Familial microhydranencephaly, a family that does not map to 16p13.13-p12.2: relationship with hereditary fetal brain degeneration and fetal brain disruption sequence

Clin Dysmorphol. 2010 Jul;19(3):107-118. doi: 10.1097/MCD.0b013e32833946e9.

Abstract

Microhydranencephaly (MHAC) is a serious developmental brain anomaly characterized by microcephaly with severe reduction of brain hemispheres and intracranial space filled with cerebrospinal fluid without signs of intracranial hypertension. Clinical findings are very similar to fetal brain disruption sequence - severe microcephaly, scalp rugae, and profound developmental delay; however, although fetal brain disruption sequence is a sporadic condition caused by an external disruptive event, familial cases of MHAC presumably result from a process of progressive brain damage also termed as 'hereditary fetal brain degeneration'. Familial occurrence of this phenotype is very rare - only three reports on four families have been published so far. Here we present two new patients - affected brothers from Slovakia - and provide an update on a previously described case from a Turkish Anatolian family. We also present data excluding linkage to an MHAC locus 16p13.13-p12.2 in the Slovak family. We compare clinical and imaging findings in all five families and suggest genetic heterogeneity for this condition. In genetic counseling for this phenotype, especially in the absence of any known teratogenic factors in pregnancy, we suggest that the possibility of recurrence should be considered.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Brain / abnormalities*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 16 / genetics*
  • Family
  • Female
  • Fetal Diseases / genetics*
  • Fetus / abnormalities*
  • Genetic Diseases, Inborn / complications*
  • Haplotypes / genetics
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Lod Score
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Microcephaly / complications*
  • Microcephaly / genetics
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / complications
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / congenital*
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / genetics
  • Pregnancy
  • Slovakia
  • Turkey