Analysis of clinical phenotype and genetic variants among four Chinese pedigrees affected with Waardenburg syndrome / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the genetic basis for four Chinese pedigrees affected with Waardenburg syndrome (WS).@*METHODS@#Four WS probands and their pedigree members who had presented at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between July 2021 and March 2022 were selected as the study subjects. Proband 1, a 2-year-and-11-month female, had blurred speech for over 2 years. Proband 2, a 10-year-old female, had bilateral hearing loss for 8 years. Proband 3, a 28-year-old male, had right side hearing loss for over 10 years. Proband 4, a 2-year-old male, had left side hearing loss for one year. Clinical data of the four probands and their pedigree members were collected, and auxiliary examinations were carried out. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples and subjected to whole exome sequencing. Candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing.@*RESULTS@#Proband 1, with profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, blue iris and dystopia canthorum, was found to have harbored a heterozygous c.667C>T (p.Arg223Ter) nonsense variant of the PAX3 gene, which was inherited from her father. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the variant was classified as pathogenic (PVS1+PM2_Supporting+PP4), and the proband was diagnosed with WS type I. Proband 2, with moderate sensorineural hearing loss on the right side and severe sensorineural hearing loss on the left side, has harbored a heterozygous frameshifting c.1018_1022del (p.Val340SerfsTer60) variant of the SOX10 gene. Neither of her parents has harbored the same variant. Based on the ACMG guidelines, it was classified as pathogenic (PVS1+PM2_Supporting+PP4+PM6), and the proband was diagnosed with WS type II. Proband 3, with profound sensorineural hearing loss on the right side, has harbored a heterozygous c.23delC (p.Ser8TrpfsTer5) frameshifting variant of the SOX10 gene. Based on the ACMG guidelines, it was classified as pathogenic (PVS1+PM2_Supporting+PP4), and the proband was diagnosed with WS type II. Proband 4, with profound sensorineural hearing loss on the left side, has harbored a heterozygous c.7G>T (p.Glu3Ter) nonsense variant of the MITF gene which was inherited from his mother. Based on the ACMG guidelines, the variant was classified as pathogenic (PVS1+PM2_Supporting+PP4), and the proband was diagnosed with WS type II.@*CONCLUSION@#By genetic testing, the four probands were all diagnosed with WS. Above finding has facilitated molecular diagnosis and genetic counseling for their pedigrees.

Bilateral symmetrical maculopathy and heterochromia in Waardenburg syndrome / Maculopatia simétrica bilateral e heterocromia na síndrome de Waardenburg

ABSTRACT Waardenburg syndrome is a rare congenital genetic disorder characterized by sensorineural hearing loss and pigmentary abnormalities of the hair, skin, and eyes. Based on the different clinical presentations, it is divided into four subtypes as in WS1 to WS4. This report describes a 15-year-old boy who presented with low vision and bilateral hearing loss. His visual acuity was 20/200 in both eyes. Slit-lamp examination revealed complete iris heterochromia, with one blue iris and one brown iris. Fundus examination showed symmetrical pigmentation of the retina and choroid, with atrophy of the pigment epithelium in the macular region, notably also in the eye with normal iris pigment illustrating the broad spectrum of the iris and fundus pigmentation as part of this syndrome. A carefully clinical and ophthalmological evaluation should be done to differentiate various types of Waardenburg syndrome and other associated auditory-pigmentary syndrome. Early diagnosis in some cases may be crucial for the adequate development of patients affected with this condition.

RESUMO A síndrome de Waardenburg é uma doença genética congênita rara caracterizada por perda auditiva neurossensorial e anormalidades pigmentares do cabelo, da pele e dos olhos. Com base nas diferentes apresentações clínicas, é dividida em quatro subtipos (WS1 a WS4). Este relato descreve o caso de um menino de 15 anos que apresentava baixa visão e perda auditiva bilateral. Sua acuidade visual era de 20/200 em ambos os olhos. O exame em lâmpada de fenda revelou heterocromia completa da íris, com uma íris azul e uma íris marrom. A fundoscopia mostrou pigmentação simétrica da retina e coroide, com atrofia do epitélio pigmentar na região macular, notadamente também no olho com pigmento de íris normal, ilustrando o amplo espectro de pigmentação de íris e fundo como parte dessa síndrome. Uma avaliação clínica e oftalmológica criteriosa deve ser feita para diferenciar os vários tipos de síndrome de Waardenburg e outras síndromes auditivo-pigmentares associadas. O diagnóstico precoce em alguns casos pode ser crucial para o desenvolvimento adequado dos pacientes acometidos por essa condição.

Manifestaciones oftalmológicas compatibles con el síndrome de Waardenburg / Ophthalmological manifestations compatible with Waardenburg syndrome

RESUMEN El síndrome de Waardenburg es una enfermedad genética, con criterios diagnósticos como la distopia cantorum, las anomalías pigmentarias del iris, el hipertelorismo y la conjunción de las cejas. Se presentan dos casos de una misma familia quienes asistieron a la consulta de Oftalmología con manifestaciones compatibles con el síndrome de Waardenburg. Paciente de 12 años con asociación típica que inclu ye conjunción de las cejas, alteraciones en la pigmentación del iris (iris azul zafiro) y distopia cantorum, a los que se le une el antecedente de hipoacusia. Su madre, paciente de 37 años de edad, quien presenta la asociación típica, inclu ye alteraciones en la pigmentación del cabello (mechón de canas) y del iris (iris azul zafiro), distopia cantorum y antecedente de hipoacusia. El propósito de este estudio fue dar a conocer dos casos de la misma familia con una entidad infrecuente en la especialidad. No obstante, se pueden encontrar manifestaciones oftalmológicas que son compatibles con su diagnóstico, por lo que es elemental dirigir nuestra acción hacia una aten ción en forma interdisciplinaria y una remisión oportuna(AU)

ABSTRACT Waardenburg syndrome is a genetic disorder with diagnostic criteria such as dystopia canthorum, iris pigmentary abnormalities, hypertelorism and synophrys. A case is presented of two members of the same family who attend the ophthalmology service for manifestations compatible with Waardenburg syndrome. The two patients are a 12-year-old girl with a typical association, which includes synophrys, iris pigmentary alterations (brilliant blue iris) and dystopia canthorum, as well as a history of hypoacusis, and her 37-year-old mother, who presents the typical association, which includes alterations in the pigmentation of her hair (a forelock of white hair) and iris (brilliant blue iris), dystopia canthorum and a history of hypoacusis. The purpose of the study is to present two cases from the same family with a condition which is infrequent in the specialty. However, ophthalmological manifestations may be found which are compatible with its diagnosis, which should obviously enough lead to actions aimed at interdisciplinary care and timely referral(AU)

Syndrome in Question

AbstractWaardenburg syndrome is an inherited disease characterized by sensorineural hearing loss, pigmentation changes and minor facial malformations. It has four clinical variants. We report the case of a girl who, like her mother, was affected by this syndrome. The diagnosis was made after detection and treatment of deafness.

Identification of a Novel De Novo Variant in the PAX3 Gene in Waardenburg Syndrome by Diagnostic Exome Sequencing: The First Molecular Diagnosis in Korea

Waardenburg syndrome (WS) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous hereditary auditory pigmentary disorder characterized by congenital sensorineural hearing loss and iris discoloration. Many genes have been linked to WS, including PAX3, MITF, SNAI2, EDNRB, EDN3, and SOX10, and many additional genes have been associated with disorders with phenotypic overlap with WS. To screen all possible genes associated with WS and congenital deafness simultaneously, we performed diagnostic exome sequencing (DES) in a male patient with clinical features consistent with WS. Using DES, we identified a novel missense variant (c.220C>G; p.Arg74Gly) in exon 2 of the PAX3 gene in the patient. Further analysis by Sanger sequencing of the patient and his parents revealed a de novo occurrence of the variant. Our findings show that DES can be a useful tool for the identification of pathogenic gene variants in WS patients and for differentiation between WS and similar disorders. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of genetically confirmed WS in Korea.

Implante coclear en síndrome de Waardenburg: nuestra experiencia / Cochlear implant in Waardenburg syndrome: our experience / Implante coclear em síndrome de Waardenburg: nossa experiência

Introducción: El síndrome de Waardenburg hace referencia a un grupo de enfermedades hereditarias que aparecen como consecuencia de una alteración de la migración de células derivadas de la cresta neural entre la octava y décima semana de gestación. De ellas derivan melanocitos que migran a la estría vascular del órgano de Corti. Estos pacientes se caracterizan por presentar hipoacusia neurosensorial congénita de grado variable y alteraciones pigmentarias en piel, cabello y ojos. Su incidencia es de 1/42.000 habitantes y corresponde al 5% de hipoacusia neurosensorial sindrómica, siendo la causa más frecuente con patrón de herencia dominante. Método: Revisión de 4 pacientes menores de 18 años, con síndrome de Waardenburg asociado a hipoacusia neurosensorial severa a profunda, uni o bilateral, implantados en nuestro servicio. Se estudiaron todos los pacientes con audiometría tonal, logoaudiometría, potenciales evocados auditivos de tronco, tomografía computada y resonancia magnética. Además todos los pacientes contaban con estudio genético, psicodiagnóstico y seguimiento por pediatría, dermatología y oftalmología. Resultados: Todos nuestros pacientes presentaron telemetrías de impedancia normales, sus implantes fueron encendidos al mes postquirúrgico y en todos los casos se registraron buenos resultados audiológicos y mejoría en su calidad de vida. Conclusiones: Creemos importante conocer los aspectos básicos de esta patología para poder realizar una derivación pertinente y una atención en forma interdisciplinaria del paciente. La colocación de implantes cocleares en este grupo de pacientes con hipoacusia neurosensorial severa a profunda es satisfactorio.

Background: Waardenburg syndrome refers to agroup of inherited diseases that occur due to alteredmigration of cells derived from neural crest betweenthe eighth and tenth week of pregnancy. Ofthose derived melanocytes that migrate to the groovevascular organ of Corti. These patients are characterizedby congenital sensorineural hearing lossof variable degree and pigmentary changes in skin,hair and eyes. Its incidence is 1/42000 inhabitants and corresponds to 5% of syndromic sensorineuralhearing loss being the most common cause with dominantinheritance pattern. Method: Review of 4 patients under 18 years withWaardenburg syndrome associated with severeto profound sensorineural hearing loss, unilateralor bilateral, implanted in our service. All patientswere studied with audiometry, speech perceptiontest, brain stem auditory evoked responses, CT andMRI. Additionally, all patients had genetic testing,pedagogic evaluation and follow-up by pediatrics,dermatology and ophthalmology. Results: All our patients had normal impedancetelemetry, their implants were fired at postoperative month and in all cases good audiological resultsand improvement occurred in their quality of life.Conclusions: We believe that it’s important toknow the basics of this disease to make an appropriatereferral and interdisciplinary approach of the patient. Cochlear implants in this group of patientswith severe to profound sensorineural hearing lossis satisfactory.

Introdução: A síndrome de Waardenburg faz referência a um grupo de doenças hereditárias que aparecem como consequência de uma alteração da migração de células derivadas da crista neural entre a oitava e a décima semana de gestação. Delas derivam melanócitos que migram para a estria vascular do órgão de Corti. Estes pacientes se caracterizam por apresentar hipoacusia neurossensorial congênita de grau variável e alterações pigmentares na pele, cabelo e olhos. A incidência é de 1/42000 habitante-se corresponde a 5% de hipoacusia neurossensorial sindrômica sendo a causa mais frequente com padrão de herança dominante.Método: Revisão de 4 pacientes menores de 18anos, com síndrome de Waardenburg associada à hipoacusia neurossensorial severa a profunda, uniou bilateral, implantados no nosso serviço. Foram estudados todos os pacientes com audiometria tonal, logo audiometria, potenciais evocados auditivos de tronco, tomografia computadorizada e ressonância magnética. Além disso, todos os pacientes contavam com estudo genético, psicodiagnóstico e acompanhamento por pediatria, dermatologia e oftalmologia.Resultados: Todos os nossos pacientes apresentaram telemetrias de impedância normais, os seus implantes foram ligados um mês após a cirurgia e em todos os casos foram registrados bons resultados audiológicos e melhoria na sua qualidade de vida.Conclusões: Acreditamos que seja importante conhecer os aspectos básicos desta patologia para poder realizar uma derivação pertinente e um atendimento interdisciplinar do paciente. A colocação de implantes cocleares neste grupo de pacientes com hipoacusia neurossensorial severa a profunda é satisfatória.

Waardenburg Syndrome in Childhood Deafness in Cameroon

Background. Waardenburg syndrome (WS) is a rare hereditary disorder essentially characterised by deafness and pigment disorders of the eyes; hair and skin.Methods. Between October 2010 and December 2011; we identified six patients with WS during an aetiological survey of 582 deaf participants recruited in schools for the deaf and ear; nose and throat outpatient clinics in seven of the ten regions of Cameroon. Two classic characteristics of WS were used as diagnostic criteria: deafness and pigmentation abnormalities (heterochromia iridis; white forelock and depigmented skin patches). In addition; to identify dystopia canthorum; a sign of WS type I; we calculated the W-index. Results. WS comprised 1 of the whole sample; 7 of the genetic cases; and 50 of the genetic syndromic cases. All patients with WS had severe to profound congenital sensorineural and symmetrical hearing loss with flat audiograms. They also had pigment disorders of the eyes and the skin. In the absence of dystopia canthorum; they were all classified as having WS type II. The pedigree was suggestive of autosomal dominant inheritance in two cases; and the four others seemed to be de novo cases. Conclusion. The results suggest that WS type II is the most common syndromic form of hearing loss among Cameroonians. This has implications for retrospective genetic counselling and hearing tests for earlier management in affected families

Síndrome de Waardenburg: aspectos oftalmológicos e critérios de diagnóstico: relatos de casos / Waardenburg syndrome: ophthalmic findings and criteria for diagnosis: case reports

OBJETIVO: Descrever as características clínicas e imaginológicas de duas famílias com a síndrome de Waardenburg, sendo uma do tipo I e outra do tipo II, enfatizando as manifestações oftalmológicas, bem como o padrão de herança genética. MÉTODO: Realizou-se um estudo clínico envolvendo as duas famílias afetadas pela síndrome de Waardenburg, sendo, através dos heredogramas, determinado o padrão de herança genética presente. Também foram realizadas análises oftalmológicas abordando a medida da acuidade visual, a presença de distopia cantorum (telecanto), a avaliação da coloração da íris e o mapeamento de retina, além de exames otológicos e dermatológicos. RESULTADOS: O heredograma da família afetada pela síndrome de Waardenburg tipo I revelou um modo autossômico dominante de transmissão. A condição estava presente em 85,71% dos pacientes. A distopia cantorum foi a alteração mais frequente, seguida pela mecha branca na pele da fronte, hipopigmentação da íris e da retina e surdez neurossensorial. A família com síndrome de Waardenburg tipo II apresentou 33,33% dos familiares com a alteração. Nenhum membro apresentou distopia cantorum e hipopigmentação de íris. Três pacientes apresentaram surdez neurossensorial (12,5%), associada ao topete branco e manchas acrômicas confluentes pelo corpo. CONCLUSÃO: O presente estudo mostra a importância do oftalmologista no auxílio do diagnóstico desta rara condição genética, uma vez que inclui alterações oftalmológicas como telecanto, hipopigmentação da íris e retina. A distopia cantorum é o principal critério diagnóstico para diferenciar o tipo I do II e deve ser feita por oftalmologista treinado. As famílias encontram-se em acompanhamento multiprofissional, tendo recebido orientações genéticas e os cuidados referentes à proteção ocular.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical and imaginological features of two families with Waardenburg syndrome: type I and II, with emphasis on ophthalmic manifestations, as well as the pattern of genetic inheritance. METHODS: We conducted a clinical study involving two families affected by Waardenburg syndrome, and through the pedigree, determined the present pattern of genetic inheritance. Analyses were performed including the measurement of visual acuity, the presence of dystopia cantorum (telecanthus), evaluation of iris color and retinal mapping, as well as dermatological and otological examinations. RESULTS: The pedigree of the family affected by the Waardenburg syndrome type I showed an autosomal dominant mode of transmission. The syndrome was present at 85.71% of patients. The dystopia cantorum was the most frequent feature, followed by the white streak on the skin of the forehead, hypopigmentation of the iris and retina and deafness. The Waardenburg syndrome family type II had 33.33% of family members affected by the syndrome. No member had dystopia cantorum and hypopigmentation of the iris. Three patients had sensorineural hearing loss (12.5%), associated with white forelock and achromatic spots confluent by the body. CONCLUSION: This study shows the importance of the ophthalmologist in aiding the diagnosis of this rare genetic condition, since it includes ocular disorders such as telecanthus, hypopigmentation of the iris and retina. The cantorum dystopia is the main diagnostic criterion to differentiate type I and II syndrome and should be done by a trained ophthalmologist. The families are in medical monitoring, receiving genetic guidelines and care related to eye protection.

Síndrome de Waardenburg tipo I: relato de caso / Waardenburg syndrome type I: case report

A síndrome de Waardenburg tipo I é uma desordem auditivo-pigmentária que inclui, entre outros, perda auditiva neurossensorial congênita não progressiva, telecanto, distúrbios pigmentares de íris, cabelo e pele. Indivíduos afetados podem ter maior risco de: defeitos no tubo neural, fendas labial e palatina, anormalidades nos membros e doença de Hirschsprung. O diagnóstico é clínico, sendo necessários dois critérios maiores ou um maior e dois menores. PAX3 é o único gene conhecido associado à síndrome, sendo, entretanto, mais usado no aconselhamento genético. Quanto ao diagnóstico diferencial, podemos citar: outras causas de perda auditiva neurossensorial congênita não progressiva, outros tipo de síndrome de Waardenburg, piebaldismo, albinismo, vitiligo e síndrome de Teitz. Neste trabalho, apresenta-se um paciente masculino de 11 anos com diagnóstico de síndrome de Waardenburg tipo I. Ressalta-se a importância do oftalmologista no auxílio do diagnóstico deste raro quadro sistêmico, uma vez que inclui algumas alterações oftalmológicas. O diagnóstico precoce da síndrome permite estimulação adequada para a perda auditiva, assim como medidas preventivas em caso de gestantes afetadas no aconselhamento genético.

Waardenburg syndrome (WS) type I is a non-progressive auditory-pigmentary disorder comprising congenital sensorineural hearing loss and pigmentary disturbances of the iris, hair, and skin, along with dystopia canthorum (lateral displacement of the inner canthi). Affected individuals may have higher risk of: neural tube defects, cleft lip and palate, limb abnormalities, and Hirschsprung disease. The diagnosis is clinical and should be considered if the individual has two major or one major plus two minor criteria. PAX3 is the only known gene associated to the syndrome. Nevertheless, its use is mostly for genetic counseling. Regarding different diagnosis, we may list: other causes of non-progressive auditory-pigmentary disorder comprising congenital sensorineural hearing loss, other types of Waardenburg syndrome, piebaldism, albinism, vitiligo and Teitz syndrome. This paper presents a case of an eleven year old boy with deafness and ophthalmologic alterations, based on his files and exams. It reinforced the importance of the ophthalmologist contributing for the diagnosis of this rare systemic disease, as it includes some ophthalmologic alterations. We remind that the early diagnosis allows adequate stimulation for the hearing loss, as well as preventive measures in case of pregnant women affected by genetic counseling.

Waardenburg syndrome Type II.

Two rare cases of Waardenburg type II are reported. First case had three main features of WS--profound SN hearing loss, hetrochromia iris and white forelock of hair. Second case had moderate SNHL and depigmentation of hair.

Waardenburg syndrome type 2 in an African patient.

A thirty six year-old African man, born in the Southern part of Libya, presented with congenital deafness and white forelock, variable-sized hypopigmented, depigmented patches and hyperpigmented islands within the areas of hypomelanosis affecting the upper parts of the trunk, both arms and forearms. The nasal root was hypertrophied, but there was a lack of lateral displacement of medial canthi. We report this case of Waardenburg syndrome type 2 (WS 2). As no treatment is available for patients with WS 2, prompt diagnosis and referral to a hearing specialist are crucial for the normal development of patients affected with this condition.

Síndrome de Waardenburg: presentación de un caso y revisión de los diferentes tipos / Waardenburg syndrome type I: a case presentation

Introducción. En 1951 Waardenburg describió un nuevo padecimiento de etiología hereditaria, con características clínicas específicas; a partir de entonces, se han publicado más de 1,500 pacientes similares. Caso clínico. Paciente masculino de 14 años de edad, hijo de padres consanguíneos (primos en primer grado), con antecedentes de retardo en el desarrollo psicomotor. A la exploración física se le encontró: talla de 1.58 m, peso de 81.5 kg; con telecanto, heterocromía de iris, sordera neurosensorial y alteraciones en la pigmentación del pelo, pestañas y cejas. Estudio citogenético: cariotipo en linfocitos de sangre periférica y con técnica de bandas G, sin obtenerse evidencias de alteraciones cromosómicas ni estructurales. Conclusión. A pesar de la existencia de consanguinidad de primer grado en la familiar, la herencia corresponde al tipo I del padecimiento. Además, es necesario realizar como complemento al estudio clínico los marcadores genéticos específicos en todos los casos para identificar la variedad y proceder al asesoramiento genético

Confluencia de sordera no sindromica autosomica recesiva y sindrome de Waardenburg en al isla de Providencia-Colombia / Non-sindromatic reseciv autosomic. Deafness and Waardenburg in Providence Island-Colombia

Los estudios genéticos en la isla de Providencia, Colombia, se originaron ante el conocimiento de una alta frecuencia de sordera. La característica principal del grupo es la de una población de raza negra en su mayoría, con alto grado de consanguinidad, que presenta sordera neurosensorial bilateral profunda, asociada con síndrome de Waardenburg (WS) en algunas personas. Este síndrome se caracteriza por anormalidades en la pigmentación en la piel, los ojos y el cabello, asociado en algunos individuos (pero no todos) con sordera neurosensorial. En la historia de la isla de Providencia -Colombia- han existido más de 34 sordos. En el momento residen 21 individuos sordos, de los cuales tuvimos la oportunidad de examinar a 17. Actualmente la población de "nativos" isleños es de 3,400 individuos, y dado que 21 de ellos son sordos, la frecuencia de sordera sería de aproximadamente 6.2 en 1,000 habitantes nativos; frecuencia considerablemente mayor a la de la población general que es de 1 en 1,000. Del total de 17 sordos estudiados encontramos que el 47 por ciento (8/17) presenta sordera no-sindrómica autosómica recesiva, el 29 por ciento (5/ 17) presenta síndrome de Waardenburg (ws) y el 24 por ciento restante (4/17) corresponde a sorderas aisladas o casos únicos. Existen además, cuatro individuos que la población considera como sordos pero nosotros no tuvimos la oportunidad de examinarlos. Tenemos entonces una población muy interesante, en la que se ha demostrado que todas las familias afectadas están relacionadas entre sí, dada la alta endogamia propia de esta población isleña, en donde hay ancestros comunes para la gran mayoría de los apellidos nativos. Lo más llamativo es la confluencia en la misma población, de individuos que presentan sordera únicamente e individuos con sordera asociada al síndrome de Waardenburg. Esto crea una condición única y extremadamente valiosa para los estudios de estas enfermedades en donde se pretende definir si todos los casos de sordera en la isla tienen una misma etiología genética, o si son dos enfermedades genéticas diferentes. Es decir, definir si el gen causante de la sordera no-sindrómica es el mismo gen causante de la sordera observada en el síndrome de Waardenburg

Síndrome de Waardenburg (S.W.) (distopía cantorum) (displasia interoculo irido dermato auditiva) / Waardernburg syndrome: report of case

The Waardenburg syndrome is a rare genetical disease characterized by skeletal and facial alterations. In this report we present a case of 15 years old girl bearing this syndrome, who was subjected to orthodontic, phonoaudiologic and kinesiologic studies in order to give her a consistent oral rehabilitation and preventive treatment