VACTERL with hydrocephalus and branchial arch defects: prenatal, clinical, and autopsy findings in two brothers

Nonfamilial VACTERL-H Syndrome in a Dizygotic Twin: Prenatal Ultrasound and Postnatal 3D CT Findings

Background: VACTERL association is a widely known congenital malformation that includes vertebral, anal, cardiac, tracheoesophageal, renal, and limb anomalies. Patients with VACTERL and hydrocephalus appear to form a distinct group, both genetically and phenotypically, and their condition has been called VACTERL-H syndrome. Most cases of VACTERL-H have been reported postnatally, as VACTER-H syndrome is difficult to diagnose prenatally. Case Presentation: Here, we report a case of VACTERL-H syndrome in a dichorionic and diamniotic twin diagnosed prenatally by ultrasonography and confirmed postnatally by three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT). A 34-year-old multiparous female was referred to our institution at 31 + 3 weeks gestation for suspected fetal ventriculomegaly. Detailed examinations using two-dimensional and Doppler ultrasounds revealed hydrocephalus, bilateral dysplastic upper arms, radial aplasia, unilateral pulmonary agenesis, dextrocardia with right atrial enlargement, a unilateral hypoplastic ectopic kidney, a single umbilical artery, a tracheoesophageal fistula with a small stomach, polyhydramnios, and anal atresia. Findings from the postnatal 3D CT aligned with the prenatal diagnosis, showing upper-limb agenesis, dextrocardia with pulmonary hypoplasia, tracheoesophageal fistula, imperforate anus, and colon dilatation. The affected 1390-g male twin had an unaffected 1890-g female twin sister and a healthy 6-year-old brother. Conclusions: Upon encountering fetuses with multiple anomalies, including ventriculomegaly, a small stomach with polyhydramnios, an abnormally positioned heart, and upper-limb abnormalities, clinicians should perform systematic ultrasonographic examinations to detect associated anomalies and be aware of VACTERL-H syndrome.

Presence of Cervical Vertebral Anomalies with Concomitant Non-Communicating Hydrocephalus and Multicystic Kidney in a Female Fetus: Where VACTERL-H Meets MURCS

BACKGROUND

Congenital multisystemic lesions with co-occurrence of non-random malformations, such as VACTERL-H or MURCS association, often pose serious threads to the newborn and still constitute an antenatal diagnostic dilemma.

CASE REPORT

A malformed fetus with VACTERL-H association at 20 gestational weeks had a skin-covered neural tube defect (NTD) of the lower cervical spine, concomitant hydrocephalus, as well as unilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney and the suspicion of mullerian duct anomaly as potentially assigned to MURCS association.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

We were able to demonstrate how well-defined, standardized volumetric reconstruction of diagnostic views displaying fetal pathology in utero might aid early and precise diagnosis of multi-organ malformations. Application of modern diagnostic imaging tools is helpful in delineation of the most likely diagnoses (VACTERL-H vs. MURCS) as further specified during detailed pathologic work-up and might consequently facilitate individually tailored interdisciplinary counseling, as in the case presented here.

Downregulation of P2Y2 and HuD during the development of the enteric nervous system in fetal rats with anorectal malformations

Certain patients with anorectal malformations (ARMs) continue to suffer from postoperative dysphoria. The enteric nervous system (ENS) is closely associated with defecation. The purinergic receptor P2Y2 (P2Y2) and Hu antigen D (HuD) proteins contain multiple motifs that enable their activation and direct coupling to integrin and growth factor receptor signaling pathways; thus, they may serve as key points in ENS development. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression pattern of P2Y2 and HuD proteins during anorectal development in ARM embryos. The embryogenesis of ARM in rats was induced by ethylenethiourea (ETU) on the 10th gestational day. The expression patterns of P2Y2 and HuD proteins were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis in normal, ETU and ARM rat embryos on embryonic days E17, E19 and E21; their mRNA levels were assessed via reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) of the distal rectum of fetal rats. Immunohistochemistry of the distal rectum demonstrated that on E17, the expression levels of the two proteins were not different between the three groups. On E19, the expression of HuD was significantly decreased in the ARM group. On E21, the two proteins were significantly decreased in the ARM group. Additionally, the expression levels of the two proteins on E17 were significantly lower than on E21 in the ARM group. Western blotting and RT-qPCR also revealed that the P2Y2 and HuD proteins and mRNA expression levels were significantly decreased in the ARM groups when compared with the normal group on E17 and E21 (P<0.01). Thus, the present study demonstrated that downregulation of P2Y2 and HuD may partly be related to the development of the ENS in ARM embryos.

Maternal drug use and the risk of anorectal malformations: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Origin of anorectal malformations (ARM) are considered multifactorial. Several genetic and non-genetic risk factors are discussed in literature. Maternal periconceptional medical drug use as possible risk factor, however, has not been reviewed systematically.

Methods

Studies published between 1977 and April 2017 were reviewed through systematic search in PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge and Scopus databases. Furthermore, related and cross-referencing publications were reviewed. Pooled odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were determined to quantify associations of maternal periconceptional use of folic acid, multivitamins, anti-asthma medication (separated in any anti-asthma medication, inhaled corticosteroids and salbutamol), thyroid hormone supplements, psychiatric drugs (separated in antidepressants, any selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRI], sertraline, citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, hypnotics and benzodiazepine) and aspirin with ARM using meta-analyses.

Results

Thirty-seven studies that reported on the association between maternal periconceptional drug intake and infants born with ARM were included in this review. These were conducted in the United States of America (n = 14), Sweden (n = 6), Hungary (n = 5), Germany (n = 3), the Netherlands (n = 3), Denmark (n = 2), France (n = 2), Norway (n = 1) and the UK (n = 1). However, only few of these studies reported on the same risk factors. Studies were heterogeneous with respect to case numbers, period ingestion of medical drug use, control selection and adjustment for covariates. Consistently increased risks were observed for any anti-asthma medication, and hypnotics and benzodiazepine, but not for folic acid, multivitamins, inhaled corticosteroids, salbutamol, thyroid hormone supplements, antidepressants, any SSRI, sertraline, citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine and aspirin. In meta-analyses, pooled odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for any anti-asthma medication, and hypnotics and benzodiazepine were 1.64 (1.22–2.21), and 2.43 (1.03–5.73), respectively.

Conclusion

Evidence on maternal drug use before conception and during pregnancy as risk factor for ARM from epidemiological studies is still very limited. Nevertheless, the few available studies indicate any anti-asthma medication, and hypnotics and benzodiazepine to be associated with increased risks. Further, ideally large-scale multicenter and register-based studies are needed to clarify the role of maternal drug intake for the development of ARM.

Vesico-amniotic shunting for lower urinary tract obstruction in a fetus with VACTERL association

Newborn cases of VACTERL association with lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) are rare and there have been no reports on those patients undergoing fetal therapy in English literature. We successfully performed vesico-amniotic shunting in a fetus having LUTO caused by abnormality of the external genitalia at 16 weeks' gestation. Although fetal karyotype was normal 46XY, follow-up fetal ultrasound examinations revealed ventriculomegaly in the brain, a small stomach and a right multicystic dysplastic kidney. MRI at 31 weeks' gestation suggested lobar type holoprosencephaly. Diagnosis of VACTERL association was confirmed postnatally. We consider that vesico-amniotic shunting is indicated for a fetus of VACTERL association with LUTO if the parents wish the procedure after genetic counseling and explanations about the fetal conditions.

Parental risk factors of anorectal malformations: Analysis with a regional population-based control group

BACKGROUND

Adequate evidence on environmental risk factors for anorectal malformations (ARMs) is very limited. We assessed maternal body weight and several prenatal exposures of the parents to tobacco, pregestational diabetes, chronic cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, periconceptional folic acid and multivitamin intake.

METHODS

Data from the German Network for Congenital Uro-REctal malformations (CURE-Net) were compared with data from the Malformation Monitoring Centre Saxony-Anhalt of the Otto-von-Guericke University in Magdeburg, Germany. Controls were matched to cases by gender and birth year of the child. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were calculated for potential risk factors using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

In total, 158 ARM patients and 474 healthy infants born between 1993 and 2008 in Germany were included. Maternal age at birth of ARM cases and birth plurality were significantly higher and gestational age and weight significantly lower compared with controls (p < 0.0001). We observed significantly increased risks for ARMs associated with maternal smoking before conception and the first trimester of pregnancy (odds ratio = 2.23, 95% confidence interval 1.04-4.79, p = 0.039) and maternal chronic respiratory diseases (odds ratio = 29.25, 95% confidence interval 8.22-104.14, p < 0.0001). No statistically significant increased risk or protective effect was found for the other investigated factors.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests an association between the occurrence of ARMs in the offspring and periconceptional maternal smoking as well as maternal chronic respiratory diseases. In addition, there might be a sign of an association for maternal diabetes, although not statistically significant. It can be assumed that the power is far too low to provide reliable estimates.

Considering the Embryopathogenesis of VACTERL Association

The nonrandom co-occurrence of vertebral, anorectal, cardiac, tracheoesophageal, genitourinary, and limb malformations, recognized as the VACTERL association, has not been satisfactorily explained from either a causation or embryopathogenesis standpoint. Few familial cases have been identified and maternal diabetes is the only environmental influence implicated to date. Mutations in single genes have been found in a number of syndromes with one or more of the VACTERL malformations, but these syndromes usually have other features which distinguish them from the VACTERL association. Animal models have provided clues to molecular pathways that may be involved in the embryogenesis of the VACTERL structures. What is lacking is the systematic study of individual genes and pathways in well-composed cohorts of patients, which is now possible with high throughput molecular technologies.

X-linked VACTERL with hydrocephalus syndrome: further delineation of the phenotype caused by FANCB mutations

X-linked VACTERL-hydrocephalus syndrome (X-linked VACTERL-H) is a rare disorder caused by mutations in the gene FANCB which underlies Fanconi Anemia (FA) complementation group B. Cells from affected males have increased chromosome breakage on exposure to DNA cross-linking agents. Only five FANCB mutations found in six affected males, including an affected uncle and nephew, have been reported. We have identified FANCB mutations in a further four affected families. The VACTERL-H phenotype segregates as an X-linked recessive trait in three of these. Each mutation is predicted to truncate the FANCB open reading frame and results in highly skewed X-inactivation in unaffected carrier females. Phenotypic data were available on six affected males. Comparison of the clinical findings in our patients with published clinical data (total 12 patients) shows that ventriculomegaly, bilateral absent thumbs and radii, vertebral defects, renal agenesis, and growth retardation are the major phenotypic signs in affected males. Less frequent are brain, pituitary, ear and eye malformations, gastrointestinal atresias (esophageal, duodenal and anal), tracheoesophageal fistula, lung segmentation defects, and small genitalia. Three of six of our patients survived the perinatal period. One boy lived up to 2 years 10 months but developed aplastic anemia and died of renal failure. These data show that loss-of-function FANCB mutations result in a recognizable, multiple malformation phenotype in hemizygous males for which we propose clinical criteria to aid diagnosis.

Parental risk factors and anorectal malformations: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Anorectal malformations (ARM) are rare forms of congenital uro-rectal anomalies with largely unknown causes. Besides genetic factors, prenatal exposures of the parents to nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, illicit drugs, occupational hazards, overweight/obesity and diabetes mellitus are suspected as environmental risk factors.

METHODS

Relevant studies published until August 2010 were identified through systematic search in PubMed, EMBASE, ISI Web of Knowledge and the Cochrane Library databases. Furthermore, related and cross-referencing publications were reviewed. Pooled odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were determined to quantify associations of maternal and paternal smoking, maternal alcohol consumption, underweight (body mass index [BMI] < 18.5), overweight (BMI 25-29.9), obesity (BMI ≥30) and maternal diabetes mellitus with ARM using meta-analyses.

RESULTS

22 studies that reported on the association between prenatal environmental risk factors and infants born with ARM were included in this review. These were conducted in the United States of America (n = 12), Spain (n = 2), Sweden (n = 2), the Netherlands (n = 2), Japan (n = 1), France (n = 1), Germany (n = 1) and Hungary (n = 1). However, only few of these studies reported on the same risk factors. Studies were heterogeneous with respect to case numbers, control types and adjustment for covariates. Consistently increased risks were observed for paternal smoking and maternal overweight, obesity and diabetes, but not for maternal smoking and alcohol consumption. In meta-analyses, pooled odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for paternal smoking, maternal overweight, obesity, pre-gestational and gestational diabetes were 1.53 (1.04-2.26), 1.25 (1.07-1.47), 1.64 (1.35-2.00), 4.51 (2.55-7.97) and 1.81 (1.23-2.65), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Evidence on risk factors for ARM from epidemiological studies is still very limited. Nevertheless, the few available studies indicate paternal smoking and maternal overweight, obesity and diabetes to be associated with increased risks. Further, ideally large-scale multicentre and register-based studies are needed to clarify the role of key risk factors for the development of ARM.

VACTERL-H syndrome: first trimester diagnosis

We present two consecutive female fetuses with identical upper limb anomalies. The first of the cases was found to have ventriculomegaly, atrial septal defect, anal atresia, narrowing of the duodenal lumen and unilateral renal agenesis at the end of the second trimester. These abnormalities were characteristic of autosomal recessive VACTERL-H syndrome. The second case was diagnosed to have absent radii and thumbs at 11 weeks. Detailed examination of fetal limbs in the first trimester screening in cases with high risk is useful for early detection of this malformation.

Rhombencephalosynapsis and related anomalies: a neuropathological study of 40 fetal cases

Rhombencephalosynapsis is an uncommon cerebellar malformation defined by vermian agenesis with fusion of the hemispheres and of the dentate nuclei. Embryologic and genetic mechanisms are still unknown, and to date, no animal models are available. Ultrasound diagnosis is generally suspected after 22 weeks of gestation, and usually the abnormality is suggested by ventriculomegaly. Morphological analysis of 40 fetuses after medical termination of pregnancy allowed us to confirm that rhombencephalosynapsis was always associated with other brain abnormalities or malformations: Purkinje cell heterotopias, fusion of colliculi, forking and/or atresia of the aqueduct and of the third ventricle resulting in a fusion of the thalami, agenesis of the corpus callosum, lobar holoprosencephaly and neural tube defects. Pons and medulla were very infrequently abnormal. Furthermore, complete autopsy made it possible to separate either pure neurologic phenotypes, or associated with extraneural anomalies from syndromic forms: Gomez-Lopez-Hernandez syndrome (1 case) and VACTERL-H syndrome (6 cases). The number of our fetal cases strongly suggests that VACTERL-H association related with rhombencephalosynapsis emerges as a non-random association. Furthermore, recurrence and consanguinity were noted in two different families, which argue for a sporadic or inherited cause. From our results, it could be suggested that rhombencephalosynapsis may be due to defective genes regulating formation of the roof plate and the development of midline cerebellar primordium at the junction of the mesencephalon and of the first rhombomere.

Diagnosis of a terminal deletion of 4p with duplication of Xp22.31 in a patient with findings of Opitz G/BBB syndrome and Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome

Opitz G/BBB syndrome (OS) is a congenital midline malformation syndrome characterized by hypertelorism, hypospadias, cleft lip/palate, laryngotracheoesophageal abnormalities, imperforate anus, developmental delay and cardiac defects. The X-linked form is caused by mutations in the MID1 gene, while no gene has yet been identified for the autosomal dominant form. Here, we report on a 15-year-old boy who was referred for MID1 mutation analysis with findings typical of OS, including apparent hypertelorism, hypospadias, a history of feeding difficulties, dysphagia secondary to esophageal arteria lusoria, growth retardation and developmental delay. No MID1 mutation was found, but subsequent sub-megabase resolution array CGH unexpectedly documented a 2.34 Mb terminal 4p deletion, suggesting a diagnosis of WHS, and a duplication in Xp22.31. Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) is a contiguous gene deletion syndrome involving terminal chromosome 4p deletions, in particular 4p16.3. WHS is characterized by typical facial appearance ("Greek helmet facies"), mental retardation, congenital hypotonia, and growth retardation. While the severity of developmental delay in this patient supports the diagnosis of WHS rather than OS, this case illustrates the striking similarities of clinical findings in seemingly unrelated syndromes, suggesting common or interacting pathways at the molecular and pathogenetic level. This is the first report of arteria lusoria (esophageal vascular ring) in a patient with WHS.

[Importance of the clinical genetics evaluation on hydrocephalus]

The aim of this study was to characterize the possibility of genetic etiology in a group of individuals with congenital hydrocephalus in which the etiology was indeterminate and to confirm that earlier diagnosed. The casuistry was composed by 16 individuals with congenital hydrocephalus. Investigation protocol included anamnesis, familial investigation, physical examination, computerized tomography or magnetic resonance image of head, vertebral column X-ray, karyotype and dysmorphological study. Results were analyzed in two groups. In Group I (3M:9F) was composed by hydrocephalus associated with unspecific signs. Group II (7 males) had findings of epectrum of L1 disease. Genetic counseling could be offered in 11 cases. These results demonstrate the great etiological heterogeneity of congenital hydrocephalus and reinforce the importance of dysmphology evaluation as an important complementary investigation.

X-linked recessive inheritance of radial ray deficiencies in a family with four affected males

Radial ray deficiencies are frequently associated with additional clinical anomalies and have a heterogeneous aetiology. X-linked forms are extremely rare. We report a family in which four male relatives show bilateral absence of the radius with presence of the thumbs and associated anomalies. The segregation of the phenotype is suggestive for X-linked recessive inheritance. This is confirmed by performing linkage analysis using 24 markers spanning the X chromosome in which a maximum lod score of 1.93 for DXS8067 and DXS1001 is obtained. We defined a critical region of maximal 16.2 cM on the X chromosome with haplotype analysis.

VACTERL-hydrocephaly, DK-phocomelia, and cerebro-cardio-radio-reno-rectal community

Phenotypic manifestations of the autosomal recessive form of VACTERL-hydrocephaly syndrome (David-O'Callaghan syndrome) and the X-linked recessive form (Hunter-MacMurray) syndrome are almost identical. The absence of cardiovascular malformations in cases with undoubtedly X-linked inheritance may be the only exception. The comparison of patients with David-O'Callaghan syndrome and nonclassified sporadic cases of VACTERL-hydrocephaly showed two marked differences. First, radial involvement (usually bilateral) occurred in all familial but only in 22 of 36 sporadic cases. Therefore, radial noninvolvement may be evidence against a genetic origin of the complex in a sporadic case. Second, predominantly severe forms of cardiovascular malformations were found in cases of David-O'Callaghan syndrome, whereas in sporadic cases almost all cardiovascular malformations were simple defects with minimal, if any, hemodynamic disturbances. The similarity of the spectrum and frequency of main manifestations of David-O'Callaghan and von Voss-Cherstvoy syndromes allows us to think that both of these syndromes actually might be 2 forms of one genetic entity. There are some syndromes with abnormalities of the brain (different for each syndrome) sharing the same limb defects (mainly preaxial), congenital heart defects, abnormalities of kidneys, and anal atresia/ectopia. Baller-Gerold syndrome, Steinfeld syndrome, XK-aprosencephaly, and DK-phocomelia (von Voss-Cherstvoy) syndrome as well as Mendelian forms of VACTERL-hydrocephaly syndromes fit into this "cerebro-cardio-radio-reno-rectal community."