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Acar Z, Yılmaz Tuğan B. Congenital superior oblique palsy in a patient with VACTERL association. Saudi J Ophthalmol 2024; 38:67-70. [PMID: 38628410 PMCID: PMC11017008 DOI: 10.4103/sjopt.sjopt_297_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Different types of ophthalmological defects have been reported to be accompanying vertebral anomalies, anal atresia, cardiac malformations, tracheoesophageal fistula, renal anomalies, and limb anomalies (VACTERL) association. A 7-year-old girl with a history of VACTERL association presented with upward drifting of the left eye and anomalous head posture to the right side and was diagnosed with congenital fourth nerve palsy. We report the first case representing a combination of congenital fourth nerve palsy with VACTERL association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynep Acar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Haydarpasa Numune Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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2
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Moreno OM, Sánchez AI, Herreño A, Giraldo G, Suárez F, Prieto JC, Clavijo AS, Olaya M, Vargas Y, Benítez J, Surallés J, Rojas A. Phenotypic Characteristics and Copy Number Variants in a Cohort of Colombian Patients with VACTERL Association. Mol Syndromol 2021; 11:271-283. [PMID: 33505230 DOI: 10.1159/000510910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
VACTERL association (OMIM 192350) is a heterogeneous clinical condition characterized by congenital structural defects that include at least 3 of the following features: vertebral abnormalities, anal atresia, heart defects, tracheoesophageal fistula, renal malformations, and limb defects. The nonrandom occurrence of these malformations and some familial cases suggest a possible association with genetic factors such as chromosomal alterations, gene mutations, and inherited syndromes such as Fanconi anemia (FA). In this study, the clinical phenotype and its relationship with the presence of chromosomal abnormalities and FA were evaluated in 18 patients with VACTERL association. For this, a G-banded karyotype, array-comparative genomic hybridization, and chromosomal fragility test for FA were performed. All patients (10 female and 8 male) showed a broad clinical spectrum: 13 (72.2%) had vertebral abnormalities, 8 (44.4%) had anal atresia, 14 (77.8%) had heart defects, 8 (44.4%) had esophageal atresia, 10 (55.6%) had renal abnormalities, and 10 (55.6%) had limb defects. Chromosomal abnormalities and FA were ruled out. In 2 cases, the finding of microalterations, namely del(15)(q11.2) and dup(17)(q12), explained the phenotype; in 8 cases, copy number variations were classified as variants of unknown significance and as not yet described in VACTERL. These variants comprise genes related to important cellular functions and embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga M Moreno
- Instituto de Genética Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Ana I Sánchez
- Instituto de Genética Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia.,Departamento Materno Infantil, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Cali, Colombia.,Centro Médico Imbanaco de Cali, Cali, Colombia
| | - Angélica Herreño
- Instituto de Genética Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Gustavo Giraldo
- Instituto de Genética Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Fernando Suárez
- Instituto de Genética Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia.,Unidad de Genética Medica, Hospital Universitario de San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan Carlos Prieto
- Instituto de Genética Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Ana Shaia Clavijo
- Instituto de Genética Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Mercedes Olaya
- Servicio de Patología, Hospital Universitario de San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Yaris Vargas
- Servicio de Pediatría, Neonatología, Hospital Universitario de San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Javier Benítez
- CNIO: Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Surallés
- Departamento de Genética y Microbiología, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adriana Rojas
- Instituto de Genética Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
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3
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Chen Y, Liu Z, Chen J, Zuo Y, Liu S, Chen W, Liu G, Qiu G, Giampietro PF, Wu N, Wu Z. The genetic landscape and clinical implications of vertebral anomalies in VACTERL association. J Med Genet 2016; 53:431-7. [PMID: 27084730 PMCID: PMC4941148 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2015-103554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Chen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenlei Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Chen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuzhi Zuo
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Sen Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing, China
| | - Weisheng Chen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guixing Qiu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing, China
| | - Philip F Giampietro
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Nan Wu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihong Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing, China Department of Central Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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4
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Thomas M, Salpietro V, Canham N, Ruggieri M, Phadke R, Kinali M. Mitochondria DNA depletion syndrome in a infant with multiple congenital malformations, severe myopathy, and prolonged postoperative paralysis. J Child Neurol 2015; 30:654-8. [PMID: 24789116 DOI: 10.1177/0883073814532546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA depletion syndromes are an important cause of mitochondrial cytopathies in both children and adults. We describe a newborn with multiple congenital malformations including a right aberrant subclavian artery and a trachea-oesophageal fistula in whom mitochondrial depletion syndrome was unmasked by perioperative muscle relaxation. After vecuronium infusion, the infant developed an irreversible postoperative paralysis, leading to death 32 days after surgery. The present case highlights (a) the clinical heterogeneity of mitochondrial depletion syndrome; (b) the importance of rigorous antemortem and postmortem investigations when the cause of a severe myopathy is uncertain; (c) the possible coexistence of mitochondrial depletion syndrome and congenital malformations as a result of a likely abnormal antenatal embryofetal development and (d) the importance of a careful anaesthetic management of children with mitochondrial depletion syndrome, which could be prone to complications related to the possible depressive effects on mitochondrial electron transport chain mediated by some anaesthetic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Thomas
- Department of Neonatal Medicine, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vincenzo Salpietro
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom Department of Pediatrics, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Natalie Canham
- North West Thames Regional Genetics Service, Kennedy Galton Centre, North West London Hospitals NHS, Trust, Northwick Park Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Martino Ruggieri
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rahul Phadke
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCLH, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Kinali
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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5
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Xu GQ, Zhou QC, Zhang M, Pu DR, Ouyang Z. TACRD and VACTERL associations in a fetus: case report and review of the literature. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2013; 77:2081-5. [PMID: 24113157 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2013.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2013] [Revised: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Tracheal agenesis is a rare and potentially lethal congenital anomaly. The incidence is less than 1/50,000, with a male:female ratio of 2:1. We report the case of a male fetus with complete agenesis of the trachea and a tracheoesophageal fistula arising from the esophagus that connected through the carina, as well as several abnormalities (congenital cardiac abnormalities, duodenal atresia, vertebral defects, anal atresia, renal defects, limb defects, and diaphragmatic hernia). To our knowledge, few cases of infants with VACTERL or TACRD association have been reported to date. Here, we report a new case of a fetus that showed the full range of VACTERL and TACRD associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gan-qiong Xu
- Department of Ultrasonography, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
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6
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VACTERL association with hydrocephalus in a fetus conceived by in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2013; 52:575-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2013.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2013] [Accepted: 05/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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7
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Brosens E, Eussen H, van Bever Y, van der Helm RM, Ijsselstijn H, Zaveri HP, Wijnen R, Scott DA, Tibboel D, de Klein A. VACTERL Association Etiology: The Impact of de novo and Rare Copy Number Variations. Mol Syndromol 2013; 4:20-6. [PMID: 23653573 DOI: 10.1159/000345577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Copy number variations (CNVs), either DNA gains or losses, have been found at common regions throughout the human genome. Most CNVs neither have a pathogenic significance nor result in disease-related phenotypes but, instead, reflect the normal population variance. However, larger CNVs, which often arise de novo, are frequently associated with human disease. A genetic contribution has long been suspected in VACTERL (Vertebral, Anal, Cardiac, TracheoEsophageal fistula, Renal and Limb anomalies) association. The anomalies observed in this association overlap with several monogenetic conditions associated with mutations in specific genes, e.g. Townes Brocks (SALL1), Feingold syndrome (MYCN) or Fanconi anemia. So far VACTERL association has typically been considered a diagnosis of exclusion. Identifying recurrent or de novo genomic variations in individuals with VACTERL association could make it easier to distinguish VACTERL association from other syndromes and could provide insight into disease mechanisms. Sporadically, de novo CNVs associated with VACTERL are described in literature. In addition to this literature review of genomic variation in published VACTERL association patients, we describe CNVs present in 68 VACTERL association patients collected in our institution. De novo variations (>30 kb) are absent in our VACTERL association cohort. However, we identified recurrent rare CNVs which, although inherited, could point to mechanisms or biological processes contributing to this constellation of developmental defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Brosens
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Centre, The Netherlands ; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Erasmus Medical Centre - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Siebel S, Solomon B. Mitochondrial Factors and VACTERL Association-Related Congenital Malformations. Mol Syndromol 2013; 4:63-73. [PMID: 23653577 PMCID: PMC3638779 DOI: 10.1159/000346301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
VACTERL/VATER association is a group of congenital malformations characterized by at least 3 of the following findings: vertebral defects, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheo-esophageal fistula, renal anomalies, and limb abnormalities. To date, no unifying etiology for VACTERL/VATER association has been established, and there is strong evidence for causal heterogeneity. VACTERL/VATER association has many overlapping characteristics with other congenital disorders that involve multiple malformations. In addition to these other conditions, some of which have known molecular causes, certain aspects of VACTERL/VATER association have similarities with the manifestations of disorders caused by mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial dysfunction can result from a number of distinct causes and can clinically manifest in diverse presentations; accurate diagnosis can be challenging. Case reports of individuals with VACTERL association and confirmed mitochondrial dysfunction allude to the possibility of mitochondrial involvement in the pathogenesis of VACTERL/VATER association. Further, there is biological plausibility involving mitochondrial dysfunction as a possible etiology related to a diverse group of congenital malformations, including those seen in at least a subset of individuals with VACTERL association.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - B.D. Solomon
- Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md., USA
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Chen CP, Shih JC, Huang MC, Liu YP, Su JW, Chern SR, Wang W. Prenatal ultrasound demonstration of scoliosis, absence of one rib, a radial club hand, congenital heart defects and absent stomach in a fetus with VACTERL association. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2012; 51:139-42. [PMID: 22482989 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2012.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/15/2011] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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10
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Abstract
VACTERL/VATER association is typically defined by the presence of at least three of the following congenital malformations: vertebral defects, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheo-esophageal fistula, renal anomalies, and limb abnormalities. In addition to these core component features, patients may also have other congenital anomalies. Although diagnostic criteria vary, the incidence is estimated at approximately 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 40,000 live-born infants. The condition is ascertained clinically by the presence of the above-mentioned malformations; importantly, there should be no clinical or laboratory-based evidence for the presence of one of the many similar conditions, as the differential diagnosis is relatively large. This differential diagnosis includes (but is not limited to) Baller-Gerold syndrome, CHARGE syndrome, Currarino syndrome, deletion 22q11.2 syndrome, Fanconi anemia, Feingold syndrome, Fryns syndrome, MURCS association, oculo-auriculo-vertebral syndrome, Opitz G/BBB syndrome, Pallister-Hall syndrome, Townes-Brocks syndrome, and VACTERL with hydrocephalus. Though there are hints regarding causation, the aetiology has been identified only in a small fraction of patients to date, likely due to factors such as a high degree of clinical and causal heterogeneity, the largely sporadic nature of the disorder, and the presence of many similar conditions. New genetic research methods offer promise that the causes of VACTERL association will be better defined in the relatively near future. Antenatal diagnosis can be challenging, as certain component features can be difficult to ascertain prior to birth. The management of patients with VACTERL/VATER association typically centers around surgical correction of the specific congenital anomalies (typically anal atresia, certain types of cardiac malformations, and/or tracheo-esophageal fistula) in the immediate postnatal period, followed by long-term medical management of sequelae of the congenital malformations. If optimal surgical correction is achievable, the prognosis can be relatively positive, though some patients will continue to be affected by their congenital malformations throughout life. Importantly, patients with VACTERL association do not tend to have neurocognitive impairment.
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MESH Headings
- Abnormalities, Multiple/diagnosis
- Abnormalities, Multiple/epidemiology
- Abnormalities, Multiple/genetics
- Abnormalities, Multiple/pathology
- Anal Canal/abnormalities
- Anal Canal/pathology
- Anus, Imperforate/complications
- Anus, Imperforate/diagnosis
- Anus, Imperforate/epidemiology
- Anus, Imperforate/genetics
- Anus, Imperforate/pathology
- Esophagus/abnormalities
- Esophagus/pathology
- Female
- Heart Defects, Congenital/complications
- Heart Defects, Congenital/diagnosis
- Heart Defects, Congenital/epidemiology
- Heart Defects, Congenital/genetics
- Heart Defects, Congenital/pathology
- Humans
- Infant, Newborn
- Kidney/abnormalities
- Kidney/pathology
- Limb Deformities, Congenital/complications
- Limb Deformities, Congenital/diagnosis
- Limb Deformities, Congenital/epidemiology
- Limb Deformities, Congenital/genetics
- Limb Deformities, Congenital/pathology
- Male
- Radius/abnormalities
- Radius/pathology
- Spine/abnormalities
- Spine/pathology
- Trachea/abnormalities
- Trachea/pathology
- Tracheoesophageal Fistula/complications
- Tracheoesophageal Fistula/epidemiology
- Tracheoesophageal Fistula/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D Solomon
- Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 35/Room 1B-207, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Solomon BD, Pineda-Alvarez DE, Hadley DW, Keaton AA, Agochukwu NB, Raam MS, Carlson-Donohoe HE, Kamat A, Chandrasekharappa SC. De novo deletion of chromosome 20q13.33 in a patient with tracheo-esophageal fistula, cardiac defects and genitourinary anomalies implicates GTPBP5 as a candidate gene. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 91:862-5. [PMID: 21608104 PMCID: PMC3193386 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.20821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2011] [Accepted: 03/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CASE REPORT CONCLUSIONS
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D Solomon
- Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
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Solomon BD, Patel A, Cheung SW, Pineda-Alvarez DE. VACTERL association and mitochondrial dysfunction. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 91:192-4. [PMID: 21308977 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.20768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2010] [Accepted: 11/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND VACTERL association includes the presence of malformations affecting the vertebrae, anus, heart, trachea and esophagus, kidneys, and limbs. The causes remain largely unknown, but rare patients with mitochondrial dysfunction have been reported. Although clinical signs and symptoms consistent with possible mitochondrial disease are not uncommon in patients with VACTERL association, the necessary testing to confirm mitochondrial dysfunction is infrequently performed. METHODS We describe a patient with relatively classic signs of VACTERL association who had an onset of clinical signs of mitochondrial dysfunction at 13 months of age. These signs included progressive muscle weakness, autonomic dysregulation, episodic hypoglycemia, and exocrine pancreatic dysfunction. The patient was later shown to have evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction (cytochrome c oxidase deficiency). CONCLUSIONS Abnormal mitochondrial function may be associated with VACTERL association, and clinicians who encounter patients with VACTERL association should have a low threshold for considering mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D Solomon
- Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA. solomonb@ mail.nih.gov
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Solomon BD, Pineda-Alvarez DE, Raam MS, Bous SM, Keaton AA, Vélez JI, Cummings DAT. Analysis of component findings in 79 patients diagnosed with VACTERL association. Am J Med Genet A 2010; 152A:2236-44. [PMID: 20683998 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.33572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
VACTERL association is a relatively common condition, though the causes remain poorly understood. We present data on 79 patients diagnosed with VACTERL association and perform statistical analysis on a selected subset of 60 patients with at least three component features, and who, after review, did not meet criteria for a likely alternate diagnosis. Considered individually, no two component features are significantly associated, but several multivariate statistical techniques suggest novel patterns of the co-occurrence of component features, and latent class cluster analysis demonstrates the presence of five major subgroups of patients. These findings have implications for both our understanding of VACTERL association and for the approach to research involving this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D Solomon
- Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Raam MS, Pineda-Alvarez DE, Hadley DW, Solomon BD. Long-term outcomes of adults with features of VACTERL association. Eur J Med Genet 2010; 54:34-41. [PMID: 20888933 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2010.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2010] [Accepted: 09/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
VACTERL association involves the presence of specific congenital, multi-organ malformations that tend to co-occur. Clinical and research efforts typically center on pediatric patients, and there is a scarcity of information in the literature regarding VACTERL-related issues and outcomes in adulthood. We describe here 11 adults with features of VACTERL association ascertained through our research study on the condition. In our cohort of adult patients, approximately 25% of medically significant malformations that are component features of VACTERL association, including 40% of vertebral, 50% of cardiac, and 50% of renal anomalies, were not identified during childhood. Additionally, medical sequelae of many of the primary malformations identified in infancy or early childhood persist or are first reported in adulthood. These sequelae can involve challenging medical and surgical management in adulthood. As most adults with VACTERL association are not specifically followed for VACTERL-related issues, a more uniform diagnostic work-up and a low threshold for investigation of medical sequelae of the primary disorder may enhance the quality of clinical management in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manu S Raam
- Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 35, Room 1B207, 35 Convent Drive MSC 3717, Bethesda, MD 20892-3717, USA.
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15
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Aguinaga M, Zenteno JC, Pérez-Cano H, Morán V. Sonic hedgehog mutation analysis in patients with VACTERL association. Am J Med Genet A 2010; 152A:781-3. [PMID: 20186790 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.33293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Aguinaga
- Genetics Department, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, IER, Mexico City, Mexico.
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16
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Geneviève D, de Pontual L, Amiel J, Sarnacki S, Lyonnet S. An overview of isolated and syndromic oesophageal atresia. Clin Genet 2007; 71:392-9. [PMID: 17489843 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0004.2007.00798.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Oesophageal atresia (OA) and/or tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF) are frequent malformations observed in approximately one in 3500 births. OA/TOF can be divided clinically into isolated OA (IOA) and syndromic OA (SOA) when associated with other features, the most frequent being cardiac, limb and vertebral malformations or anal atresia. SOA is observed in 50% of patients and can be subdivided into several causative groups comprising environmental agents, chromosomal disorders, malformative associations (CHARGE syndrome and VATER/VACTERL association), and other multiple congenital anomaly disorders. The observation of chromosomal disorders with SOA, as well as mouse models of OA provide support for the involvement of genetic factors in OA. Yet, epidemiological data (twin and family studies) do not support the major role of genetic factors in the majority of cases of IOA but rather a multifactorial model. However, several genes involved in SOA have been recently identified, namely N-MYC, SOX2, and CHD7 involved in Feingold (MIM 164280), anophthalmia-oesophageal-genital (MIM 600992) and CHARGE syndromes respectively (MIM 214800), suggesting that OA/TOF, at least in their syndromic forms, may be a highly genetically heterogeneous group.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Geneviève
- Département de Génétique et unité INSERM U-781, Paris, France.
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Finsterer J. Genetic, pathogenetic, and phenotypic implications of the mitochondrial A3243G tRNALeu(UUR) mutation. Acta Neurol Scand 2007; 116:1-14. [PMID: 17587249 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2007.00836.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial disorders are frequently caused by mutations in mitochondrial genes and usually present as multisystem disease. One of the most frequent mitochondrial mutations is the A3,243G transition in the tRNALeu(UUR) gene. The phenotypic expression of the mutation is variable and comprises syndromic or non-syndromic mitochondrial disorders. Among the syndromic manifestations the mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactacidosis, and stroke-like episode (MELAS) syndrome is the most frequent. In single cases the A3,243G mutation may be associated with maternally inherited diabetes and deafness syndrome, myoclonic epilepsy and ragged-red fibers (MERRF) syndrome, MELAS/MERRF overlap syndrome, maternally inherited Leigh syndrome, chronic external ophthalmoplegia, or Kearns-Sayre syndrome. The wide phenotypic variability of the mutation is explained by the peculiarities of the mitochondrial DNA, such as heteroplasmy and mitotic segregation, resulting in different mutation loads in different tissues and family members. Moreover, there is some evidence that additional mtDNA sequence variations (polymorphisms, haplotypes) influence the phenotype of the A3,243G mutation. This review aims to give an overview on the actual knowledge about the genetic, pathogenetic, and phenotypic implications of the A3,243G mtDNA mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Finsterer
- Krankenanstalt Rudolfstiftung, Vienna, Austria.
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Giampietro PF, Raggio CL, Reynolds C, Ghebranious N, Burmester JK, Glurich I, Rasmussen K, McPherson E, Pauli RM, Shukla SK, Merchant S, Jacobsen FS, Faciszewski T, Blank RD. DLL3 as a candidate gene for vertebral malformations. Am J Med Genet A 2007; 140:2447-53. [PMID: 17041936 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.31509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Investigations have not identified a major locus for congenital vertebral malformations. Based on observations in mice, we hypothesized that mutations in DLL3, a member of the notch-signaling pathway, might contribute to human vertebral malformations. We sequenced the DLL3 gene in 50 patients with congenital vertebral malformations. A Caucasian male patient with VACTERL manifestations including a T5-T6 block vertebrae was heterozygous for a "G" to "A" missense mutation changing glycine to arginine at codon 269. This residue is conserved in mammals, including chimpanzee, mouse, dog, and rat. Additional testing in the patient did not show evidence of chromosome abnormalities. The patient's asymptomatic mother was also heterozygous for the missense mutation. Since this mutation was not observed in a control population and leads to an amino acid change, it may be clinically significant. The mutation was not found in a control population of 87 anonymous individuals. Several established mechanisms could explain the mutation in both the patient and his asymptomatic mother (susceptibility allele requiring additional environmental factors, somatic mosaicism, multigenic inheritance). Documenting the absence of the mutation in a larger control population or the presence of the mutation in additional affected patients, or documenting a functional difference in DLL3 would provide further evidence supporting its causal role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip F Giampietro
- Department of Medical Genetic Services, Marshfield Clinic, Marshfield, Wisconsin 54449, USA.
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