Identification of a novel ENG gene mutation (c.1550_1551dupTG, p.S518*) in a Chinese family with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia

Abstract

Background: It is very important to diagnose Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) early through appropriate screening and preventive treatment of a patient and their affected family members. This study aimed to report on a case of a Chinese family with heterozygous ENG-related HHT.

Methods: Gene mutations were identified by whole-exome sequencing and physical examination were conducted to reveal the clinical symptoms.

Results: Physical examination revealed symptomatic anaemia, coagulation system disorder and multiple red or pink spots reflecting telangiectases on the eyelids, tongue, palate and nasal cavity. Nine other affected relatives were identified in examining his family tree, among which three family members had died due to nose bleeding and one member presented symptomatic anaemia requiring blood transfusions. A novel heterozygous variation c.1550_1551dupTG (p.S518*) in ENG gene was identified.

Conclusions: The patient and his daughter were confirmed to have heterozygous ENG-related HHT and the novel ENG heterozygous variant may play an important role on the severe symptoms of HHT. However, further case follow-up and functional studies should be conducted to confirm these mechanismal hypotheses.

Keywords: ENG; Enfermedad de Osler-Weber-Rendu; Epistaxis; Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia; Missense mutation; Mutación sin sentido; Osler-Weber-Rendu disease; Telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditaria.