Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis: two new patients and review of the literature

A Severe Case of Infantile Systemic Hyalinosis in an Asian Child: A Product of Consanguinity

Infantile systemic hyalinosis (ISH) is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder characterized by widespread abnormal growth of hyalinized fibrous tissue in skin and mucosae. The typical clinical picture consists of the development of joint contractures, skin lesions, and severe, chronic pain. We report the case of a 2-year-old Pakistani girl, who presented to our clinic with papulonodular lesions, gingival hyperplasia, hypotonia, and joint contractures. Skin biopsy revealed hyaline deposits, and genetic testing revealed a mutation in the protein Anthrax toxin receptor 2 (ANTXR2).

Hyaline fibromatosis syndrome (juvenile hyaline fibromatosis): whole-body MR findings in two siblings with different subcutaneous nodules distribution

Hyaline fibromatosis syndrome (juvenile hyaline fibromatosis) is a rare, progressive, autosomal recessive disorder whose main hallmark is the deposition of amorphous hyaline material in soft tissues, with an evolutionary course and health impairment. It may present involvement of subcutaneous or periskeletal soft tissue, or may develop as a visceral infiltration entity with poor prognosis. Very few radiological data about this inherited condition have been reported, due to the extreme rarity of disease. We herein present a case of two siblings, affected by different severity of the disease, with different clinical features. They were examined by whole-body MR (WBMR) in order to assess different lesions localization, to rule out any visceral involvement and any other associated anomalies and to define patients' management.

Infantile systemic hyalinosis: Report of two severe cases from Saudi Arabia and review of the literature

Infantile systemic hyalinosis (ISH) (OMIM 228600) is a rare fatal autosomal recessive disorder characterized by extensive deposition of hyaline material in many tissues. Consanguinity has been recorded in many cases. Herein we present two new Saudi cases with review of the literature. Our first proband was a 9 month-old male who was the first baby for parents descended from a closed consanguineous pedigree. The second proband was a 13 month-old male who was the first baby for consanguineous parents (3(rd) C). Both cases presented with bilateral painful limited limb movement with joints contractures, low birth weight (< P5), severe generalized stiff skin, hyper-pigmented skin over bony prominences, fleshy perianal masses and gingival hypertrophy. The first child died at 18(th) month as a result of recurrent chest infections. The second proband showed a severe progressive course of joint contractures, and died at 19(th) month because of failure to thrive and recurrent infections. Although the clinical features of ISH are characteristic, the disease is under/miss diagnosed. The role of consanguinity needed to be highlighted to the community. Careful clinical examination and molecular diagnosis will be helpful for genetic counseling, prenatal diagnosis and early treatment.

A review of the diverse genetic disorders in the Lebanese population: highlighting the urgency for community genetic services

The review lists the genetic diseases reported in Lebanese individuals, surveys genetic programs and services, and highlights the absence of basic genetic health services at the individual and community level. The incidence of individual diseases is not determined, yet the variety of genetic diseases reported is tremendous, most of which follow autosomal recessive inheritance reflecting the social norms in the population, including high rates of consanguinity, which favor the increase in incidence of these diseases. Genetic services including all activities for the diagnosis, care, and prevention of genetic diseases at community level are extremely inadequate. Services are limited to some clinical and laboratory diagnostic services with no genetic counseling. These services are localized within the capital thus preventing their accessibility to high-risk communities. Screening programs, which are at the core of public health prevention services, are minimal and not nationally mandated. The absence of adequate genetic services is attributed to many factors undermining the importance of genetic diseases and their burden on society, the most important of which is genetic illiteracy at all levels of the population, including high-risk families, the general public, and most importantly health care providers and public health officials. Thus, a country like Lebanon, where genetic diseases are expected to be highly prevalent, is in utmost need for community genetics services. Strategies need to be developed to familiarize public health officials and medical professionals with medical genetics leading to a public health infrastructure that delivers community genetics services for the prevention and care of genetic disorders at community level.

The dark sides of capillary morphogenesis gene 2

Capillary morphogenesis gene 2 (CMG2) is a type I membrane protein involved in the homeostasis of the extracellular matrix. While it shares interesting similarities with integrins, its exact molecular role is unknown. The interest and knowledge about CMG2 largely stems from the fact that it is involved in two diseases, one infectious and one genetic. CMG2 is the main receptor of the anthrax toxin, and knocking out this gene in mice renders them insensitive to infection with Bacillus anthracis spores. On the other hand, mutations in CMG2 lead to a rare but severe autosomal recessive disorder in humans called Hyaline Fibromatosis Syndrome (HFS). We will here review what is known about the structure of CMG2 and its ability to mediate anthrax toxin entry into cell. We will then describe the limited knowledge available concerning the physiological role of CMG2. Finally, we will describe HFS and the consequences of HFS-associated mutations in CMG2 at the molecular and cellular level.

Hyaline fibromatosis syndrome inducing mutations in the ectodomain of anthrax toxin receptor 2 can be rescued by proteasome inhibitors

Hyaline Fibromatosis Syndrome (HFS) is a human genetic disease caused by mutations in the anthrax toxin receptor 2 (or cmg2) gene, which encodes a membrane protein thought to be involved in the homeostasis of the extracellular matrix. Little is known about the structure and function of the protein or the genotype–phenotype relationship of the disease. Through the analysis of four patients, we identify three novel mutants and determine their effects at the cellular level. Altogether, we show that missense mutations that map to the extracellular von Willebrand domain or the here characterized Ig-like domain of CMG2 lead to folding defects and thereby to retention of the mutated protein in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Mutations in the Ig-like domain prevent proper disulphide bond formation and are more efficiently targeted to ER-associated degradation. Finally, we show that mutant CMG2 can be rescued in fibroblasts of some patients by treatment with proteasome inhibitors and that CMG2 is then properly transported to the plasma membrane and signalling competent, identifying the ER folding and degradation pathway components as promising drug targets for HFS.

Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis

Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis (JHF) is a rare, progressive autosomal recessive disease that's characterized by papulonodular skin lesions, soft tissue masses, joint contractures, gingival hypertrophy and osteolytic bone lesions. We present here the case of a 2-yr-old boy with JHF along with a review of the relevant literature. This case demonstrates that JHF should be considered in the differential diagnosis when multiple subcutaneous nodules are observed in the face, head and neck.

Clinical and imaging findings of systemic hyalinosis: two cases presenting with congenital arthrogryposis

Systemic hyalinosis is a rare, multisystem, progressive, autosomal recessive disorder of connective tissue characterized by diffuse hyaline deposition in the skin, bone or viscera. Owing to its rarity and initial manifestations that resemble arthrogryposis congenital multiplexa, correct diagnosis can be elusive and often delayed. We present the computed tomography (CT) and whole-body (WB) magnetic resonance (MR) findings in two unrelated children with systemic hyalinosis who came to medical attention because of multiple joint contractures and limitation of motion in early infancy.

Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis of the mandible with bone involvement: report of a rare case

Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis (JHF) is a rare autosomal-recessive hereditary disease, characterized by gingival hypertrophy, flexion contractures of joints, bone lesions, hyaline deposition in the extracellular spaces of the dermis and soft tissues, stunted growth, and skin lesions such as multiple nodules, tumors and pink, pearly papules. No case of JHF with a mandibular bone involvement, exists in the literature. Bone involvement in JHF is an uncommon finding and distinct solitary lesions in the calvarial bones has been reported by some authors. A 21-year-old male patient was referred to Diyarbakir Military Hospital, Department of Dental Service. Clinical findings were consistent with a solid alveolar mass in the right mandibular premolar-molar region and displaced right mandibular molar teeth. Orthopantomographic examination showed impaction of all lower right molars in a mixed radioopaque/radiolucent area. Microscopically, increased nodular connective tissue was seen under the lobulated mucosal surfaces of the resected area. The case presented here had a localized fibrous proliferation that infiltrated bone trabeculae and caused displacement of teeth. Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis with the other intraosseous radiolucent-patchy opaque lesions of jaw bones. Based on the clinical and histopathological findings, a diagnosis of JHF was made.

Systemic hyalinosis mutations in the CMG2 ectodomain leading to loss of function through retention in the endoplasmic reticulum

Systemic hyalinosis is an autosomal recessive disease that encompasses two allelic syndromes, infantile systemic hyalinosis (ISH) and juvenile hyaline fibromatosis (JHF), which are caused by mutations in the CMG2 gene. Here we have analyzed the cellular consequences of five patient-derived point mutations in the extracellular von Willebrand domain or the transmembrane domain of the CMG2 protein. We found that four of the mutations led to retention of the protein in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), albeit through different mechanisms. Analysis of recombinant CMG2 von Willebrand factor A (vWA) domains, to which three of the mutations map, indicated that the mutations did not prevent proper folding and ligand binding, suggesting that, in vivo, slow folding, rather than misfolding, is responsible for ER retention. Our work shows that systemic hyalinosis can be qualified as a conformational disease, at least for the mutations that have been mapped to the extracellular and transmembrane domains. The long ER half-life and the ligand binding ability of the mutated von Willebrand domains suggest that treatments based on chemical chaperones could be beneficial.

Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis and infantile systemic hyalinosis: a unifying term and a proposed grading system

BACKGROUND

It has been suggested that juvenile hyaline fibromatosis and infantile systemic hyalinosis represent different severities of the same disease.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to redefine these disorders clearly to establish a common inclusive terminology.

PATIENTS

The study included two children with early onset of similar pink papulonodular skin lesions and marked gingival hyperplasia. The first case was characterized by flexion contractures of the large joints, fractures, persistent diarrhea, recurrent chest infections, and retarded physical growth. The second patient had large swellings on the scalp and knees without systemic involvement.

RESULTS

Radiologic examination revealed fractures and osteolytic bone lesions in the first case, and soft tissue masses in the second case. Laboratory tests showed anemia in both cases, and hypogammaglobulinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and electrolyte imbalance in the first case. Histopathological and ultrastructural evaluation demonstrated hyalinized fibrous tissue in the dermis in both cases.

LIMITATIONS

Genetic studies were unavailable.

CONCLUSION

Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis and infantile systemic hyalinosis share many common features that strongly support consideration of these conditions as different expressions of the same disorder. We propose a common term, "hyaline fibromatosis syndrome," which can be divided into mild, moderate, and severe subtypes.

Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis and infantile systemic hyalinosis overlap associated with a novel mutation in capillary morphogenesis protein-2 gene

Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis (JHF) is a rare condition of childhood characterized by deposition of an amorphous substance of unclear nature in the dermis and subcutaneous tissues. The clinical picture includes painful skin lesions, leading to impairment of movements and severe disabilities. The allelic disease, infantile systemic hyalinosis (ISH), clinically overlaps with JHF but shows a worse picture with visceral involvement. Recently, germline mutations in the capillary morphogenesis gene-2 (CMG2) were found to be responsible for both diseases. Here, we present a case with classical clinicopathologic findings of JHF and features of ISH, and we describe a novel mutation in CMG2.

Exuberant juvenile hyaline fibromatosis in two patients

Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis and infantile systemic hyalinosis are rare autosomal recessive disorders of infancy and early childhood that are histologically characterized by deposition of hyaline material. The main clinical features are papulo-nodular skin lesions, gingival hypertrophy, joint contractures, and bone abnormalities. However, infantile systemic hyalinosis has a more severe clinical presentation, including visceral involvement and premature death. Very recently, genetic studies identified mutations in the same gene in patients with both conditions, strongly suggesting that they belong to the same disease spectrum. We report two new nonrelated patients who met the criteria for the diagnosis of juvenile hyaline fibromatosis/infantile systemic hyalinosis. Clinical, histopathologic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural findings are presented, as well as an extensive review of the literature. Recent information regarding pathogenesis and treatment is discussed.

A case of juvenile hyaline fibromatosis

Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis (JHF) is a rare, autosomally-recessive disease characterized by papulonodular skin lesions, soft tissue masses, joint contractures, gingival hypertrophy and osteolytic bone lesions. Its onset is in infancy or early childhood. The most commonly affected sites are the nose, chin, ears, scalp, back and knees. The accumulation of an amorphous, hyaline material is typical in the skin and the other organs. Herein, we report a 14-month-old boy who presented with confluent pink papules on the paranasal folds and the chin, and nodular lesions on the periauricular and perianal regions. He had gingival hypertrophy and contractures of the shoulders, knees and elbows. He also had third-degree consanguineous parents. Histopathological studies confirmed the diagnosis of JHF with the presence of increased numbers of fibroblasts embedded in a hyalinized connective tissue stroma.

Juvenile non-hyaline fibromatosis: juvenile hyaline fibromatosis without prominent hyaline changes

Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis (JHF) is a rare autosomal recessive disease of the connective tissue. It is characterized by papulonodular skin lesions, soft tissue masses, gingival hypertrophy, osteolytic bone lesions and flexion contractures of the large joints. Here, we report a 14-year-old girl with characteristic clinical features of JHF with early fatal outcome. Dermatopathologic examination of the early lesions however constantly lacked the so-called hyalin changes in multiple skin biopsies. According to our experience; dermatopathological features of this entity is not often and always consists of classical hyalinisation. Only larger lesions with long duration should expected to be exhibiting those features. Therefore we suggest that; JHF may often present itself as Juvenile Non-Hyaline Fibromatosis: JHF without prominent hyaline changes. And thus this fact should not change the actual diagnosis and prognostic implications.

Eyelid tumour and juvenile hyaline fibromatosis

We report the case of a 2-year-old boy suffering from juvenile hyaline fibromatosis. Our patient had all the main clinical features of the disease, i.e. multiple cutaneous facial nodules, gingival fibromatosis and osteolytic lesions in the proximal metaphysis of the tibia and humerus symmetrically. However, he also presented an eyelid tumour scalloping the superior orbital osseous rim, causing blepharoptosis. The histopathology confirmed this very rare condition. After 6 months, our patient has improved functionally and cosmetically following surgical resection of the eyelid tumours without recurrence.

Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis (JHF) is a rare, inherited condition characterized by tumor-like growth of hyalinized fibrous tissue on the head and neck, joint contractures, and gingival hypertrophy. There may be marked clinical heterogeneity.

METHODS

We present a case of a 3-year-old Haitian boy with multiple firm nodules on the scalp and chin without joint contractures or gingival hypertrophy. Family history was not available.

RESULTS

Biopsy specimens from three scalp nodules were processed with routine and immunohistochemical stains. The matrix was periodic acid Schiff (PAS) and Alcian blue positive. The cellular stromal component was positive for vimentin and scattered factor XIIIa positive cells were found. Osteoclast-like giant cells were also noted, and stained for CD68.

CONCLUSIONS

Our patient had the nodular growths on the scalp and face that are characteristically found in JHF. Microscopic examination confirmed the diagnosis and showed scattered intracytoplasmic and extracellular eosinophilic globules in three separate biopsy specimens. These were positive with PAS.

Mutations in capillary morphogenesis gene-2 result in the allelic disorders juvenile hyaline fibromatosis and infantile systemic hyalinosis

Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis (JHF) and infantile systemic hyalinosis (ISH) are autosomal recessive syndromes of unknown etiology characterized by multiple, recurring subcutaneous tumors, gingival hypertrophy, joint contractures, osteolysis, and osteoporosis. Both are believed to be allelic disorders; ISH is distinguished from JHF by its more severe phenotype, which includes hyaline deposits in multiple organs, recurrent infections, and death within the first 2 years of life. Using the previously reported chromosome 4q21 JHF disease locus as a guide for candidate-gene identification, we identified and characterized JHF and ISH disease-causing mutations in the capillary morphogenesis factor-2 gene (CMG2). Although CMG2 encodes a protein upregulated in endothelial cells during capillary formation and was recently shown to function as an anthrax-toxin receptor, its physiologic role is unclear. Two ISH family-specific truncating mutations, E220X and the 1-bp insertion P357insC that results in translation of an out-of-frame stop codon, were generated by site-directed mutagenesis and were shown to delete the CMG-2 transmembrane and/or cytosolic domains, respectively. An ISH compound mutation, I189T, is predicted to create a novel and destabilizing internal cavity within the protein. The JHF family-specific homoallelic missense mutation G105D destabilizes a von Willebrand factor A extracellular domain alpha-helix, whereas the other mutation, L329R, occurs within the transmembrane domain of the protein. Finally, and possibly providing insight into the pathophysiology of these diseases, analysis of fibroblasts derived from patients with JHF or ISH suggests that CMG2 mutations abrogate normal cell interactions with the extracellular matrix.

Calcospherules associated with juvenile hyaline fibromatosis

Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis is a rare autosomal recessive genodermatosis that manifests with 1 to 5 cm skin tumors, gingival hyperplasia, osteolytic bone lesions, and joint contractures. The skin tumors are most often located on the head and periarticular extremities. A case of juvenile hyaline fibromatosis with typical skin tumors that on biopsy exhibited basophilic calcospherules is presented. Although noted in a single case, these structures may be a novel, yet helpful, diagnostic marker.

Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis: morphologic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural study of three siblings

Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis (JHF) is a rare hereditary disease characterized by the deposition of hyaline ground substance, which is described as fibrillogranular material on electron microscopy. Approximately 65 cases have been reported to date in the English language literature. We add 3 new cases of children presenting with multiple subcutaneous nodules. We have described the light microscopic, electron microscopic, and immunohistochemical features of these nodules. The characteristic chondroid appearance on light microscopy is imparted by large peripheral vesicles in the stromal cell cytoplasm. Ultrastructurally, the fibroblasts have shown evidence of defective synthesis of collagen, which is then deposited as fibrillogranular material in the matrix. Immunohistochemical studies have shown CD68+ macrophages and multinucleated histiocytic giant cells in all five specimens from our 3 cases. As far as we know, the presence of giant cells has not been reported in the literature. The main purposes of this report are to highlight the presence of macrophages as a constant constituent of the stromal cells in JHF and to review the literature on this subject.

Wide excision and free flap reconstruction of two cases with adult form of Juvenile Hyalin Fibromatosis localized on the foot

Juvenile Hyalin Fibromatosis (JHF) or systemic hyalinosis is a rare, sporadic or hereditary disorder characterized by skin lesions, gingival hypertrophy, muscle weakness, and flexion contractures of large joints. There is still dispute in its pathogenesis and treatment. We described two cases with adult form of Juvenile Hyalin Fibromatosis localized in the foot and discussed the local control we achieved by surgery.

Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis

Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis (JHF) is a rare autosomal recessive disease with onset in infancy or early childhood. It is characterized by papulonodular skin lesions, soft tissue masses, gingival hypertrophy, and flexion contractures of the large joints. The light and electron microscopic features are very distinctive. Here we report an 8-month-old boy with characteristic stiffness of the knees and elbows and pink confluent papules on the paranasal folds, and periauricular and perianal regions. He also had hard nodules all over the scalp and around the mouth, and severe gingival hypertrophy. Histologic and ultrastructural features were typical of JHF. Clinical features, pathology, and physiology are discussed.

Infantile systemic hyalinosis in siblings: clinical report, biochemical and ultrastructural findings, and review of the literature

A boy presented at age 3.5 months with joint contractures, restlessness, and pain on handling. His skin was thickened and there were livid-red macular lesions over bony prominences. Infantile systemic hyalinosis (ISH) was diagnosed, a presumably autosomal recessive, progressive, and painful disorder of as yet unknown pathogenesis. Observation over three years confirmed the diagnosis as typical changes, such as nodules on both ears, pearly papules in the perinasal folds and on the neck, fleshy nodules in the perianal region, and gingival hypertrophy, developed. Skin lesions and painful joint contractures progressed in spite of intense physiotherapy, and at age 3, the child had marked motor disability. The central nervous system (CNS) appeared to be intact and the infant showed normal mental development. Radiologic findings included marked generalized osteopenia, osteolytic erosions in the metaphyses of the long bones, and cortical thinning. Electron microscopy of two skin biopsies demonstrated deposition of floccular amorphous substance that was abundant around, and appeared to originate from, small blood vessels in the dermis, partially interfering with collagen fiber formation. Lysosomal inclusions were not seen. Serum acid hyaluronidase activity was within the normal range, and the synthesis of hyaluronic acid and proteoglycans in cultured skin fibroblasts was similar to that of control cells. A younger sister presented at age two months with painful joint contractures and discrete livid-red macules over both malleoli, and showed a similar progression of the disorder over the first year of life. The diagnosis of ISH should be considered in infants and children presenting with painful joint contractures and skin lesions. The pathogenesis of this disabling and disfiguring disorder remains unclear. Our data confirm probable autosomal recessive inheritance, and do not support lysosomal storage, hyaluronidase deficiency, or a primary collagen disorder, but indicate that the amorphous material accumulating in the skin and articular soft tissues may originate from the blood circulation.

Juvenile Hyaline Fibromatosis: A 47-Year Follow-UP

Approximately 40 cases of juvenile hyaline fibromatosis have been reported to date. This condition has not previously been described in the plastic surgery literature. This report describes a case where the disease led to a complete nasal obstruction due to progressive involvement of the nose, necessitating surgical intervention. The clinical and pathological aspects of the disease, and the differential diagnosis (ie, congenital generalized fibromatosis, Von Recklinghausen disease, Winchester syndrome) are discussed.

Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis: ultrastructural study

Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis is a multisystemic disorder characterized by a triad of cephalic fibrous outgrowths, gingival hyperplasia, and flexion contractures. The aim of this study was to find new ultrastructural features that could be useful for differentiating this entity from other types of fibromatosis. Mucosal lesions processed for light and electron microscopy by routine techniques showed hyperactive-appearing spindle-shaped fibroblasts and dysplastic mesenchymal cells. Dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum, prominent Golgi complexes, and multivesicular bodies as well as single membrane vesicles filled with fibrillogranular material were seen within the cytoplasm of dysplastic mesenchymal cells. Many fibrillogranular vesicles contained smaller vesicles. There were also invaginations of the cell membrane that contained fibrillogranular material similar to that seen in the single membrane vesicles, suggesting engulfment of an extracellular substance. The stroma contained both normal and serrated collagen fibrils, microfibrils, and two types of fibrillogranular material, one of them with a characteristic banding pattern. Our clinical and histopathologic findings resemble those previously described in cases of infantile systemic hyalinosis and juvenile hyaline fibromatosis. So many features of these two conditions overlap that it is difficult not to consider them as parts of a spectrum of the same disorder.

Zimmermann-Laband syndrome in an adult. Long-term follow-up of a patient with vascular and cardiac complications

Zimmermann-Laband syndrome (ZLS) is characterised by findings of coarse facial appearance, hepatosplenomegaly, and hirsutism often first observed in infancy, followed by the evolution during childhood of gingival fibromatosis, small joint hyperextensibility, and hypoplasia of the finger- and toenails. Intellectual deficit is variable. Some of these findings are suggestive of a storage disorder, but no biochemical defect has been identified. We report on a four decade follow-up of a male with ZLS who developed a cardiomyopathy and dilatation of the aortic root and arch, anomalies hitherto undescribed in this syndrome.

Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis: impaired collagen metabolism in human skin fibroblasts

Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis (JHF) is inherited as a fatal autosomal recessive disorder characterised by multiple tumorous mucocutaneous proliferations. In this paper a 14 month old girl with JHF is described. For this condition, a malfunction of collagen synthesis is considered as the pathogenetic cause. Recently published data have revealed an absent band for type III collagen (TIIIC) chain in western blot studies of clinically unaffected JHF skin. Therefore supernatants of skin fibroblast cell cultures, obtained from normal human skin, were analysed for type 1 collagen (TIC) and TIIIC metabolites by radioimmunoassays. Besides the typical morphological connective tissue changes in the skin lesions, TIC synthesis and degradation were found increased in JHF fibroblasts compared with control fibroblasts. In contrast, TIIIC overall metabolism was significantly reduced by 36% compared with controls.

Purification and structural analysis of extracellular matrix of a skin tumor from a patient with juvenile hyaline fibromatosis

Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis is a rare mesenchymal dysplasia that is inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion. The histological features of the tumor-like lesions are characterized by the deposition of amorphous hyaline material in the extracellular spaces of the dermis and soft tissues. We have analyzed the hyaline substance in a specimen of a skin tumor obtained from a 4-year-old Japanese girl with juvenile hyaline fibromatosis. It was found to consist mainly of type VI collagen; a small amount of type I collagen was also present. These components were separated by DEAE-cellulose ion-exchange chromatography under reducing conditions. The ratio of the dry weights of type I and type VI collagen was 1:4. Of the three chains of type VI collagen (alpha 1(VI), alpha 2(VI) and alpha 3(VI)), alpha 3(VI) was the most abundant. Glycosaminoglycans in the tumor tissue comprised dermatan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronan, with dermatan sulfate predominating. In contrast, hyaluronan is the most abundant in normal skin.

Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis

A case of juvenile hyaline fibromatosis in a 7-year-old Asian boy is presented. This autosomal recessive inherited condition has not been described in the otolaryngology literature before. We demonstrate the benefits surgical intervention, for treatment of gingival hypertrophy, can bring to the patient and outline the other features of this rare condition. The literature on juvenile hyaline fibromatosis and infantile systemic hyalinosis is also reviewed.

An adult with juvenile hyaline fibromatosis of the foot

An unusual consideration in the differential diagnosis of benign, solid tumors of the foot is juvenile hyaline fibromatosis, which only superficially resembles the better known myofibromatosis. The onset of the typical cutaneous lesions of this affliction, more frequently found in the head, trunk, or upper extremity, usually begins in childhood, with a progressive increase in their size and number. No cure is known, but early surgical excision of smaller lesions will minimize bony erosion and skin ulceration that otherwise risks toe amputation, thereby preserving function and a reasonable esthetic result. Incomplete excisions are doomed to recurrence, but, fortunately, this normally is a slowly growing tumor.

Infantile systemic hyalinosis in a black infant

A black girl was born with flexion contractures and experienced pain on movement by 1 week of age. She subsequently developed perioral papules, gingival hyperplasia, perianal nodules, torticollis, diarrhea, rectal prolapse, and inability to open her mouth. Her skin became increasingly sclerodermatous, and velvety, hyperpigmented plaques arose over bony prominences. A skin biopsy specimen showed hyaline material in the papillary dermis with lack of elastic fibers. Ultrastructural examination revealed fibrillogranular material around fibroblasts and blood vessels. This child had the clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural features of infantile systemic hyalinosis. This disorder has not been described in a black infant. Previous case reports of infantile systemic hyalinosis are reviewed and unusual features of our case are discussed.

New multisystemic disorder involving heart valves, skin, bones, and joints in two brothers

We report on 2 brothers with a severe progressive disorder characterized by thick skin, acne conglobata, "coarse" face, osteolysis, gingival hypertrophy, brachydactyly, camptodactyly, and mitral valve prolapse. The youngest brother died at age 24 years because of heart failure. Biochemical and pathological studies excluded known metabolic diseases. We think that this is a new genetic disorder inherited in autosomal recessive or X-linked recessive manner.

Winchester syndrome. A case report and literature review

The mucopolysaccharidoses are a group of inherited lysosomal storage diseases that are caused by a deficiency of specific enzymes. The acid mucopolysaccharides are stored in tissue and excreted in large quantities in the urine. The storage of this material leads to effects on a wide variety of tissues and to remarkable changes in morphologic features. Winchester syndrome is a rare disorder in the group of mucopolysaccharidoses. This article is a report of a case with classic clinical, radiologic, and biochemical characteristics of the Winchester syndrome.

Clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural findings in two cases of infantile systemic hyalinosis

Two unrelated infants had stiff skin and painful joint contractures in the first few months of life. Other features included gingival hyperplasia, small papules on the face and trunk, perianal nodules, and bloody diarrhea. Hyaline material was evident in the papillary dermis and gut mucosa in both patients. Ultrastructural examination revealed a distinctive fibrillogranular appearance. These infants have the same clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural features as four infants we reported previously with infantile systemic hyalinosis. One of the patients described here demonstrated some features that overlap with those of juvenile hyaline fibromatosis.

Fine-needle aspiration cytology in fibromatoses

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology was performed in seven cases of fibromatosis of variable types with tumorous clinical presentation. These included: four cases of musculoaponeurotic fibromatosis, two in posterior neck muscles, one in anterior neck muscles and one in intercostal muscles; one case of fibromatosis of the breast; and two cases of fibromatosis colli in neonates. In all cases the specimens contained connective tissue with many fibroblast-like cells, lacking features which could indicate a malignant lesion. The findings in these cases indicate that, although by FNA cytology in fibromatoses a specific diagnosis for each pathologic entity may not be easily reached, in the proper clinical setting the cytologic findings can be of sufficient relevance to offset the need for an open tissue biopsy, where there are valid reasons against a surgical intervention.

Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis: a report of two severe cases

Two unrelated children with a severe form of juvenile hyaline fibromatosis are described. In addition to painful flexion contractures of all of the large joints, oral and skin lesions, and typical radiologic appearance of osteolytic defects, both girls had marked growth retardation and recurrent infections. Both children died in early infancy of overwhelming infection.