Alacrima as a Harbinger of Adrenal Insufficiency in a Child with Allgrove (AAA) Syndrome

Two siblings with triple A syndrome

Triple A syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder presenting as adrenal insufficiency, achalasia and alacrima, often accompanied by neurological complications. We present the cases of two siblings, a girl (patient 1) and a boy (patient 2) in their early adolescence, born from a consanguineous marriage. At the age of 4, patient 1 developed progressive dysphagia when consuming both solid and liquid foods, while patient 2 began displaying abnormal gait by 2 years. Both siblings were confirmed to have alacrima and achalasia. Endocrinological assessments unveiled adrenal insufficiency and resistance to adrenocorticotropin hormone, and genetic analysis revealed a homozygous pathogenic variant of the achalasia-adrenal insufficiency-alacrima syndrome gene. Clinical suspicion of triple A syndrome and early investigation on onset of alacrima are essential for prompt diagnosis and management.

Triple-A Syndrome in Morocco: Founder Effect, Age Estimation of the AAAS c.1331+1G>A Variant, and Implications for Genetic Diagnosis

Introduction

Triple-A syndrome (Triple-A) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by alacrimia, achalasia, and adrenal insufficiency. Several variants on the AAAS gene have been described, and some variants are clustered in particular geographical areas, such as the c.1331+1G>A variant which is very frequent in North Africa. Here, we describe the genetic features of Triple-A in a series of unrelated families from Morocco.

Methods

Screening for the AAAS c.1331+1G>A variant was performed by direct sequencing or by PCR-RFLP. Haplotype analysis using Single Tandem Repeat (STR) markers flanking AAAS gene was performed in order to evaluate the founder effect and estimate the age of the c.1331+1G>A variant.

Results

Seven unrelated families with ten individuals clinically diagnosed with Triple-A were evaluated for sequence variations in the AAAS gene. The median age at diagnosis was 3 years, with a range between 2 and 11 years. Molecular analysis revealed that all patients were homozygous for the c.1331+1G>A variant. This variant was not found in 200 healthy controls, indicating that carriers are very rare in the general Moroccan population. Subsequently, STR marker analysis revealed a founder effect and that the most recent common ancestor of Triple-A patients in Morocco would have lived 125 years ago.

Conclusion

This is the largest series of Triple-A in Morocco. The same AAAS c.1331+1G>A variant was found in all patients, suggesting a founder effect in Morocco which was subsequently confirmed by microsatellite marker analysis. Therefore, this variant should be systematically investigated to diagnose Triple-A in Morocco.

The first report of a known 4A syndrome patient with suspected manifestations of COVID-19, what was the final outcome?

The present study was performed on a 24-year-old Iranian man referred to Hospital with suspected symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, weakness, and cough. According to medical history, he had Alacrima, esophageal Achalasia, and adrenal insufficiency from childhood. Based on medical records and clinical examinations, the physician suspected 3A syndrome in the patient and requested further examination for MRI, CXR, and COVID-19 RT-PCR test. The result of the COVID-19 RT-PCR test was negative the next day. The patient's CXR showed ground-glass opacity (GGO) and pulmonary fibrosis. Based on images and MRI reports, severe posterior cortical atrophy disproportionate to chronological age and bilateral atrophy of the lacrimal gland were reported. After reviewing and summarizing the records, history, examinations, and Paraclinical tests, the patient was identified as a case of 4A syndrome.

Allgrove syndrome with amyotrophy

Allgrove syndrome is an autosomal recessive disease mostly caused by mutations in the AAAS gene. It has variable clinical features but its cardinal features comprise the triad of achalasia, alacrimia and adrenal insufficiency. It typically develops during the first decade of life, but some cases have second and third decades onset. We describe a 25-year-old woman with Allgrove syndrome who had progressive amyotrophy, achalasia, dry eyes and adrenal insufficiency since childhood. Awareness of its neurological manifestations and multisystem features helps to shorten the time for diagnosis and allow appropriate symptomatic treatment.

Mineralocorticoid Deficiency as an Early Presenting Symptom of Allgrove Syndrome With Novel Mutation: A Case Report

Allgrove syndrome or Triple-A syndrome is a triad of achalasia, alacrimia, and adrenal insufficiency. It is a rare disease that’s only described in the literature with no known incidence rate. Atypical presentation of some cases is rarely seen, especially with monotonous symptoms. We are describing an early age of presentation with dual symptoms of Allgrove Syndrome than the triplet with novel homozygous variant at c.885G>A in the AAAS gene.

Triple A Multisystem Disorder: Allgrove Syndrome

Allgrove syndrome (AS), also known as triple A syndrome, is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder characterized by a triad of alacrimia, achalasia, and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) resistant adrenal insufficiency. We present a case of a 16-year-old male presenting with the classic triad and a homozygous mutation in the Aladin WD Repeat Nucleoporin (AAAS gene). Genetic analysis and detection of AAAS gene mutation is the cornerstone of diagnosis. Delayed detection results in multiple hospital admissions and life-threatening complications. More data and research are needed to aid in expanding the knowledge about Allgrove syndrome in the literature.

Congenital alacrima

The congenital absence of tear production or alacrima is a distinctively unusual clinical sign that harbors a wide variety of etiologies. While alacrima can be only isolated to the lacrimal system, it is more often associated with progressive multisystem involvement from underlying genetic disorders. Recognizing the subtle ocular signs in these diseases will promote a timely diagnosis and management before potential life-threatening consequences occur. Hence, the current article will review the ophthalmological findings, systemic manifestations, genetic associations, and differential diagnosis of congenital alacrima.

[Allgrove syndrome: how to suspect the problem? Endocrinologists experience]

Allgrove syndrome (Alacrimia, Achalasia, Adrenal insufficiency, AAAS) is a rare autosomal recessive multisystem disease characterized by chronic adrenal insufficiency, alacrimia and achalasia of the cardia. This disease is often associated with various neurological disorders, amyotrophy, in such cases, it is named 4A and 5A syndrome, but sometimes there is also 2A syndrom. The occurrence of the disease is due to a mutation in the gene AAAS (12q13), which encodes the protein ALADIN. Here is a clinical observation of a patient with Allgrove syndrome. The patient had a typical clinic: alacrimia, achalasia, adrenal insufficiency, convulsive syndrome. However, a neurological disorder, manifested by convulsive syndrome, passed with time. Despite the full clinical picture, the diagnosis was made only after 14 years. Allgrove syndrome was verified through genetic analysis revealed a pathogenic mutation c.43C>T gene AAAS. Progression of the severity of alacrimia and need of glucocorticoids over time was noted. We shown the difficulty of diagnosis is due to the lack of awareness of clinicians about the disease, the importance of interdisciplinary interaction, as well as the need for follow-up of such patients.

Case report of a familial triple: a syndrome and review of the literature

RATIONALE

Triple-A syndrome, or Allgrove syndrome (AS), is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the alacrimia, achalasia, and adrenal insufficiency triad. Alacrimia usually starts at early infancy, while achalasia and adrenal insufficiency appear later during childhood or adulthood. Some patients may also present with the so-called Double-A syndrome (i.e., alacrimia and achalasia, or alacrimia and adrenal insufficiency); adrenal insufficiency usually represents a life-threatening event due to severe hypoglycemia. Many patients may also present other associated manifestations, such as neurological disorders. We describe, here, 2 sisters of non-consanguineous parents.

PATIENT CONCERNS

An 8-year-old girl was admitted to the Pediatric Care Unit of Parma after an episode characterized by seizure with loss of consciousness and generalized hypertonia lasting a few minutes. Her sister, a 6-year-old girl, presented with recurrent episodes of vomiting and failure to thrive.

DIAGNOSES

Both children were investigated by laboratory tests, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and imaging. The first patient had the complete triad of AS (alacrimia, achalasia, adrenal insufficiency), while the second one presented only alacrimia and achalasia. Both resulted from a mutation in the achalasia, addisonianism, alacrimia syndrome gene.

INTERVENTIONS

Both patients were treated with oral hydrocortisone for Addison disease, and with artificial tears in the first case. After many pneumatic endoscopic dilations and therapy with nifedipine, both patients underwent surgical Heller myotomy for achalasia.

OUTCOMES

A rapid and favorable recovery to normal diet and with improvement of growth parameters was obtained. These cases are also compared with the literature data, reported in a brief review.

LESSONS

AS is a rare multisystemic disorder. The longer diagnosis is delayed, the greater extent to which this syndrome may be life-threatening, mainly because of hypoglycemia due to adrenal insufficiency. In AS, the red-flag symptom of alacrimia should instigate investigation for achalasia, Addison disease, and achalasia, addisonianism, alacrimia syndrome gene mutation.

A broad range of symptoms in allgrove syndrome: single center experience in Southeast Anatolia

BACKGROUND

Allgrove syndrome (OMIM 231550) is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by non-CAH primary adrenal insufficiency (non-CAH PAI), alacrima, and achalasia. It is caused by mutations in the AAAS gene. The syndrome is also associated with variable progressive neurological impairment and dermatological abnormalities.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We diagnosed 23 patients from 14 families with Allgrove syndrome, based on the presence of at least two characteristic symptoms, usually adrenal insufficiency and alacrima, between 2008 and 2018. A previously described nonsense variant of AAAS was detected in 19 patients from 12 families at homozygous state. Another novel homozygous mutation (c.394-397delCTGT) in AAAS was detected in four patients from two families. Presenting symptoms were alacrima (23/23; 100%), adrenal insufficiency (18/23; 78%), achalasia (13/23; 57%), short stature/growth retardation (16/23; 70%), hyperreflexia (15/23; 65%), palmoplantar hyperkeratosis (13/23; 57%), hyperpigmentation of the skin (10/23; 43%), hypoglycemia-induced convulsion (7/23; 30%), swallowing difficulty and vomiting (6/23; 26%). Serum DHEAS concentrations were low in all patients (23/23; 100%).

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical symptoms vary even among patients carrying the same mutation. Triple A syndrome should be considered in the etiology of non-CAH PAI in Arab populations and in Southeast Turkey. Any child with non-CAH PAI should be evaluated for the presence of alacrima and/or achalasia or family history of alacrima and/or achalasia. Children with alacrima and/or achalasia should also be investigated for adrenal insufficiency. Definitive molecular diagnosis is essential for early diagnosis and management of adrenal insufficiency, neurological symptoms, and growth retardation in patients and early diagnosis of as yet asymptomatic cases in the family, together with genetic counseling.

Triple A syndrome (Allgrove syndrome): improving outcomes with a multidisciplinary approach

Allgrove syndrome or triple A (3A) syndrome is a multisystem disorder which classically involves the triad of esophageal achalasia, alacrima, and adrenal insufficiency due to adrenocorticotropin hormone insensitivity. It follows an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance and is associated with mutations in the AAAS (achalasia–addisonianism–alacrima syndrome) gene. Since its first description in 1978, the knowledge on clinical and genetic characteristics has been expanding; however, the current literature is limited to case reports and case reviews. Early recognition of the syndrome is challenging, given the rarity of the condition and high phenotypic heterogeneity even among members of kin. The coordination of care for these patients requires a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including endocrinologists, neurologists, gastroenterologists, ophthalmologists, developmental specialists, dentists, geneticists, and surgeons. In this review, we aim to summarize the current recommendations for the diagnosis, management, and follow-up of patients with 3A syndrome.

Triple A syndrome: two siblings with a novel mutation in the AAAS gene

OBJECTIVE

Triple A syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the AAAS gene on chromosome 12q13. Its main clinical features are alacrima, achalasia, and adrenal insufficiency, with most patients also having neurological symptoms and autonomic dysfunction. The neurologic manifestations are less well-understood, especially in children. Here, we examine two siblings who were found to have a novel mutation in the AAAS gene and who were found to have subtle, but important, neurologic findings.

DESIGN

This is a case report of two siblings.

RESULTS

We discuss two siblings exhibiting different signs of the disorder including neurologic dysfunction found at varying ages. Genetic analysis revealed that both patients have the same compound heterozygous mutations in the AAAS gene consisting of one novel mutation (c.500 C>A, A167E) and one previously described mutation (c.1331+1G> A/IVS14+1 G>A). A diagnosis of triple A syndrome was reached based on their clinical and genetic findings.

CONCLUSIONS

The unique characteristic of these two cases is the novel mutation in the AAAS gene, which is likely pathogenic. In addition, they showcase the genotype-phenotype variability of the disease, as well as the importance of early identification of the neurologic abnormalities, which can result in early intervention and possibly improved outcomes.

Atypical Presentation of Adrenocortical Insufficiency with Anorexia and Jaundice

Patient: Female, 65

Final Diagnosis: Adrenocortical insufficiency

Symptoms: Anorexia and jaundice

Medication: Glucocorticoid replacement

Clinical Procedure: —

Specialty: Gastroenterology and Hepatology

LJA, Barbosa GM, França MC, Correia L, Bastos VH, Trajano E, Jr. MDS. Allgrove syndrome and motor neuron disease

Allgrove or triple A syndrome (AS or AAA) is a rare autosomal recessive syndrome with variable phenotype due to mutations in AAAS gene which encodes a protein called ALADIN. Generally, it's characterized by of adrenal insufficiency in consequence of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) resistance, besides of achalasia, and alacrimia. Neurologic features are varied and have been the subject of several case reports and reviews. A few cases of Allgrove syndrome with motor neuron disease have been already described. A 25-year-old white man, at the age of four, presented slowly progressive distal amyotrophy and weakness, autonomic dysfunction, dysphagia and lack of tears. He suffered later of orthostatic hypotension and erectile dysfunction. He presented distal amytrophy in four limbs, tongue myofasiculations, alacrimia, hoarseness and dysphagia due to achalasia. The ENMG showed generalized denervation with normal conduction velocities. Genetic testing revealed 2 known pathogenic variants in the AAAS gene (c.938T>C and c.1144_1147delTCTG). Our case presented a distal spinal amyotrophy with slow evolution and symptoms and signs of AS with a mutation in AAAS gen. Some cases of motor neuron disease, as ours, may be due to AAS. Early diagnosis is extremely important for symptomatic treatment.

Clinical and genetic characterisation of a series of patients with triple A syndrome

Triple A syndrome (TAS) or Allgrove syndrome (OMIM #231550) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterised by adrenocorticotropic hormone-resistant adrenal insufficiency, alacrima, achalasia, and neurological and dermatological abnormalities. Mutations in the AAAS gene on chromosome 12q13 encoding the nuclear pore protein ALADIN have been reported in these patients. Between 2006 and 2017, we evaluated six patients with a clinical diagnosis of TAS, based on the presence of at least two symptoms, usually adrenal insufficiency and alacrima. In all cases, genetic analysis revealed homozygous mutations in the AAAS gene. One novel mutation was detected: a homozygous 10-bp deletion (c.1264_1273del, p.Q422NfsX126) in exon 14 of the AAAS gene that caused a frameshift that introduced an aberrant stop codon after 126 amino acids. This genetic variant is likely to be pathogenic because it caused a significant change in protein structure. A precise genotype-phenotype correlation was impossible to establish.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our experience, we recommend that molecular analysis should be performed in the presence of alacrima and at least one more symptom of TAS. Our cases share many clinical features of TAS and underline the variability in this syndrome, as well as the need for thorough investigation following a multidisciplinary approach. What is known: • Triple A syndrome is characterised by achalasia, alacrima, adrenal insufficiency, neurological impairment, and dermatological abnormalities. • A precise genotype-phenotype correlation has proved impossible to establish. What is new: • These cases add to a large number of similar case reports with limited novel information. • The newly identified AAAS gene mutation was reported.

Isolated bilateral congenital lacrimal gland agenesis - Report of two cases

Congenital lacrimal gland agenesis, also called congenital alacrima, is a rare cause of dry eye and is characterized by aplasia or hypoplasia of lacrimal glands. We present two 5-year old children with congenital lacrimal gland agenesis. The two cases had the final diagnosis of isolated bilateral congenital lacrimal gland agenesis and we document the clinical aspects, treatment and present a literature review related to this rare condition.