Otoplasty for Congenital Auricular Malformations

Among the less common congenital auricular anomalies are cryptotia, Stahl ear, constricted ear, and macrotia. The vast majority of these occur spontaneously without accompanying syndromes or other deformities. This article provides a comprehensive overview of these anomalies, as well as common techniques to correct these anomalies.

Mutations in KCTD1 cause scalp-ear-nipple syndrome

Scalp-ear-nipple (SEN) syndrome is a rare, autosomal-dominant disorder characterized by cutis aplasia of the scalp; minor anomalies of the external ears, digits, and nails; and malformations of the breast. We used linkage analysis and exome sequencing of a multiplex family affected by SEN syndrome to identify potassium-channel tetramerization-domain-containing 1 (KCTD1) mutations that cause SEN syndrome. Evaluation of a total of ten families affected by SEN syndrome revealed KCTD1 missense mutations in each family tested. All of the mutations occurred in a KCTD1 region encoding a highly conserved bric-a-brac, tram track, and broad complex (BTB) domain that is required for transcriptional repressor activity. KCTD1 inhibits the transactivation of the transcription factor AP-2α (TFAP2A) via its BTB domain, and mutations in TFAP2A cause cutis aplasia in individuals with branchiooculofacial syndrome (BOFS), suggesting a potential overlap in the pathogenesis of SEN syndrome and BOFS. The identification of KCTD1 mutations in SEN syndrome reveals a role for this BTB-domain-containing transcriptional repressor during ectodermal development.

Finlay-Marks syndrome: report of two siblings and review of literature

Finlay-Marks syndrome (scalp-ear-nipple syndrome), is the infrequently reported association of scalp aplasia, malformed ears, and breast abnormalities varying from small nipples to complete absence of breasts. Other manifestations are variable and some of them resemble ectodermal dysplasia and include dystrophy of nails and teeth, sparse hair, decreased sweating, and cutaneous syndactyly of digits. Renal anomalies have been reported in some patients leading to hypertension and renal insufficiency. Most reported patients have been sporadic but familial occurrences following an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance have been reported. We report on two affected siblings, of whom one died in the neonatal period due to renal failure. Two affected siblings born to non-affected parents may suggest an autosomal recessive inheritance.