A Novel MGC4607/CCM2 Gene Mutation Associated with Cerebral Spinal and Cutaneous Cavernous Angiomas

A Novel CCM2 Missense Variant Caused Cerebral Cavernous Malformations in a Chinese Family

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are common vascular malformations in the central nervous system. Familial CCMs (FCCMs) are autosomal dominant inherited disease with incomplete penetrance and variable symptoms. Mutations in the KRIT1, CCM2, and PDCD10 genes cause the development of FCCM. Approximately 476 mutations of three CCM-related genes have been reported, most of which were case reports, and lack of data in stable inheritance. In addition, only a small number of causative missense mutations had been identified in patients. Here, we reported that 8/20 members of a Chinese family were diagnosed with CCMs. By direct DNA sequencing, we found a novel variant c.331G > C (p.A111P) in exon 4 of the CCM2 gene, which was a heterozygous exonic variant, in 7/20 family members. We consider this variant to be causative of disease due to a weaken the protein-protein interaction between KRIT1 and CCM2. In addition, we also found the exon 13 deletion in KRIT1 coexisting with the CCM2 mutation in patient IV-2, and this was inherited from her father (patient III-1H). This study of a Chinese family with a large number of patients with CCMs and stable inheritance of a CCM2 mutation contributes to better understanding the spectrum of gene mutations in CCMs.

Hereditary Multiple Cerebral Cavernous Malformations Associated with Wilson Disease and Multiple Lipomatosis

We report on a patient with 2 Mendelian diseases-symptomatic multiple familial cerebral cavernous malformations (FCCMs) and Wilson disease. Genetic analysis revealed single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes CCM2 and CCM3, associated with cavernous malformations, and homozygote mutation in the ATP7B gene, responsible for Wilson disease. FCCMs were symptomatic in 3 generations. The patient also had multiple lipomatosis, which is suggested to be a familial syndrome. In recent years there has been an increasing amount of publications linking FCCMs with other pathology, predominantly with extracranial and intracranial mesenchymal anomalies. The present study is the description of an unusual association between 2 independent hereditary diseases of confirmed genetic origin-a combination that has not been described previously.

Traumatic posterior communicating artery-cavernous fistula, angioarchitecture, and possible pathogenesis: a case report and literature review

Carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) are an abnormal vascular shunt between the carotid artery and the cavernous sinus, and were traditionally classified into four subtypes based on the detailed fistulas anatomy and arterial supply. CCFs are frequently encountered in patients with traumatic skull base fractures. In this report, we present one such case caused by two head traumas. Computed tomography and digital subtraction angiography confirmed that this CCF arose from posterior communicating artery of the internal carotid artery, which is not included in the traditional Barrow et al's categorization. The possible mechanisms include laceration of dural mater of posterior clinoid process and laceration or pseudoaneurysm formation of posterior communicating artery. This case was successfully treated with endovascular coil embolization.

Exome capture sequencing identifies a novel CCM1 mutation in a Chinese family with multiple cerebral cavernous malformations

PURPOSE

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are vascular anomalies predominantly in the central nervous system but may include lesions in other tissues, such as the retina, skin and liver. The main clinical manifestations include seizures, hemorrhage, recurrent headaches and focal neurological deficits. Previous studies of familial CCMs (FCCMs) have mainly reported in Hispanic and Caucasian cases. Here, we report on FCCMs in a Chinese family further characterized by a novel CCM1 gene mutation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We investigated clinical and neuroradiological features of a Chinese family of 30 members. Furthermore, we used exome capture sequencing to identify the causing gene. The CCM1 mRNA expression level in three patients of the family and 10 wild-type healthy individuals were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR).

RESULTS

Brain magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated multiple intracranial lesions in seven members. The clinical manifestation of CCM was found in five of these cases, including recurrent headaches, weakness, hemorrhage and seizures. Moreover, we identified a novel nonsense mutation c.1159G>T (p. E387*) in the CCM1 gene in the pedigree. Based on real-time RT-PCR results, we have found that the CCM1 mRNA expression level in three patients was reduced by 35% than that in wild-type healthy individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

Our finding suggests that the novel nonsense mutation c.1159G>T in CCM1 gene is associated with FCCM, and that CCM1 haploinsufficiency may be the underlying mechanism of CCMs. Furthermore, it also demonstrates that exome capture sequencing is an efficient and direct diagnostic tool to identify causes of genetically heterogeneous diseases.