Prenatal diagnosis of Opitz (BBB) syndrome in the second trimester by ultrasound detection of hypospadias and hypertelorism

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia as a prominent feature of a SPECC1L-related syndrome

Congenital diaphragmatic hernias (CDH) confer substantial morbidity and mortality. Genetic defects, including chromosomal anomalies, copy number variants, and sequence variants are identified in ~30% of patients with CDH. A genetic etiology is not yet found in 70% of patients, however there is a growing number of genetic syndromes and single gene disorders associated with CDH. While there have been two reported individuals with X-linked Opitz G/BBB syndrome with MID1 mutations who have CDH as an associated feature, CDH appears to be a much more prominent feature of a SPECC1L-related autosomal dominant Opitz G/BBB syndrome. Features unique to autosomal dominant Opitz G/BBB syndrome include branchial fistulae, omphalocele, and a bicornuate uterus. Here we present one new individual and five previously reported individuals with CDH found to have SPECC1L mutations. These cases provide strong evidence that SPECC1L is a bona fide CDH gene. We conclude that a SPECC1L-related Opitz G/BBB syndrome should be considered in any patient with CDH who has additional features of hypertelorism, a prominent forehead, a broad nasal bridge, anteverted nares, cleft lip/palate, branchial fistulae, omphalocele, and/or bicornuate uterus.

First trimester ultrasound features of X-linked Opitz syndrome and early molecular diagnosis: case report and review of the literature

X-linked Opitz G/BBB syndrome (XLOS) is a multiple congenital disorder inherited in an X-linked manner. XLOS may be suspected, in prenatal age, on the basis of sonographic findings in the second and/or third trimester of gestation. Pathogenetic variants in MID1 gene have been reported in individuals with XLOS. Prenatal genetic testing is offered for pregnancies at risk, in which the mutation in the family has been identified. To date no cases of prenatal diagnosis, based on first-trimester ultrasound data, have been reported. We present a case of a fetus at 12 gestational weeks with ultrasound multiple anomalies, including increased nuchal translucency, heart defects, cleft lip and palate, enlarged fourth ventricle absence of ductus venosus and family hystory of XLOS. The genetic prenatal test detected the c(0).1286-1G > T mutation of MID1 gene. Data about prenatal ultrasonographic findings consistent with XLOS are limited to second and third trimester. This is the first case reporting ultrasound detectable midline defects suggestive of XLOS as early as the first trimester of gestation. This case also suggests that when multiple anomalies are detected in a fetus with normal chromosomal structure, the possibility of a monogenic disorder must be considered.

The Challenge of Prenatal Diagnostic Work-Up of Maternally Inherited X-Linked Opitz G/BBB: Case Report and Literature Review

Background. Prenatal diagnosis of Optiz G/BBB syndrome (OS) is challenging because the characteristic clinical features, such as facial and genitourinary anomalies, may be subtle at sonography and rather unspecific. Furthermore, molecular testing of the disease gene is not routinely performed, unless a specific diagnosis is suggested. Method. Both familial and ultrasound data were used to achieve the diagnosis of X-linked OS (XLOS), which was confirmed by molecular testing of MID1 gene (Xp22.3) at birth. Results. Sequencing of MID1 gene disclosed the nucleotide change c.1285 +1 G>T, previously associated with XLOS. Conclusions. This case illustrates current challenges of the prenatal diagnostic work-up of XLOS and exemplifies how clinical investigation, including family history, and accurate US foetal investigations can lead to the correct diagnosis.

Acrania-anencephaly associated with hypospadias. Prenatal ultrasound and MRI diagnosis and molecular folate metabolism pathway analysis

Acrania may occur as a single isolated malformation or associated with extracranial defects. Hypospadias is one of the most common congenital abnormalities of the genitalia frequently missed on prenatal sonograms. Second trimester two- and three-dimensional ultrasound and MRI diagnosis with necropsy and folate metabolism pathway analysis. The mechanisms leading to closure of both neural and urethral tubes, are far from being demonstrated, and molecular studies of this very rare association are lacking although it might be based on a common genetic mechanism, leading to a disturbed development pathway at the molecular level.

Hippocampal malrotation with normal corpus callosum in a child with Opitz syndrome

We present cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in a 6-year-old boy with Opitz syndrome. The electroencephalogram revealed epileptiform abnormalities in both frontal regions. MRI showed normal callosal development, but a rounded shape of the left hippocampus due to malrotation. The temporal horn was slightly dilated on the left side. These features were consistent with isolated hippocampal malrotation.

The 'tulip sign': a sonographic clue for in-utero diagnosis of severe hypospadias

OBJECTIVE

To describe a unique sonographic sign for prenatal detection of severe penoscrotal hypospadias.

METHODS

Ultrasound findings of hypospadias diagnosed in the second trimester of pregnancy in seven patients were compared with postnatal clinical features. All patients were recruited from routine sonographic examinations performed for various obstetric indications.

RESULTS

In six of the seven cases with hypospadias, a severe form of peno-scrotal hypospadias was found. In all six cases, a unique ultrasound feature was observed represented by extreme ventral angulation of the penis, with or without chordee, in a form resembling a tulip flower. This 'tulip' is formed by the ventrally bent penis located between the two scrotal folds. In all six patients, the postnatal pictures of the newborns' genitalia corresponded perfectly to the prenatal sonograms. Associated anomalies occurred in two cases, with Nager syndrome in one case and mild renal hydronephrosis in the other case.

CONCLUSIONS

The 'tulip sign' is a specific ultrasonic finding of severe hypospadias. The recognition of this may help to distinguish between severe hypospadias and other genital abnormalities (e.g. ambiguous genitalia).

How accurate is the prenatal diagnosis of abnormal genitalia?

PURPOSE

The prenatal diagnosis of abnormal genitalia may have a major impact on prenatal counseling and postnatal outcome. We studied the accuracy and clinical implications of the prenatal diagnosis of abnormal genitalia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 1991 and 1999 the prenatal and/or postnatal diagnosis of abnormal genitalia in 53 cases was made at our institution. All cases were prenatally assessed at our Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine Department. Outcome was confirmed postnatally or by a fetopathologist in the case of pregnancy termination.

RESULTS

A genital anomaly was prenatally diagnosed in 43 cases and was accurate in 34, while in 9 cases anomalies were absent at birth. In 10 cases ambiguous genitalia were not detected prenatally. The primary anomalies suspected were male pseudohermaphroditism in 19 cases and female pseudohermaphroditism in 12, including 2 cases of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Male pseudohermaphroditism was detected prenatally in 17 cases and diagnosis was confirmed at birth. Female pseudohermaphroditism was detected prenatally in 12 cases and only 5 were confirmed and the anomaly was discovered at birth in 6. The prognosis was highly altered when many malformations or aneuploidy was associated with ambiguous genitalia. Of the 15 patients with many malformations only 3 survived, and pregnancy was terminated in 3 of 4 cases of aneuploidy.

CONCLUSIONS

When pseudohermaphroditism was detected in a male fetus by an experienced ultrasonographer at a tertiary center the prenatal diagnosis was accurate in 100% of cases. The prenatal diagnosis was less accurate (46% correct) in a female fetus.

Further delineation of the Opitz G/BBB syndrome: report of an infant with complex congenital heart disease and bladder exstrophy, and review of the literature

The combination of complex congenital heart disease (double outlet right ventricle with pulmonary atresia, malalignment ventriculoseptal defect, right-sided aortic arch with left ductus arteriosus) and bladder exstrophy occurred in an infant with Opitz syndrome. Neither of these defects has previously been reported in association with Opitz syndrome. These malformations, which are midline defects, further characterize this syndrome as an impairment in midline development. The spectrum of congenital heart disease and genitourinary anomalies seen in Opitz syndrome is reviewed.

Prenatal sonographic diagnosis of mid shaft hypospadias

We report the prenatal diagnosis of mid shaft hypospadias and describe the sonographic features of fetal hypospadias including an abnormal urethral canal, ventral curvature of the distal penis, extension of the penile glans beyond the prepuce, and fetal micturation in a plane perpendicular to the penile shaft. An accurate family history is an essential part of the evaluation of the milder degrees of fetal hypospadias.

Prenatal sonographic signs of possible fetal genital anomalies

The sonographic markers of female and male external genitalia have been documented in early and late gestation. The aim of the present study was to report our experience of possible sonographic markers of fetal genital anomalies. Sonography was performed with a vaginal probe in early gestation and an abdominal sector scanner in advanced gestation. The following genital anomalies were observed: hypospadias, epispadias, ambiguous genitalia, and testicular feminization or Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome. It is therefore concluded that prenatal diagnosis of some genital anomalies is now possible.

Prenatal detection of congenital hypospadias in the Wolf-Hirschhorn (4p-) syndrome

Hypospadias is one of the most prominent and characteristic midline defects in male infants with the Wolf-Hirschhorn (4p-) syndrome. In this report we present a case in which hypospadias was identified prenatally at 29 weeks' gestation in association with intrauterine growth retardation. Cytogenetic evaluation after birth confirmed a 46,XY,del(4)(p14) karyotype. The prenatal identification of hypospadias in fetuses with intrauterine growth retardation and normal amniotic fluid should suggest a diagnosis of Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome.

Brain magnetic resonance imaging findings in the Opitz G/BBB syndrome: extension of the spectrum of midline brain anomalies

We report the brain magnetic resonance imaging findings in 4 patients with the Opitz BBB/G syndrome. The scans were assessed by subjective interpretation and computerized image analysis. Findings noted in 3 of the 4 patients include hypoplasia or agenesis of the corpus callosum (3 patients), cerebellar vermal hypoplasia (2 patients), cortical atrophy and ventriculomegaly (3 patients), macro cisterna magna (3 patients), and a wide cavum septum pellucidum (1 patient). One patient had a normal scan. The demonstration of a wide cavum septum pellucidum extends the spectrum of midline brain anomalies (ventral induction defects) reported in this condition. This study along with other recent reports suggests that midline brain anomalies may be frequent findings in Opitz syndrome.