Joubert syndrome: a case report of neonatal presentation and early diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Joubert syndrome is a rare genetic condition with a prevalence of 1:80,000-1:100,000. In most cases, it shows an autosomal autosomal recessive hereditary pattern, although X-linked and autosomal dominant cases have been described. The distinctive characteristic of this syndrome is the malformation at cerebral and cerebellar levels, known as the "molar tooth sign," hypotonia, and delayed neurodevelopment. CASE REPORT: We describe the case of a newborn with transient tachypnea. However, during hospital stay, he showed other clinical signs not corresponding to the admission diagnosis, such as bradycardia, apneas, hypotonia, and alteration in swallowing mechanics. To rule out etiologies of central origin, we conducted a magnetic resonance of the brain and identified the "molar tooth sign," where the pathognomonic sign of Joubert syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Rare genetic diseases may manifest as early as the neonatal period with non-specific signs. The early diagnosis of Joubert syndrome is reflected in better pediatric follow-up, which impacts its prognosis and the possibility of improving the patient's quality of life with a multidisciplinary management and genetic counseling.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El síndrome de Joubert es una rara condición genética con una prevalencia de 1:80,000 a 1:100,000. En la mayoría de los casos se presenta con un patrón de herencia autosómica recesiva, aunque se han reporatdo casos ligados al cromosoma X y autosómicos dominantes. La característica distintiva de este síndrome es la malformación a nivel cerebral y del cerebelo conocido como el "signo del molar", hipotonía y retraso en el neurodesarrollo. CASO CLÍNICO: Se describe el caso de un recién nacido con taquipnea transitoria del recién nacido; sin embargo, durante su estancia manifestó otros signos que no correspondían con el diagnóstico de ingreso, como bradicardia, apneas, hipotonía y alteración en la mecánica de la deglución. Para descartar etiologías de origen central, se realizó una resonancia magnética cerebral en la que se detectó el "signo del molar", patognomónico del síndrome de Joubert. CONCLUSIONES: Las enfermedades genéticas raras pueden manifestarse desde el periodo neonatal con signos muy inespecíficos. El diagnóstico precoz del Síndrome de Joubert permite un mejor seguimiento pediátrico que impacta en su pronóstico y en la posibilidad de mejorar la calidad de vida del paciente con un manejo multidisciplinario, así como brindar asesoramiento genético.

Joubert syndrome: a case report of neonatal presentation and early diagnosis / Síndrome de Joubert: reporte de caso de presentación neonatal y diagnóstico temprano

Abstract Background: Joubert syndrome is a rare genetic condition with a prevalence of 1:80,000-1:100,000. In most cases, it shows an autosomal autosomal recessive hereditary pattern, although X-linked and autosomal dominant cases have been described. The distinctive characteristic of this syndrome is the malformation at cerebral and cerebellar levels, known as the "molar tooth sign," hypotonia, and delayed neurodevelopment. Case report: We describe the case of a newborn with transient tachypnea. However, during hospital stay, he showed other clinical signs not corresponding to the admission diagnosis, such as bradycardia, apneas, hypotonia, and alteration in swallowing mechanics. To rule out etiologies of central origin, we conducted a magnetic resonance of the brain and identified the "molar tooth sign," where the pathognomonic sign of Joubert syndrome. Conclusions: Rare genetic diseases may manifest as early as the neonatal period with non-specific signs. The early diagnosis of Joubert syndrome is reflected in better pediatric follow-up, which impacts its prognosis and the possibility of improving the patient's quality of life with a multidisciplinary management and genetic counseling.

Resumen Introducción: El síndrome de Joubert es una rara condición genética con una prevalencia de 1:80,000 a 1:100,000. En la mayoría de los casos se presenta con un patrón de herencia autosómica recesiva, aunque se han reporatdo casos ligados al cromosoma X y autosómicos dominantes. La característica distintiva de este síndrome es la malformación a nivel cerebral y del cerebelo conocido como el "signo del molar", hipotonía y retraso en el neurodesarrollo. Caso clínico: Se describe el caso de un recién nacido con taquipnea transitoria del recién nacido; sin embargo, durante su estancia manifestó otros signos que no correspondían con el diagnóstico de ingreso, como bradicardia, apneas, hipotonía y alteración en la mecánica de la deglución. Para descartar etiologías de origen central, se realizó una resonancia magnética cerebral en la que se detectó el "signo del molar", patognomónico del síndrome de Joubert. Conclusiones: Las enfermedades genéticas raras pueden manifestarse desde el periodo neonatal con signos muy inespecíficos. El diagnóstico precoz del Síndrome de Joubert permite un mejor seguimiento pediátrico que impacta en su pronóstico y en la posibilidad de mejorar la calidad de vida del paciente con un manejo multidisciplinario, así como brindar asesoramiento genético.

Anestesia total intravenosa libre de opioides en un paciente con síndrome de Joubert: caso clínico / Opioid free total intravenous anesthesia in Joubert syndrome: Case report

Joubert syndrome (JS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by abnormal eye movements, respiratory pattern abnormalities, anatomical airway alterations, mental retardation and hypoplasia/aplasia of the cerebellar vermis confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. This case report describes the successful management of a patient with JS operated of cholesteatoma under 100% opioid-free total intravenous general anaesthesia. We also provide a brief review of JS, its anaesthetic implications and opioid-free anaesthesia (OFA) technique.

El síndrome de Joubert (SJ) es una enfermedad autosómica recesiva poco frecuente caracterizada por trastornos oculares, respiratorios, alteraciones anatómicas de la vía aérea, retraso mental e hipoplasia/aplasia del vermis cerebeloso constatada mediante resonancia magnética. Presentamos un caso exitoso de paciente con SJ operado de colesteatoma bajo anestesia general endovenosa total 100% libre de opioides. Asimismo, realizamos una breve revisión del SJ, sus implicaciones anestésicas y de la técnica de anestesia libre de opioides.

Sindrome de Joubert asociado a malformación de Dandy-Walker en un paciente pediátrico: Reporte de un caso / Joubert syndrome associated with Dandy-Walker malformation in a pediatric patient: a case report

Se presenta el caso de una niña de 10 meses de edad que desde el nacimiento experimentó apnea e hiperpnea, hipotonía y nistagmus. Durante sus primeros meses de vida presentó además insuficiencia renal, retraso psicomotor e infecciones severas. Se diagnosticó de síndrome de Joubert asociado a malformación de Dandy-Walker y en la prueba de resonancia magnética se observó el típico signo de "Diente Molar" característicamente asociado al quiste. La asociación infrecuente de este tipo de malformaciones cerebrales agrava ciertamente el pronóstico del cuadro original.

The case of a 10-month-old girl with apnea and hyperpnea, hypotonia and nystagmus from the time of birth, is presented. During her first months of life she presented additional manifestations of renal failure, psychomotor retardation and severe infections. The diagnosis of Joubert syndrome associated with Dandy-Walker Malformation was formulated, and the typical "Molar Tooth" sign, characteristically associated with the cyst characteristics was detected with magnetic resonance imaging tests. The uncommon association of these brain malformations that worsen the prognosis, is discussed.

Linguagem, comportamento e neurodesenvolvimento na Síndrome de Joubert: relato de caso / Language, behavior and neurodevelopment in Joubert syndrome: a case report

RESUMO A síndrome de Joubert (SJ) é uma condição genética heterogênea, rara, do grupo das ciliopatias. Mais de 20 genes foram identificados relacionados com este fenótipo. As principais manifestações incluem hipotonia, ataxia, atraso psicomotor, apraxia oculomotora e anormalidades respiratórias neonatais. O objetivo deste artigo foi apresentar achados de linguagem e neurodesenvolvimento de um indivíduo com diagnóstico da SJ. Foi realizada a anamnese, avaliação genética clínica, observação do comportamento comunicativo, avaliação da linguagem, o Teste de Screening de Desenvolvimento Denver-II (TSDD-II) e a Early Language Milestone Scale (ELMS). Os principais achados da Ressonância Magnética do encéfalo mostraram grave hipoplasia do vérmis cerebelar, “sinal do dente molar”, tronco cerebral hipoplásico, atrofia dos hemisférios cerebelares. A avaliação da linguagem mostrou ausência de oralidade, prejuízo na recepção da linguagem, confirmando o diagnóstico de transtorno de linguagem, com grau de comprometimento grave. O TSDD-II e a ELMS comprovaram a observação e avaliação clínica e indicaram atraso grave nos domínios motor, autocuidados e de linguagem receptiva e expressiva. Diante da presença de hipotonia, ataxia, atraso psicomotor e anormalidades respiratórias neonatais é imprescindível a realização de exame por imagem e avaliação genética para o diagnóstico desta condição, tão complexa, com necessidades terapêuticas peculiares. Este conjunto de achados, associado à história familial e características fenotípicas peculiares reforçam o diagnóstico genético clínico da SJ. Esta síndrome genética é pouco reconhecida e merece ser apresentada para o reconhecimento da comunidade científica, visando o diagnóstico correto e planejamento terapêutico que minimize os efeitos deletérios desta condição.

ABSTRACT The Joubert syndrome (JS) is a rare, heterogeneous genetic condition among the ciliopathies. More than 20 genes have been identified associated with this phenotype. The main manifestations include hypotonia, ataxia, psychomotor retardation, ocular-motor apraxia and neonatal respiratory abnormalities. The objective of this paper was to present language and neurodevelopmental findings of an individual diagnosed with JS. The following procedures were performed: anamnesis, clinical genetic evaluation observation of communicative behavior, evaluation of language, the Denver Developmental Screening Test II (DDST-II) and the Early Language Milestone Scale (ELMS). The main findings of the MRI brain showed severe hypoplasia of the cerebellar vermis, “molar tooth sign”, hypoplastic brain stem and atrophy of the cerebellar hemispheres. The observation and evaluation of the language showed no oral, impaired reception of language, confirming the diagnosis of language disorder with severe degree of impairment. The DDST-II and the ELMS confirmed the observation and clinical assessment and indicated serious delay in motor domains, self-care and receptive and expressive language. Given the presence of hypotonia, ataxia, delayed psychomotor and neonatal respiratory abnormalities it is essential to carry out examination imaging and genetic evaluation for the diagnosis of this condition, so complex, with unique therapeutic needs. This set of findings, along with the familial history and unique phenotypic characteristics reinforce the clinical genetic diagnosis JS. This genetic syndrome is rarely recognized and deserves to be presented to the recognition of the scientific community, targeting the correct diagnosis and treatment planning that minimizes the deleterious effects of this condition.

Síndrome de Joubert / Joubert syndrome

El Síndrome de Joubert (SJ) es un raro trastorno autosómico recesivo con una incidencia de 1/100 000 a 1/150 000 nacidos vivos, considerado una ciliopatia que muestra tubulopatía renal, inmunodeficiencia y trastorno de la migración neuronal en cerebelo y tronco encefálico. El criterio diagnóstico más saltante es el “Signo del Molar” detectado por resonancia magnética cerebral, que identifica hipoplasia de los pedúnculos y vermis cerebeloso. Hasta el momento se han descrito seis subgrupos fenotípicos: SJ puro; SJ con defecto ocular (distrofia retiniana); SJ con defectos renales (no asociados a patolog¡a retiniana); SJ con defectos óculorrenales; SJ con defecto hepático y SJ con defectos orofaciodigitales (por ejemplo, lengua bífida, hamartomas múltiples, múltiples frenillos orales y polidactilia). La importancia de un diagnóstico precoz del SJ se puede reflejar en un posible mejor pronóstico y en la posibilidad de mejorar la calidad de vida del paciente con un manejo multidisciplinario y consejo genético para la prevención de nuevos casos en familias afectadas.

The Joubert Syndrome (JS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder with an incidence of 1 / 100000 to 1/150 000 births, considered a ciliopathy and showing renal tubular disease, immunodeficiency and impaired neuronal migration in the cerebellum and brain stem. The main diagnostic criterion is the identification of the “Molar sign” through cerebral magnetic resonance that identifies hypoplasia of cerebellar vermis and peduncles. So far six phenotypic subgroups have been described: JS pure; JS with ocular defect (retinal dystrophy); JS with kidney defects (not associated with retinal pathology); JS with oculorrenal defects; JS with liver defect, and JS with orofaciodigital defects (eg, split tongue, multiple hamartomas, multiple oral frenums and polydactyly). The importance of diagnosing JS at an early stage is related to a possibly better prognosis, and the possibility of improving the patient’s quality of life by means of a multidisciplinary management and provision of genetic counseling for prevention of new cases in affected families.

Joubert syndrome: large clinical variability and a unique neuroimaging aspect / Síndrome de Joubert: grande variabilidade clínica e uma neuroimagem característica

Joubert syndrome (JS) is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder characterized by hypotonia, cerebellar vermis hypoplasia, ocular abnormalities (e.g, pigmentary retinopathy, oculomotor apraxia and nystagmus), renal cysts and hepatic fibrosis. Respiratory abnormalities, as apnea and hyperpnea, may be present, as well as mental retardation. At least seven JS loci have been determined and five genes identified. Herein, we report five children, belonging to independent families, with JS: they shared the same typical MRI abnormality, known as molar tooth sign, but had an otherwise quite variable phenotype, regarding mostly their cognitive performance, visual abilities and extra-neurological compromise.

A síndrome de Joubert (SJ) é uma doença hereditária, autossômica recessiva, caracterizada por hipotonia, hipoplasia do vermis cerebelar, anormalidades oculares (p.ex., retinite pigmentar, apraxia oculomotora e nistagmo), cistos renais e fibrose hepática. Anormalidades respiratórias tais como apnéia e hiperpnéia podem estar presentes, assim como deficiência mental. Pelo menos sete loci e cinco genes diferentes associados à SJ já foram identificados. Este artigo relata cinco crianças com SJ, pertencentes a diferentes famílias. Todos os pacientes compartilham a mesma anormalidade típica da RM, conhecida como sinal do dente molar, e apresentam ampla variabilidade clínica em relação ao desempenho cognitivo, comprometimento visual e alterações extra-neurológicas.