seizures

Tuberous Sclerosis 2

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

The primary clinical characteristic of tuberous sclerosis of both types 1 and 2 are the occurrence of hamartomas at multiple anatomic sites.  Ocular lesions include those of the eyelids which often appear in early childhood along with other facial angiofibromas (formerly called adenoma sebaceum).  Of greater clinical significance are lesions of the optic nerve and retina reported in about 75% of patients.  The latter (astrocytic hamartomas) may appear as mulberry-like growths typically located in the peripapillary area or as flat translucent lesions located more peripherally.  These are usually static but aggressive growth with retinal detachment and neovascular glaucoma requiring enucleation has been reported in several patients.  Calcification of these lesions may occur in utero or early in life.  They are seldom of clinical significance although optic atrophy has been reported.  The ocular phenotype is similar in types 1 and 2.

Systemic Features: 

Hamartomas develop throughout the body in many organs such as the skin, brain, eye, kidney, and heart.  Ninety per cent of patients have skin lesions, including hypomelanotic patches called 'ashleaf' spots that can best be visualized under a Woods lamp.  Symptoms vary widely depending upon the location and size of the growths.  These appear as rhabdomyomas in the heart, angiomyolipomas in the kidneys, bone cysts, and oral fibromas.  Other intracranial growths such as subependymal astrocytomas and cortical tubers are evidence of CNS involvement that can interfere with brain function leading to seizures (in 80% of patients) and subnormal intellectual abilities (60-70% patients) as manifested by learning difficulties, subnormal IQs, as well as social and communication difficulties.   Hypoplasia of dental enamel with pitting in permanent teeth is seen in the majority of patients.  Some progression of tumor size and symptoms may occur.  Most hamartomas are benign but renal carcinoma has been reported in some patients.

There is some evidence that the clinical disease is more severe in this type (TSC2) than in type 1 (191100).  TSC2 has more hypomelanotic patches and brain tubers.  Cognitive defects are more severe.  Those with TSC2 mutations also have an earlier onset of seizures and a higher incidence of infantile spasms.

Genetics

This is the more severe and more common of the two tuberous sclerosis complex phenotypes.  It is caused by mutations in the TSC2 gene encoding tuberin on chromosome 16p13.3.  Genotyping is necessary to determine which mutation is responsible for the TS complex in each case as the phenotypic differences are inadequate to distinguish between types 1 and 2.

Many cases (two-thirds) occur sporadically but numerous reported pedigrees are consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance.  Type 1 TSC (191100) is caused by mutations in the TSC1 gene (9p34) encoding hamartin and is responsible for the disorder in about 25% of patients.

Pedigree: 
Autosomal dominant
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

No effective preventative treatment exists but individual lesions can be surgically removed when indicated.

References
Article Title: 

Tuberous Sclerosis 1

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

The primary clinical characteristic of tuberous sclerosis of both types 1 and 2 are the occurrence of hamartomas at multiple anatomic sites.  Ocular lesions include those of the eyelids which often appear in early childhood along with other facial angiofibromas (formerly called adenoma sebaceum).  Of greater clinical significance are lesions of the optic nerve and retina reported in about 75% of patients.  The latter (astrocytic hamartomas) may appear as mulberry-like growths typically located in the peripapillary area or as flat translucent lesions located more peripherally.  These are usually static but aggressive growth with retinal detachment and neovascular glaucoma requiring enucleation has been reported in several patients.  Calcification of these lesions may occur in utero or early in life.  These are seldom of clinical significance although optic atrophy has been reported. The iris may have hypopigmented areas.

Systemic Features: 

Hamartomas develop throughout the body in many organs such as the skin, brain, eye, kidney, and heart.  Ninety per cent of patients have skin lesions, including hypomelanotic patches called 'ashleaf' spots that can best be visualized under a Woods lamp.  Symptoms vary widely depending upon the location and size of the growths.  These appear as rhabdomyomas in the heart, angiomyolipomas in the kidneys, bone cysts, and oral fibromas.  Other intracranial growths such as subependymal astrocytomas and cortical tubers are evidence of CNS involvement that can interfere with brain function leading to seizures (in 80% of patients) and subnormal intellectual abilities (60-70% patients) as manifested by learning difficulties, subnormal IQs, as well as social and communication difficulties.   Hypoplasia of dental enamel with pitting in permanent teeth is seen in the majority of patients.  Some progression of tumor size and symptoms may occur.  Most hamartomas are benign but renal carcinoma has been reported in some patients.

Genetics

Many cases (two-thirds) occur sporadically but numerous reported pedigrees are consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance.  Type 1 TSC is caused by mutations in the TSC1 gene (9p34) encoding hamartin and is responsible for the disorder in about 25% of patients.

A more severe phenotype, tuberous sclerosis 2 (613254), is caused by mutations in the TSC2 gene on chromosome 16p13.3 and accounts for the majority of cases of tuberous sclerosis complex.  Genotyping is necessary to determine which mutation is responsible for the TS complex in each case as the phenotypic differences are inadequate to distinguish clinically between types 1 and 2.

New mutations are responsible for 50-70% of cases.

Pedigree: 
Autosomal dominant
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

No effective preventative treatment exists but individual lesions can be surgically removed when indicated.

References
Article Title: 

Identification of the tuberous sclerosis gene TSC1 on chromosome 9q34

van Slegtenhorst M, de Hoogt R, Hermans C, Nellist M, Janssen B, Verhoef S, Lindhout D, van den Ouweland A, Halley D, Young J, Burley M, Jeremiah S, Woodward K, Nahmias J, Fox M, Ekong R, Osborne J, Wolfe J, Povey S, Snell RG, Cheadle JP, Jones AC, Tachataki M, Ravine D, Sampson JR, Reeve MP, Richardson P, Wilmer F, Munro C, Hawkins TL, Sepp T, Ali JB, Ward S, Green AJ, Yates JR, Kwiatkowska J, Henske EP, Short MP, Haines JH, Jozwiak S, Kwiatkowski DJ. Identification of the tuberous sclerosis gene TSC1 on chromosome 9q34. Science. 1997 Aug 8;277(5327):805-8.

PubMed ID: 
9242607

Tuberous sclerosis

Curatolo P, Bombardieri R, Jozwiak S. Tuberous sclerosis. Lancet. 2008 Aug 23;372(9639):657-68. Review.

PubMed ID: 
18722871

Homocystinuria, MTHFR Deficiency

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

The ocular signs in MTHFR deficiency are likely similar to those found in beta-synthase deficiency (236200) but no comparative study has been reported.  Ectopia lentis is common and the high mobility of the lens carries a significant risk of pupillary block glaucoma and migration into the anterior chamber.

Systemic Features: 

There is a wide range in clinical disease in MTHFR deficiency but the neurological signs and the progressive of disease seem to be more aggressive than in beta-synthase deficiency (236200) . Neonates may have seizures and failure to thrive but other affected patients may live to adulthood without symptoms.  Early death from neurological complications is more common and the mental retardation is apparently more severe.  There is a serious risk for thromboembolic events which may be life-threatening.  Hyperhomocyteinemia and low plasma methionine are present as is increased homocystine in urine.

Genetics

Mutations in MTHFR (1p36.3) are responsible for this form of homocystinuria.  Another form, beta-synthase deficiency (236200), is caused by a mutation in the CBS  gene (21q22.3).  This is an autosomal recessive disorder.

Pedigree: 
Autosomal recessive
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

Administration of betaine has been reported to reduce the neurological disease but it must be started early before brain damage occurs.  It does not correct hyperhomocysteinemia nor does it correct CNS MTHFR deficiency.  It has also been reported that betaine in combination with folic acid and cobalamin can prevent symptoms.

References
Article Title: 

Mutation Update and Review of Severe MTHFR

Froese DS, Huemer M, Suormala T, Burda P, Coelho D, Gueant JL, Landolt MA,
Kozich V, Fowler B, Baumgartner MR. Mutation Update and Review of Severe MTHFR
Deficiency
. Hum Mutat. 2016 Feb 13.

PubMed ID: 
2687264

Norrie Disease

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

Norrie disease often presents at birth or soon thereafter with leukocoria.  There may be no response to light even at this early stage.  Microphthalmos, iris atrophy, and synechiae are often noted as well.  The posterior chamber contains a whitish-yellow mass associated with retinal folds and sometimes retinal detachment (pseudoglioma).  The vitreous may appear membranous and fibrovascular, often with traction on the retina.  Cataracts frequently develop early.  These signs may be unilateral or bilateral.  Corneal abnormalities such as opacities or sclerocornea may be present.  The mass in the posterior pole has to be distinguished from a retinoblastoma but the appearance may also resemble familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, Coats disease, persistent hyperplastic vitreous retinopathy, or retinopathy of prematurity.

Histology shows hemorrhagic necrosis of an undifferentiated glial mass.  The primary defect seems to lie in the neuroretina with absence of the ganglion cells and dysplasia of the remaining layers.  Many eyes become phthisical.

Systemic Features: 

Many individuals have growth and developmental delays with cognitive impairment and/or behavioral disorders (50%).  Frank psychoses have been reported in some patients.  Approximately 10% of patients have a chronic seizure disorder. Sensorineural deafness of some degree develops by the second decade in up to 100% of individuals.

Peripheral vascular disease (varicose veins, venous stasis ulcers, and erectile dysfunction) is present in nearly all men over the age of 50 years, perhaps the result of small vessel angiopathy.  Its age of onset is similar to that of the hearing deficit and the time course of progression is similar.

Genetics

This is an X-linked disorder as a result of mutations in the NDP gene (Xp11.4) encoding norrin.  Many mutations causing Norrie disease are novel or at least rare as might be expected for a disorder that leads to a marked reduction in reproductive fitness in males.  Carrier females usually do not have any evidence of disease.

Mutations in NDP also are responsible for a sex-linked form of familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, EVR2 (305390).  They have also been found in some cases of persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous and even in Coates' disease.  The latter conditions are usually present unilaterally, however, and some consider bilaterality to be a characteristic of NDP-related retinopathies.

Pedigree: 
X-linked recessive, carrier mother
X-linked recessive, father affected
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

No effective treatment is available.

References
Article Title: 

Mutations in the Norrie disease gene

Schuback DE, Chen ZY, Craig IW, Breakefield XO, Sims KB. Mutations in the Norrie disease gene. Hum Mutat. 1995;5(4):285-92.

PubMed ID: 
7627181

Peroxisome Biogenesis Disorder 1A (Zellweger)

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

Ocular signs resemble those of other peroxisomal disorders with cataracts and retinopathy.  The lethal consequences of ZWS have hampered delineation of the full spectrum of ocular manifestations but many infants have these features plus optic atrophy and horizontal nystagmus.  Most infants do not follow light.  Pupillary responses may be normal in early stages but disappear later. Hypertelorism has been described but metrics are often normal.

Systemic Features: 

Many infants have hepatomegaly at birth and may develop splenomegaly as well.  Jaundice often occurs with intrahepatic biliary dysgenesis.   Severe hypotonia is present at birth but improves in those patients who survive for several years.  Psychomotor retardation can be profound and seizures may occur but sensory examinations are normal.  Most infants have a peculiar craniofacial dysmorphology with frontal bossing, large fontanels, and wide set eyes.  Pipecolic acid levels are low in serum and absent in the CSF.  Most infants do not survive beyond 6 months of age.

 

Genetics

This is a peroxisome biogenesis disorder with a complex biochemical profile resulting from a large number of mutations in at least 13 PEX genes.  It is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern.

What was formerly called Zellweger Syndrome is now more properly called Zellweger Spectrum Disorder, or sometimes a peroxisomal biogenesis disorder in the Zellweger spectrum of disorders.  The spectrum also includes neonatal adrenoleukodystrophy (601539) and Infantile Refsum disease (601539). 

Pedigree: 
Autosomal recessive
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

No effective treatment is available.

References
Article Title: 

Galactosemia

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

Neonatal cataracts are found among at least 30% of infants with this disorder.  However, early (before 17 days of age) dietary restrictions can prevent their formation or even lead to regression.  They result from the osmotic imbalance caused by the presence of accumulated galactitol.  Neonates may suffer vitreous hemorrhages from the coagulopathy but this is rare.

Systemic Features: 

In spite of early and adequate treatment, however, many adults have residual problems.  Cataracts have been found in 21%, decreased bone density in 24%, tremor in 46%, ataxia in 15%, and dysarthria in 24%.  Few patients of either sex have children and all females have premature ovarian insufficiency.  Depression and anxiety are present in 39-67%.  It has been estimated that there is a twofold increase in the odds of depression with each 10 year increment of age.

Genetics

This is an autosomal recessive disorder resulting from mutations in the GALT gene (9p13) encoding galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase.

For other disorders of galactose metabolism see galactose epimerase deficiency (230350) and galactokinase deficiency (230200).

Pedigree: 
Autosomal recessive
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

Treatment with a lactose- and galactose-free diet within the first 3-17 days can prevent the formation of cataracts.  Few need surgical removal.  Liver function improves and a reduction in icterus can be seen.  It can also prevent fatal E. coli sepsis.  However, long term effects have been disappointing as many patients still develop mental and motor dysfunction as well as speech difficulties (dyspraxia).  The long term outcome seems to depend upon the level of GALT enzyme activity which varies considerably.

Special education and speech therapy may be beneficial.  Depression in older patients should be offered where indicated.

References
Article Title: 

The adult galactosemic phenotype

Waisbren SE, Potter NL, Gordon CM, Green RC, Greenstein P, Gubbels CS, Rubio-Gozalbo E, Schomer D, Welt C, Anastasoaie V, D'Anna K, Gentile J, Guo CY, Hecht L, Jackson R, Jansma BM, Li Y, Lip V, Miller DT, Murray M, Power L, Quinn N, Rohr F, Shen Y, Skinder-Meredith A, Timmers I, Tunick R, Wessel A, Wu BL, Levy H, Elsas L, Berry GT. The adult galactosemic phenotype. J Inherit Metab Dis. 2011 Jul 21. [Epub ahead of print]

PubMed ID: 
21779791

Rhizomelic Chondrodysplasia Punctata

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

Congenital cataracts are the outstanding ocular feature of this syndrome and are present in over 70% of patients.  They are usually bilateral and symmetrical and may not be present for several months after birth.

Systemic Features: 

The name of this disorder comes from the punctate calcification seen in cartilage.   The vertebrae have coronal clefting.  The cartilage abnormalities result in defective bone growth with severe growth retardation, short stature, and joint contractures.  Many infants die during the neonatal period and few survive beyond the first decade of life. However, milder forms have been reported. The skin can be ichthyotic and severe mental retardation is often accompanied by seizures.  Red cells are deficient in plasmalogens while phytanic acid and very long chain fatty acids accumulate in the plasma, a biochemical profile characteristic of RCDP1.

Other types of chondrodysplasia punctata also exist (RCDP2 and RCDP3). The X-linked recessive (CDPX1; 302950), autosomal dominant tibia-metacarpal (118651), and humero-metacarpal types are not associated with cataracts.

A phenocopy sometimes results from maternal ingestion of dicoumarol in early pregnancy.

Genetics

This rare autosomal recessive condition results from mutations in the PEX7 gene (6q22-q24) causing a peroxisomal biogenesis disorder.  Some clinical features overlap with those of Zellweger syndrome (214100) and infantile Refsum disease (266510), also peroxisomal biogenesis disorders. 

Mutations in the same gene are responsible for adult Refsum disease-2 (266500).  The latter, however, has other neurological symptoms as well as clinical features of retinitis pigmentosa with night blindness and restricted visual fields.

Pedigree: 
Autosomal recessive
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

No treatment is available beyond supportive measures. Cataract removal may improve vision but the poor prognosis for longevity requires caution be used.

References
Article Title: 

Sulfite Oxidase Deficiency

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

Dislocated lenses are the only significant ocular features of this disorder.  In one patient the lenses were said to be in normal position at 5.5 months of age but mild nasal subluxation of both lenses was present at 11 months.  In a series of 22 patients, 10 had dislocated lenses and one had spherophakia.  Lens dislocations occur early and maybe even congenitally in some cases as the diagnosis has been made in seven children before one year of age.  On the other hand it is not a consistent sign since the lenses were not dislocated in seven individuals who were examined specifically for this sign.

Systemic Features: 

Outside of the eye, the main features of this disorder are secondary to neurological damage.  Symptoms of irritability, poor feeding, ataxia, and language development may be seen in the first year or two of life.  Respiratory distress can be a feature in neonates.  Hypotonia, dystonia and choreoathetosis may be seen as well.  Seizures (sometimes with opisthotonus) often occur in the first days or weeks of life.  Later, generalized hypertonia and hyperactive reflexes are present.  Global developmental delays occur in nearly 80% of patients.  However, some patients also have a later onset with a milder course indicating that the full range of clinical expression remains to be determined.

Genetics

A number of mutations in the SUOX gene on chromosome 12 (12q13.13) cause this rare autosomal recessive disorder.  Less than 50 cases have been reported worldwide.

Pedigree: 
Autosomal recessive
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

Not enough patients have been evaluated for long enough to determine the optimum treatment but low protein diets and restriction of sulfur containing amino acids have been tried with mixed results.

References
Article Title: 

Isolated sulfite oxidase deficiency

Claerhout H, Witters P, Regal L, Jansen K, Van Hoestenberghe MR, Breckpot J, Vermeersch P. Isolated sulfite oxidase deficiency. J Inherit Metab Dis. 2017 Oct 4. doi: 10.1007/s10545-017-0089-4. [Epub ahead of print].

PubMed ID: 
28980090

Aicardi Syndrome

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

A variety of chorioretinal lesions have been described in Aicardi syndrome including lacunae ('holes') in 88%, and choroid plexus papillomas which are considered specific and characteristic.  These tend to be more common in the posterior pole. They are stable and do not enlarge.  They can usually be distinguished from post-infection scars by the absence of pigmentation.  A bull's eye maculopathy may be present.  Optic nerve colobomas (in 42%) and hypoplasia have been reported.   At least 61% of eyes have some optic nerve abnormalities.  Presumed microphthalmia has been noted in 25% of patients. A minority of patients have a persistent pupillary membrane.  Sparse lateral eyebrows have also been reported with .

There is evidence that the primary molecular defect involves Bruch's membrane resulting in damage to the RPE.

Congenital glaucoma has been diagnosed in several patients.

Systemic Features: 

Patients with Aicardi syndrome are considered to have a characteristic facial phenotype with a prominent premaxilla, upturned nasal tip, and decreased angle of the nasal bridge.  Several patients have been reported with vertebral anomalies as well as cleft lip and palate.  The most severe symptoms including infantile spasms, developmental delay, and seizures are the result of a generalized neuronal migration disorder evident on MRI as polymicrogyria, periventricular heterotopia, and various malformations of the corpus callosum.  The latter structure is absent in 72% of patients.  Intracranial cysts and cerebellar dysplasia have been reported in 95% of patients.  MRI of the brain often shows asymmetry and unilateral microphthalmia is often present on the side of the more severe brain lesions.  Most individuals have some intellectual disabilities and do not live beyond childhood.

Genetics

Since virtually all reported cases have been female this is considered to be a dominant X-linked disorder with lethality in hemizygous males.  The presumed locus is at Xp22 although no specific gene mutation has been identified. Interestingly, several affected XXY (Klinefelter syndrome) males have been reported which is consistent with the most likely mode of inheritance.  It has been proposed that the majority of cases results from new mutations since familial cases are exceedingly rare.

Aicard-Goutieres syndromes are separate disorders.

Pedigree: 
X-linked dominant, father affected
X-linked dominant, mother affected
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

No treatment is available for the syndrome.  However, specific features such as congenital glaucoma may require treatment.

References
Article Title: 

Laterality of brain and ocular lesions in aicardi syndrome

Cabrera MT, Winn BJ, Porco T, Strominger Z, Barkovich AJ, Hoyt CS, Wakahiro M, Sherr EH. Laterality of brain and ocular lesions in aicardi syndrome. Pediatr Neurol. 2011 Sep;45(3):149-54. PubMed PMID: 21824560.

PubMed ID: 
21824560

Neuroimaging aspects of Aicardi syndrome

Hopkins B, Sutton VR, Lewis RA, Van den Veyver I, Clark G. Neuroimaging aspects of Aicardi syndrome. Am J Med Genet A. 2008 Nov 15;146A(22):2871-8.

PubMed ID: 
18925666

Neuhauser Syndrome

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

This rare disorder is characterized by profound mental retardation and megalocornea together with nonspecific facial features including epicanthal folds, broad nasal root, frontal bossing and antimongoloid lid slanting.

Systemic Features: 

Hypotonia and marked psychomotor retardation are the most prominent systemic features.   Short stature, hypercholesterolemia, seizures and hypothyroidism have also been reported.

Genetics

No specific mutation has been found.  Most cases occur sporadically.  The mode of inheritance is presumed to be autosomal recessive on the basis of parental consanquinity found in occasional parents with multiple affected offspring.

Pedigree: 
Autosomal recessive
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

No treatment is available.
 

References
Article Title: 

Association of CHRDL1 Mutations and Variants with X-linked Megalocornea, Neuhäuser Syndrome and Central Corneal Thickness

Davidson AE, Cheong SS, Hysi PG, Venturini C, Plagnol V, Ruddle JB, Ali H, Carnt N, Gardner JC, Hassan H, Gade E, Kearns L, Jelsig AM, Restori M, Webb TR, Laws D, Cosgrove M, Hertz JM, Russell-Eggitt I, Pilz DT, Hammond CJ, Tuft SJ, Hardcastle AJ. Association of CHRDL1 Mutations and Variants with X-linked Megalocornea, Neuhauser Syndrome and Central Corneal Thickness. PLoS One. 2014 Aug 5.

PubMed ID: 
25093588

PNPLA6 mutations cause Boucher-Neuhauser and Gordon Holmes syndromes as part of a broad neurodegenerative spectrum

Synofzik M, Gonzalez MA, Lourenco CM, Coutelier M, Haack TB, Rebelo A, Hannequin D, Strom TM, Prokisch H, Kernstock C, Durr A, Schols L, Lima-Martinez MM, Farooq A, Schule R, Stevanin G, Marques W Jr, Zuchner S. PNPLA6 mutations cause Boucher-Neuhauser and Gordon Holmes syndromes as part of a broad neurodegenerative spectrum. Brain. 2013 Dec 19. [Epub ahead of print].

PubMed ID: 
24355708

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