Roberts-SC syndrome, a rare syndrome and cleft palate repair

In the Shadows of Rarity: A Case Report of Syndromic Cleft Lip and Palate!

Deviations from normal craniofacial development can result in a range of abnormalities, including cleft lip and/or palate, either as standalone conditions or as components of syndromes with varying clinical characteristics. The ability to distinguish between isolated incidents and syndromes with clefts as one component is integral to achieving accurate diagnosis and therapy. The following case presentation highlights the importance of comprehensive screening and differential diagnosis in identifying syndromic connections in patients with cleft lip and palate. In this specific case, the patient presented with polydactyly, camptodactyly, and pelvic area abnormalities, indicating a possible syndromic connection with cleft lip and/or palate.

Roberts syndrome with tetraphocomelia: A case report and literature review

Roberts syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by symmetrical reductive limb malformation and craniofacial abnormalities. It is caused by mutation in the “Establishment of cohesion 1 homolog 2” genes, resulting in the loss of acetyltransferase activities and manifesting as premature centromere separation in metaphase chromosomes. The affected individual grows slowly during pregnancy and after birth with associated mild to severe intellectual impairment. We present a 35-year-old multiparous Nigerian lady who had emergency cesarean section at 35 weeks of gestation following abruptio placentae with a live fetus. The baby had poor Apgar score at birth and died shortly afterward. Tetraphocomelia was detected on prenatal ultrasound done at about 24 weeks of gestation with other features sonographically normal. However, clinical diagnosis of severe variant of Roberts syndrome with tetraphocomelia, growth restriction, and craniofacial abnormalities were noted at birth. This case exhibits a very rare variant of Roberts syndrome with tetraphocomelia, intrauterine growth restriction, and craniofacial abnormalities. It also highlights the crucial role of detailed clinical examination and the inherent challenges in making cytogenetic diagnosis in low-income countries.