Controversies surrounding Jarcho-Levin syndrome

Spondylocostal dysostosis with type II split cord malformation: A report of a rare case and brief review of the literature

Spondylocostal dysostosis (Jarcho Levin syndrome) is a rare costovertebral malformation syndrome that will result in restrictive pulmonary physiology. It manifests its major components at birth. Split cord malformation, together with spondylocostal dysostosis, is even rarer. We hereby report our experience with diagnosing 1 infant with spondylocostal dysostosis and type II split cord malformation using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. We also present a concise summary of previously published case reports and case series involving patients with concurrent spondylocostal dysostosis and split cord malformations.

Long-Term Follow-up of Untreated Adult Patients with Spondylothoracic Dysostosis (Jarcho-Levin Syndrome)

BACKGROUND

Spondylothoracic dysostosis (STD), also known as Jarcho-Levin syndrome (JLS), is a rare autosomal recessive disorder affecting the formation of the spine, characterized by a complete bilateral fusion of the ribs at the costovertebral junction, producing a "crablike" appearance of the thorax. Despite being declared a core indication for a V-osteotomy vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) expansion thoracoplasty of the posterior thorax, the natural history of STD in untreated subjects remains poorly documented. In this study, we report radiographic and pulmonary function findings and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) and 24-Item Early Onset Scoliosis Questionnaire (EOSQ-24) scores for untreated adult subjects with STD to gain insights into the natural history.

METHODS

We identified 11 skeletally mature, untreated subjects with STD. Findings on medical evaluation, demographics, radiographic parameters, pulmonary function, genetic testing results, PROMIS measures, and EOSQ-24 scores were assessed.

RESULTS

Five male and 6 female subjects (mean age, 32.3 years [range, 15 to 70 years]) with a confirmed STD diagnosis based on radiographs and genetic testing were evaluated. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 24.4 kg/m 2 (range, 18 to 38.9 kg/m 2 ), and mean thoracic height was 16 cm (range, 12 to 17 cm). Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) showed a mean forced vital capacity (FVC) of 22% of predicted, mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) of 24% of predicted, and FEV1/FVC ratio of 107% of predicted. The mean PROMIS dyspnea score was 40 ± 8 points (range, 27.7 to 52.1 points). The mean total EOSQ-24 score was 77.3 ± 18 points (range, 43.9 to 93.2 points).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study characterizes the natural history of STD in untreated subjects. We confirmed the expected restrictive pattern in pulmonary function, but interestingly, our subjects exhibited better EOSQ scores compared with those reported in neuromuscular populations. PFT results and thoracic height did not correspond to PROMIS and EOSQ scores, questioning the use of those parameters as a surgical indication. We therefore suggest that the STD diagnosis as an absolute indication for VEPTR expansion thoracoplasty surgery be reconsidered.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Spondylocostal Dysplasia in a 7-Year-Old Sri Lankan Girl Causing Restrictive Lung Disease: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Spondylocostal dysplasia (SCD) is a rare costovertebral malformation characterised by short-trunk short stature. It is a recessively inherited disorder, and commonly identified disease-causing mutations are in DLL3 gene. The reported prevalence is 1 : 200,000 worldwide, and none was reported from Sri Lanka. We report a 7-year-old Sri Lankan girl with spondylocostal dysplasia presenting with short stature and scoliosis. Disproportionate short stature was noted with short upper segment and small thoracic cavity. Skeletal survey revealed fused vertebra involving T5-T6, T9-T10, and L3-L4. Butterfly vertebrae were noted in T2, T4, T6, and T9. Diagnosis of SCD was made based on classic radiological features including vertebral fusion and rib abnormalities. Spirometry was performed due to small thoracic cavity which showed results compatible with moderate to severe restrictive lung disease. The child did not report respiratory difficulties or recurrent chest infections up to the presentation. She was referred to an orthopaedic team which recommended conservative management with close follow-up. In conclusion, spondylocostal dysplasia should be considered in short-trunk short stature with rib abnormalities in the absence of limb shortening. Appropriate treatment and follow-up for restrictive lung disease would determine the long-term outcome.

Jarcho-Levin Syndrome and Concomitant Carotid Glomus Tumor: First Reported Case

BACKGROUND

Jarcho-Levin syndrome (JLS) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by different clinical and radiologic findings. The disease was first reported by Jarcho and Levin in 1938, and it was described as the presence of various malformations or abnormal fusion in the thoracic vertebrae and ribs, short trunk, and respiratory distress.

CASE DESCRIPTION

In our case, fusion at the thoracic and cervical vertebrae, butterfly vertebrae, and a crablike-shaped thorax was present. The patient had a short trunk, short stature, and long extremities. Moreover, he had a syndromic face and restrictive-type respiratory distress. There was a glomus tumor in the carotid space. In our literature review, we found that neural tube defects are frequently present in this syndrome. However, we could not identify any cases with affected neural crest cells.

CONCLUSIONS

JLS may affect cells derived from the neural crest located between the neural tube and surface ectoderm. Therefore patients with JLS should be screened for other tumors located in this area.

Phenotypic heterogeneity of kyphoscoliosis with vertebral and rib defects: a case series

Disorders associated with multiple vertebral segmentation defects may have additional rib anomalies in form of absence or hypoplastic ribs, fanning of ribs, etc. Spondylocostal dysostosis is genetic disorder with abnormal vertebral segmentation and rib anomalies. Diagnosis is often delayed because of non-familiarity with the characteristic features. There are six genes identified for spondylocostal dysostosis, of which SCDO5 is responsible for autosomal dominant form of the disorder. Retrospective study was conducted in Genetic and Metabolic unit of a tertiary hospital in north India over a period of 9 years. Twenty patients with a clinical diagnosis of congenital scoliosis were identified, and reviewed. Three patients were discussed in an earlier report and 11 subsequent patients, are described in this case series here. The median age at presentation was 34 months. The patients showed hemivertebrae, vertebral fusion, fusion of ribs, fanning of ribs. Hydrocephalus/ventriculomegaly was found in three cases and diastematomyelia was identified in one case. Other associated anomalies included corpus callosal agenesis, club foot and capillary malformation. One parent showed rib/spinal defects in two cases. Further studies are needed to characterise the phenotype and genetic basis of scoliosis in Indian patients.

[Spondylocostal dysostosis and acute cholangitis in pediatrics emergency room]

BACKGROUND

Congenital malformations of the chest wall comprise a heterogeneous group of diseases denominated spondylocostal dysostosis. They have in common developmental abnormalities in the morphology of the structures of the chest and vertebrae with a broad characterization: from mild deformity without functional consequences to life-threatening injuries. We present the case of a girl with spondylocostal dysostosis and acute cholangitis.

CLINICAL CASE

A 13-month-old girl with severe malnutrition, history of hydrocephalus and myelomeningocele at birth was admitted in the emergency pediatric room with fever and progressive respiratory distress. Clinical assessment revealed ribs and vertebral malformations and acute cholangitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Complex rib abnormalities consist in deformities of the chest wall, which do not have a specific pattern and are extremely rare. When they are associated with myelomeningocele and hydrocephalus they may be considered as autosomal recessive inheritance spondylocostal dysostosis. The diagnosis is established by clinical assessment and X-rays. Spondylocostal dysostosis identification and complications related to their genetic and molecular causes are still a challenge for clinical pediatricians and the multidisciplinary medical team who treats these patients throughout lifetime.

Thoracic Insufficiency Syndrome

Thoracic insufficiency syndrome (TIS) is a broad grouping of disorders that have a substantial impact on the chest wall, spine, and in many situations, both. While the conditions are varied, they share a potentially substantial impact on respiratory capacity and development over time and a presentation and need for intervention that is often in early childhood. Addressing these conditions has required a new paradigm that involves both deformity correction and a preservation of growth capacity. While there are now a number of options to treat severe spinal deformity early in life, when the deformity causes or is caused by a chest wall deformity, the Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib(VEPTR) is able to support surgical correction of both. The skeletal correction is often quite dramatic, but the functional measurements of quality of life and pulmonary function often do not show as dramatic and improvement, but consistently show a stabilization indicating control of the progressive thoracospinal disorder that produced TIS.

Spondylocostal dysostosis (Jarcho-Levine syndrome) associated with occult spinal dysraphism: Report of two cases

Spondylocostal dysostosis, also known as Jarcho-Levine syndrome, is a rare disorder characterized by multiple vertebral and rib anomalies at birth. The association of occult spinal dysraphic lesions with this entity is rare. Two patients with spondylocostal dysostosis and occult spinal dysraphic lesions, one with type I split cord malformation and another with spinal dermal sinus are being reported. A 7-month-old female child who was operated at birth for imperforate anus was noted to have a dimple at the low back with altered skin color around the dimple. Examination revealed the right lower extremity was slightly thinner than the left. Plain radiographs showed features of spondylocostal dysostosis with scoliosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a type I split cord malformation at the lumbosacral junction with low-lying conus and terminal syringomyelia. Patient underwent excision of the bony spur uneventfully. A 14-month-old male child was noted to have a small swelling in the low back along with deformity of the right lower chest since birth. Plain radiographs revealed features of spondylocostal dysostosis. MRI showed a spinal dermal sinus at the lumbosacral junction with a low-lying conus. The patient underwent excision of the spinal dermal sinus and untethering of the cord uneventfully. Although rare, spondylocostal dysostosis can be associated with occult spinal dysraphic lesions like type I split cord malformations or spinal dermal sinus. Physicians should be aware about the possibility of children with spondylocostal dysostosis harboring occult spinal dysraphic lesions so that these patients receive appropriate treatment.

Expansion Thoracoplasty for Thoracic Insufficiency Syndrome Associated with Jarcho-Levin Syndrome

Introduction

Although surgical treatment of spondylothoracic dysplasia (STD) is controversial, we have found that an expansion thoracoplasty using a Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib (VEPTR; DePuy Synthes) results in favorable outcomes, including 100% survivability (at an average follow-up of 6.2 years), increased thoracic spinal length, and decreased requirements for ventilation support.

Step 1 Preoperative Preparation

Make anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the spine.

Step 2 Position the Patient for the Procedure

The patient is placed in the prone position.

Step 3 The Incision

A curvilinear skin incision is made, starting proximally between the spine and the medial edge of the scapula.

Step 4 The Osteotomy

Perform the v-osteotomy.

Step 5 Placement of the VEPTR Device

A number-4 VEPTR-I device is wedged in, starting laterally within the osteotomy sites, wedging the osteotomies apart, distracting the superior ribs proximally and the inferior ribs distally, lengthening the hemithorax, and stopping approximately at the posterior axillary line, when there is maximum stress on the superior and inferior ribs, to avoid fracture, and the lamina spreaders are then removed.

Step 6 Wound Closure

Insert drains and local anesthetic catheters and close the wound.

Step 7 Expansion and Replacement Procedures

Lengthen the devices with the standard VEPTR technique of limited 3-cm incisions every three to six months.

Results

VEPTR treatment in patients with STD is associated with increased thoracic spine height and reduced thoracic width-to-height ratio, suggesting a greater gain in height than in width.

What to Watch For

IndicationsContraindicationsPitfalls & Challenges.

Canine disorder mirrors human disease: exonic deletion in HES7 causes autosomal recessive spondylocostal dysostosis in miniature Schnauzer dogs

Spondylocostal dysostosis is a congenital disorder of the axial skeleton documented in human families from diverse racial backgrounds. The condition is characterised by truncal shortening, extensive hemivertebrae and rib anomalies including malalignment, fusion and reduction in number. Mutations in the Notch signalling pathway genes DLL3, MESP2, LFNG, HES7 and TBX6 have been associated with this defect. In this study, spondylocostal dysostosis in an outbred family of miniature schnauzer dogs is described. Computed tomography demonstrated that the condition mirrors the skeletal defects observed in human cases, but unlike most human cases, the affected dogs were stillborn or died shortly after birth. Through gene mapping and whole genome sequencing, we identified a single-base deletion in the coding region of HES7. The frameshift mutation causes loss of functional domains essential for the oscillatory transcriptional autorepression of HES7 during somitogenesis. A restriction fragment length polymorphism test was applied within the immediate family and supported a highly penetrant autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. The mutation was not observed in wider testing of 117 randomly sampled adult miniature schnauzer and six adult standard schnauzer dogs; providing a significance of association of P_raw = 4.759e^-36 (genome-wide significant). Despite this apparently low frequency in the Australian population, the allele may be globally distributed based on its presence in two unrelated sires from geographically distant locations. While isolated hemivertebrae have been observed in a small number of other dog breeds, this is the first clinical and genetic diagnosis of spontaneously occurring spondylocostal dysostosis in a non-human mammal and offers an excellent model in which to study this devastating human disorder. The genetic test can be utilized by dog breeders to select away from the disease and avoid unnecessary neonatal losses.

Chest wall hypoplasia--principles and treatment

The chest is a dynamic structure. For normal movement it relies on a coordinated movement of the multiple bones, joints and muscles of the respiratory system. While muscle weakness can have clear impact on respiration by decreasing respiratory motion, so can conditions that cause chest wall hypoplasia and produce an immobile chest wall. These conditions, such as Jarcho-Levin and Jeune syndrome, present significantly different challenges than those faced with early onset scoliosis in which chest wall mechanics and thoracic volume may be much closer to normal. Because of this difference more aggressive approaches to clinical and surgical management are necessary.

Molecular diagnosis of vertebral segmentation disorders in humans

BACKGROUND

Vertebral malformations contribute substantially to the pathophysiology of kyphosis and scoliosis, common health problems associated with back and neck pain, disability, cosmetic disfigurement and functional distress.

OBJECTIVE

To provide an overview of the current understanding of vertebral malformations, at both the clinical level and the molecular level, and factors that contribute to their occurrence.

METHODS

The literature related to the following was reviewed: recent advances in the understanding of the molecular embryology underlying vertebral development and relevance to elucidation of etiologies of several known human vertebral malformation syndromes; outcomes of molecular studies elucidating genetic contributions to congenital and sporadic vertebral malformations; and complex interrelationships between genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of isolated syndromic and non-syndromic congenital vertebral malformations.

RESULTS/CONCLUSION

Expert opinions extend to discussion of the importance of establishing improved classification systems for vertebral malformation, future directions in molecular and genetic research approaches to vertebral malformation and translational value of research efforts to clinical management and genetic counseling of affected individuals and their families.

Vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib as treatment of thoracic insufficiency syndrome in spondylocostal dysplasia

BACKGROUND

Spondylocostal dysplasia (SCD) constitutes a heterogeneous patient group with multiple vertebral formations and segmentation defects of the entire spine, with asymmetric rib malformations. Respiratory failure has been reported in spondylocostal dysplasia secondary to thoracic insufficiency syndrome. The vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) reconstructs the chest wall to address the thoracic insufficiency seen in this patient population. The purpose of this study is to evaluate spinal deformity correction and respiratory function outcomes in a spondylocostal dysplasia population treated with VEPTR.

METHODS

A cohort of 20 patients with spondylocostal dysplasia and 2-year follow-up were evaluated from a multicenter IDE study of 214 patients who had surgery with the VEPTR device. Data collected included gender, nonskeletal malformations, age at surgery, number of procedures, estimated blood loss, length of stay, and surgical time. Clinical and radiographic parameters were collected, and respiratory function was assessed.

RESULTS

In 14 of 20 patients (70%), spinal deformity was controlled evidenced by a decrease of the initial Cobb coronal angle at last follow-up. Fourteen patients (70%) maintained their oxygen level throughout treatment. At preoperative and last evaluation, assisted ventilation rating (AVR) scores showed that 5 patients improved their level of ventilation and 14 patients maintained their AVR level at room air. One patient decreased his level from supplemental oxygen to night ventilation. Mean thoracic spinal length (growth) by year was 0.82 cm. No mortality occurred in this group of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

VEPTR implantation in SCD allows continued thoracic spine growth while controlling progressive spine deformity. The improved AVR ratings after surgery suggest a beneficial effect on the natural history of TIS in this population. Mortality and complication rate seem acceptable in this high-risk population of SCD patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic study, Level IV, (case series, no comparison group).

Pilot assessment of a radiologic classification system for segmentation defects of the vertebrae

Existing nomenclature systems for describing and reporting congenital segmentation defects of the vertebrae (SDV) are confusing, inconsistently applied, and lack molecular genetic advances. Our aim was to develop and assess a new classification system for SDV. A multidisciplinary group of the International Consortium for Vertebral Anomalies and Scoliosis (ICVAS) developed a new classification system for SDV, and 5 members group (Group 1) independently classified 10 previously unseen cases using this system. Inter-observer reliability was assessed using kappa, which compares observed agreement with that expected by chance. Seven independent general radiologists unaffiliated with the ICVAS (Group 2) classified the same 10 cases (total, 70 scores) before and after the ICVAS system was explained. We demonstrated the following: Inter-observer reliability for Group 1 yielded a kappa value of 0.21 (95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.052, 0.366, P = 0.0046); A consensus diagnosis was established for the 10 cases. For Group 2, before the ICVAS system was explained, 1 of 70 scores (1.4%) agreed with the Group 1 consensus diagnoses; Group 2 offered 12 different diagnoses, but 38 of 70 (54.3%) responses were "Don't Know." After the ICVAS system was explained, 47 of 70 responses (67.1%; 95% CI 55.5, 77.0) agreed with the Group 1 consensus, an improvement of 65.7% (95% CI 52.5, 75.6, P < 0.00005), with no "Don't Know" responses. Group 2 average reporting times, before and after explanation of the ICVAS system, were 148 and 48 min, respectively. We conclude that the ICVAS radiological classification system was found to be reliable and applicable for 10 SDV phenotypes.

A case of Jarcho-Levin syndrome associated with bilateral cystic renal disease and wilms tumor: MR imaging findings

Jarcho-Levin syndrome (JLS) is a congenital disorder characterized by a variety of vertebral and costal anomalies that result in thoracic deformity. Hitherto, a plethora of associated anomalies have been described in several reports. In this report, the authors describe a case of JLS who has Wilms tumor and bilateral cystic renal disease. To the authors' knowledge, there is only a single case of JLS who presented with multiple renal cortical cysts, but none with an associated Wilms tumor in the literature. Additional anomalies seen in the present case that are related with this syndrome are also discussed.

Disostose espôndilo-costal associada a defeitos de fechamento do tubo neural

OBJETIVO: Salientar a relação dos defeitos de fechamento do tubo neural com a disostose espôndilo-costal (DEC) por meio da descrição de três pacientes. DESCRIÇÃO DOS CASOS: Paciente 1: menina branca, 22 meses, nascida com mielomeningocele lombar. Na avaliação, apresentava hipotonia, baixa estatura, dolicocefalia, fendas palpebrais oblíquas para cima, pregas epicânticas e tronco curto com tórax assimétrico. A avaliação radiográfica revelou hemivértebras múltiplas, vértebras em borboleta e fusão e ausência de algumas costelas. Paciente 2: menina branca, 22 meses, com moderado atraso do desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor, baixa estatura, olhos profundos, pregas epicânticas, pescoço e tronco curtos com assimetria do tórax, abdome protruso, hemangioma plano na altura da transição lombossacra e fosseta sacral profunda no dorso. A avaliação radiográfica identificou hemivértebras, fusão incompleta de vértebras e vértebras em borboleta, malformações de costelas e espinha bífida oculta em L5/S1. Paciente 3: menina branca, 9 dias de vida, com fendas palpebrais oblíquas para cima, ponte nasal alargada, orelhas baixo implantadas e rotadas posteriormente, tronco curto, tórax assimétrico e meningocele tóraco-lombar. A avaliação radiográfica evidenciou hemivértebras, malformação e ausência de algumas costelas e agenesia diafragmática à esquerda. A tomografia computadorizada de encéfalo mostrou estenose de aqueduto. COMENTÁRIOS: Vários defeitos de fechamento do tubo neural, de espinha bífida oculta a grandes mielomeningoceles, são observados em pacientes com DEC, indicando que tais pacientes devem ser cuidadosamente avaliados quanto à possível presença desses defeitos.

Spine deformities in rare congenital syndromes: clinical issues

STUDY DESIGN

A focused review of the literature with regard to the important system abnormalities of patients with spinal deformities associated with exotic congenital syndromes with additional data from the author's own experience in assessment of patients with rare syndromes treated for thoracic insufficiency syndrome.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study are to emphasize important medical considerations that influence the choice of surgical treatment of spinal deformity in patients with exotic congenital syndromes and point out preoperative strategies that reduce treatment morbidity and mortality of these patients.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Individual experience is limited in the treatment of spine abnormality in rare exotic syndromes and the medical aspects of these syndromes that may impact spinal treatment are seldom discussed in detail in the orthopedic literature. For a successful outcome in the treatment of spinal deformity in these unique patients, a working knowledge of the unique pitfalls in their medical care is necessary in order to avoid morbidity and mortality during their treatment.

METHODS

The literature was reviewed for 6 exotic congenital syndromes with known or unreported spinal abnormalities and the author's personal 22-years experience of the treatment of thoracic insufficiency syndrome in the relevant congenital syndromes was summarized.

RESULTS

Children with Marfan syndrome and spinal deformity may have serious cardiac abnormalities. Spontaneous dissection of the aortic root is a clear danger and patients should be monitored by serial echocardiograms. Prophylactic cardiac surgery may be necessary before spinal surgery is to be performed. Patients with Jeune syndrome have a high rate of proximal cervical stenosis and should undergo screening with cervical spine films at birth. Significant stenosis or instability may require decompression and cervical-occipital fusion. Arthrogryposis may be associated with a severe scoliosis and jaw contracture may make intubation difficult. Larsen syndrome may have early onset scoliosis that is very rigid and requires early intervention. Cervical kyphosis and subluxation may be lethal in these patients and screening radiographs are important. Upper airway abnormalities are an anesthesia concern. Jarcho-Levin syndrome is a thoracic volume depletion deformity due to shortness of the thorax, either a spondylocostal dysostosis variant or spondylothoracic dysplasia. The former has a chaotic congenital scoliosis with varied combination of missing and fused ribs. Although spondylocostal dysostosis has a benign reputation in the literature for respiratory complications, respiratory insufficiency is nevertheless common and 1 death is known from respiratory failure. Spondylothoracic dysplasia seldom has significant scoliosis, but has a mortality rate approaching 50% from respiratory complications due to thoracic insufficiency syndrome. In spite of severe restrictive respiratory disease, adult survivors of spondylothoracic dysplasia appear to do well clinically for unknown reasons. Cerebrocostomandibular syndrome has scoliosis, micrognathia, and thoracic insufficiency syndrome, due to an "implosion" deformity of the thorax from congenital pseudarthrosis of the posterior ribs.

CONCLUSION

For optimal patient care, it is necessary to have a clear understanding of exotic congenital syndromes and how they may impact on both the presentation of spinal deformity and the response to treatment, as well as how they may introduce additional morbidity into standard treatment plans. It is clear that with this understanding that preoperative strategies can be employed to enhance the safety of spinal treatment for these unique children.

Management of thoracic insufficiency syndrome

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

Thoracic insufficiency syndrome (TIS) was first characterized by Campbell and Smith in 2003, as the inability of the thorax to support normal respiration and growth. The range of thoracospinal disorders within TIS is broad and some have poor prognosis, but all have been challenging to treat effectively. This review will describe the common approaches and report on the published outcomes of each approach.

RECENT FINDINGS

Over the last 15 years progress has been made in refining the approach to treating TIS, and more recently functional outcomes have been published for some of the techniques used. A number of recent reports have demonstrated spinal growth that meets normal rates after insertion of expandable devices to support the spine and preserve growth. However, in the short term pulmonary function outcomes indicate stabilization of lung function as opposed to regaining function, though there is a paucity of published data.

SUMMARY

There are a number of effective surgical interventions for treating the underlying thoracospinal disorders in TIS; however, though the short-term effect on pulmonary function indicates stabilization the longitudinal effect still needs to be elucidated.

Genetic counseling in a case of congenital hemivertebrae

A case of in utero spondylothoracic dysostoses is diagnosed during a routine third trimester ultrasound scan in a low-risk patient. Ultrasound showed spine deformation, hemivertebrae and crab-like ribs. The newborn had no other associated anomalies except inguinal hernia, and karyotype was normal. Bidimensional and 3-4D ultrasound imaging as well as radiograph of the fetus and photos of the newborn are presented and discussed. Sporadic cases are difficult to diagnose and classify, as they are probably due to genetic heterogenicity. Sporadic cases of hemivertebrae are rare and not always lethal. Fetal ultrasound scan findings can help predict prognosis, enabling the parents' informed decision making.

Progress in the understanding of the genetic etiology of vertebral segmentation disorders in humans

Vertebral malformations contribute substantially to the pathophysiology of kyphosis and scoliosis, common health problems associated with back and neck pain, disability, cosmetic disfigurement, and functional distress. This review explores (1) recent advances in the understanding of the molecular embryology underlying vertebral development and relevance to elucidation of etiologies of several known human vertebral malformation syndromes; (2) outcomes of molecular studies elucidating genetic contributions to congenital and sporadic vertebral malformation; and (3) complex interrelationships between genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of isolated syndromic and nonsyndromic congenital vertebral malformation. Discussion includes exploration of the importance of establishing improved classification systems for vertebral malformation, future directions in molecular and genetic research approaches to vertebral malformation, and translational value of research efforts to clinical management and genetic counseling of affected individuals and their families.

Prenatal diagnosis and fetopathological investigation of dorsolumbosacral agenesis

Sacral and lumbosacral spine agenesis, as characteristic signs of a rare congenital malformation--caudal regression syndrome--has been well described. However, dorsolumbosacral agenesis involving the lower thoracic, lumbar, and sacral vertebrae has rarely been reported, and prenatal diagnosis of this severe form has not been published yet. A 37-year-old woman (gravida 2, para 0) who had diabetes mellitus asked for termination of her pregnancy, because second-trimester ultrasound screening showed dorsolumbosacral agenesis of the fetus. Fetopathological examination confirmed the prenatal diagnosis and showed that the lower seven thoracic and all lumbosacral segments were absent. The noticed small "bony" structure in the lumbar region supported the idea that caudal regression syndrome can be regarded as a "multisegmental" spinal dysgenesis that involves the caudal part of the spine. Reliable prenatal diagnosis of dorsolumbosacral agenesis is possible by second-trimester ultrasound. The prenatal sonologist should always try to look for and assess abnormalities during examinations. Emphasis should be placed especially on those types that have a higher risk of being present in the fetus because of the known risk factors in the particular pregnancy. Fetopathological examination emphasized the suggestion that segmental spinal dysgenesis and caudal regression syndrome may represent two faces of a single spectrum of segmental malformations of the spine and spinal cord.

Mortality and life-threatening events after vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib surgery in children with hypoplastic chest wall deformity

BACKGROUND

Severe complex hypoplastic chest wall and spine deformity with thoracic insufficiency syndrome may be associated with premature death secondary to multisystem involvement. The vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) reconstructs the chest wall to address the thoracic insufficiency seen in this patient population. The purpose of this study is to report the mortality and life-threatening adverse events in a cohort of subjects with severe hypoplastic chest wall deformity, specifically with Jeune syndrome and Jarcho-Levin syndrome, after treatment with the VEPTR device.

METHODS

A cohort of 43 patients with either Jeune syndrome or Jarcho-Levin syndrome was extracted from a multicenter Investigational Device Exemption study of 214 patients who had surgery with the VEPTR device. Of the 43 patients, 19 had Jeune syndrome and 24 had Jarcho-Levin syndrome. Fatal and life-threatening adverse events were analyzed, including an assessment of time postsurgery, etiology, and the relationship of the adverse event to the surgical procedure.

RESULTS

Four (9%) of the 43 patients died during the follow-up period. All 4 (100%) of these patients had Jeune syndrome. After the initial surgery, 2 died within 6 months, and the remaining 2 within 1 year. Causes of death included respiratory complications in 2, renal failure in 1, and liver failure in 1. An additional 4 (9%) of the 43 patients had life-threatening adverse events. Two (50%) patients were diagnosed with Jeune syndrome and the remaining 2 (50%) with Jarcho-Levin syndrome. Two of the 4 life-threatening events were related to the surgery perioperatively: necrotizing enterocolitis and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The other two events included cardiac arrest secondary to central line placement and Demerol overdose.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgeons should be aware of the potential for fatality and life-threatening events that occur in patients with hypoplastic chest wall and spine deformity undergoing surgical treatment. The majority of these events occur within 1 year of surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic study, Level IV (case series, no comparison group).

Jarcho-Levin syndrome presenting as neural tube defect: report of four cases and pitfalls of diagnosis

Jarcho-Levin syndrome (JLS) causes severe vertebral and thoracic deformity and has an autosomal-recessive mode of inheritance. Prenatal diagnosis may be difficult in some cases without the history of an affected baby. We present 4 cases of JLS with neural tube defects as the prominent finding. In 2 of them the deformity of the thorax was minimal and was not detected by ultrasonography. Rib anomalies were revealed with radiological and pathological examinations after the termination. The location of the vertebral defect may be the determinant factor for the severity of the thoracic deformity. The real recurrence risk could only be found out after postnatal examinations in cases with neural tube defects.

Single gene disorders associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a common birth defect with a high pre- and postnatal mortality. Although the majority of diaphragmatic hernias occur as isolated malformations, additional major and minor anomalies are common and are present in more than 40% of patients. There are compelling data for the importance of genetic factors in the etiology of CDH, but the pathogenesis and the causative genes for CDH in humans remain elusive. There are more than 70 syndromes in which diaphragmatic hernias have been described, and several of these syndromes are single gene disorders for which the gene is known. One method for identifying the causative genes in isolated CDH is to study syndromes with known genes in which CDH is a recognized feature, with the rationale that those genes have a role in diaphragm development. This review discusses the syndromes that are most commonly associated with CDH, with greater attention towards syndromes in which the causative genes have been identified, including Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome, Denys-Drash syndrome, spondylocostal dysostosis, craniofrontonasal syndrome, Cornelia de Lange syndrome and Marfan syndrome.

Three-dimensional ultrasound findings of spondylocostal dysostosis in the second trimester of pregnancy

Spondylocostal dysostosis (SCD) is a rare congenital disorder that is characterized by vertebral segmentation and formation defects, and asymmetrical rib anomalies. We describe a case diagnosed during the second trimester of pregnancy with the sonographic features of abnormal alignment of the spine, hemivertebrae in the thoracic spine and kyphoscoliosis. Three-dimensional ultrasound demonstrated a 'fan-like' rib cage with fusion of the ribs. The postmortem findings confirmed the ultrasound findings and were consistent with SCD.

Jarcho-Levin syndrome

Jarcho-Levin syndrome is an eponym that represents a spectrum of short trunk skeletal dysplasias with variable involvement of the vertebrae and ribs. Initially considered to be lethal, it is now accepted as compatible with life in its milder presentations. Here are reported two neonates with the lethal variety of this syndrome. One neonate had associated anomalies like hydrocephalus, hydroureteronephrosis and meningomyelocoele while the other had no additional anomalies. Also is reviewed the literature regarding this less understood disorder focusing on the applied clinical aspects that have stemmed out from the recent molecular research.

Anomalies of vertebrae and ribs: Jarcho Levin syndrome. Description of a case and literature review

Jarcho Levin syndrome is a congenital disorder characterized by the presence of rib and vertebral defects at birth. This syndrome is usually diagnosed in newborns with short neck and trunk and short stature. They present multiple vertebral anomalies at different levels of the spine, including "butterfly vertebrae", hemivertebrae and fused hypoplastic vertebrae. The small size of the thorax in newborns frequently leads to respiratory compromise and death in infancy. We report a new case with short trunk and neck and vertebral and costal anomalies without respiratory problems. A literature review was conducted.