Splenopancreatic field abnormality is not unique to trisomy 13

Clinical and Molecular Diagnosis of Osteocraniostenosis in Fetuses and Newborns: Prenatal Ultrasound, Clinical, Radiological and Pathological Features

Osteocraniostenosis (OCS, OMIM #602361) is a severe, usually lethal condition characterized by gracile bones with thin diaphyses, a cloverleaf-shaped skull and splenic hypo/aplasia. The condition is caused by heterozygous mutations in the FAM111A gene and is allelic to the non-lethal, dominant disorder Kenny‐Caffey syndrome (KCS, OMIM #127000). Here we report two new cases of OCS, including one with a detailed pathological examination. We review the main diagnostic signs of OCS both before and after birth based on our observations and on the literature. We then review the current knowledge on the mutational spectrum of FAM111A associated with either OCS or KCS, including three novel variants, both from one of the OCS fetuses described here, and from further cases diagnosed at our centers. This report refines the previous knowledge on OCS and expands the mutational spectrum that results in either OCS or KCS.

Fusion anomaly of the pancreatic tail and spleen: a case report

BACKGROUND

Splenopancreatic fusion is a rare anomaly that is often associated with trisomy 13. Its diagnosis can be important in patients scheduled to undergo distal pancreatectomy or splenectomy, to avoid possible intraoperative or postoperative complications.

CASE PRESENTATION

An 82-year-old Japanese man was referred to our hospital for further evaluation and treatment for a solitary hepatocellular carcinoma based on liver cirrhosis. Triple-phase contrast-enhanced multidetector-row computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a splenopancreatic fusion as well as a solitary hepatocellular carcinoma in segment VIII of his liver.

CONCLUSIONS

Fusion of the pancreatic tail and spleen is a rare and asymptomatic anomaly. Its detection can be improved by the use of multidetector computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

Multidetector computed tomography diagnosis of fusion of pancreas and spleen confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging

We report multidetector computed tomography findings of fusion between the spleen and the distal pancreas with magnetic resonance imaging findings, which has not been reported before. Diagnosis of splenopancreatic fusion can be important in patients who will undergo splenectomy or distal pancreatectomy to avoid possible complications.

Schinzel-Giedion syndrome: report of splenopancreatic fusion and proposed diagnostic criteria

We report on the 46th patient with Schinzel-Giedion syndrome (SGS) and the first observation of splenopancreatic fusion in this syndrome. In the antenatal period, a male fetus was found to have bilateral hydronephrosis. Postnatally, in keeping with a diagnosis of SGS, there were large fontanelles, ocular hypertelorism, a wide, broad forehead, midface retraction, a short, upturned nose, macroglossia, and a short neck. Other anomalies included cardiac defects, widened and dense long bone cortices, cerebral ventriculomegaly, and abnormal fundi. Splenopancreatic fusion, usually encountered in trisomy 13, was found on autopsy. Schinzel-Giedion syndrome is likely a monogenic condition for which neither the heritability pattern nor pathogenesis has yet been determined. A clinical diagnosis may be made by identifying the facial phenotype, including prominent forehead, midface retraction, and short, upturned nose, plus one of either of the two other major distinguishing features: typical skeletal abnormalities or hydronephrosis. Typical skeletal anomalies include a sclerotic skull base, wide supraoccipital-exoccipital synchondrosis, increased cortical density or thickness, and broad ribs. Other highly supportive features include neuroepithelial tumors (found in 17%), hypertrichosis, and brain abnormalities. Severe developmental delay and poor survival are constant features in reported patients.

Osteocraniostenosis-hypomineralized skull with gracile long bones and splenic hypoplasia. Four new cases with distinctive chondro-osseous morphology

Osteocraniostenosis is a severe skeletal dysplasia characterized by a hypomineralized skull that has been previously described as kleeblattschädel (cloverleaf skull) and overtubulated long bones. Dysmorphic facial features include a short nose, short philtrum, and a small, inverted V-shaped mouth. Splenic a/hypoplasia is a constant finding. We report four infants (two unrelated and two siblings) with osteocraniostenosis and describe the clinical, radiographic and chondro-osseous morphology findings. The two siblings lack the moderate long-bone shortening that is typically seen. The skull configuration is likely caused by severely hypoplastic cranial bones (parietal) rather than true craniosynostosis, making the term "osteocraniostenosis" misleading. Histological examination of bone in all cases showed an abnormal growth plate with short irregular columns. The resting cartilage showed pleomorphic chondrocytes with increased cellularity and unique pseudocolumn formation. There are some radiographic and chondro-osseous morphologic similarities between osteocraniostenosis and severe Hallermann-Streiff syndrome (HSS), suggesting the two disorders may be pathogenetically related.

Parietal bone agenesis with gracile bones and splenic hypoplasia/aplasia: Clinico-pathologic report and differential diagnosis with review of cranio-gracile bone syndromes, “osteocraniostenosis” and Kleeblattschädel

The findings in a newborn male with agenesis of parietal bones, gracile long bones, and hypoplasia of the spleen are presented. Although parietal agenesis is unique, the findings are compatible with 18 previously reported cases characterized by cranial hypomineralization, Kleeblatschädel, gracile bones, and splenic aplasia/hypoplasia, the nomenclature for which has been descriptive: gracile bone disorders, "osteocraniostenosis," "osteocraniosplenic syndrome." The term "osteocraniostenosis" may be inappropriate in that craniostenosis has been infrequently reported, a feature also of importance with respect to the pathogenesis of the Kleeblatschädel. The group likely reflects heterogeneous etiology and pathogenesis. Precedent, however, including animal models, justifies consideration of genetic aberrations, in particular, mutations in homeobox genes. (c) 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.