Loeys-Dietz syndrome type I and type II: clinical findings and novel mutations in two Italian patients
Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder showing the involvement of cutaneous, cardiovascular, craniofacial, and skeletal systems. In particular, LDS patients show arterial tortuosity with widespread vascular aneurysm and dissection, and have a high risk of aortic dissection or rupture at an early age and at aortic diameters that ordinarily are not predictive of these events.
Recently, LDS has been subdivided in LDS type I (LDSI) and type II (LDSII) on the basis of the presence or the absence of cranio-facial involvement, respectively. Furthermore, LDSII patients display at least two of the major signs of vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
LDS is caused by mutations in the transforming growth factor (TGF) beta-receptor I (TGFBR1) and II (TGFBR2) genes. The aim of this study was the clinical and molecular characterization of two LDS patients.
Methods: The exons and intronic flanking regions of TGFBR1 and TGFBR2 genes were amplified and sequence analysis was performed.
Results: Patient 1 was a boy showing dysmorphic signs, blue sclerae, high-arched palate, bifid uvula; skeletal system involvement, joint hypermobility, velvety and translucent skin, aortic root dilatation, tortuosity and elongation of the carotid arteries.
These signs are consistent with a LDSI phenotype. The sequencing analysis disclosed the novel TGFBR1 p.D351G mutation, arosen de novo, and falling in the kinase domain of the receptor.
Patient 2 was an adult woman showing ascending aorta aneurysm, with vascular complications following surgery intervention. Velvety and translucent skin, venous varicosities and wrist dislocation were present.
These signs are consistent with a LDSII phenotype. In this patient and in her daughter, TGFBR2 genotyping disclosed in the kinase domain of the protein the novel p.I510S missense mutation.
Conclusions: We report two novel mutations in the TGFBR1 and TGFBR2 genes in two patients affected with LDS and showing marked phenotypic variability.
Due to the difficulties in the clinical approach to a TGFBR-related disease, among patients with vascular involvement, with or without aortic root dilatation and LDS cardinal features, genotyping is mandatory to clarify the diagnosis, and to assess the management, prognosis, and counselling issues.
Author: Bruno DreraMarco RitelliNicoletta ZoppiAnita WischmeijerMaria GnoliRossella FattoriPier Giacomo Calzavara-PintonSergio BarlatiMarina Colombi
Credits/Source: Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases 2009, 4:24
Published on: 2009-11-02
Copyright by the authors listed above - made available via BioMedCentral (Open Access). Please
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