenge both for clinicians and for pathologists. We observed three cases in a series of 50 children with NS nonresponsive to therapy, corresponding to one case each of minimal change disease, Finnish-type glomerulopathy, and diffuse mesangial sclerosis--two histopathologic studies were performed in each case. The age at presentation did not predict the diagnosis nor the prognosis: The NS presented at 7 months of age in the patient with diffuse mesangial sclerosis, but it was present at birth in the patient with minimal change disease. In these 2 patients the final diagnosis was made with the first renal biopsy. Conversely, in the patient with Finnish-type glomerulopathy, the diagnosis was only possible in the repeat biopsy, as the early pathologic changes were nonspecific. This study shows the essential role of the renal biopsy in determining the etiologic diagnosis and prognosis in patients with congenital nephrotic syndrome.     

Severe hypercalcemia without hypercalciuria in a previously healthy infant

Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a multisystem disorder that has a broad range of clinical findings including characteristic facial appearance, supravalvular aortic stenosis, dental and developmental abnormalities, and endocrinologic disorders including but not limited to the development of hypercalcemia. We present the case of a 10-month-old girl, with a history of intrauterine growth restriction, who presented with symptoms of weight loss and poor feeding. She was found to have severe elevation of her serum calcium to 20 mg/dL. She was subsequently diagnosed with WBS by fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis. The exact etiology of hypercalcemia in patients with WBS is unknown, but there are several hypotheses. Treatment of hypercalcemia in WBS is achieved with intravenous (IV) fluids, loop diuretics, and a low calcium diet; bisphosphonate therapy is required if adequate decreases in the serum calcium level are not achieved with traditional therapy.     

Williams-Beuren syndrome: historical aspects

Williams syndrome, also known as Williams-Beuren syndrome (OMIM database entry 194050), is now known to be commonly associated with a hemizygous chromosomal deletion at 7.q11.23. The way in which the condition came to be recognized historically is reviewed along with some biographical details of the people involved.     

Prenatal diagnosis and clinicopathologic examination of a case with diastematomyelia

Diastematomyelia is a rare form of spinal dysraphism. Here the spinal cord was split into two with a bony or cartilaginous spur, resulting in formation of two hemicords. The prenatal diagnosis of diastematomyelia is possible with ultrasonography. The unique finding is the appearance of echogenic focus within the spinal canal. This condition may not have any clinical sign during prenatal and early years of life but as the child grows, serious neurologic manifestations may occur, commonly termed the “tethered cord syndrome”. Here, we report a case of diastematomyelia in which a careful antenatal imaging was performed and postnatal pathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis.     

Diagnosis in Prader-Willi syndrome.

Thirty one patients with the putative diagnosis of Prader-Willi syndrome were reassessed clinically and by DNA analysis. Eleven patients were judged not to have Prader-Willi syndrome and 20 to have the condition. This was confirmed by DNA analysis in all but one case. The diagnosis of Prader-Willi syndrome, especially in early infancy, should be made with caution unless confirmed by molecular genetic studies.