ADAMTS18

Knobloch Syndrome 2

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

In an 18 month infant, ectopia lentis, cataract, and myopia with poor vision were noted.  This individual subsequently developed retinal degeneration and a serous retinal detachment.

Systemic Features: 

Only one patient has been reported.  While the clinical signs resemble Knobloch 1 syndrome, brain imaging does not reveal malformations in this syndrome.  The only systemic sign, in addition to an occipital encephalocele, is a minor delay in fine motor skills.

Genetics

This autosomal recessive disorder results from homozygous loss of function mutations in the ADAMTS18 gene (16q23.1).  The gene product has been found in the lens and retina in the murine eye.

Mutations in ADAMTS18 have also been found in the syndrome of Micorcornea, Myopia, Chorioretinal atrophy, and Telecanthus.  It may also be responsible for a retinal dystrophy.

Knobloch 2 syndrome was identified in a single female born to consanguineous parents.

This disorder is separate to Knobloch 1 syndrome (267750) based on the causative mutations.  A third type, KNO3, has been proposed since the Knobloch clinical features were found in a 4-generation consanguineous Pakistani family but the phenotype mapped to 17q11.2.

Pedigree: 
Autosomal recessive
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

The skull defect can be closed and the lenses can be removed if indicated.

References
Article Title: 

Microcornea, Myopia, Telecanthus and Posteriorly-Rotated Ears

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

Small corneas measuring 9.8 – 10.5 mm are characteristic.  Acuity is usually 20/60 or better in older children but even younger children maintain steady fixation.  Refractive errors of -6 to -12.75 diopters are usually present but may be much less in other children.  Axial lengths range from 22.42 to 26.84 mm corresponding to the amount of myopia.  The degree of myopic chorioretinal change correlates roughly with the amount of axial myopia.  Telecanthus is present in all individuals.  

Systemic Features: 

The ears are rotated posteriorly.

Genetics

Five males with this syndrome occurred in four consanquineous/endogamous Saudi families suggesting autosomal recessive inheritance.  Homozygous mutations in ADAMTS18 (16q23.1) have been found in these four families.  However, one child had a similarly affected father suggesting to some that this may be a pseudodominant disorder.

Mutations in the same gene are responsible for Knobloch syndrome 2 (KNO2) (608454).

Pedigree: 
Autosomal recessive
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

No treatment has been reported although correction of the refractive error should be made in early childhood.  It would seem prudent to monitor the vitreoretinal system for further degeneration.

References
Article Title: 
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