Allgrove syndrome (AS), an uncommon multisystem disorder, is characterized by the classic clinical triad of alacrimia, achalasia, and adrenal insufficiency, and is typically limited to glucocorticoid deficiency with preserved mineralocorticoid (MC) function. Here, we present the case of a 5-yr-old girl with alacrimia since birth, failure to thrive, and generalized hyperpigmentation for the past two years, who presented to the emergency department with an altered sensorium. Upon admission, the patient was found to have hypoglycemia and hyponatremia. After subsequent evaluation, the patient was diagnosed with phenotypically incomplete AS with mineralocorticoid insufficiency and harbored a novel homozygous mutation in exon 7 of the AAAS gene (c.618del; p.Ser207LeufsTer84). Treatment with hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone yielded remarkable outcomes. Given the variable presentations of this condition, a high index of clinical suspicion and awareness of atypical features are essential for early diagnosis and initiation of coordinated care to prevent unnecessary morbidity and mortality. When AS is suspected, molecular genetic testing should be performed to confirm the diagnosis, plan management, and provide genetic counseling.
Clinical and radiological features of a patient
with Allgrove syndrome (Triple A syndrome). (A–E) Clinical examination revealed diffuse hyperpigmentation
involving the eyelids (A), lips (B), and oral mucosa with evident dental caries
(C). Hyperpigmentation is also seen over the palms (D) and soles (E),
consistent with mucocutaneous changes related to chronic adrenal insufficiency.
(F) Fat-suppressed coronal MR image of the abdomen shows an atrophic,
streak-like left adrenal gland (red arrow) and non-visualization of the right
adrenal gland, suggesting bilateral adrenal hypoplasia/aplasia. (G) Axial MR
orbit image demonstrates bilaterally hypoplastic lacrimal glands (yellow
arrowheads).
The
combination of primary adrenal insufficiency, alacrima (due to lacrimal gland
hypoplasia), and associated clinical features is characteristic of Allgrove
syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the AAAS
gene. These images highlight the importance of correlating dermatological
examination with targeted MRI to detect both endocrine and exocrine gland
anomalies, thereby facilitating the early diagnosis of syndromic adrenal
insufficiency, such as Allgrove syndrome.
Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a congenital skeletal disorder characterized by varying degrees of bone fragility and deformities. Extraskeletal manifestations, such as blue sclera, dentinogenesis imperfecta, growth disturbance, hearing impairment, and muscle weakness, occasionally accompany OI. Many genes have been identified as causative of OI, such as the type I collagen gene and genes involved in the folding, processing, and crosslinking of type I collagen molecules, osteoblast differentiation, and bone mineralization. According to the discovery of the causative gene of OI, nosology and classifications have also been revised and the “dyadic approach” based nomenclature according to the severity and each causative gene of OI was recently adopted. Intravenous or oral bisphosphonates have been administered to treat bone fragility in children with OI and a reduction in the frequency of bone fractures has been reported. However, despite the increase of bone mineral density, evidence of bone fracture prevention is limited. Recently, excessive transforming growth factor β signaling pathway and excessive endoplasmic reticulum stress have been reported as the pathogenesis of OI, and treatment strategies based on these pathogeneses have been developed. This review summarizes the molecular basis, transition of nosology and classification, status of bisphosphonate therapy, and development of treatment strategies.
Osteogenesis
imperfecta (OI) is a congenital skeletal disorder characterized by varying
degrees of bone fragility and deformities. (A) fracture of bilateral humeri in
a neonate with OI caused by a pathogenic variant in the COL1A1 gene, (B) calcification
of the interosseous membrane in a patient with type 5 OI caused by a specific
pathogenic variant, c.-14C>T, in
the IFITM5 gene. (C) Mechanism of type I collagen synthesis. Many genes involved in this process
have been identified as causative factors of OI, such as the type 1 collagen gene
and genes involved in folding (P3H1, CRTAP,
and PPIB), collagen processing and crosslinking of type I collagen molecules (SERPINH1, FKBP10, PLOD2, and BMP1), osteoblast differentiation (SP7, TMEM38B, WNT1, CREB3L1, SPARC, and MBTPS2), and bone mineralization (IFITM5 and SERPINF1).
ADAMTS-2, a
disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 2; BRIL, bone-restricted Ifitm-like;
BMP1, bone morphogenetic protein; FKBP65, 65-kDa FK506-binding protein; HSP47,
heat shock protein 47; KDELR2, KDEL endoplasmic reticulum protein
retention receptor 2; P3H, Prolyl
3-hydroxylase; P4H, prolyl 4-hydroxylase; PEDF, pigment epithelium-derived factor; PICP,
carboxyterminal propeptides of
type I collagen; PINP, aminoterminal
propeptides of type I collagen; SPARC, secreted
protein acidic and rich in cysteine.
We review the imaging findings in pediatric thyroid diseases that necessitate prompt diagnosis and timely medical intervention. Congenital hypothyroidism particularly represents a critical pediatric emergency. Ultrasonography stands as the primary modality for accurately assessing thyroid morphology and identifying thyroid dysgenesis. 123I-scintigraphy mirrors iodine metabolism and thyroid hormone synthesis, and the concurrent application of perchlorate (perchloride discharge test) elucidates the pathogenesis of thyroid dyshormonogenesis. Nonetheless, radioiodine scintigraphy has seen limited utilization due to the intricacies of pre-test preparation. 99mTc-pertechnetate scintigraphy demonstrates high sensitivity in delineating thyroid tissues with minimal radiation exposure, facilitating the diagnosis of thyroid dysgenesis. Additionally, we have included brief insights on the imaging characteristics of central hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, and thyroid masses.
Pendred syndrome is a genetic condition
characterized by congenital sensorineural hearing loss and thyroid
abnormalities resulting from a deficiency of pendrin, encoded by the SLC26A4
gene. This deficiency disrupts iodide utilization, which is necessary for
thyroid hormone synthesis, potentially leading to partial organification
defects. The hearing impairment associated with Pendred syndrome constitutes
4–10% of cases of congenital deafness, primarily due to inner ear
abnormalities. Imaging studies, such as CT and MRI may reveal modiolus
deficiency, an enlarged vestibular aqueduct, and cochlear dysplasia. A 13-year-old
girl with Pendred syndrome and a history of bilateral hearing loss since the
age of 4 years presented with goiter. (a, b) Ultrasound showing
thyroid enlargement associated with increased vascularity. (c) MRI showing vestibular
aqueduct enlargement (arrow).
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