ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: PTEN, a known tumor suppressor gene, is a mediator of neurodevelopment. Individuals with germline pathogenic variants in the PTEN gene, molecularly defined as PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome (PHTS), experience a variety of neurological and neuropsychiatric challenges during childhood, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the frequency and nature of seizures and the utilization of allied health services have not been described. METHODS: Young patients with PHTS and sibling controls were recruited across five centers in the United States and followed every 6-12 months for a mean of 2.1 years. In addition to the history obtained from caregivers, neurodevelopmental evaluations and structured dysmorphology examinations were conducted, and brain MRI findings, received therapies, and epilepsy characteristics were reported. RESULTS: One hundred and seven patients with PHTS (median age 8.7 years; range 3-21 years) and 38 controls were enrolled. ASD and epilepsy were frequent among patients with PHTS (51% and 15%, respectively), with generalized epilepsy strongly associated with ASD. Patients with epilepsy often required two antiseizure medications. Neuroimaging revealed prominent perivascular spaces and decreased peritrigonal myelination in individuals with PHTS-ASD. Allied therapy use was frequent and involved physical, occupational, speech, and social skills therapies, with 89% of all patients with PHTS, regardless of ASD diagnosis, utilizing at least one service. INTERPRETATION: This prospective, longitudinal study highlights the wide neurological spectrum seen in young individuals with PHTS. ASD is common in PHTS, comorbid with epilepsy, and allied health services are used universally. Our findings inform care discussions with families about neurological outcomes in PHTS.
Subject(s)
Autism Spectrum Disorder , Epilepsy , Germ-Line Mutation , PTEN Phosphohydrolase , Humans , Male , Female , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Young Adult , Autism Spectrum Disorder/genetics , Autism Spectrum Disorder/physiopathology , Epilepsy/genetics , PTEN Phosphohydrolase/genetics , Adult , Hamartoma Syndrome, Multiple/geneticsSubject(s)
Muscular Diseases/diagnosis , Adolescent , Humans , Male , Muscular Diseases/etiology , ScapulaABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Mutations in the MECP2 gene are associated with Rett syndrome, an X-linked mental retardation disorder in females. Mutations also cause variable neurodevelopmental phenotypes in rare affected males. Recent clinical testing for MECP2 gene rearrangements revealed that entire MECP2 gene duplication occurs in some males manifesting a progressive neurodevelopmental syndrome. METHODS: Clinical testing through quantitative DNA methods and chromosomal microarray analysis in our laboratories identified seven male patients with increased MECP2 gene copy number. RESULTS: Duplication of the entire MECP2 gene was found in six patients, and MECP2 triplication was found in one patient with the most severe phenotype. The Xq28 duplications observed in these males are unique and vary in size from approximately 200 kb to 2.2 Mb. Three of the mothers who were tested were asymptomatic duplication carriers with skewed X-inactivation. In silico analysis of the Xq28 flanking region showed numerous low-copy repeats with potential roles in recombination. CONCLUSIONS: These collective data suggest that increased MECP2 gene copy number is mainly responsible for the neurodevelopmental phenotypes in these males. These findings underscore the allelic and phenotypic heterogeneity associated with the MECP2 gene and highlight the value of molecular analysis for patient diagnosis, family members at risk, and genetic counseling.
Subject(s)
Developmental Disabilities/genetics , Gene Dosage , Gene Duplication , Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2/genetics , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Chromosome Aberrations , Chromosomes, Human, X , Genetic Testing , Humans , Infant , MaleABSTRACT
Osteoid osteomas are benign bone tumors, most commonly located in the femur or tibia. In young children, these tumors can be extremely difficult to diagnose. They commonly present nonspecifically with gait disturbance and pain and characteristically respond well to mild pain relievers. We report two patients who presented with neurologic signs, including atrophy, weakness, and diminished deep tendon reflexes of the affected limb. These two patients demonstrate that osteoid osteomas of the lower extremities can present with neurologic signs, and proper diagnosis requires a detailed history and clinical awareness of this phenomenon.
