Coats plus syndrome (cerebroretinal microangiopathy with calcifications and cysts-1): A case report

Syndromic genetic causes of pulmonary fibrosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The identification of extra-pulmonary symptoms plays a crucial role in diagnosing interstitial lung disease (ILD). These symptoms not only indicate autoimmune diseases but also hint at potential genetic disorders, suggesting a potential overlap between genetic and autoimmune origins.

RECENT FINDINGS

Genetic factors contributing to ILD are predominantly associated with telomere (TRG) and surfactant-related genes. While surfactant-related gene mutations typically manifest with pulmonary involvement alone, TRG mutations were initially linked to syndromic forms of pulmonary fibrosis, known as telomeropathies, which may involve hematological and hepatic manifestations with variable penetrance. Recognizing extra-pulmonary signs indicative of telomeropathy should prompt the analysis of TRG mutations, the most common genetic cause of familial pulmonary fibrosis. Additionally, various genetic diseases causing ILD, such as alveolar proteinosis, alveolar hemorrhage, or unclassifiable pulmonary fibrosis, often present as part of syndromes that include hepatic, hematological, or skin disorders.

SUMMARY

This review explores the main genetic conditions identified over the past two decades.

Role of Laparoscopy in Severe Gastrointestinal Bleeding Secondary to Coats Plus Syndrome

Coats plus syndrome (CPS) is an exceedingly rare genetic disorder associated with premature telomere shortening. The syndrome, also known as cerebroretinal microangiopathy with calcifications and cysts, has a multisystemic manifestation. It may present as brain abnormalities, seizures, osteopenia, prenatal and postnatal growth deficiency, and portal hypertension, among others. Up to 40% of affected individuals manifest recurrent gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding which can be life-threatening in some cases. Treatment for GI bleeding is not standardized and is therefore individualized based on the patient's clinical status, comorbidities, and resource availability. We herein present a case of a 20-year-old female with CPS and a two-year history of severe recurrent GI bleeding unable to be identified by conventional endoscopy. This report highlights successful laparoscopic assisted enteroscopy with enterectomy as a novel diagnostic and therapeutic modality in this population.

Coats Plus Syndrome Presenting in an Adult

Purpose: To present a case of retinal vascular disease characterized primarily by capillary nonperfusion in an adult with Coats plus syndrome (CPS). Methods: A case and its findings were analyzed. Results: A 38-year-old woman with a history of poliosis, thrombocytopenia, seizures, and white-matter brain lesions was referred for evaluation of bilateral blurred central vision. Fluorescein angiography showed extensive bilateral retinal capillary nonperfusion with retinal arteriolitis in the right eye. Genetic testing found 2 pathological mutations in the conserved telomere maintenance component 1 (CTC1) gene, diagnostic of CPS. Conclusions: Genetic testing may be diagnostic in patients who present with retinal vascular disease and systemic disease suggestive of CPS.

Coats Plus Syndrome in a Premature Infant, With a Focus on Management

Purpose

A premature infant was diagnosed with Coats plus syndrome based on a genetic evaluation showing biallelic heterozygous pathogenic CTC1 variants.

Methods

A case study was performed, including findings and interventions.

Results

A premature infant born 30 weeks gestational age weighing 817 g was evaluated for retinopathy of prematurity at 35 weeks corrected gestational age. An initial dilated fundus examination showed an exudative retinal detachment (RD) in the right eye and avascularity post-equatorially in the left eye with telangiectasias and aneurysmal dilations. Genetic evaluation showed biallelic heterozygous pathogenic CTC1 variants, diagnostic of Coats plus syndrome. Sequential examination under anesthesia with fluorescein showed progressive ischemia despite confluent photocoagulation.

Conclusions

CTC1 gene variants manifest as Coats plus syndrome, which has a clinical appearance consistent with retinovascular ischemia, capillary remodeling, aneurysmal dilation, and exudative RD. Systemic and local corticosteroids in conjunction with peripheral laser ablation decreased vascular exudation and avoided intraocular intervention.

Multisystemic Manifestations in Rare Diseases: The Experience of Dyskeratosis Congenita

Dyskeratosis congenital (DC) is the first genetic syndrome described among telomeropathies. Its classical phenotype is characterized by the mucocutaneous triad of reticulated pigmentation of skin lace, nail dystrophy and oral leukoplakia. The clinical presentation, however, is heterogeneous and serious clinical complications include bone marrow failure, hematological and solid tumors. It may also involve immunodeficiencies, dental, pulmonary and liver disorders, and other minor complication. Dyskeratosis congenita shows marked genetic heterogeneity, as at least 14 genes are responsible for the shortening of telomeres characteristic of this disease. This review discusses clinical characteristics, molecular genetics, disease evolution, available therapeutic options and differential diagnosis of dyskeratosis congenita to provide an interdisciplinary and personalized medical assessment that includes family genetic counseling.

CST in maintaining genome stability: Beyond telomeres

The human CST (CTC1-STN1-TEN1) complex is an RPA-like single-stranded DNA binding protein complex. While its telomeric functions have been well investigated, numerous studies have revealed that hCST also plays important roles in maintaining genome stability beyond telomeres. Here, we review and discuss recent discoveries on CST in various global genome maintenance pathways, including findings on the CST supercomplex structure, its functions in unperturbed DNA replication, stalled replication, double-strand break repair, and the ATR-CHK1 activation pathway. By summarizing these recent discoveries, we hope to offer new insights into genome maintenance mechanisms and the pathogenesis of CST mutation-associated diseases.