Prenatal diagnosis of Pfeiffer syndrome prior to 20 weeks' gestation

De Novo Heterozygous Mutation in FGFR2 Causing Type II Pfeiffer Syndrome

Pfeiffer syndrome (PS) is an autosomal dominant disorder with three subtypes stemming from heterozygous mutations in the fibroblast growth factors FGFR1 and FGFR2. The subtypes overlap with heterogeneous clinical manifestations and variable prognosis dependent on neurological and respiratory compromise that impact short- and long-term outcomes and survival. We present a male, term infant with type II PS that was diagnostically suspected antenatally based on three-dimensional ultrasonographic findings that were confirmed postnatally by craniofacial tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. A new generation sequencing panel identified a unique de novo FGFR2, c.335 A > G p. Tyr112Cys variant, the first of its kind, and features that closely aligned with subtype II PS. Initial molecular results categorized the mutation as nonpathogenic, but it was later reclassified as pathogenic. Antenatal, multidisciplinary parental counseling about the tentative diagnosis and prognosis facilitated postnatal decisions that culminated in an informed choice for palliative care and early demise.

Prenatal diagnosis of Pfeiffer syndrome type 2 with increased nuchal translucency

Pfeiffer syndrome (PS) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by craniosynostosis, broad thumbs / toes. Here, we report a case of PS type 2 with increased nuchal translucency in early trimester.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Pfeiffer Syndrome Patient with FGFR2 C.940-1G>C Variant: A Case Report

BACKGROUND

Pfeiffer syndrome (PS) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in fibroblast growth factor receptor FGFR1 and FGFR2 genes, occurring in approximately 1:100,000 live births. PS has a wide range of clinical expression and severity, so early prenatal diagnosis is difficult and genetic counseling is desirable. We describe a PS newborn with her ultrasound and molecular studies.

CASE REPORT

We describe a female term newborn with cloverleaf-shaped skull, facial hypoplasia, low ears, exophthalmos and wide, broad and deviated thumbs and hallux. The patient was diagnosed by ultrasound at 29 WGA and referred to a tertiary care hospital for her follow-up. Molecular test revealed a heterozygous pathogenic variant in intron 8 of the FGFR2 gene (FGFR2: c.940-1G>C). It was a de-novo mutation. At 17 days of life, craniosynostosis correction and a Lefort-III frontomaxillary advancement were performed.

CONCLUSION

Pfeiffer syndrome is a devastating genetic disorder. Prenatal diagnosis according PS morphological features in prenatal ultrasound allows timely genetic counseling, early referral to third-level centers, and close follow-up in the prenatal and postnatal stages.

Ultrasound and MR imaging findings in prenatal diagnosis of craniosynostosis syndromes

BACKGROUND

Craniosynostosis syndromes are uncommonly encountered in the prenatal period. Identification is challenging but important for family counseling and perinatal management.

OBJECTIVE

This series examines prenatal findings in craniosynostosis syndromes, comparing the complementary roles of US and MRI and emphasizing clues easily missed in the second trimester.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six prenatal cases evaluated from 2002 through 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Referral history, gestational age, and sonographic and MRI findings were reviewed by three pediatric radiologists. Abnormalities of the calvarium, hands, feet, face, airway and central nervous system were compared between modalities.

RESULTS

The diagnosis was Apert syndrome in three, Pfeiffer syndrome in two and Carpenter syndrome in one. The gestational age at evaluation ranged from 21 to 33 weeks. All six were evaluated by MRI and US, with two undergoing repeat evaluation in the third trimester, yielding a total of eight MRIs and US exams. The referral history suggested cloverleaf skull in two cases but did not suggest craniosynostosis syndrome in any case. In four, the referral suggested central nervous system (CNS) findings that were not confirmed by MRI; additional CNS findings were discovered in the remaining two. In four cases, developing turricephaly resulted in a characteristic "lampshade" contour of the fetal head. Hypertelorism and proptosis were present in five, with proptosis better appreciated by MRI. Digit abnormalities were present in all, seen equally well by MRI and US. Lung abnormalities in the second trimester in one fetus resolved by the third trimester.

CONCLUSION

Prenatal diagnosis of craniosynostosis syndromes is difficult prior to the third trimester. MRI and US have complementary roles in evaluation of these patients.