Nayab Munib

and 5 more

Crouzon Syndrome vs Apert Syndrome: A Diagnostic DilemmaAbstract: Crouzon syndrome and Apert syndrome share clinical similarities to those depicted in the illustrated case. Diagnostic confirmation typically involves genetic testing, radiological assessment, and thorough physical examination. This image effectively showcases the key clinical trait distinguishing Apert syndrome from Crouzon syndrome- complex syndactyly of the extremities. While these two types of syndromic craniosynostosis share very similar characteristics, a correct diagnosis is vital to address the patient’s distinct needs.Keywords: Apert syndrome, Crouzon syndrome, CraniosynostosisKey clinical message: Apert syndrome, a syndromic craniosynostosis, is typified by craniofacial dysostosis and syndactyly of the extremities. Given its many overlapping clinical features with Crouzon syndrome, a comprehensive understanding is essential for medical practitioners.Case presentation: A 17-year-old female patient presents with congenital craniofacial anomalies characterized by dysmorphic cranial and facial features. These included an enlarged cranial vault, frontal bossing with prominent supraorbital ridges, and apparent pseudo-prognathism. The patient exhibits bilateral proptosis, strabismus, a depressed nasal bridge, widely spaced dentition, a highly arched palate, and low-set ears. While the upper extremities display no discernible anomalies, syndactyly is evident bilaterally in the lower extremities. Radiographic examination via lateral skull X-ray reveals a distinctive "copper beaten" appearance and fusion of the second and third cervical and fourth and fifth cervical vertebrae (Figure 1). The patient was born prematurely at 28 weeks via uncomplicated vaginal delivery to consanguineous parents. Family history is notable for similar phenotypic presentations and a history of seizures in a brother who passed away at 15. Genetic analysis identified a mutation in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 gene. The clinical manifestations, radiological imaging, and genetic testing led to the presumptive diagnosis of Apert syndrome.Discussion/Conclusion: Syndromic craniosynostosis, such as Crouzon and Apert syndrome, is often the result of de novo autosomal dominant mutations of the fibroblast growth factor receptors. Skull-base abnormalities and midface hypoplasia are common due to premature fusion of cranial sutures. Crouzon syndrome is predominantly caused by a mutation in fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGFR), although mutations in FGFR3 have also been reported [1]. Apert syndrome’s most common genetic mutation is also fibroblast growth factor 2. Crouzon syndrome specifically demonstrates very similar features to Apert syndrome. The clinical manifestations of Crouzon syndrome include a flattened forehead due to bicoronal synostosis, proptosis, and midface hypoplasia [1]. Apert syndrome can present identically but typically consists of the distinguishing complex syndactyly of the extremities. It is important to note that various other types of craniosynostosis, such as Pfeiffer syndrome, can also be caused by a mutation in FGFR2. However, a mutation in FGFR1 is more common. This condition is significant for broad thumbs and brachydactyly, which were absent in this patient. Differing genetic mutations can cause other craniosynostosis- Carpenter syndrome has a  RAB23/GTPase mutation, Saethre-Chrotzen syndrome has a TWIST gene mutation, and Muenke has a FGFR3 mutation [1].Apert syndrome has a broad spectrum of clinical features, including the obliteration of coronal and sagittal sutures, acro cranium flattening, a prominent forehead, hypoplastic maxilla with pseudo prognathism, hypertelorism, divergent strabismus, and dental malocclusion [2]. Diagnostic confirmation typically requires radiographic assessments of the skull, spine, and hand. Skull radiography may reveal sclerosis of the suture line, most commonly the coronal sutures, and hypoplasia of the midfacial bones [3]. In contrast, spinal X-rays typically depict cervical fusion, mostly found in C5/C6, which was present in this patient [4].Pediatric patients can significantly benefit from early intervention services to help with any developmental or intellectual disabilities. Early intervention requires prompt and accurate diagnosis when assessing a patient with possible craniosynostosis syndrome. Understanding the differences between these conditions and correctly identifying them, made more accessible through the patient report photos presented below, can benefit physicians and healthcare professionals when assessing patients.

Qaisar Ali Khan

and 8 more

Introduction Noonan syndrome is a multisystem, genetic, developmental disorder occurring with the incidence of 1 case per 1000 to 1 case per 2500 live births in the United -States. The condition occurs either in a sporadic or autosomal dominant manner and affects both males and females equally. [1] Ullrich (1930) and Turner (1938) described females with a syndrome of short stature, sexual infantilism, and a pattern of characteristic minor anomalies like pterygium colli. This syndrome originally named Ullrich-Turner syndrome was later called Noonan syndrome. It was first reported by Kobylinski (1883), but it was first recognized as a unique entity in 1963 when Pediatrician and Heart specialist Jacqueline Noonan and Ehmke described a series of patients with unusual facies and multiple malformations, including congenital heart defects. The characteristic abnormalities resemble those in Turner syndrome, which only affects females and so Noonan syndrome was used to be called ”Male Turner syndrome”. This term is no longer used because Noonan syndrome can affect females also. Noonan syndrome is also called Webbed neck syndrome, Pseudo-Ullrich Turner syndrome, Female Pseudo-Turner syndrome, or Turner-like syndrome.[2]The condition is mainly characterized by facial dysmorphism, congenital heart defects, growth hormone deficiencies, webbed neck, wide space nipples, and musculoskeletal, renal, genital, and bleeding abnormalities. Mental retardation can also occur in about 25% of patients with Noonan syndrome. Facial abnormalities include hypertelorism, down-slanting eyes, webbed neck, eyelid abnormalities, and skin manifestations. Prenatally the presentation of Noonan syndrome is not unremarkable, however, some cases are often complicated by polyhydramnios, fetal edema, increased nuchal translucency, and cystic hygroma. [3,4,5]. Very little is known about the occurrence of hypothyroidism in patients with Noon syndrome, this case report highlights the concomitant occurrence of hypothyroidism in a patient with Noonan syndrome, and stresses that further research should be done to find the association of these two.Case presentation : A 15 -year-old female patient was presented to the outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital for bilateral eye puffiness, easy fatiguability, and generalized body weakness. The patient’s condition started 6 months back and it gradually worsened. On further inquiry, the patient has a history of constipation on and off which relieves with laxatives. The past medical history of the patient was significant for acute hepatitis A and COVID-19 infection 3 and 1 year back respectively. The patient was born through a normal vaginal delivery at the hospital and she was the 7th child of his parents. The medical record of the patient showed that all the developmental milestones were up to date, and the patient received all the childhood vaccination. Family history was not significant for congenital heart defects, mental retardation, short stature, or unusual facial features. She was 135 cm tall and had 32 kg weight with vital signs of blood pressure of 100/70 mm Hg, pulse rate of 65 beats per minute, and respiratory rate of 15 breaths per minute. Examination revealed pale conjunctive, down slanting eyes, hypertelorism, webbed neck, shield chest with wide space nipple as shown in Figure.1. Systemic examination was unremarkable except for decreased muscles power in both upper and lower limb with a positive Gower’s sign. The patient examination findings were suggestive of some congenital syndrome and initially both Turner’s and Noonan were suspected. Karyotyping was done which showed normal 46 XX chromosomes as shown in Figure.2 A diagnosis of Noonan syndrome was made based on the clinical features and chromosomal analysis. The patient was further evaluated for recurrent eye puffiness and easy fatiguability and the laboratory results revealed anemia, hypothyroidism, and increased creatinine kinase as shown in Table. 1. A nerve conduction test and electromyography of both the upper and lower limb were done for progressive weakness that was consistent with mild myopathy, without evidence of spontaneous activity, mainly affecting the proximal muscles. A final diagnosis of Noonan syndrome with hypothyroidism that led to proximal myopathy was made. The patient was further evaluated for cardiac, ophthalmologic, hearing, renal and genital, and coagulation abnormalities that were all normal. The patient and her parents were counseled about the condition, she was started on levothyroxine 50mg OD, cap Iron sulfate 1 cap daily for two months, and tablet opendrine and paracetamol 35/450 mg SOS for muscular pain and weakness. She was referred to a pediatric endocrinologist for growth and development assessment and was instructed to do close follow-up with repeat thyroid function tests in 6 weeks and coagulation profile and echocardiography when symptoms develop.