Trichorrhexis nodosa and lip pits in autosomal dominant ectodermal dysplasia--central nervous system malformation syndrome

Central nervous system variations and abnormalities in anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (AED): neuroimaging findings

BACKGROUND

Anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (AED) is a rare, mostly X-linked recessive genodermatosis, characterized by congenital defects of ectodermal derivative structures as the central nervous system (CNS) is primarily ectodermal in origin.

PURPOSE

To evaluate CNS variations and abnormalities in AED.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was made of the neurological and neuroimaging findings of 17 children (12 boys, 5 girls; median age = 8 years; age range = 2-14 years) diagnosed with AED in our pediatric clinics during 2008-2016. The pattern of CNS variation and abnormalities were evaluated by comparing of these findings with an age- and gender-matched healthy control group with no family history.

RESULTS

Of the 17 AED cases identified on the basis of neuroimaging findings, 6 (35.3%) were seen to be normal. Associated CNS variation and abnormalities including cavum septum pellucidum (35.3%), callosal dysgenesis (11.8%), prominent Virchow-Robin spaces (64.7%), cortical sulcal dilation (41.1%), mega cisterna magna (35.3%), focal cortical dysplasia (11.8%), and delayed myelination (58.8%) were observed in 11 (64.7%) children with AED.

CONCLUSION

AED suggests a spectrum of CNS variation and abnormalities, presenting with neurological and neuroimaging findings, demonstrated in the embryonic surface- and neuro-ectoderm derived structures. The results of this study suggest that CNS variation and abnormalities might be associated with AED.

Hydrocephalus and moderate mental retardation in a boy with Van der Woude phenotype and IRF6 gene mutation

In this report, we present a boy with lower lip pits, distinct craniofacial dysmorphism with cleft lip and palate, central nervous system malformation, and severe mental retardation. Similar but less pronounced facial findings were present in his mentally normal mother and maternal grandfather, both presenting with lower lip pits. Cleft lip was present in patient's father. Analysis of the VWS1 and VWS2 regions were performed to elucidate the molecular basis of the phenotype of the propositus. Screening for mutations at the IRF6 gene detected a pathogenic mutation (c.960G>C) in the propositus and in his mother; and a single nucleotide polymorphism (c.175-5C>G) in the propositus and in his father. Clinical and genetic aspects of this case are discussed.

Ectodermal dysplasia, primary hypothyroidism, and agenesis of the corpus callosum: variable expression of a single syndrome?

We present two unrelated children, a male and a female, with signs of ectodermal dysplasia, mental retardation, agenesis/ dysgenesis of the corpus callosum, and primary hypothyroidism. Reports of ectodermal dysplasia with CNS malformations or hypothyroidism or both are rare. We suggest that the condition we describe is a distinct entity within the large group of ectodermal dysplasia syndromes and that it has a variable clinical spectrum. As both males and females are affected and in a few reports some parents show minimal signs, the inheritance is likely to be autosomal dominant.