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An interest in studying the problem of heritable disorders (dysplasia) of connective tissue in Russia has remained at a high level since the early 90s of the 20th century. During this time, a large amount of clinical material has been accumulated. Several diagnostic algorithms have been developed on its basis. The aim of this review is to take a critical look at the proposed identification criteria, compare them, identify their limitations, assess compliance with the needs and expectations of practitioners, as well as to make a comparison with works on this topic in the world literature. We discuss the similarities and fundamental differences of the main concepts - the recommendations of the Russian Society of Cardiology (2009, 2013) and the Russian Scientific Medical Society of Therapists (2016, 2018, 2019). We suppose that the attention of practicing physicians should be focused on prognostically significant lesions of internal organs, rather than on external stigmas of dysembryogenesis.

This article presents a case study of a 12-year-old boy with multiple papules on his lips and tongue. The patient also exhibited other symptoms, including constipation, a disproportionate upper body segment, an enlarged lower lip, and joint laxity. The diagnosis was determined to be multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects various endocrine glands. The article discusses the clinical manifestations, genetic mutations, and screening methods associated with this syndrome. Early detection and appropriate management are crucial for patients with this condition. [Extracted from the article]

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is recognized as an independent risk factor for various significant medical conditions, yet controversy persists around its assessment and management. The diagnosis of disorders afffecting homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism faces delays due to insufficient awareness of its clinical presentation and unique biochemical characteristics. In cases of arterial or venous thrombotic vascular events, particularly with other comorbidities, it is crucial to consider moderate to severe HHcy. A nutritional approach to HHcy management involves implementing dietary strategies and targeted supplementation, emphasizing key nutrients like vitamin B6, B12, and folate that are crucial for Hcy conversion. Adequate intake of these vitamins, along with betaine supplementation, supports Hcy remethylation. Lifestyle modifications, such as smoking cessation and regular physical activity, complement the nutritional approach to enhance Hcy metabolism. For individuals with HHcy, maintaining a plasma Hcy concentration below 50 μmol/L consistently is vital to lowering the risk of vascular events. Collaboration with healthcare professionals and dietitians is essential for developing personalized dietary plans addressing the specific needs and underlying health conditions. This integrated approach aims to optimize metabolic processes and reduce the associated health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: MEN 2B syndrome is distinguished by the occurrence of medullary thyroid cancer, pheochromocytoma, mucosal neuromas, marfanoid features, and skeletal anomalies, including kyphoscoliosis, joint laxity, pes cavus, and, in a smaller number of cases, slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). Case report: We describe a case report of a 15-years-old patient with the diagnosis of the MEN2B syndrome with a rare manifestation of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE). A 15-year-old female presented to the orthopedics out-patient department (OPD) with complaints of pain around the right hip and knee and walking with a limp for approximately four months. Additionally, the feeling of enlarged thyroid gland was reported. X-ray confirmed the presence of the SCFE, while thyroid biopsy revealed the presence of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). Thus, the diagnosis of MEN2B was made. Conclusion: Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) can occasionally be a manifestation of MEN 2B syndrome. It is important for physicians to be aware of this association, as it can contribute to the early detection of a potentially life-threatening condition.

Background: Omitting the early closure of the cranial sutures in newly born children is not an uncommon practice. We describe the natural history of several unrelated children and adults from two unrelated families. These children were born with variable clinical manifestations: craniofacial asymmetry, ocular proptosis, floppiness, and progressive deceleration in cognitive development. None of these children underwent a cranial sutures assessment. False diagnoses of positional plagiocephaly, neonatal thyrotoxicosis, congenital muscular atrophy, and hydrocephalus were given to the parents. This sort of malpractice was the reason behind a sequence of devastating pathological events that occurred in the lifetime of these children and adults. Material and Methods: This was a multigenerational study of two unrelated families. In total, we studied three children (aged 7–19 years) and three adults (aged 40–52 years) from two families. The children from the first family were referred to our departments because of pre-pubertal scoliosis, kyphoscoliosis, and early-onset osteoarthritis. Reading the clinical histories of these children signified apparent clinical misconceptions. For instance, craniofacial asymmetry was misinterpreted as positional plagiocephaly and treated by means of helmet molding therapy. Ocular proptosis was given the false diagnosis of neonatal thyrotoxicosis. Floppiness (hypotonia) was misdiagnosed as congenital muscular dystrophy. The index case from the second family showed progressive deceleration in his cognitive development, associated with signs of increased intracranial pressure. The only diagnosis was Dandy–Walker malformation. We documented every patient in accordance with the clinical and radiological phenotypic characterizations. The genotype characterization followed accordingly. Results: All patients in family (I) manifested a phenotype consistent to a certain extent with the clinical phenotype of Shprintzen–Goldberg syndrome (SGS), though the intensity of spine deformities was greater than has been described in the literature. The second family showed a constellation of Marfanoid habitus, craniosynostosis, increased intracranial pressure, hydrocephalus, Dandy–Walker malformation, seizures, and intellectual disability. The overall clinical phenotype was consistent but not fully diagnostic of craniosynostosis–Dandy–Walker-malformation hydrocephalus syndrome. The early closure of the sutures was totally different from one patient to another, including the premature closure of the metopic, coronal, squamosal, and sagittal sutures. One patient from family (II) underwent the implementation of a shunt system at the age of 3 years, unfortunately passing over the pre-existing craniosynostosis. In addition to skeletal deformities, a history of seizures and severe intellectual disability was recorded. The proband underwent chromosomal karyotyping, the FISH test, and whole-exome sequencing. Conclusion: The purpose of this study was fivefold. Firstly, to gain a meticulous understanding in order to differentiate between positional plagiocephaly, hypotonia, and congenital exophthalmos and their connections to abnormal craniofacial contours was and still is our first and foremost concern. Secondly, we aimed to characterize craniosynostosis, seizures, intellectual disabilities, and hydrocephalus associated with Marfanoid habitus, which were clearly demonstrated in our patients. Thirdly, we aimed to address the imperative for interpretations of clinical and radiological phenotypes and relate these tools to etiological understanding, which is an essential basis for diagnosis in the majority of long-term pediatric admissions. Fourthly, we aimed to assess the impacts of the missed early closure by the pediatricians and pediatric neurologists, which added a heavy pathological burden on these patients and their families. Fifthly, we aimed to identify whether early and diligent recognition can assist in cranial vault remodeling via surgical intervention to halt premature cranial suture fusions and can possibly alter the devastating course and the complications of the synostosed sutures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Omitting the early closure of the cranial sutures in newly born children is not an uncommon practice. We describe the natural history of several unrelated children and adults from two unrelated families. These children were born with variable clinical manifestations: craniofacial asymmetry, ocular proptosis, floppiness, and progressive deceleration in cognitive development. None of these children underwent a cranial sutures assessment. False diagnoses of positional plagiocephaly, neonatal thyrotoxicosis, congenital muscular atrophy, and hydrocephalus were given to the parents. This sort of malpractice was the reason behind a sequence of devastating pathological events that occurred in the lifetime of these children and adults. Material and Methods: This was a multigenerational study of two unrelated families. In total, we studied three children (aged 7–19 years) and three adults (aged 40–52 years) from two families. The children from the first family were referred to our departments because of pre-pubertal scoliosis, kyphoscoliosis, and early-onset osteoarthritis. Reading the clinical histories of these children signified apparent clinical misconceptions. For instance, craniofacial asymmetry was misinterpreted as positional plagiocephaly and treated by means of helmet molding therapy. Ocular proptosis was given the false diagnosis of neonatal thyrotoxicosis. Floppiness (hypotonia) was misdiagnosed as congenital muscular dystrophy. The index case from the second family showed progressive deceleration in his cognitive development, associated with signs of increased intracranial pressure. The only diagnosis was Dandy–Walker malformation. We documented every patient in accordance with the clinical and radiological phenotypic characterizations. The genotype characterization followed accordingly. Results: All patients in family (I) manifested a phenotype consistent to a certain extent with the clinical phenotype of Shprintzen–Goldberg syndrome (SGS), though the intensity of spine deformities was greater than has been described in the literature. The second family showed a constellation of Marfanoid habitus, craniosynostosis, increased intracranial pressure, hydrocephalus, Dandy–Walker malformation, seizures, and intellectual disability. The overall clinical phenotype was consistent but not fully diagnostic of craniosynostosis–Dandy–Walker-malformation hydrocephalus syndrome. The early closure of the sutures was totally different from one patient to another, including the premature closure of the metopic, coronal, squamosal, and sagittal sutures. One patient from family (II) underwent the implementation of a shunt system at the age of 3 years, unfortunately passing over the pre-existing craniosynostosis. In addition to skeletal deformities, a history of seizures and severe intellectual disability was recorded. The proband underwent chromosomal karyotyping, the FISH test, and whole-exome sequencing. Conclusion: The purpose of this study was fivefold. Firstly, to gain a meticulous understanding in order to differentiate between positional plagiocephaly, hypotonia, and congenital exophthalmos and their connections to abnormal craniofacial contours was and still is our first and foremost concern. Secondly, we aimed to characterize craniosynostosis, seizures, intellectual disabilities, and hydrocephalus associated with Marfanoid habitus, which were clearly demonstrated in our patients. Thirdly, we aimed to address the imperative for interpretations of clinical and radiological phenotypes and relate these tools to etiological understanding, which is an essential basis for diagnosis in the majority of long-term pediatric admissions. Fourthly, we aimed to assess the impacts of the missed early closure by the pediatricians and pediatric neurologists, which added a heavy pathological burden on these patients and their families. Fifthly, we aimed to identify whether early and diligent recognition can assist in cranial vault remodeling via surgical intervention to halt premature cranial suture fusions and can possibly alter the devastating course and the complications of the synostosed sutures.

Marfanoid habitus and intellectual disability (MHID) co-occur in multiple neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). Among those, Lujan-Fryns, an X-linked genetic disorder associated with variants in MED12 was the first such syndrome identified. Accurate molecular diagnosis for these MHID syndromes remains a challenge due to significant clinical and genetic heterogeneity. We present a case report of a 20-year-old male patient with MHID and severe social anxiety. A comprehensive clinical evaluation, including morphotype assessment, cognitive, and psychometric and genetic testing, was conducted to provide a detailed understanding of the patient's complex clinical presentation. Psychometric assessments revealed severe social anxiety and various cognitive and emotional challenges. Despite some autism-like symptoms, the patient's clinical presentation was more aligned with mild intellectual disability. Exome sequencing was inconclusive but identified a heterozygous de novo missense variant in the PCDHGA5 gene. This gene is not known in human pathology yet, but we also report a second patient with a syndromic neurodevelopmental disorder and a rare de novo variant which leads us to propose this as a candidate gene. Our findings emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary approach in the diagnosis and management of MHID. This case report underscores the need for objective clinical evaluations and standardized tools to better understand the complex clinical profiles of patients with NDDs. The identification of novel PCDHGA5 gene variants adds this gene's candidacy to the genetic landscape of MHID-NDD, warranting further investigation to determine its potential contribution., (© 2024 The Authors. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part C: Seminars in Medical Genetics published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) is caused by RET proto-oncogene mutations and characterized by the presence of medullary carcinoma of the thyroid, pheochromocytoma, marfanoid features and mucosal neuromas of the tongue, lips, inner cheeks and inner eyelids. MEN type 2B is also known as mucosal neuroma syndrome. Oral presentations are sometimes the earliest signs of this condition. Early identification of this syndrome is important because affected patients often develop medullary thyroid carcinoma and pheochromocytoma. This article reports a 43-year-old male patient with mucosal neuromas and previous history of thyroidectomy due to medullary carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a patient with palatal abnormalities—cleft palate and bifid uvula; distinctive facial features—long and triangular face, large ears and nose, thin lips and dental crowding; musculoskeletal abnormalities—severe scoliosis, joint laxity, long digits, flat feet, decreased muscle mass, and diminished muscle strength; and cardiac features—a dilatated ascending aorta at the level of Valsalva sinuses and a patent foramen ovale. Sequence analysis and deletion/duplication testing for a panel of genes involved in connective tissue disorders revealed the presence of a novel homozygous deletion of exons 2–7 in TGFB3 gene. Heterozygous pathogenic mutations in TGFB3 have been associated with Loeys‐Dietz syndrome 5 (LDS5) and Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia type 1. Here, we report the first case of a homozygous TGFB3 variant associated with a severe LDS5 and Marfan‐like presentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is recognized as an independent risk factor for various significant medical conditions, yet controversy persists around its assessment and management. The diagnosis of disorders afffecting homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism faces delays due to insufficient awareness of its clinical presentation and unique biochemical characteristics. In cases of arterial or venous thrombotic vascular events, particularly with other comorbidities, it is crucial to consider moderate to severe HHcy. A nutritional approach to HHcy management involves implementing dietary strategies and targeted supplementation, emphasizing key nutrients like vitamin B6, B12, and folate that are crucial for Hcy conversion. Adequate intake of these vitamins, along with betaine supplementation, supports Hcy remethylation. Lifestyle modifications, such as smoking cessation and regular physical activity, complement the nutritional approach to enhance Hcy metabolism. For individuals with HHcy, maintaining a plasma Hcy concentration below 50 μmol/L consistently is vital to lowering the risk of vascular events. Collaboration with healthcare professionals and dietitians is essential for developing personalized dietary plans addressing the specific needs and underlying health conditions. This integrated approach aims to optimize metabolic processes and reduce the associated health risks.

Joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS) and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, hypermobility type (EDS-HT) are two overlapping heritable disorders (JHS/EDS-HT) recognized by separated sets of diagnostic criteria and still lack a confirmatory test. This descriptive research was aimed at better characterizing the clinical phenotype of JHS/EDS-HT with focus on available diagnostic criteria, and in order to propose novel features and assessment strategies. One hundred and eighty-nine (163 females, 26 males; age: 2-73 years) patients from two Italian reference centers were investigated for Beighton score, range of motion in 21 additional joints, rate and sites of dislocations and sprains, recurrent soft-tissue injuries, tendon and muscle ruptures, body mass index, arm span/height ratio, wrist and thumb signs, and 12 additional orthopedic features. Rough rates were compared by age, sex, and handedness with a series of parametric and non-parametric tools. Multiple correspondence analysis was carried out for possible co-segregations of features. Beighton score and hypermobility at other joints were influenced by age at diagnosis. Rate and sites of joint instability complications did not vary according to age at diagnosis except for soft-tissue injuries. No major difference was registered by sex and dominant versus non-dominant body side. At multiple correspondence analysis, selected features tend to co-segregate in a dichotomous distribution. Dolichostenomelia and arachnodactyly segregated independently. This study pointed out a more protean musculoskeletal phenotype than previously considered according to available diagnostic criteria for JHS/EDS-HT. Our findings corroborated the need for a re-thinking of JHS/EDS-HT on clinical grounds in order to find better therapeutic and research strategies. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper reviews general factors underlying the variety of clinical manifestations of inherited connective tissue disorders (ICTD). The authors make an attempt to harmonise the existing ICTD terminology with the standard international classification. It is proposed to use the Russian term “dysplasia” as a synonym of ICTD and to divide all ICTD into inherited syndromes (IS) and dysplastic phenotypes. An example of fibrillinopathies is used to consider the clinical polymorphism and genetic heterogeneity of IS. The clinical significance of Marfanoid habitus as a phenotype is also discussed.

Aim. To investigate the role of hereditary mechanisms in the development of sclerotic degenerative disorders of aortic valve. Material and methods. Clinical, phenotypical, and echocardiographic examination was performed in 180 middle-aged and elderly people (mean age 63,8±9 years; 102 men, 78 women), including 86 patients with calcific aortic stenosis (55 after aortic valve surgery) and 61 controls. The diagnostic criteria of the National Guidelines on hereditary connective tissue disorders (2009) were used. The valve biopsy samples were examined using histological, morphological, and immunohistochemical (TGF-

Aim. To assess autonomous regulation status in young patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP), Marfanoid habitus (MH), and signs of systemic connective tissue involvement (SCTP). Material and methods. The study included 59 young men with MVP, MH, and SCTP. All participants underwent phenotypical and clinical examination, anthropometry, electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography (EchoCG), Holter monitoring (HM) of ECG and blood pressure (BP), treadmill test, heart rate variability (HRV) assessment, and additional cardiovascular tests. Results. In patients with MVP, MH, and particularly SCTI, a significant decrease in daytime parameters of sinus arrhythmia was observed. These individuals were also characterized by significantly reduced spectral HRV parameters. A pathologic reaction to active orthostatic test was registered in 50% of the participants with MVP and MH. The overall assessment of autonomous regulation tests demonstrated the presence of abnormalreactions in more than 50% of MH individuals and in 80% of MVP patients. Conclusion. Autonomous dysfunction is common among young patients with MVP, MH, and SCTI.

Aim. To assess the potential of plantography indices in the diagnostics of flatfootedness, as a manifestation of Marfanoid habitus, systemic connectivetissue involvement (SCTI), and cardiac involvement.Material and methods. In total, 50 young patients (mean age 22,5±2,1 years) were examined. In some participants, Marfanoid habitus and/or signs of SCTI were registered. All patients underwent phenotypic examination, polyposition echocardiography, and plantography (Scan complex). The predictive potential of the visual method and plantography indices (PI) for flat footedness diagnostics in individuals with Marfanoid habitus and SCTI was assessed. The correlation between minor cardiac abnormalities and PI was also examined.Results. The visual method was inadequately specific in the SCTI diagnostics, whilePI were highly specific in diagnosing SCTI and Marfanoid habitus. Moreover, therewas a strong correlation between the number of pathologic PI and the number ofminor cardiac abnormalities, as well as an inverse correlation between PI andejection fraction.Conclusion. The visual method is highly sensitive, but inadequately specific in thediagnostics of SCTI and Marfanoid habitus, while PI are highly specific. The strongcorrelation between PI and minor cardiac abnormalities suggests that flat footednesscould be regarded as an additional marker of cardiac extracellular matrix pathology inhereditary syndromes with Marfanoid phenotype.

The author presents his view on the problem of Marfan syndrome-related hereditary connective tissue disorders, in particular, primary mitral valve prolapse and Marfanoid habitus, as the most prevalent manifestations. The changes in the assessment of external and visceral manifestations of Marfan syndrome, according to the originalGentnosology and its 2010 revision, are discussed. The importance of the evaluation of systemic connective tissue involvement, with the systemic score calculation and cardiac extracellular matrix assessment, is emphasised. The author presents the evidence justifying the need for a wider use of the cardiac involvement concept, in order to assess the severity of structural and functional disturbances of cardiac extracellular matrix in patients with primary mitral valve prolapse and Marfanoid habitus. The cardiac involvement assessment should be based on the systemic score, minor cardiac criteria, the number and type of minor cardiac abnormalities, the results of clinical examination, and the serum levels of transforming growth factors (TGF)

Marfan syndrome is a heritable disorder of the connective tissue that affects many systems of the body. However, the most serious complication in patients with Marfan syndrome is progressive enlargement of the aortic root, which may lead to aortic dissection, rupture, or aortic regurgitation. Prevention of these life threatening complications is very important in the management of this condition. A 39-year-old Omani man presented with progressive shortness of breath and eventually underwent major but successful cardiac surgery. It is very important to recognise Marfan syndrome early as preventive actions are possible if the condition is diagnosed before complications occur.

Gonadal (ovarian) dysgenesis with normal chromosomes (46, XX), XX female gonadal dysgenesis (XX-GD) is a rare genetically heterogeneous disorder. In 1951, Perrault reported the association of gonadal dysgenesis and deafness, now referred to as Perrault syndrome. Perrault syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive condition affecting both females and males, only females have gonadal dysgenesis associated with sensorineural deafness which is present in both sexes. We present a case of Sporadic Perrault syndrome in a 35-year-old female with primary amenorrhea, sensorineural deafness, marfanoid features, and normal karyotype. There are very few case reports describing the condition, even lesser reports of association with marfanoid habitus. We report this case for its rarity and add to the spectrum of the disease that remains undetermined.

Gonadal (ovarian) dysgenesis with normal chromosomes (46, XX), XX female gonadal dysgenesis (XX-GD) is a rare genetically heterogeneous disorder. In 1951, Perrault reported the association of gonadal dysgenesis and deafness, now referred to as Perrault′s syndrome. Perrault syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive condition affecting both females and males; only females have gonadal dysgenesis associated with sensorineural deafness, which is present in both sexes. We present a case of sporadic Perrault syndrome in a 35-year-old female with primary amenorrhea, sensorineural deafness, marfanoid features and normal karyotype. There are very few case reports describing the condition, even lesser reports of association with marfanoid habitus. We report this case for its rarity and add to the spectrum of the disease that remains undetermined.

The 3q27.3 microdeletion syndrome has been recently delineated in 7 subjects from 5 families sharing a 1.4 Mb smallest region of overlap. This condition appears recognizable by the association of Marfanoid habitus, mild but distinctive facial dysmorphism, intellectual disability, psychosis, and mood disorder. Here, we describe an additional 17-year-old man with an ~7.7-Mb deletion encompassing the 3q27.3 microdeletion critical region, previously run undetected at standard karyotyping. The constellation of major clinical findings overlaps with those reported in the 7 previously published patients and thus confirms the existence of a strongly recognizable syndrome linked to imbalance of 3q27.3. The role of AHSG and, possibly, of other genes in determining the3q27.3 microdeletion habitus is discussed by comparison of the deleted segments. The involvement of adjacent loci and genes, such as OPA1 and GP5, may contribute in this patient to novel satellite features, such as optic atrophy and subclinical coagulopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromosome 17p13.3 is a gene rich region that when deleted is associated with the well-known Miller-Dieker syndrome. A recently described duplication syndrome involving this region has been associated with intellectual impairment, autism and occasional brain MRI abnormalities. We report 34 additional patients from 21 families to further delineate the clinical, neurological, behavioral, and brain imaging findings. We found a highly diverse phenotype with inter- and intrafamilial variability, especially in cognitive development. The most specific phenotype occurred in individuals with large duplications that include both the YWHAE and LIS1 genes. These patients had a relatively distinct facial phenotype and frequent structural brain abnormalities involving the corpus callosum, cerebellar vermis, and cranial base. Autism spectrum disorders were seen in a third of duplication probands, most commonly in those with duplications of YWHAE and flanking genes such as CRK. The typical neurobehavioral phenotype was usually seen in those with the larger duplications. We did not confirm the association of early overgrowth with involvement of YWHAE and CRK, or growth failure with duplications of LIS1. Older patients were often overweight. Three variant phenotypes included cleft lip/palate (CLP), split hand/foot with long bone deficiency (SHFLD), and a connective tissue phenotype resembling Marfan syndrome. The duplications in patients with clefts appear to disrupt ABR, while the SHFLD phenotype was associated with duplication of BHLHA9 as noted in two recent reports. The connective tissue phenotype did not have a convincing critical region. Our experience with this large cohort expands knowledge of this diverse duplication syndrome. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cold-induced sweating syndrome (CISS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by excess sweating induced by cold exposure, camptodactyly and kyphoscoliosis. CISS is genetically heterogeneous. Deficiency of the CRLF1 or the CLCF1 gene function results in one of two clinically indistuinguishable disorders called CISS1 and CISS2, respectively. We present two Turkish brothers (22 and 13years old) who had excess sweating induced by cold exposure, severe dorsal scoliosis, camptodactyly, reduced pain sensitivity and marfanoid habitus. The patients were homozygous and their parents heterozygous for a novel missense mutation c.413C>T (p.Pro138Leu) in CRLF1 gene. The cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of two patients also showed multiple small hyperintense lesions in the subcortical white matter. Similar MRI finding has also been reported in a Japanese woman with CISS1 and marfanoid habitus. The lesions found in the present cases showed no characteristic features. However, multiple small hyperintense lesions in subcortical white matter on T2 weighted and fluid attenuation inversion recovery (FLAIR) images may support the clinical diagnosis of CISS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We report on two sibs, a girl, and a boy, with tall stature, long, and triangular faces, prominent foreheads with high frontal hairlines, telecanthus, downward slanting of the palpebral fissures, ptosis of the eyelids, everted lower eyelids, large ears, long noses, full, and everted vermilions, highly arched and narrow palates, tooth crowding, thin and long uvulae, coloboma of the alae, hyperextensible joints, long digits, positive thumb signs, flat feet, slightly diminished muscle strength, myopia, astigmatia, inguinal hernia, and vesical diverticula. Total body X-rays showed the presence of advanced bone age in both sibs and bilateral hallux valgus in the girl. Array-CGH did not reveal any pathological CNV. Molecular analysis of FBN1, FBN2, TGFBR1, TGFBR2, and CHST14 gene was normal, and SNP linkage analysis excluded more candidate genes. Differential diagnoses and the possibility that we might be reporting on a hitherto unreported syndrome are discussed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lujan-Fryns syndrome (X-linked mental retardation with marfanoid habitus syndrome) is an X-linked form of syndromal mental retardation affecting predominantly males. The prevalence is not known. The syndrome is associated with mild to moderate mental retardation, distinct facial dysmorphism, marfanoid stature, long slender extremities, and behavioural problems. The diagnosis is based on the presence of the clinical manifestations. Here, we presented a 14 years and 2 months boy old boy who applied our outpatient clinic with the complaint of high stature (height SDS:3.45) and diagnosed as Lujan-Fryns syndrome with the detection of physical findings such as mental retarded appearence, poor eye contact, long face, small chin, molar hypoplasia, high and narrow palate, hypernasal speech, pectus carinatum, pes planus and long extremities and fingers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The R2726W mutation in the fibrillin 1 (FBN1, Marfan syndrome) gene segregates with isolated skeletal features of Marfan syndrome and/or high stature. Here we report a family in which two out of four individuals, an 18-year-old son and his mother, a 41-year-old woman, had the R2726W mutation ofFBN1. Both family members carrying the mutation were of average height. The son had a Marfan-like phenotype, but his mother did not. TheFBN1R2776W mutation, which is associated with skeletal features of Marfan syndrome, appears incompletely penetrant. Consequently, genetic counselling in the presence of this mutation is difficult. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), a ligand of RET tyrosine kinase, and its family ligands promote the survival and differentiation of a variety of neurons. Gene ablation studies have revealed that the GDNF-RET receptor system is essential for the development of kidney and peripheral neurons, including sympathetic, parasympathetic and enteric neurons. RET can activate various signaling pathways such as RAS/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathways. These signaling pathways are activated via binding of adaptor proteins to intracellular tyrosine residues of RET phosphorylated by its own kinase activity. The RET is profoundly involved in the development of several human neuroendocrine diseases. The constitutive activation of the RET by somatic rearrangement with other partner genes or germ-line mutations causes a considerable population of human papillary thyroid carcinomas or multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 2A and 2B, respectively, whereas the dysfunction of RET by germ-line missense and/or nonsense mutations causes Hirschsprung''s disease. Biological properties of mutant RET protein determine the disease phenotype. For example, the MEN 2B mutation alters the substrate specificity of RET tyrosine kinase and RET carrying the MEN 2B mutation hereby induces the different set of genes from that carrying the MEN 2A mutation. In this review, we describe the current knowledge about the molecular mechanism of RET activation in human neuroendocrine tumors as well as the physiological roles and signal transduction of RET tyrosine kinase. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Marfan Syndrome (MFS) is a systemic disorder caused by mutations in fibrillin-1. The most common cause of mortality in MFS is dissection and rupture of the aorta. Due to a highly variable and age-dependent clinical spectrum, the diagnosis of MFS still remains sophisticated. The aim of the study was to determine if there exist phenotypic features that can play the role of "red flags" in cases of MFS suspicion. The study population included 306 patients (199 children and 107 adults) who were referred to the Department of Pediatric Cardiology due to suspicion of MFS. All patients underwent complete clinical evaluation in order to confirm the diagnosis of MFS according to the modified Ghent criteria. MFS was diagnosed in 109 patients and marfanoid habitus in 168 patients. The study excluded 29 patients with other hereditary thoracic aneurysm syndromes. Comparative analysis between patients with Marfan syndrome and marfanoid habitus was performed. Symptoms with high prevalence and high positive likelihood ratio were identified (pectus carinatum, reduced elbow extension, hindfoot deformity, gothic palate, downslanting palpebral fissures, lens subluxation, myopia ≥ 3 dioptres remarkably high stature). The differentiation between patients with MFS and marfanoid body habitus is not possible by only assessing external body features; however, "red flags" could be helpful in the screening phase.

Gonadal (ovarian) dysgenesis with normal chromosomes (46, XX), XX female gonadal dysgenesis (XX-GD) is a rare genetically heterogeneous disorder. In 1951, Perrault reported the association of gonadal dysgenesis and deafness, now referred to as Perrault syndrome. Perrault syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive condition affecting both females and males, only females have gonadal dysgenesis associated with sensorineural deafness which is present in both sexes. We present a case of Sporadic Perrault syndrome in a 35-year-old female with primary amenorrhea, sensorineural deafness, marfanoid features, and normal karyotype. There are very few case reports describing the condition, even lesser reports of association with marfanoid habitus. We report this case for its rarity and add to the spectrum of the disease that remains undetermined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gonadal (ovarian) dysgenesis with normal chromosomes (46, XX), XX female gonadal dysgenesis (XX-GD) is a rare genetically heterogeneous disorder. In 1951, Perrault reported the association of gonadal dysgenesis and deafness, now referred to as Perrault's syndrome. Perrault syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive condition affecting both females and males; only females have gonadal dysgenesis associated with sensorineural deafness, which is present in both sexes. We present a case of sporadic Perrault syndrome in a 35-year-old female with primary amenorrhea, sensorineural deafness, marfanoid features and normal karyotype. There are very few case reports describing the condition, even lesser reports of association with marfanoid habitus. We report this case for its rarity and add to the spectrum of the disease that remains undetermined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have previously reported on a consanguineous family where 2 siblings, a girl and a boy, presented with tall stature, long and triangular faces, prominent forehead, telecanthus, ptosis, everted lower eyelids, downslanting palpebral fissures, large ears, high arched palate, long arm span, arachnodactyly, advanced bone age, joint laxity, pectus excavatum, inguinal hernia, and myopia, suggestive of a new subtype of connective tissue disorder (Megarbane et al. AJMG, 2012; 158(A)5: 1185–1189). On clinical follow-up, both patients had multiple inguinal, crural, and abdominal herniae, intestinal occlusions, several huge diverticula throughout the gut and the bladder, and rectal prolapse. In addition, the girl had a mild hearing impairment, and the boy a left diaphragmatic hernia. Here we describe the molecular characterization of this disorder using Whole Exome Sequencing, revealing, in both siblings, a novel homozygous missense variant in the EFEMP1 gene, c.163T > C; p.(Cys55Arg) whose homozygous by descent, autosomal recessive transmission was confirmed through segregation analysis by Sanger sequencing. In addition, the girl exhibited a homozygous mutation in the MYO3A gene, c.1370_1371delGA; p.(Arg457Asnfs*25), associated with non-syndromic deafness. The siblings were also found to harbor a homozygous nonsense variant in the VCPKMT gene. We review the literature and discuss our updated clinical and molecular findings that suggest EFEMP1 to be the probable candidate gene implicated in this novel connective tissue disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]