case report - nsbf.us · the patient underwent surgery for choanal atresia and nasolacrimal duct...
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Biomedicine International Biomedicine International Biomedicine International Biomedicine International 2013; 4: 45-52.
Address correspondence to Mohammadali M. Shoja, MD, Section of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children’s of Alabama,
ACC 400, 1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA. Phone: 205-514-9847. Fax: 205-939-9972. Email:
Submitted November 15, 2012; accepted in revised form November 15, 2012.
For online access, see www.bmijournal.org
CASE REPORT
Lenz-Majewski Syndrome Associated with Hydrocephalus and Multiple
Congenital Malformations
Mohammadali M. Shoja1,2, Martin M. Mortazavi2, Benjamin Ditty2, Christoph J. Griessenauer2,
Marios Loukas3, Alon Harris4, R. Shane Tubbs1
1Section of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital, Birmingham, AL, USA
2Division of Neurological Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birming-
ham, AL, USA 3Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, St. George’s University, Grenada, West Indies 4Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
INTRODUCTION
In 1969, Braham described a pediatric patient with several congenital features similar to
Camurati-Engelmann syndrome, symmetric hyperostotic disorder associated with unusual
features of progeria, widened ribs, jaw affection, enamel hypoplasia, webbed hands and
brachysyndactyly.1 This patient was revisited by Macpherson who also suggested it to be
considered “a completely different” condition than Camurati-Engelmann syndrome.2 A
strikingly similar pediatric patient characterized by growth retardation, progeria, choanal
atresia, symphalangism, enamel hypoplasia and craniodiaphysial hyperostosis was later
reported by Lenz and Majewski.3 The constellation of malformations hallmarked by crani-
otubular hyperostosis, ectodermal dysplasia and brachysyndactyly was then further em-
phasized as a distinct entity. So far, this syndrome, which should be appropriately referred
to as Lenz-Majewski syndrome, has only ten reported cases in the English-language litera-
ture. The cases have been sporadically reported from North America1,2,4-6, Europe3,7-9, and
Southeast and Far East Asia.10-12 Herein, the authors describe an additional patient with
ABSTRACT
Lenz-Majewski syndrome is a congenital progressive skeletal disorder hallmarked by craniotubular
hyperostosis, ectodermal dysplasia (cutis laxa and enamel hypoplasia) and hand/foot osseous dys-
genesis or hypoplasia (brachysyndactyly, absent metacarpals, etc). So far, only ten cases of this syn-
drome have been described in literature. We present the eleventh case of Lenz-Majewski syndrome
with craniotubular hyperostosis cutis laxa, brachysyndactyly, hypoplastic fingers and toes and an
absent metatarsal in a Hispanic boy. Notable secondary phenotypic presentations were megalocor-
nea and glaucoma, obstructive sleep apnea, laryngotracheobronchomalacia and severe hydro-
cephalus with intracranial hypertension requiring shunt placement. As far as we are aware, the
latter features have not been previously reported with Lenz-Majewski syndrome. The present re-
port demonstrated the variance associated with the secondary phenotypic burden of this syn-
drome. Biomed. Int. 2013; 4: 45-52. ©2013 Biomedicine International, Inc.
Key words: Congenital, head, malformation, skeletal, skin
BIBIBIBI
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Lenz-Majewski syndrome associated with multiple unrelated congenital malformations,
which may further extend the phenotypic description of this syndrome. Special emphasis is
made on the course and management of communicating hydrocephalus observed in the
present patient.
CASE REPORT
A 22-month-old Hispanic boy was brought by his mother to our center with swelling over
the back of his head of one-day onset. A history of accidental head trauma due to fall 3-4
days prior to the presentation was obtained from the mother. Initial CT scan revealed a left
frontal small epidural hematoma (<4 mm in width), bilateral posterior subgaleal accumu-
lation, cortical atrophy and ventriculomegaly (Figure 1). On examination, the patient was
alert and reactive with developmental delay. Multiple facial and limb abnormalities were
noted (Figures 2 and 3). The head was large with notable frontal bossing and an open, full
anterior fontanelle. The skin was lax and wrinkled with excessive subcutaneous fat. Subcu-
taneous veins were readily visible, especially over the forehead and scalp. Large palpebral
fissures and slightly bulged eyes were also noted.
Figure 1:
Non-contrast head CT scan. Although left frontal epi-
dural hematoma and bilateral posterior subgaleal ac-
cumulations are acute in appearance, frontotemporal
gyral atrophy, widened subarachnoid space and sulci,
and enlargement of lateral ventricles represent a chron-
ic condition.
The past medical history revealed an otherwise uncomplicated vaginal delivery. Mother
had routine prenatal care and uncertainly stated that the age of biological father was ap-
proximately 25 years at the time of conception. Bilateral cryptorchidism, skeletal abnor-
malities, progeria-like appearance and redundant skin had been noted in early infancy.
The early-infancy skeletal X-ray survey had shown generalized osteopenia, diffuse diaph-
yseal sclerosis, metaphyseal lucency, frontal bone sclerosis, widened clavicles, ribs and is-
chia, hypoplastic metatarsals and metacarpals and bilateral absence of one metatarsal, con-
sistent with the clinicoradiological diagnosis of Lenz-Majewski syndrome. Head CT scans
had demonstrated slight prominence of extra-axial spaces and enlarged basilar cisterns at
2-months of age, and mildly dilated lateral and third ventricles and prominent sulci and
cisterns at 4-months of age. A small patent ductus arteriosus, patent foramen ovale, mildly
dilated right atrium and ventricle were noted on initial echocardiography but later re-
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solved. The patient underwent surgery for choanal atresia and nasolacrimal duct obstruc-
tion as well as small bowel resection and ileostomy creation due to necrotizing enterocol-
itis-related bowel adhesions and stricture formation in early infancy. This was followed by
closure of ileostomy and laparotomy with Roux-en-Y feeding jejunostomy for gastric iner-
tia and feeding intolerance at 6 and 11 months of age, respectively. At 7-months of age, an
ocular examination under anesthesia revealed bilateral congenital glaucoma and megalo-
cornea. A skeletal X-ray survey at 14-months of age had revealed diffuse skeletal dysplasia,
osteosclerosis and osteopenic appearance; the characteristic findings were craniofacial dis-
proportion with bulbous calvarial contour, frontal prominence and midface dysplasia,
widened ribs and clavicles, osteosclerosis and undertubulation of the long bones in the up-
per and lower extremities and hypoplasia of metacarpals, hand and foot phalanges and bi-
lateral absence of one metatarsal. A repeat head CT scan at 14-months also had demon-
strated increased dilation of the lateral and third ventricles compared to a scan performed
at 4 months. At 17-months, the patient underwent bilateral myringotomy tube placement
for chronic otitis media and mucoid effusions, which was complicated by postoperative
pneumonia, respiratory failure and obstructive sleep apnea. A bronchoscopy at that time
revealed pharyngeal hypotonia (perhaps due to decreased muscular tone and/or connec-
tive tissue disorder), laryngomalacia and tracheobronchomalacia. He underwent a nasal
septoplasty for a deviated septum and severe nasal obstruction at 19 months, and contin-
ued to receive nighttime bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) for obstructive sleep ap-
nea.
Figure 2: Patient’s facial features upon presentation with hydrocephalus (2a) and at 50 months of age (2b). 2a,
Progeroid appearance, frontal bossing with visible subcutaneous veins, hypertelorism, depressed nasal bridge and broad
nasal tip, flared nares, malformed ears, and thickened upper lip are remarkable. 2b, Note the box-shaped head.
With a diagnosis of hypertensive hydrocephalus, the patient then underwent a right ven-
triculoperitoneal shunt insertion at 22 month of age. Notable during subcutaneous tunnel-
ing for shunt placement was significant venous engorgement and abnormally dense con-
nective tissues. Significant collapse of his ventricles was noted on the repeat head CT scan
9 days later. Repeat CT scans also revealed narrowing of the foramen magnum, which
could potentially explain the occurrence of hydrocephalus in this patient. Unfortunately, 8
months later, the patient presented with a wound dehiscence, shunt infection and subse-
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quent formation of subdural empyema. The shunt was removed; an external ventricular
drain was placed. The postoperative course was complicated by formation of a subdural
empyema, which was managed by left frontal small craniotomy and irrigation. Eventually,
an occipital ventriculoperitoneal shunt was inserted. A follow-up CT scan three months
later showed interval decompression of the lateral ventricles. Five months later the patient
was readmitted for symptoms of shunt failure consisting of bradycardia and apneic spells
and underwent emergent external ventricular drain placement. The hospital course was
complicated by intraparenchymal and intraventricular hemorrhages associated with cathe-
ter placement, failure after shunt re-insertion and development of ventriculitis requiring
prolonged external ventricular drainage and antibiotic therapy. Technical challenges relat-
ed to the underlying syndromic features such as thin skin and dense soft tissue were en-
countered with these surgeries. Eventually, a shunt was replaced and the patient was dis-
charged home. Within a few days, he had to be readmitted for recurrent shunt failure and
respiratory failure requiring ventilator support and tracheostomy placement. At this point
the patient had a shunt reinserted but was not discharged from the hospital due to persis-
tent respiratory issues and sepsis. A repeat hand and foot X-ray was performed at 48
months of age, which in comparison to an earlier X-rays (Figure 4) showed the severely
progressive nature of osteosclerosis (Figure 5).
Figure 3: Photographs of right (3a) and left hands (3b) and right (3c) and left feet (3d) at 50-51 months of age (note that
earlier images were of low-quality and are not shown here). Wrinkled skin, brachydactyly, cutaneous syndactyly,
hyperconvex nails, and short foot with dorsiflexed toes are remarkable.
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Figure 4: Skeletal X-rays (at 22 months of age) showing osteosclerosis of skull base and orbital rim and midface
hypoplasia (a), osteosclerosis of long bones, metaphyseal lucency and bilateral agenesis of a metatarsal and
undermodeling/hypoplasia of metatarsals and toe phalanges (b, c and d), and widened ribs (e).
Figure 5: Hand and foot X-ray at 48 months of age. Severely progressive osteosclerosis is evident in comparison to Figure
4. Brachydactyly, symphalangism, phalangeal hypoplasia, underdeveloped carpal bones (A), epiphyseal/metaphyseal
lucency, sclerotic and thickened cortical bone (B), and absent metatarsal and underdevelopment of tarsal bones (C) are
remarkable.
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DISCUSSION
Lenz-Majewski syndrome is a distinct form of craniotubular bone dysplasia characterized
by progressive craniotubular hyperostosis and osteosclerosis (thickened calvaria, ribs, and
diaphyseal bones), ectodermal dysplasia (e.g., enamel hypoplasia, cutis laxa), proximal
symphalangism/syndactyly and disproportionate brachydactyly. Proximal symphalangism
is often associated with interdigital webbing or cutaneous syndactyly. Characteristic skele-
tal finding of Lenz-Majewski syndrome were present in our patient, although abnormali-
ties of foot (e.g., absent metatarsal) were more dominant than hands (Figures 4 and 5). A
Lenz-Majewski syndrome-like syndrome has also been reported in a Japanese boy with
limited tubular osteosclerosis, and rather-proportionate shortening of the digits without
symphalangism.12 The 2006 revised edition of Nosology and Classification of Genetic Skel-
etal Disorders included this syndrome (together with such syndromes as Camurati-
Engelmann, Tricho-dento-osseous dysplasia, Pachydermoperiostosis, etc.) under the cate-
gory of increased bone density with metaphyseal and/or diaphyseal involvement.13 The ge-
netic basis of Lenz-Majewski syndrome is still unknown and chromosomal studies have
failed to show a gross abnormality; however, several patients reported previously had been
associated with older paternal age. Although such an association cannot be fully justified
based on the limited reports, one may refer to other congenital skeletal malformations as-
sociated with advanced paternal age such as achondroplasia and acrocephalosyndactyly,
potentially linked to increased likelihood of mutation in the aged spermatozoon.14 Notably,
the family history was positive for a sibling with Down syndrome in the patient described
by Braham1 and Macpherson.2
The prognosis of Lenz-Majewski syndrome is often poor due to multiple and progressive
congenital deformations, failure to thrive and developmental delay. The patients may die
early in the neonatal period5, or as Majewski noted, may survive until adulthood with no
serious illness.8 Heterogeneous presentations and non-classic findings in Lenz-Majewski
syndrome have been reported by previous authors. Cerebral agenesis and micrognathia1,
cryptorchidism2,6,7, lumbar spina bifida occulta and hemivertebra7, ambigous genitalia5,
hypospadias5,6, Chordee6, exophthalmia12, communicating hydrocephalus, cleft palate, per-
sistent peripheral facial palsy11, choanal stenosis, hip dysplasia and strabismus3,8, humero-
radial synostosis7, nasolacrimal duct obstruction4,9, dysgenesis of corpus callosum and mild
white matter atrophy9, prognathism10, and conductive hearing loss7 have also been report-
ed. In a postmortem examination by Kaye and colleagues no gross abnormality was noted
in the internal organs including brain.5 Lenz-Majewski syndrome is in differential diagno-
sis of a group of genetic skeletal disorders which are associated with hyperostosis and di-
aphyseal dysplasia.13 A classic example is Camurati-Engelmann’s syndrome, a progressive
tubular bone dysplasia. In a previous report, enamel hypoplasia, abnormal modeling of
long bones and cutaneous abnormalities such as cutis laxa have been described as parts of
the so-called SCARF syndrome.16 However, involvement of hands and feet (e.g., symphal-
angism, brachysyndactyly and absence or hypoplasia of the small bones) in association
with craniodiaphyseal hyperostosis (dysplasia) is characteristic for Lenz-Majewski syn-
drome.
Table 1 compares the clinical feature of the present patient and the one originally de-
scribed by Lenz and Majewski.3 The present patient had characteristic clinicoradiological
features of Lenz-Majewski syndrome including cutis laxa, craniotubular hyperostosis and
brachydactyly. He additionally had an absent metatarsal. Other notable malformations
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were communicating hydrocephalus (secondary to skull base hyperostosis and narrowing
of the foramen magnum, impairment of cerebral venous outflow or decreased cerebrospi-
nal fluid absorption), glaucoma and megalocornea (perhaps due to excess laxity of corneal
stroma), cryptorchidism (due to gubernacular connective tissue changes) and laryngotra-
cheobronchomalacia. A mild dilation of lateral ventricles was also reported by Gorlin and
Whitley4 in a patient with no evidence of intracranial hypertension and no need for inter-
vention. Macrocephaly and mild dilation of lateral ventricles were described in a Japanese
boy with atypical Lenz-Majewski syndrome characterized by mild undertubulation of met-
acarpals and proximal phalanges and dominantly metaphyseal involvement of tubular
bones; no intervention was reported for mild hydrocephalus.12 In a patient with communi-
cating hydrocephalus, Wattanasirichaigoon and colleagues reported a good response to
carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, and attributed the cause of hydrocephalus to an impaired
intracranial venous drainage and cerebrospinal fluid absorption.11
Table 1: Comparison of clinical features of the present patient with the original report of Lenz and Majewski (1974)
Clinical Features Present patient Lenz and Majewski’s patient
Gender Male Female
Craniodiapyseal hyperostosis + +
Symphalangism + +
Brachysyndactyly + +
Hypertelorism + +
Enamel hypoplasia + +
Dermopathy + +
Hydrocephaly + -
Glaucoma + -
Laryngotracheobronchomalacia + -
Obstructive sleep apnea + -
Ultimately, the present report added a new case of Lenz-Majewski syndrome to the ex-
tant literature. Aside from typical features of the syndrome, novel associations with this
rare syndrome included hydrocephalus with intracranial hypertension requiring shunt
placement, glaucoma/megalocornea as well as laryngotracheobronchomalacia leading to
obstructive sleep apnea. As far as we are aware, the latter features have not been previously
reported with Lenz-Majewski syndrome. In agreement with previous reports, our report
demonstrated the variance associated with the secondary phenotypic burden of this syn-
drome.
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