Biomarkers of mitochondrial disorders

Mitochondrial diseases encompass a heterogeneous group of disorders with a wide range of clinical manifestations, most classically resulting in neurological, muscular, and metabolic abnormalities, but having the potential to affect any organ system. Over the years, substantial progress has been made in identifying and characterizing various biomarkers associated with mitochondrial diseases. This review summarizes the current knowledge of mitochondrial biomarkers based on a literature review and discusses the evidence behind their use in clinical practice. A total of 13 biomarkers were thoroughly reviewed including lactate, pyruvate, lactate:pyruvate ratio, creatine kinase, creatine, amino acid profiles, glutathione, malondialdehyde, GDF-15, FGF-21, gelsolin, neurofilament light-chain, and circulating cell-free mtDNA. Most biomarkers had mixed findings depending on the study, especially when considering their utility for specific mitochondrial diseases versus mitochondrial conditions in general. However, in large biomarker comparison studies, GDF-15 followed by FGF-21, seem to have the greatest value though they are still not perfect. As such, additional studies are needed, especially in light of newer biomarkers that have not yet been thoroughly investigated. Understanding the landscape of biomarkers in mitochondrial diseases is crucial for advancing early detection, improving patient management, and developing targeted therapies.

Downstream Assays for Variant Resolution: Epigenetics, RNA Sequnncing, and Metabolomics

As the availability of advanced molecular testing like whole exome and genome sequencing expands, it comes with the added complication of interpreting inconclusive results, including determining the relevance of variants of uncertain significance or failing to find a variant in an otherwise suspected specific genetic disorder. This complication necessitates the use of alternative testing methods to gather more information in support of, or against, a particular genetic diagnosis. Therefore, new genome-wide approaches, including DNA epigenetic testing, RNA sequencing, and metabolomics, are increasingly being used to increase the diagnostic yield when used in conjunction with more conventional genetic tests.

Expansion and mechanistic insights into de novo DEAF1 variants in DEAF1-associated neurodevelopmental disorders

De novo deleterious and heritable biallelic mutations in the DNA binding domain (DBD) of the transcription factor deformed epidermal autoregulatory factor 1 (DEAF1) result in a phenotypic spectrum of disorders termed DEAF1-associated neurodevelopmental disorders (DAND). RNA-sequencing using hippocampal RNA from mice with conditional deletion of Deaf1 in the central nervous system indicate that loss of Deaf1 activity results in the altered expression of genes involved in neuronal function, dendritic spine maintenance, development, and activity, with reduced dendritic spines in hippocampal regions. Since DEAF1 is not a dosage-sensitive gene, we assessed the dominant negative activity of previously identified de novo variants and a heritable recessive DEAF1 variant on selected DEAF1-regulated genes in 2 different cell models. While no altered gene expression was observed in cells over-expressing the recessive heritable variant, the gene expression profiles of cells over-expressing de novo variants resulted in similar gene expression changes as observed in CRISPR-Cas9-mediated DEAF1-deleted cells. Altered expression of DEAF1-regulated genes was rescued by exogenous expression of WT-DEAF1 but not by de novo variants in cells lacking endogenous DEAF1. De novo heterozygous variants within the DBD of DEAF1 were identified in 10 individuals with a phenotypic spectrum including autism spectrum disorder, developmental delays, sleep disturbance, high pain tolerance, and mild dysmorphic features. Functional assays demonstrate these variants alter DEAF1 transcriptional activity. Taken together, this study expands the clinical phenotypic spectrum of individuals with DAND, furthers our understanding of potential roles of DEAF1 on neuronal function, and demonstrates dominant negative activity of identified de novo variants.

Rapid genome sequencing identifies a novel de novo SNAP25 variant for neonatal congenital myasthenic syndrome

Congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) is a group of 32 disorders involving genetic dysfunction at the neuromuscular junction resulting in skeletal muscle weakness that worsens with physical activity. Precise diagnosis and molecular subtype identification are critical for treatment as medication for one subtype may exacerbate disease in another (Engel et al., Lancet Neurol 14: 420 [2015]; Finsterer, Orphanet J Rare Dis 14: 57 [2019]; Prior and Ghosh, J Child Neurol 36: 610 [2021]). The SNAP25-related CMS subtype (congenital myasthenic syndrome 18, CMS18; MIM #616330) is a rare disorder characterized by muscle fatigability, delayed psychomotor development, and ataxia. Herein, we performed rapid whole-genome sequencing (rWGS) on a critically ill newborn leading to the discovery of an unreported pathogenic de novo SNAP25 c.529C > T; p.Gln177Ter variant. In this report, we present a novel case of CMS18 with complex neonatal consequence. This discovery offers unique insight into the extent of phenotypic severity in CMS18, expands the reported SNAP25 variant phenotype, and paves a foundation for personalized management for CMS18.

Comprehensive variant calling from whole-genome sequencing identifies a complex inversion that disrupts ZFPM2 in familial congenital diaphragmatic hernia

BACKGROUND

Genetic disorders contribute to significant morbidity and mortality in critically ill newborns. Despite advances in genome sequencing technologies, a majority of neonatal cases remain unsolved. Complex structural variants (SVs) often elude conventional genome sequencing variant calling pipelines and will explain a portion of these unsolved cases.

METHODS

As part of the Utah NeoSeq project, we used a research-based, rapid whole-genome sequencing (WGS) protocol to investigate the genomic etiology for a newborn with a left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and cardiac malformations, whose mother also had a history of CDH and atrial septal defect.

RESULTS

Using both a novel, alignment-free and traditional alignment-based variant callers, we identified a maternally inherited complex SV on chromosome 8, consisting of an inversion flanked by deletions. This complex inversion, further confirmed using orthogonal molecular techniques, disrupts the ZFPM2 gene, which is associated with both CDH and various congenital heart defects.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that complex structural events, which often are unidentifiable or not reported by clinically validated testing procedures, can be discovered and accurately characterized with conventional, short-read sequencing and underscore the utility of WGS as a first-line diagnostic tool.

Novel pathogenic variants and quantitative phenotypic analyses of Robinow syndrome: WNT signaling perturbation and phenotypic variability

Robinow syndrome (RS) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder with six genes that converge on the WNT/planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling pathway implicated (DVL1, DVL3, FZD2, NXN, ROR2, and WNT5A). RS is characterized by skeletal dysplasia and distinctive facial and physical characteristics. To further explore the genetic heterogeneity, paralog contribution, and phenotypic variability of RS, we investigated a cohort of 22 individuals clinically diagnosed with RS from 18 unrelated families. Pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in genes associated with RS or RS phenocopies were identified in all 22 individuals, including the first variant to be reported in DVL2. We retrospectively collected medical records of 16 individuals from this cohort and extracted clinical descriptions from 52 previously published cases. We performed Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) based quantitative phenotypic analyses to dissect allele-specific phenotypic differences. Individuals with FZD2 variants clustered into two groups with demonstrable phenotypic differences between those with missense and truncating alleles. Probands with biallelic NXN variants clustered together with the majority of probands carrying DVL1, DVL2, and DVL3 variants, demonstrating no phenotypic distinction between the NXN-autosomal recessive and dominant forms of RS. While phenotypically similar diseases on the RS differential matched through HPO analysis, clustering using phenotype similarity score placed RS-associated phenotypes in a unique cluster containing WNT5A, FZD2, and ROR2 apart from non-RS-associated paralogs. Through human phenotype analyses of this RS cohort and OMIM clinical synopses of Mendelian disease, this study begins to tease apart specific biologic roles for non-canonical WNT-pathway proteins.

Acute Strokelike Presentation and Long-term Evolution of Diffusion Restriction Pattern in Ethylmalonic Encephalopathy

Ethylmalonic encephalopathy is a rare autosomal recessive mitochondrial disorder caused by pathogenic biallelic variants in the ETHE1 gene. The phenotype of this disease has been attributed to deficiency in the mitochondrial sulfur dioxygenase leading to many downstream effects. Ethylmalonic encephalopathy classically presents with developmental regression, petechiae, acrocyanosis, and chronic diarrhea. The neurologic phenotype includes hypotonia, spastic diplegia, ataxia, and developmental delay. As more patients with this condition are described, the neurologic phenotype continues to expand. Although strokelike episodes or metabolic strokes have been studied in other mitochondrial disorders, they have not been thoroughly reported in this disorder. Herein, we describe 3 patients with ethylmalonic encephalopathy who presented clinically with strokelike episodes and strokelike abnormalities on brain magnetic resonance imaging in the setting of acute illness, and the long-term sequelae with evolution into cystic changes in one of these subjects.

Comparison of Untargeted Metabolomic Profiling vs Traditional Metabolic Screening to Identify Inborn Errors of Metabolism

IMPORTANCE

Recent advances in newborn screening (NBS) have improved the diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs); however, many potentially treatable IEMs are not included on NBS panels, nor are they covered in standard, first-line biochemical testing.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the utility of untargeted metabolomics as a primary screening tool for IEMs by comparing the diagnostic rate of clinical metabolomics with the recommended traditional metabolic screening approach.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cross-sectional study compares data from 4464 clinical samples received from 1483 unrelated families referred for trio testing of plasma amino acids, plasma acylcarnitine profiling, and urine organic acids (June 2014 to October 2018) and 2000 consecutive plasma samples from 1807 unrelated families (July 2014 to February 2019) received for clinical metabolomic screening at a College of American Pathologists and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments-certified biochemical genetics laboratory. Data analysis was performed from September 2019 to August 2020.

EXPOSURES

Metabolic and molecular tests performed at a genetic testing reference laboratory in the US and available clinical information for each patient were assessed to determine diagnostic rate.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The diagnostic rate of traditional metabolic screening compared with clinical metabolomic profiling was assessed in the context of expanded NBS.

RESULTS

Of 1483 cases screened by the traditional approach, 912 patients (61.5%) were male and 1465 (98.8%) were pediatric (mean [SD] age, 4.1 [6.0] years; range, 0-65 years). A total of 19 families were identified with IEMs, resulting in a 1.3% diagnostic rate. A total of 14 IEMs were detected, including 3 conditions not included in the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel for NBS. Of the 1807 unrelated families undergoing plasma metabolomic profiling, 1059 patients (58.6%) were male, and 1665 (92.1%) were pediatric (mean [SD] age, 8.1 [10.4] years; range, 0-80 years). Screening identified 128 unique cases with IEMs, giving an overall diagnostic rate of 7.1%. In total, 70 different metabolic conditions were identified, including 49 conditions not presently included on the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel for NBS.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

These findings suggest that untargeted metabolomics provided a 6-fold higher diagnostic yield compared with the conventional screening approach and identified a broader spectrum of IEMs. Notably, with the expansion of NBS programs, traditional metabolic testing approaches identify few disorders beyond those covered on the NBS. These data support the capability of clinical untargeted metabolomics in screening for IEMs and suggest that broader screening approaches should be considered in the initial evaluation for metabolic disorders.

Characterization of the Robinow syndrome skeletal phenotype, bone micro-architecture, and genotype-phenotype correlations with the osteosclerotic form

Robinow syndrome (RS) is a genetically heterogeneous skeletal dysplasia with recent reports suggesting an osteosclerotic form of the disease. We endeavored to investigate the full spectrum of skeletal anomalies in a genetically diverse cohort of RS patients with a focus on the bone micro-architecture. Seven individuals with molecularly confirmed RS, including four with DVL1 variants and single individuals with variants in WNT5A, ROR2, and GPC4 underwent a musculoskeletal focused physical examination, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan, and high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT). Skeletal examination revealed variability in limb shortening anomalies consistent with recent reports. DEXA scan measures revealed increased total body bone mineral density (BMD) (3/7), cranial BMD (5/7), and non-cranial BMD (1/7). Cranial osteosclerosis was only observed in DVL1-RS (4/4) and GPC4-RS (1/1) subjects and in one case was complicated by choanal atresia, bilateral conductive hearing loss, and cranial nerve III, VI, and VII palsy. HR-pQCT revealed a unique pattern of low cortical BMD, increased trabecular BMD, decreased number of trabeculations, and increased thickness of the trabeculations for the DVL1-RS subjects. The spectrum of skeletal anomalies including the micro-architecture of the bones observed in RS has considerable variability with some osteosclerosis genotype-phenotype correlations more frequent with DVL1 variants.

A Race Against Time-Changing the Natural History of CRIM Negative Infantile Pompe Disease

We report the clinical course of the first prenatally diagnosed cross-reactive immunologic material (CRIM)-negative infantile Pompe disease (IPD) patient [homozygous for c.2560C>T (p.Arg854X) variant in the GAA gene] to undergo prophylactic immune tolerance induction (ITI) and enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) within the first 2 days of life. Both parents were found to be carriers of the c.2560C>T (p.Arg854X) variant through prenatal carrier screening. Fetal echocardiogram at 31 weeks of gestation showed left ventricular hypertrophy. An echocardiogram on the 1st day of life revealed marked biventricular hypertrophy. Physical exam was significant for macroglossia and hypotonia. A short course of Prophylactic ITI with rituximab, methotrexate, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in conjunction with ERT at a dose of 20 mg/kg every other week was started on day 2 of life. The patient completed the ITI protocol safely and complete B-cell recovery, based on CD19 count, was noted by 3 months of age. The patient never developed anti-rhGAA IgG antibodies to ERT. Vaccinations were initiated at 9 months of age, with adequate response noted. Complete recovery of cardiac function and left ventricular mass was seen by 11 weeks of age. At 8 months of age, the patient developmentally measured at 75–90% on the Alberta Infant Motor Scale, walked at 11 months and continues to develop age-appropriately at 50 months of age based on the Early Learning Accomplishment Profile. ERT dosing was increased to 40 mg/kg every 2 weeks at 32 months of age and frequency increased to 40 mg/kg every week at 47 months of age. Patient continues to have undetectable antibody titers, most recently at age 50 months and urine Hex4 has remained normal. To our knowledge, this is the first report of successful early ERT and ITI in a prenatally diagnosed CRIM-negative IPD patient and the youngest IPD patient to receive ITI safely. With the addition of Pompe disease to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel(RUSP) and its addition to multiple state newborn screening programs, our case highlights the benefits of early diagnosis and timely initiation of treatment in babies with Pompe disease, who represent the most severe end of the disease spectrum.

Untargeted metabolomics as an unbiased approach to the diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism of the non-oxidative branch of the pentose phosphate pathway

Inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) involving the non-oxidative pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) include the two relatively rare conditions, transketolase deficiency and transaldolase deficiency, both of which can be difficult to diagnosis given their non-specific clinical presentations. Current biochemical testing approaches require an index of suspicion to consider targeted urine polyol testing. To determine whether a broad-spectrum biochemical test could accurately identify a specific metabolic pattern defining IEMs of the non-oxidative PPP, we employed the use of clinical metabolomic profiling as an unbiased novel approach to diagnosis. Subjects with molecularly confirmed IEMs of the PPP were included in this study. Targeted quantitative analysis of polyols in urine and plasma samples was accomplished with chromatography and mass spectrometry. Semi-quantitative unbiased metabolomic analysis of urine and plasma samples was achieved by assessing small molecules via liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Results from untargeted and targeted analyses were then compared and analyzed for diagnostic acuity. Two siblings with transketolase (TKT) deficiency and three unrelated individuals with transaldolase (TALDO) deficiency were identified for inclusion in the study. For both IEMs, targeted polyol testing and untargeted metabolomic testing on urine and/or plasma samples identified typical perturbations of the respective disorder. Additionally, untargeted metabolomic testing revealed elevations in other PPP metabolites not typically measured with targeted polyol testing, including ribonate, ribose, and erythronate for TKT deficiency and ribonate, erythronate, and sedoheptulose 7-phosphate in TALDO deficiency. Non-PPP alternations were also noted involving tryptophan, purine, and pyrimidine metabolism for both TKT and TALDO deficient patients. Targeted polyol testing and untargeted metabolomic testing methods were both able to identify specific biochemical patterns indicative of TKT and TALDO deficiency in both plasma and urine samples. In addition, untargeted metabolomics was able to identify novel biomarkers, thereby expanding the current knowledge of both conditions and providing further insight into potential underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Furthermore, untargeted metabolomic testing offers the advantage of having a single effective biochemical screening test for identification of rare IEMs, like TKT and TALDO deficiencies, that may otherwise go undiagnosed due to their generally non-specific clinical presentations.

Successful liver transplantation in mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy (MNGIE)

Mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy (MNGIE) is a fatal disorder characterized by progressive gastrointestinal dysmotility, peripheral neuropathy, leukoencephalopathy, skeletal myopathy, ophthalmoparesis, and ptosis. MNGIE stems from deficient thymidine phosphorylase activity (TP) leading to toxic elevations of plasma thymidine. Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) restores TP activity and halts disease progression but has high transplant-related morbidity and mortality. Liver transplant (LT) was reported to restore TP activity in two adult MNGIE patients. We report successful LT in four additional MNGIE patients, including a pediatric patient. Our patients were diagnosed between ages 14 months and 36 years with elevated thymidine levels and biallelic pathogenic variants in TYMP. Two patients presented with progressive gastrointestinal dysmotility, and three demonstrated progressive peripheral neuropathy with two suffering limitations in ambulation. Two patients, including the child, had liver dysfunction and cirrhosis. Following LT, thymidine levels nearly normalized in all four patients and remained low for the duration of follow-up. Disease symptoms stabilized in all patients, with some manifesting improvements, including intestinal function. No patient died, and LT appeared to have a more favorable safety profile than HSCT, especially when liver disease is present. Follow-up studies will need to document the long-term impact of this new approach on disease outcome. Take Home Message: Liver transplantation is effective in stabilizing symptoms and nearly normalizing thymidine levels in patients with mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy (MNGIE) and may have an improved safety profile over hematopoietic stem cell transplant.

Characterization of the renal phenotype in RMND1-related mitochondrial disease

BACKGROUND

The nuclear encoded gene RMND1 (Required for Meiotic Nuclear Division 1 homolog) has recently been linked to RMND1-related mitochondrial disease (RRMD). This autosomal recessive condition characteristically presents with an infantile-onset multisystem disease characterized by severe hypotonia, global developmental delay, failure to thrive, sensorineural hearing loss, and lactic acidosis. Renal disease, however, appears to be one of the more prominent features of RRMD, affecting patients at significantly higher numbers compared to other mitochondrial diseases. We report the clinical, histological, and molecular findings of four RRMD patients across three academic institutions with a focus on the renal manifestations.

METHODS

Four patients were identified for the purpose of this study, all of whom had molecular confirmation at the time of inclusion, which included the common pathogenic variant c.713A>G (p.N238S) as well as the three rare variants: c.485delC (p.P162fs), c.533C>T (p.T178M), and c.1317 + 1G>C splice donor variant. Medical history and laboratory findings were collected from the medical records and medical providers.

RESULTS

In this study, all four patients developed renal disease characterized as tubulopathy (3/4), renal tubular acidosis (2/4), interstitial nephritis (1/4), and/or end-stage renal disease (4/4) necessitating renal transplantation (2/4). Histological evaluation of renal biopsy specimens revealed generalized tubular atrophy and on electron microscopy, abundant mitochondria with pleomorphism and abnormal cristae.

CONCLUSION

Our experience with RRMD demonstrates a specific pattern of renal disease manifestations and clinical course. Patients are unlikely to respond to traditional chronic kidney disease (CKD) treatments, making early diagnosis and consideration of renal transplantation paramount to the management of RRMD.

Liver transplantation in propionic and methylmalonic acidemia: A single center study with literature review

BACKGROUND

Organic acidemias, especially propionic acidemia (PA) and methylmalonic acidemia (MMA), may manifest clinically within the first few hours to days of life. The classic presentation in the newborn period includes metabolic acidosis, hyperlactatemia, and hyperammonemia that is precipitated by unrestricted protein intake. Implementation of newborn screening to diagnose and initiate early treatment has facilitated a reduction in neonatal mortality and improved survival. Despite early diagnosis and appropriate management, these individuals are prone to have recurrent episodes of metabolic acidosis and hyperammonemia resulting in frequent hospitalizations. Liver transplantation (LT) has been proposed as a treatment modality to reduce metabolic decompensations which are not controlled by medical management. Published reports on the outcome of LT show heterogeneous results regarding clinical and biochemical features in the post transplantation period. As a result, we evaluated the outcomes of LT in our institution and compared it to the previously published data.

STUDY DESIGN/METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of nine individuals with PA or MMA who underwent LT and two individuals with MMA who underwent LT and kidney transplantation (KT). Data including number of hospitalizations, laboratory measures, cardiac and neurological outcomes, dietary protein intake, and growth parameters were collected.

RESULTS

The median age of transplantation for subjects with MMA was 7.2 years with a median follow up of 4.3 years. The median age of transplantation for subjects with PA was 1.9 years with a median follow up of 5.4 years. The survival rate at 1 year and 5 years post-LT was 100%. Most of our subjects did not have any episodes of hyperammonemia or pancreatitis post-LT. There was significant reduction in plasma glycine post-LT. One subject developed mild elevation in ammonia post-LT on an unrestricted protein diet, suggesting that protein restriction may be indicated even after LT.

CONCLUSION

In a large single center study of LT in MMA and PA, we show that LT may reduce the incidence of metabolic decompensation. Moreover, our data suggest that LT may be associated with reduced number of hospitalizations and improved linear growth in individuals with PA and MMA.

Case report and novel treatment of an autosomal recessive Leigh syndrome caused by short-chain enoyl-CoA hydratase deficiency

Short chain enoyl-CoA hydratase (SCEH) deficiency leads to a severe form of autosomal recessive Leigh syndrome with inevitable neurological decline and early mortality. SCEH is most notably involved in valine catabolism, a deficiency of which results in various metabolic alterations, including increased levels of the highly reactive metabolite 2-methacrylyl-CoA. With no proven treatments available to date, it has been speculated that patients may respond to a valine restricted diet and/or N-acetylcysteine supplementation, as suggested by early studies of a very similar inborn error of metabolism, 3-hydroxyisobutyryl-CoA hydrolase deficiency. We describe a patient with typical Leigh syndrome clinical findings and identified compound heterozygous variants in ECSH1. Valine-restricted diet was initiated at 6 months of age and N-acetylcysteine supplementation at 9 months with subsequent improvement in growth and slow progress in developmental milestones. However, at 15 months, the patient aspirated during a breakthrough seizure from which he did not recover and died soon after from related complications. This report highlights some of the challenges that remain in the management and treatment of SCEH deficiency, while demonstrating that a valine restricted diet and N-acetylcysteine can be safely administered with the potential for clinical improvement.

A historical perspective: Bernhard von Langenbeck German surgeon (1810-1887)

Bernhard von Langenbeck is undeniably one of the world's greatest surgeons and inventors. The influence which he exerted upon the practice of surgery, as apparent by the numerous surgical tools and 21 operations credited to his name, represents the notable contributions of this amazing man. Despite the tools and techniques which bear his name, the establishment of a surgical journal, and his role in co-founding the German Surgical Society, many attest that Bernhard von Langenbeck's greatest contribution to the professional field was the vast knowledge he imparted on his pupils. Commonly credited with training nearly every celebrated surgical operator of his time, von Langenbeck merits posthumous acknowledgement for his vast contributions to the field of medicine and surgery.

Abraham Colles and his contributions to anatomy

Abraham Colles is known among the medical community for his detailed description of Colles' fracture, one of the most common occurring skeletal injuries. It is remarkable that something as seemingly simple as the diagnosis of Colles' fracture had not been established until nearly 200 years ago. While that may have been his most well known accomplishment, Colles made several other contributions to medicine across multiple fields of practice. In the field of anatomy, he is also credited for his discovery and description of Colles' fascia and Colles' ligament. Less commonly known, however, are his clinical observations and offered treatment regimens for syphilis, as well as his achievement in performing the first surgery for axillary artery aneurysm. The current paper will review the life and contributions of this early surgeon and anatomist.

Peritoneal Bands: A Review of Anatomical Distribution and Clinical Implications

The complexity of embryological development of the gastrointestinal tract and mesentery provides a platform for the formation of a wide variety of variant veils, folds, and membranes, collectively termed peritoneal bands. These structures, which represent anatomically unabsorbed portions of the omentum and mesentery, although often benign, have the potential to cause clinically significant manifestations in both the neonate and adult. Although these deviant structures may be identified over a broad range of the abdominal cavity, they are most commonly identified in the regions of the duodenum, duodenojejunal flexure, ileocecal junction, and ascending colon. As a result of the diverse location of these variant structures, clinical manifestations are highly variable, ranging from acute presentations of intestinal necrosis as a result of strangulated midgut volvulus to chronic, vague abdominal pain. This article seeks to highlight the importance of a thorough anatomical understanding of the distribution of the various abnormal peritoneal folds, bands, and ligaments, which may result from aberrations in embryonic gastrointestinal development and their respective clinical implications. Moreover, to advance the knowledge of peritoneal bands, this article discusses the appropriate diagnostic studies and treatment interventions required for these variant structures.

Peritoneal bands: a review of anatomical distribution and clinical implications

The complexity of embryological development of the gastrointestinal tract and mesentery provides a platform for the formation of a wide variety of variant veils, folds, and membranes, collectively termed peritoneal bands. These structures, which represent anatomically unabsorbed portions of the omentum and mesentery, although often benign, have the potential to cause clinically significant manifestations in both the neonate and adult. Although these deviant structures may be identified over a broad range of the abdominal cavity, they are most commonly identified in the regions of the duodenum, duodenojejunal flexure, ileocecal junction, and ascending colon. As a result of the diverse location of these variant structures, clinical manifestations are highly variable, ranging from acute presentations of intestinal necrosis as a result of strangulated midgut volvulus to chronic, vague abdominal pain. This article seeks to highlight the importance of a thorough anatomical understanding of the distribution of the various abnormal peritoneal folds, bands, and ligaments, which may result from aberrations in embryonic gastrointestinal development and their respective clinical implications. Moreover, to advance the knowledge of peritoneal bands, this article discusses the appropriate diagnostic studies and treatment interventions required for these variant structures.

Associated disorders of Chiari Type I malformations: a review

A single pathophysiological mechanism of Chiari Type I malformations (CM-I) has been a topic of debate. To help better understand CM-I, the authors review disorders known to be associated with CM-I. The primary methodology found among most of them is deformation of the posterior cranial fossa, usually with subsequent decrease in volume. Other mechanisms exist as well, which can be categorized as either congenital or acquired. In understanding the relationship of such disorders with CM-I, we may gain further insight into the process by which cerebellar tonsillar herniation occurs. Some of these pathologies appear to be true associations, but many appear to be spurious.