Severe craniosynostosis in an infant with deletion 22q11.2 syndrome

Genetic advances in craniosynostosis

Craniosynostosis, the premature ossification of one or more skull sutures, is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous congenital anomaly affecting approximately one in 2,500 live births. In most cases, it occurs as an isolated congenital anomaly, that is, nonsyndromic craniosynostosis (NCS), the genetic, and environmental causes of which remain largely unknown. Recent data suggest that, at least some of the midline NCS cases may be explained by two loci inheritance. In approximately 25-30% of patients, craniosynostosis presents as a feature of a genetic syndrome due to chromosomal defects or mutations in genes within interconnected signaling pathways. The aim of this review is to provide a detailed and comprehensive update on the genetic and environmental factors associated with NCS, integrating the scientific findings achieved during the last decade. Focus on the neurodevelopmental, imaging, and treatment aspects of NCS is also provided.

Craniosynostosis and radial ray defect: a rare presentation of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

A newborn with bilateral coronal craniosynostosis, hypoplastic thumbs, imperforate anus, and prenatal growth restriction was evaluated and given the clinical diagnosis of Baller-Gerold syndrome (BGS). While confirmatory testing of RECQL4 was pending, the infant developed unexplained hypocalcemia, prompting testing for a 22q11.2 deletion. Subsequently, the infant was found to have a 22q11.2 deletion, and was negative for an RECQL4 mutation. We therefore conclude that 22q11.2 deletion syndrome can present with findings resembling the BGS phenotype.