Combination of Miller-Dieker syndrome and VACTERL association causes extremely severe clinical presentation

A novel genotype-phenotype between persistent-cloaca-related VACTERL and mutations of 8p23 and 12q23.1

The mechanism underlying anorectal malformations (ARMs)-related VACTERL (vertebral defects, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheo-esophageal fistula, and renal and limb abnormalities) remains unclear. Copy number variation (CNV) contributed to VACTERL pathogenicity. Here, we report a novel CNV in 8p23 and 12q23.1 identified in a case of ARMs-related VACTERL association. This 12-year-old girl presented a cloaca (urethra, vagina, and rectum opening together and sharing a single tube length), an isolated kidney, and a perpetuation of the left superior vena cava at birth. Her intelligence, growth, and development were slightly lower than those of normal children of the same age. Array comparative genomic hybridization revealed a 9.6-Mb deletion in 8p23.1-23.3 and a 0.52-Mb duplication in 12q23.1 in her genome. Furthermore, we reviewed the cases involving CNVs in patients with VACTERL, 8p23 deletion, and 12q23.1 duplication, and our case was the first displaying ARMs-related VACTERL association with CNV in 8p23 and 12q23.1. These findings enriched our understanding between VACTERL association and the mutations of 8p23 deletion and 12q23.1 duplication. IMPACT: This is a novel case of a Chinese girl with anorectal malformations (ARMs)-related VACTERL with an 8p23.1-23.3 deletion and 12q23.1 duplication. Cloaca malformation is presented with novel copy number variation in 8p23.1-23.3 deletion and 12q23.1 duplication.

The genetic landscape and clinical implications of vertebral anomalies in VACTERL association

VACTERL association is a condition comprising multisystem congenital malformations, causing severe physical disability in affected individuals. It is typically defined by the concurrence of at least three of the following component features: vertebral anomalies (V), anal atresia (A), cardiac malformations (C), tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TE), renal dysplasia (R) and limb abnormalities (L). Vertebral anomaly is one of the most important and common defects that has been reported in approximately 60–95% of all VACTERL patients. Recent breakthroughs have suggested that genetic factors play an important role in VACTERL association, especially in those with vertebral phenotypes. In this review, we summarised the genetic studies of the VACTERL association, especially focusing on the genetic aetiology of patients with vertebral anomalies. Furthermore, genetic reports of other syndromes with vertebral phenotypes overlapping with VACTERL association are also included. We aim to provide a further understanding of the genetic aetiology and a better evidence for genetic diagnosis of the association and vertebral anomalies.

A Case of Concurrent Miller-Dieker Syndrome (17p13.3 Deletion) and 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome

Features of Miller-Dieker syndrome (MDS, 17p13.3 deletion syndrome, LIS1-associated lissencephaly) include classic lissencephaly, microcephaly, cardiac malformations, growth restriction, and characteristic facial changes. Individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (DiGeorge syndrome or velocardiofacial syndrome) are known to have congenital cardiac malformations (in particular conotruncal defects), palatal abnormalities (especially velopharyngeal insufficiency), hypocalcemia, immune deficiency, learning disabilities, and characteristic facial features. This case report describes phenotypic characteristics of a patient with extremely rare instance of having both MDS and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome that is unique in the medical literature. Prognosis in this concurrent phenotype is poor with our patient suffering from several malformations seen in both conditions and expiring in the neonatal period.

Management of general anesthesia in a child with Miller-Dieker syndrome: a case report

Miller–Dieker syndrome (MDS) is a rare disorder characterized by type I lissencephaly and a distinctive facial appearance that may include prominent forehead, bitemporal hollowing, and micrognathia. MDS is associated with epilepsy. We here report an 18-month-old girl with MDS who required general anesthesia. The child had an extremely low Bispectral Index (BIS) value prior to undergoing general anesthesia. Her perioperative course was uneventful. This case highlights some of the important anesthetic concerns in patients with MDS, which include potentially difficult airways and extremely low BIS values.