Goldenhar Syndrome and Surgical Reconstruction: A Case Report of Bilateral Complete Eyelid Colobomas in a 2-Day-Old Patient

Goldenhar syndrome (GS), also known as Franceschetti-GS, encompasses a spectrum of congenital anomalies affecting the eyes, ears, face, and vertebrae. This case report highlights a 2-day-old female patient diagnosed with GS presenting a rare manifestation of bilateral complete eyelid colobomas. The patient, with associated renal and cardiac problems, underwent surgical interventions, including bilateral lower lid frost suture tarsorrhaphy and subsequent upper lid reconstructions. Despite challenges and complications, the patient showed varying degrees of improvement in corneal conditions postsurgery. The discussion provides insights into the clinical features, diagnosis, and multidisciplinary management of GS. The presented case emphasizes the importance of tailored surgical approaches in addressing the complex ocular manifestations of GS, aiming for functional and aesthetic outcomes. Ongoing follow-up and further reconstruction surgeries are planned to optimize visual outcomes and address residual complications.

Pfaff M. External ear malformations and cardiac and renal anomalies: A systematic review and meta-analysis

CONTEXT

External Ear Malformations (EEM) continue to be a common malformation seen in the pediatric patient population. This study aims to further elucidate the correlation between EEM and cardiac and renal anomalies.

OBJECTIVE

A systematic review and meta-analysis to study the incidence of cardiac and renal anomalies associated with syndromic and isolated (EEM).

DATA SOURCES

The literature search spanned multiple databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and MEDLINE.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies must be focused on EEM and cardiac and/or renal anomalies. Only articles written in English were included.

DATA EXTRACTION

General study characteristics, number of EEM patients, number of cardiac and renal anomalies and whether cases were syndromic were extracted from the studies.

RESULTS

Of 1,058 initial studies, 33 were included for meta-analyses. Mean JBI score for all included studies was 92.06%, indicating acceptable study quality. Interrater reliability was high, with a Cohen kappa score for all studies of 0.94. The resulting pooled prevalence of cardiac abnormalities was 20% [95% CI:13-28%], while renal abnormalities were 13% [95% CI: 7-20%]. The most common anomalies were VSD (3.725%) and renal agenesis (2.04%). The presence of syndrome data across studies was not a significant modifier of prevalence rates.

LIMITATIONS

Primary limitation is due to heterogeneity in individual study methodology and reporting standards.

CONCLUSIONS

These results highlight a higher prevalence of cardiac-related conditions than renal anomalies in patients with both syndromic and non-syndromic EEM in the included studies, underscoring the need for thorough clinical evaluations.

Distribution and Phenotype of Goldenhar Syndrome and Its Association With Other Anomalies

The purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution and phenotype of Goldenhar syndrome (GS) and its association with other anomalies. The samples consisted of 18 GS patients (6 males and 12 females; mean age at investigation, 7.4 ± 4.8 y) who were treated or followed up at the Department of Orthodontics, Seoul National University Dental Hospital between 1999 and 2021. The prevalence of side involvement and degree of mandibular deformity (MD), midface anomalies, and association with other anomalies were evaluated using statistical analysis. The prevalence of unilateral and bilateral MD did not differ (55.6% versus 44.4%). In unilateral MD cases, there was a tendency for higher prevalence of more severe Pruzansky-Kaban types than mild ones (type I, 10%; type IIa, 10%; type IIb, 50%; type III, 30%). Despite hypoplasia of the condyle/ramus complex, compensatory mandibular body growth occurred in 33.3% of GS patients (more severe side in bilateral MD cases, 37.5%, and ipsilateral side in unilateral MD cases, 30%). Class II molar relation was more prevalent than class I and class III molar relations (72.2% versus 11.1% versus 16.7%, P <0.01). Al total of 38.9% of patients had congenitally missing tooth. #7 facial cleft was found in 44.4% of patients. In midface anomalies, ear problem was the most common anomaly, followed by hypoplasia/absence of zygomatic arch and eye problem (88.9% versus 64.3% versus 61.1%, P <0.01). Association with the midface, spine, cardiovascular, and limb anomalies did not differ between unilateral and bilateral MD cases. These results might provide a basic guideline for diagnosis and treatment planning for GS patients.

Aortopulmonary window, aortic arch interruption, and anomalous origin of the right pulmonary artery in a neonate with Goldenhar syndrome

The combination of aortopulmonary window, interruption of the aortic arch, and anomalous origin of the right pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta is a rare and complex congenital cardiac malformation. Despite good prenatal care in our case, this cardiac anomaly was not detected prior to birth. Untreated infants who do not undergo surgical correction have a mortality rate of 70% in their first year, and 30% will die within the first 3 months of life.

Genetic Screening of Targeted Region on the Chromosome 22q11.2 in Patients with Microtia and Congenital Heart Defect

Microtia is a congenital malformation characterized by a small, abnormally shaped auricle (pinna) ranging in severity. Congenital heart defect (CHD) is one of the comorbid anomalies with microtia. However, the genetic basis of the co-existence of microtia and CHD remains unclear. Copy number variations (CNVs) of 22q11.2 contribute significantly to microtia and CHD, respectively, thus suggesting a possible shared genetic cause embedded in this genomic region. In this study, 19 sporadic patients with microtia and CHD, as well as a nuclear family, were enrolled for genetic screening of single nucleotide variations (SNVs) and CNVs in 22q11.2 by target capture sequencing. We detected a total of 105 potential deleterious variations, which were enriched in ear- or heart-development-related genes, including TBX1 and DGCR8. The gene burden analysis also suggested that these genes carry more deleterious mutations in the patients, as well as several other genes associated with cardiac development, such as CLTCL1. Additionally, a microduplication harboring SUSD2 was validated in an independent cohort. This study provides new insights into the underlying mechanisms for the comorbidity of microtia and CHD focusing on chromosome 22q11.2, and suggests that a combination of genetic variations, including SNVs and CNVs, may play a crucial role instead of single gene mutation.

A new association of Oculoauriculovertebral spectrum and persistent fifth aortic arch -double lumen aorta: a case report

Background

Oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum is a heterogeneous group of genetic disorder, also known as Goldenhar Syndrome, which has several phenotypic features including craniofacial anomalies, cardiac, vertebral and central nervous system defects. Cardiovascular anomalies include ventricular septal defects, atrial septal defects, patent ductus arteriosus, Tetralogy of Fallot, double outlet right ventricle, aberrant right subclavian artery, coarctation of aorta, transposition of the great arteries, double inlet left ventricle, cor triatriatum, pulmonary artery stenosis, aortic stenosis, persistent left superior vena cava, partially or totally abnormal pulmonary venous return and bicuspid aortic valve. Persistent fifth aortic arch, also named as double lumen aortic arch, is a very rare cardivascular anomaly and usually associate other cardiac defects.

Case presentation

We present a 7 month old patient with oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum signs as facial asymmetry, short neck, choanal atresia, cleft palate, bilateral preauricular skin tags, bilateral hypoplastic ear lobes, epibulbar dermoid cyst, rib, vertebrae and cardiovascular anomalies. Cardiovascular anomalies detected with echocardiography and computed tomography were malalignment ventricular septal defect and double lumen aorta, known as persistent fifth aortic arch.

Conclusion

Various cardiovascular anomalies may accompany Goldenhar Syndrome. We present a case with persistent fifth aortic arch and Oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum and this is a new association that was not reported before in the literature.

Copy number variation analysis implicates novel pathways in patients with oculo-auriculo-vertebral-spectrum and congenital heart defects

Oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum (OAVS) is a developmental disorder of craniofacial morphogenesis. Its etiology is unclear, but assumed to be complex and heterogeneous, with contribution of both genetic and environmental factors. We assessed the occurrence of copy number variants (CNVs) in a cohort of 19 unrelated OAVS individuals with congenital heart defect. Chromosomal microarray analysis identified pathogenic CNVs in 2/19 (10.5%) individuals, and CNVs classified as variants of uncertain significance in 7/19 (36.9%) individuals. Remarkably, two subjects had small intragenic CNVs involving DACH1 and DACH2, two paralogs coding for key components of the PAX-SIX-EYA-DACH network, a transcriptional regulatory pathway controlling developmental processes relevant to OAVS and causally associated with syndromes characterized by craniofacial involvement. Moreover, a third patient showed a large duplication encompassing DMBX1/OTX3, encoding a transcriptional repressor of OTX2, another transcription factor functionally connected to the DACH-EYA-PAX network. Among the other relevant CNVs, a deletion encompassing HSD17B6, a gene connected with the retinoic acid signaling pathway, whose dysregulation has been implicated in craniofacial malformations, was also identified. Our findings suggest that CNVs affecting gene dosage likely contribute to the genetic heterogeneity of OAVS, and implicate the PAX-SIX-EYA-DACH network as novel pathway involved in the etiology of this developmental trait.

Genetic Basis for Congenital Heart Disease: Revisited: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

This review provides an updated summary of the state of our knowledge of the genetic contributions to the pathogenesis of congenital heart disease. Since 2007, when the initial American Heart Association scientific statement on the genetic basis of congenital heart disease was published, new genomic techniques have become widely available that have dramatically changed our understanding of the causes of congenital heart disease and, clinically, have allowed more accurate definition of the pathogeneses of congenital heart disease in patients of all ages and even prenatally. Information is presented on new molecular testing techniques and their application to congenital heart disease, both isolated and associated with other congenital anomalies or syndromes. Recent advances in the understanding of copy number variants, syndromes, RASopathies, and heterotaxy/ciliopathies are provided. Insights into new research with congenital heart disease models, including genetically manipulated animals such as mice, chicks, and zebrafish, as well as human induced pluripotent stem cell-based approaches are provided to allow an understanding of how future research breakthroughs for congenital heart disease are likely to happen. It is anticipated that this review will provide a large range of health care-related personnel, including pediatric cardiologists, pediatricians, adult cardiologists, thoracic surgeons, obstetricians, geneticists, genetic counselors, and other related clinicians, timely information on the genetic aspects of congenital heart disease. The objective is to provide a comprehensive basis for interdisciplinary care for those with congenital heart disease.

Heterozygous missense mutations in NFATC1 are associated with atrioventricular septal defect

Atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) may occur as part of a complex disorder (e.g., Down syndrome, heterotaxy), or as isolate cardiac defect. Multiple lines of evidence support a role of calcineurin/NFAT signaling in AVSD, and mutations in CRELD1, a protein functioning as a regulator of calcineurin/NFAT signaling have been reported in a small fraction of affected subjects. In this study, 22 patients with isolated AVSD and 38 with AVSD and heterotaxy were screened for NFATC1 gene mutations. Sequence analysis identified three missense variants in three individuals, including a subject with isolated AVSD [p.(Ala367Val)], an individual with AVSD and heterotaxy [p.(Val210Met)], and a subject with AVSD, heterotaxy, and oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum (OAVS) [p.(Ala696Thr)], respectively. The latter was also heterozygous for a missense change in TBX1 [p.(Pro86Leu)]. Targeted resequencing of genes associated with AVSD, heterotaxy, or OAVS excluded additional hits in the three mutation-positive subjects. Functional characterization of NFATC1 mutants documented defective nuclear translocation and decreased transcriptional transactivation activity. When expressed in zebrafish, the three NFATC1 mutants caused cardiac looping defects and altered atrioventricular canal patterning, providing evidence of their functional relevance in vivo. Our findings support a role of defective NFATC1 function in the etiology of isolated and heterotaxy-related AVSD.

Goldenhar syndrome: current perspectives

BACKGROUND

Progress in medical branches that has taken place since the first child with Goldenhare syndrome (GS) had been described in 1952 by Maurice Goldenhar, facilitated better understanding of this congenital defect. It also gave new perspectives and the opportunity to achieve satisfactory treatment results, mainly due to development of surgical techniques.

DATA SOURCES

Based on the literature and own experience, we discussed the phenotype of presentation of GS, ethiopathogenesis, genetic counselling and treatment with particular emphasis on surgery correction of hemifacial microsomia.

RESULTS

The spectrum of GS abnormalities ranges from mild to severe ones and include patients with barely noticeable facial asymmetry to very pronounced facial defect with more or less severe abnormalities of internal organs and/or skeleton. It is characterized most commonly by impaired development of eyes, ears, lips, tongue, palate, mandible, maxilla, zygomatic and orbital structures and deformations of the teeth structures. Ethiopathogenesis is multifactorial and dependent on genetic and environmental factors but there are still many unknowns about the syndrome which should be revealed.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with GS due to a large variety of abnormalities and different severity of symptoms pose a challenge for clinicians. All of this necessitate an individual approach to each single patient and involvement a team of specialists in treatment planning. It is a complex, long-lasting, multidisciplinary process and should be divided into stages, according to patient's age, as well as the extent and severity of observed abnormalities. Neonatologists and pediatricians are involved in care of these patients from the onset.

Late Recognition of a Case of Oculo-Auriculo-Vertebral Spectrum

PURPOSE

To report the late recognition of a case oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum (OAVS).

CASE REPORT

A 14-year-old male patient with a history of spinal scoliosis and anal atresia presented with a right ocular growth that was increasing in size and causing irritation. He was discovered to have a right limbal dermoid and forniceal lipodermoid. All visual functions were normal and the rest of the anterior and posterior segments were unremarkable. External examination revealed facial asymmetry and ipsilateral hemifacial microsomia and a pre-auricular skin tag. A diagnosis of oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum (OAVS) or Goldenhar syndrome was made.

CONCLUSIONS

Growth of a limbal dermoid helped identify oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum, a disorder with a wide phenotypic spectrum that can affect all systems. Early recognition and syndromic designation is imperative; full pediatric survey of suspected cases will help rule out the life-threatening manifestations of the spectrum.

Goldenhar syndrome: a rare diagnosis with possible prenatal findings

Goldenhar syndrome is a rare congenital disease associated with hemifacial hypoplasia as well as ear and ocular defects. Sometimes it is also associated with vertebral and other bone defects, cardiac malformations and central nervous system anomalies. Its aetiology is not yet clarified in the literature. We present a case of multiple malformations detected in the morphology ultrasound (at 22 weeks of gestation), namely absent nasal bones, micrognathia and absent left radius, among other defects. Genetic counselling, fetal brain MRI and cardiac sonography, which showed ventricular septal defect, were performed. 11 syndromes with poor fetal or neonatal prognosis were identified as possible diagnosis, using a genetic database and the couple asked for a medical termination of pregnancy. Postmortem examination has shown features consistent with Goldenhar syndrome.

CHD associated with syndromic diagnoses: peri-operative risk factors and early outcomes

CHD is frequently associated with a genetic syndrome. These syndromes often present specific cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular co-morbidities that confer significant peri-operative risks affecting multiple organ systems. Although surgical outcomes have improved over time, these co-morbidities continue to contribute substantially to poor peri-operative mortality and morbidity outcomes. Peri-operative morbidity may have long-standing ramifications on neurodevelopment and overall health. Recognising the cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular risks associated with specific syndromic diagnoses will facilitate expectant management, early detection of clinical problems, and improved outcomes--for example, the development of syndrome-based protocols for peri-operative evaluation and prophylactic actions may improve outcomes for the more frequently encountered syndromes such as 22q11 deletion syndrome.

Goldenhar Syndrome Associated with Extensive Arterial Malformations

Goldenhar Syndrome is characterized by craniofacial, ocular and vertebral defects secondary to abnormal development of the 1st and 2nd branchial arches and vertebrae. Other findings include cardiac and vascular abnormalities. Though these associations are known, the specific anomalies are not well defined. We present a 7-month-old infant with intermittent respiratory distress that did not improve with respiratory interventions. Echocardiogram suggested a double aortic arch. Cardiac CT angiogram confirmed a right arch and aberrant, stenotic left subclavian artery, dilation of the main pulmonary artery, and agenesis of the left thyroid lobe. Repeat echocardiograms were concerning for severely dilated coronary arteries. Given dilation, a rheumatologic workup ensued, only identifying few weakly positive autoantibodies. Further imaging demonstrated narrowing of the aorta below the renal arteries and extending into the common iliac arteries and proximal femoral arteries. Given a physical exam devoid of rheumatologic findings, only weakly positive autoantibodies, normal inflammatory markers, and presence of the coronary artery dilation, the peripheral artery narrowings were not thought to be vasculitic. This case illustrates the need to identify definitive anomalies related to Goldenhar Syndrome. Although this infant's presentation is rare, recognition of specific vascular findings will help differentiate Goldenhar Syndrome from other disease processes.

Clinical and cytogenetic features of a Brazilian sample of patients with phenotype of oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum: a cross-sectional study

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE

Oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum (OAVS) is considered to be a defect of embryogenesis involving structures originating from the first branchial arches. Our objective was to describe the clinical and cytogenetic findings from a sample of patients with the phenotype of OAVS.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Cross-sectional study in a referral hospital in southern Brazil.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 23 patients who presented clinical findings in at least two of these four areas: orocraniofacial, ocular, auricular and vertebral. The patients underwent a clinical protocol and cytogenetic evaluation through high-resolution karyotyping, fluorescence in situ hybridization for 5p and 22q11 microdeletions and investigation of chromosomal instability for Fanconi anemia.

RESULTS

Cytogenetic abnormalities were observed in three cases (13%) and consisted of: 47,XX,+mar; mos 47,XX,+mar/46,XX; and 46,XX,t(6;10)(q13; q24). We observed cases of OAVS with histories of gestational exposition to fluoxetine, retinoic acid and crack. One of our patients was a discordant monozygotic twin who had shown asymmetrical growth restriction during pregnancy. Our patients with OAVS were characterized by a broad clinical spectrum and some presented atypical findings such as lower-limb reduction defect and a tumor in the right arm, suggestive of hemangioma/lymphangioma.

CONCLUSIONS

We found a wide range of clinical characteristics among the patients with OAVS. Different chromosomal abnormalities and gestational expositions were also observed. Thus, our findings highlight the heterogeneity of the etiology of OAVS and the importance of these factors in the clinical and cytogenetic evaluation of these patients.

A de novo proximal 3q29 chromosome microduplication in a patient with oculo auriculo vertebral spectrum

Oculo auriculo vertebral spectrum (OAVS; OMIM 164210) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorder originating from an abnormal development of the first and second branchial arches. Main clinical characteristics include defects of the aural, oral, mandibular, and vertebral development. Anomalies of the cardiac, pulmonary, renal, skeletal, and central nervous systems have also been described. We report on a 25-year-old male showing a spectrum of clinical manifestations fitting the OAVS diagnosis: hemifacial microsomia, asymmetric mandibular hypoplasia, preauricular pits and tags, unilateral absence of the auditory meatus, dysgenesis of the inner ear and unilateral microphthalmia. A SNP-array analysis identified a de novo previously unreported microduplication spanning 723 Kb on chromosome 3q29. This rearrangement was proximal to the 3q29 microdeletion/microduplication syndrome region, and encompassed nine genes including ATP13A3 and XXYLT1, which are involved in the organogenesis and regulation of the Notch pathway, respectively. The present observation further expands the spectrum of genomic rearrangements associated to OAVS, underlying the value of array-based studies in patients manifesting OAVS features.

Atypical expanded-spectrum hemifacial microsomia: a case report

Objective : To present the case report of a patient with expanded hemifacial microsomia (HFM) that illustrates the complex interactions of these embryogenic factors and to review current theories and mechanism regarding the etiopathogenesis of HFM. Design and Method : We present the case of an African American girl who was born at full term by cesarean section and transferred to our institution for systemic malformations. Her craniofacial findings include holoprosencephaly, cleft lip and palate, low set and posteriorly rotated ears, flat midfacial features, micrognathia, left HFM with grade 1 microtia, hypoplastic mandible, and a small preauricular pharyngeal arch remnant. Systemic anomalies included ectopic kidney, atrial-septal defect, bilateral hip dysplasia, bilateral humeroradial fusion, bilateral club feet, and bilateral low-set thumbs with the right side also being triphalangeal. Genetic evaluation did not identify a molecular diagnosis or other known syndrome. Conclusions : Although vasculogenic disruption of the stapedial artery during early fetal gestation has been implicated in the etiology of HFM, the grouping and bilateral findings seen in our patient argue against this relatively simple and localized phenomenon. Instead, such diverse and widespread anomalies in the setting of expanded spectrum HFM seem to support the theory of a disorder in blastogenesis as the cause of HFM.

Prevalence, prenatal diagnosis and clinical features of oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum: a registry-based study in Europe

Oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum is a complex developmental disorder characterised mainly by anomalies of the ear, hemifacial microsomia, epibulbar dermoids and vertebral anomalies. The aetiology is largely unknown, and the epidemiological data are limited and inconsistent. We present the largest population-based epidemiological study to date, using data provided by the large network of congenital anomalies registries in Europe. The study population included infants diagnosed with oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum during the 1990-2009 period from 34 registries active in 16 European countries. Of the 355 infants diagnosed with oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum, there were 95.8% (340/355) live born, 0.8% (3/355) fetal deaths, 3.4% (12/355) terminations of pregnancy for fetal anomaly and 1.5% (5/340) neonatal deaths. In 18.9%, there was prenatal detection of anomaly/anomalies associated with oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum, 69.7% were diagnosed at birth, 3.9% in the first week of life and 6.1% within 1 year of life. Microtia (88.8%), hemifacial microsomia (49.0%) and ear tags (44.4%) were the most frequent anomalies, followed by atresia/stenosis of external auditory canal (25.1%), diverse vertebral (24.3%) and eye (24.3%) anomalies. There was a high rate (69.5%) of associated anomalies of other organs/systems. The most common were congenital heart defects present in 27.8% of patients. The prevalence of oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum, defined as microtia/ear anomalies and at least one major characteristic anomaly, was 3.8 per 100,000 births. Twinning, assisted reproductive techniques and maternal pre-pregnancy diabetes were confirmed as risk factors. The high rate of different associated anomalies points to the need of performing an early ultrasound screening in all infants born with this disorder.

Clinical care in craniofacial microsomia: a review of current management recommendations and opportunities to advance research

Craniofacial microsomia (CFM) is a complex condition associated with microtia, mandibular hypoplasia, and preauricular tags. It is the second most common congenital facial condition treated in many craniofacial centers and requires longitudinal multidisciplinary patient care. The purpose of this article is to summarize current recommendations for clinical management and discuss opportunities to advance clinical research in CFM.

Ring autosomes: some unexpected findings

Ring chromosomes are rare entities, usually associated with phenotypic abnormalities in correlation with the loss of genetic material. There are various breakpoints and sometimes there is a dynamic mosaicism that is reflected in clinical features. Most of the ring chromosomes are de novo occurrences. Our study reflects the experience of three Romanian cytogenetic laboratories in the field of ring chromosomes. We present six cases with ring chromosomes involving chromosomes 5, 13, 18, and 21. All ring chromosomes were identified after birth in children with plurimalformative syndromes. The ring chromosome was present in mosaic form in three cases, and this feature reflects the ring's instability. In case of ring chromosome 5, we report a possible association with oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum.

Type III hemifacial microsomia in a kitten

The case described herein presented with craniofacial malformations resembling hemifacial microsomia (HFM), a congenital disorder described in humans. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of HFM in a domestic cat.

A Lebanese family with autosomal recessive oculo-auriculo-vertebral (OAV) spectrum and review of the literature: is OAV a genetically heterogeneous disorder?

Oculo-auriculo-vertebral (OAV) spectrum summarizes a continuum of ocular, auricular, and vertebral anomalies. Goldenhar syndrome is a variant of this spectrum and is characterized by pre-auricular skin tags, microtia, facial asymmetry, ocular abnormalities, and vertebral anomalies of different sizes and shapes. Most cases are thought to be sporadic. However, a few families were reported to have an autosomal recessive inheritance and other families' presentation of the syndrome strongly supported an autosomal dominant inheritance. We report OAV in a female infant presenting with tracheomalacia, diaphragmatic hernia, encephalomeningocele, sacral neural tube defect, and cardiac defect and her brother having no more than dysmorphic features. The mode of inheritance in this family supports an autosomal recessive inheritance where the transmission was from normal first-degree consanguineous parents to one of the sons and to the daughter. This report further broadens the clinical presentation and symptoms of OAV and supports the hypothesis advancing OAV as a genetically heterogeneous disorder.

Array-CGH analysis of a cohort of 86 patients with oculoauriculovertebral spectrum

Oculoauriculovertebral spectrum (OAVS) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous congenital disorder. We performed high density oligonucleotide array-CGH on 86 OAVS patients and identified in 11 patients 12 novel genomic rearrangements (4 deletions and 8 duplications) ranging in size from 2.7 kb to 2.3 Mb. We discuss the potential pathogenic role of these chromosomal aberrations, and describe new candidate regions for OAVS.

Central nervous system abnormalities in patients with oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum (Goldenhar syndrome)

OBJECTIVE

To describe the central nervous system (CNS) alterations present in a sample of oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum (OAVS) patients, trying to correlate them with other clinical features.

METHOD

Seventeen patients with diagnosis of OAVS were evaluated. All presented radiological evaluation of the CNS, normal GTG-Banding karyotype and clinical features involving at least two from the four following areas: oro-cranio-facial, ocular, auricular and vertebral.

RESULTS

CNS alterations were verified in eight from seventeen patients (47%). Diffuse cerebral hypoplasia, dilated lateral cerebral ventricles (asymptomatic hydrocephalus), corpus callosum dysgenesis and frontal hypodensities were the most frequent abnormalities. Presence of ophthalmologic abnormalities was the only clinical association observed, being significantly more frequent among patients with cerebral alterations (63% versus 11%).

CONCLUSION

CNS abnormalities are frequent in patients with OAVS, especially in carriers of ophthalmologic alterations. However, the absence of detectable cerebral abnormalities did not exclude the possibility that these subjects will subsequently present neurological symptoms.

Three patients with oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum and microdeletion 22q11.2

We report on three unrelated patients with the 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome (del22q11) who have phenotypic anomalies compatible with oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum (OAVS). Hemifacial microsomia, unilateral microtia, hearing loss, congenital heart/aortic arch arteries defects, and feeding difficulties were present in all three patients. Additional anomalies occasionally diagnosed included coloboma of the upper eyelid, microphthalmia, cerebral malformation, palatal anomalies, neonatal hypocalcemia, developmental delay, and laryngomalacia. Several clinical features characteristic of OAVS have been described in patients with del22q11 from the literature, including ear anomalies, hearing loss, cervical vertebral malformations, conotruncal cardiac defects, renal malformations, feeding and respiratory difficulties. Atretic ear with facial asymmetry has been previously described in one patient. Thus, clinical expression of hemifacial microsomia and microtia resembling OAVS should now be included within the wide phenotypic expression of del22q11. The occurrence of this manifestation in del22q11 is currently low. Nevertheless, patients with hemifacial microsomia and microtia associated with clinical features typically associated with del22q11 should now have for specific cytogenetic testing.