Prenatal transvaginal diagnosis of the ectrodactyly, ectodermal dysplasia, cleft palate (EEC) syndrome

Ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia-clefting syndrome. Prenatal prospective ultrasound diagnosis

OBJECTIVE

Prenatal diagnosis of the Ectrodactyly-Ectodermal dysplasia-clefting (EEC) syndrome has been based upon the detection of ectrodactyly, in association with facial clefting and/or positive family history. Our aim is to describe other ultrasonographic features indicating the presuntive diagnosis, regardless of genetic diagnosis, especially in cases of negative family history.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A case report and a review of the literature was assessed.

RESULTS

Our case report showed a singleton foetus "lobster claw" deformities of hands and feet. Paternal history revealed bilateral agenesia of two fingers. Through literature, 15 case reports of prenatal diagnosis of EEC syndrome were found, 14 of which were eligible for our systematic review. The 33% of cases (5/15) had a familiar history of EEC, thus, we found one case of consanguinity of parents. Anomalies EEC-related were recognized in the 40% of cases (6/15). An association with genitourinary anomalies was found in 30% (5/15) of them.

CONCLUSIONS

A strong suspicion of final diagnosis of EEC may be done in the presence of ectrodactyly, facial clefting and urinary malformation especially in cases of negative family history. More attention should be given to a genetic counseling, especially to understand a possible relation to other genetic syndromes.

TP63-mutation as a cause of prenatal lethal multicystic dysplastic kidneys

Background

Ectrodactyly‐ectodermal dysplasia‐clefting syndrome 3 (EEC) is one of the six overlapping syndromes caused by mutations in the tumor protein p63 gene (TP63). EEC is suspected when patients have cleft hands or feet, polydactyly, and syndactyly, abnormal development of the ectodermally derived structures, and orofacial clefting. Genitourinary (GU) anomalies have been identified in patients with EEC, yet these are often under‐recognized and under‐reported. The available literature on sonographic prenatal findings is sparse, especially when considering GU anomalies.

Methods

We present the case of a male stillborn fetus, who was found antenatally to have multicystic dysplastic kidneys and anhydramnios. Following the termination of pregnancy, examination and autopsy further revealed unilateral polydactyly and bilateral syndactyly which had not been previously identified on antenatal ultrasound.

Results

Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) revealed a de novo heterozygous pathogenic variant in exon 5 of the TP63 gene: p.His247Arg: c.740A>G (NM_003722.4) which has been reported in the literature. The His247Arg variant has been published as a pathogenic variant in association with EEC, both with and without orofacial clefting.

Conclusion

Our prenatal case expands the phenotypic spectrum of TP63‐related disorders in general. In addition, it adds to the phenotype associated with the His247Arg pathogenic variant responsible for EEC. Further, we highlight the importance of WES as a postnatal tool to help clarify unexpected findings, and as a way to add to the spectrum of existing phenotypes of known single‐gene disorders.

Tibial Aplasia-Ectrodactyly in a Nonautosomal Dominant Expression: Implications in Prenatal Sonology Diagnosis

Tibial aplasia-ectrodactyly (TAE) is a syndrome of severe defects of the extremities. Because of its rare occurrence, its inheritance pathway is not clearly understood. The most widely accepted theory is a dominant expression, possibly with reduced penetrance in skipped generations. The case study presented raises the possibility of a recessive mode of inheritance, thus reducing the predictability of its occurrence in a family pedigree. For the physician and sonographer, this illustrates the importance of an understanding of this anomaly and thorough prenatal sonographic evaluation even in unsuspecting families. While the expectation of its occurrence is remote, early diagnosis when it is present expands the management options for the physician and family.

Two case reports with literature review of the EEC syndrome: Clinical presentation and management

We report on siblings who suffer from EEC syndrome and show our experiences of the "Basel concept" of cleft lip/palate repair based on the early, one-stage closure of all components. It is performed in the age of 3–4 months to provide early normal conditions for anatomy and muscle function.

Three-dimensional sonographic findings associated with ectrodactyly ectodermal dysplasia clefting syndrome

Ectrodactyly-ectrodermal dysplasia-clefting (EEC) syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant genetic syndrome. This condition is characterized by varying degrees of ectrodactyly and syndactyly of the hands and feet, a cleft lip with or without a cleft palate, and ectodermal dysplasia. In addition, abnormalities of the genitourinary system occur frequently in association with this syndrome. The wide clinical variability of EEC syndrome has been well documented in the literature, and none of the 3 cardinal signs seem to be obligatory. We present a case of classic familial EEC syndrome diagnosed by prenatal sonography at 17 weeks' gestation. In addition to tetraectrodactyly and a unilateral cleft lip and palate, renal dysplasia was noted on serial sonographic evaluation. Three-dimensional (3D) surface rendering was used to supplement traditional 2-dimensional (2D) imaging to further evaluate the fetal phenotype.

First-trimester ultrasound diagnosis of skeletal dysplasia associated with increased nuchal translucency thickness

A series of five cases of skeletal dysplasia is reported in which the diagnosis was reached at the 11-14-week routine ultrasound examination in our referral center. All five cases had increased nuchal translucency thickness (NT) associated with bone abnormalities. We review the current literature on skeletal dysplasia in the first trimester of pregnancy associated with increased NT.

Transabdominal embryofetoscopy for the detection of short rib-polydactyly syndrome, type II(Majewski), in the first trimester

Our aim was to demonstrate the potential of first-trimester embryofetoscopy for prenatal diagnosis in a continuing pregnancy. A patient at risk for giving birth to an infant with short rib-polydactyly syndrome, type II (Majewski), presented for prenatal diagnosis at 9 weeks of gestation. A 1 mm semirigid fiberoptic endoscope with an 18 gauge examination sheath and a single-chip digital camera were used for transabdominal embryofetoscopy. Transabdominal embryofetoscopy was performed at 13 weeks of gestation. Direct visualization of the fetus was achieved and no gross limb or facial abnormalities were seen. This case shows that embryofetoscopy is a useful tool for early diagnosis in high-risk patients in the first trimester for continuing pregnancies.

Ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia-clefting (EEC) syndrome presenting with a large nephrogenic cyst, severe oligohydramnios and hydrops fetalis: a case report and review of the literature

OBJECTIVES

To report a case of EEC syndrome with a large nephrogenic cyst detected by prenatal ultrasonography.

METHODS

Prenatal ultrasonographic detection, genetic counselling, termination of pregnancy, radiographic study, autopsy and ultrastructural study of scalp hair. The literature on EEC syndrome with genitourinary anomalies and prenatal diagnosis was also reviewed.

RESULTS

A 6-cm cyst in the right side of abdominal cavity was detected in a fetus of 24 weeks' gestational age with severe oligohydramnios and hydrops fetalis. The autopsy revealed bilateral renal dysplasia with a large nephrogenic cyst at the right side and markedly hypoplastic urinary bladder and pulmonary hypoplasia. The fetus also had ectrodactyly and syndactyly of hands and feet and ectodermal dysplasia and left cleft lip and palate. Ultrastructure of hair from scanning electron microscopy revealed no obvious abnormality.

CONCLUSION

This is a rare case of fetal malformation partly detected prenatally. In order to detect this syndrome, careful ultrasound search for acral anomalies should be performed in cases with renal malformation or obstructive uropathy.

Split hand and foot malformation: ultrasound detection in the first trimester

The split hand split foot malformation is a rare disorder inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern with variable expression. In our case it was detected early by ultrasound in the twelfth week of gestation. To our knowledge, this is the earliest finding by ultrasound of this malformation. The sonographic findings were bilateral split hands and split foot. No other associated malformation was observed. The pathological findings were consistent with the diagnosis of split hand split foot malformation. Prenatal diagnosis, the genetic background, and the differential diagnosis are discussed.

Reference values for fetal limb biometry at 10-14 weeks of gestation

OBJECTIVES

To calculate reference ranges for fetal limb measurements obtained by transabdominal ultrasound at 10-14 weeks of gestation.

METHODS

Six hundred and six normal fetuses were examined transabdominally in a cross-sectional study by a single observer. The crown-rump length of the fetuses ranged from 31 to 78 mm. Measurement of the length of the humerus, ulna, femur, tibia and foot was attempted from the longest section of each structure. To assess intraobserver repeatability, three sets of repeated measurements were obtained in 26 fetuses.

RESULTS

An appropriate ultrasound measurement was obtained in a percentage of cases ranging from 93.2% to 97.9%. A significant correlation was found between crown-rump length measurements and humerus length (r = 0.74, P < 0.001), ulna length (r = 0.70, P < 0.001), femur length (r = 0.77, P < 0.001), tibia length (r = 0.69, P < 0.001) and foot length (r = 0.58, P < 0.001). Crown-rump length-specific reference ranges for each measurement were calculated with the method of scaled absolute residuals. The study of intraobserver variability showed coefficients of variation ranging from 7.9 to 10.0% and intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.89 to 0.94.

CONCLUSIONS

Fetal limb size is strongly correlated with crown-rump length. Despite a significant biological variability of the measurements, the availability of reference ranges could be of help in the early diagnosis of fetal skeletal dysplasias.

Ultrasound diagnosis of structural abnormalities in the first trimester

The advances in ultrasound technology have made it possible to identify fetal structural abnormalities and genetic syndromes in the first trimester. First trimester prenatal diagnosis of fetal central nervous system, renal, gastrointestinal, cardiac, and skeletal abnormalities is reviewed.

Fetal renal anomalies and genetic syndromes

Renal abnormalities are some of the commonest and most easily detectable anomalies on ultrasound. Many are an isolated finding but the prognosis may be altered considerably by the detection of other anomalies which could indicate a genetic disorder or syndrome. It is often easier to detect presupposed anomalies and the purpose of this article is to introduce and discuss those syndromes that may present with a renal abnormality on ultrasound. Common renal findings are presented with the range of additional anomalies that should be sought and suggested diagnostic tests. It should be remembered that although for many genetic conditions specific mutation analysis is now available, this usually requires pre-pregnancy investigations. Furthermore, in some cases the definitive diagnosis may not be suspected until post mortem. By this time it may be too late to establish a cell line to confirm the suspicion using laboratory methods. It is therefore important to take tissue samples antenatally where possible, or at delivery, as postnatal samples may have a high culture failure rate.

Prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis of the popliteal pterygium syndrome

The prenatal ultrasound identification of a cleft lip and palate, equinovarus feet with severe lower limb malposition and genital abnormalities led to the prenatal diagnosis of popliteal pterygium syndrome in a pregnant mother suspected to have a mild expression of this autosomal dominant condition. However, in sporadic cases with lack of a family history for this rare syndrome, prenatal diagnosis may be difficult to ascertain.

Ocular manifestations in a father and son with EEC syndrome

BACKGROUND

The ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia-clefting (EEC) syndrome is a rare disease which follows an autosomal-dominant pattern of inheritance. Due to the ectodermal dysplasia there is atresia of the lacrimal duct system and aplasia of the meibomian glands with a defective tear film. Therefore, vascularized corneal scars often form during early adult life.

PATIENTS

Father aged 41 years, and son aged 23 months. Both patients: stenosis/atresia of lacrimal duct systems (the father had twice undergone dacryocystorhinostomy externally) with epiphora, lip-palate clefting, syndactylies of fingers and toes, lobster deformities of hands. Additional ophthalmological findings in the father: bilaterally extracted juvenile cataracts with implantation of intraocular lenses, bilateral extensive vascularized corneal scars. Additional dermatological findings in the father: malignant melanoma of the calf, now in complete remission following several operations on the melanoma and several cycles of chemotherapy for the metastases.

DISCUSSION AND THERAPEUTIC CONCLUSIONS

Father and son show the full clinical picture of the EEC syndrome with clefting, lobster-like deformities of the hands and ectodermal dysplasia with tear duct atresia and aplasia of the meibomian glands with defective tear film. During childhood, the main handicapping features are the clefting and the hand deformities with their respective multiple operative revisions. During early adulthood, however, the ocular problems become the predominantly handicapping aspects of the EEC syndrome; due to the ectodermal dysplasia, vascularized corneal scarring develops. Tearing and secondary inflammation due to lacrimal duct atresia has to be treated by early dacryocystorhinostomy. As secondary infections promote the development of corneal scars, one should not postpone the operation too long. Infections have to be treated promptly by local antibiotics. Because of the aplasia of the meibomian glands, artificial tear substitution should be given on a regular basis to support the defective tear film. Thus, the development of vascularized corneal scars can perhaps be delayed. Once corneal scarring has developed, perforating keratoplasty has a poor prognosis due to the ectodermal dysplasia, the absence of the meibomian glands and the defective tear film. Three factors lead to the formation of vascularized corneal scars: recurrent infections of lid margins and conjunctiva due to obstructed tear ducts; defective tear film with insufficient lipid phase due to the aplasia of the meibomian glands; and primary corneal epithelial defects in the course of the generalized ectodermal dysplasia.

Ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia-clefting syndrome and hypothalamo-pituitary insufficiency

We report on 2 brothers with ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia-clefting (EEC) syndrome and hypothalamo-pituitary insufficiency. Both had hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. One brother had partial TSH and prolactin deficiency, and the other had mild primary hypothyroidism, due most probably to irradiation therapy which he had undergone a few years earlier because of Hodgkin disease. The association of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with EEC was reported once previously. Hypothalamopituitary dysfunction could be considered as yet another manifestation of EEC syndrome. This report reconfirms that EEC syndrome is a pleiotropic trait with reduced penetrance. Alternatively, we may be dealing with a (new) autosomal or X-linked recessive condition.