Multiple Asymptomatic Juxta-Articular Nodules Mimicking Tuberous-Xanthoma-A Unusual Presentation of Tophaceous Gout

A novel homozygous variant in exon 10 of the GALNT3 gene causing hyperphosphatemic familial tumoral calcinosis in a family from North India

Hyperphosphatemic familial tumoral calcinosis (HFTC) is an extremely rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by variants in the GALNT3 (N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 3), FGF23 (Fibroblast Growth Factor-23) and αKL (α-Klotho) genes, which results in progressive calcification of soft tissues. We describe the case of a 9-year-old girl who presented with recurrent hard nodular swellings on her feet and knees which intermittently discharged chalky white material. Her younger brother also had a similar condition. Both siblings showed hyperphosphatemia, but the parentsbiochemical parameters were normal. The histological features of the material aspirated from a skin lesion were consistent with tumoral calcinosis. Sanger sequencing identified a novel homozygous non-synonymous sequence variant in exon 10 of the GALNT3 gene (NM_004482.3:c.[1681T>A];[1681T>A], NP_004473.2:p. [Cys561Ser];[Cys561Ser] in the proband and her affected brother. The parents were heterozygous carriers for the same sequence variant. In conclusion, we report a new variant in the GALNT3 gene that caused HFTC in a North Indian family.

Congenital Hyperphosphatemic Conditions Caused by the Deficient Activity of FGF23

Congenital diseases that could result in hyperphosphatemia at an early age include hyperphosphatemic familial tumoral calcinosis (HFTC)/hyperostosis-hyperphosphatemia syndrome (HHS) and congenital hypoparathyroidism/pseudohypoparathyroidism due to the insufficient activity of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 23 and parathyroid hormone. HFTC/HHS is a rare autosomal recessive disease caused by inactivating mutations in the FGF23, UDP-N-acetyl-alpha-D-galactosamine:polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 3 (GALNT3), or Klotho (KL) genes, resulting in the excessive cleavage of active intact FGF23 (FGF23, GALNT3) or increased resistance to the action of FGF23 (KL). Massive ectopic calcification, known as tumoral calcinosis (TC), is seen in periarticular soft tissues, typically in the hip, elbow, and shoulder in HFTC/HHS, reducing the range of motion. However, other regions, such as the eye, intestine, vasculature, and testis, are also targets of ectopic calcification. The other symptoms of HFTC/HHS are painful hyperostosis of the lower legs, dental abnormalities, and systemic inflammation. Low phosphate diets, phosphate binders, and phosphaturic reagents such as acetazolamide are the treatment options for HFTC/HHS and have various consequences, which warrant the development of novel therapeutics involving recombinant FGF23.