Congenital hypertrichosis, osteochondrodysplasia, and cardiomegaly: Cantú syndrome

S P Robertson1, E Kirk, F Bernier

  • 1Victorian Clinical Genetics Service, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.

Insights

Cantú syndrome, a rare disorder, is detailed in two new patients. Autosomal recessive inheritance is unlikely; new dominant mutations or microdeletions are more probable causes for this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Pediatrics
  • Rare Diseases

Background:

  • Cantú syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by hypertrichosis, osteochondrodysplasia, and cardiomegaly.
  • Previously documented in 13 patients, this report expands the known cases.

Observation:

  • Two new patients with Cantú syndrome are presented.
  • One patient exhibited steroid-responsive pulmonary hypertension and unique deep plantar creases.
  • These clinical features were not previously associated with Cantú syndrome.

Findings:

  • Segregation analysis of all reported families suggests autosomal recessive inheritance is unlikely.
  • The findings support the hypothesis of a new dominant mutation or a microdeletion syndrome.
  • Sib recurrence may be explained by gonadal mosaicism.

Implications:

  • This study refines the understanding of Cantú syndrome's genetic basis.
  • It highlights potential new therapeutic targets and diagnostic considerations.
  • Further research into dominant mutations and microdeletions is warranted for Cantú syndrome.

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
Sex-linked Disorders02:28

Sex-linked Disorders

Like autosomes, sex chromosomes contain a variety of genes necessary for normal body function. When a mutation in one of these genes results in biological deficits, the disorder is considered sex-linked.Y chromosome mutations are called “Y-linked” and only affect males since they alone carry a copy of that chromosome. Mutations to the relatively small Y chromosome can impact male sexual function and secondary sex characteristics. Y-chromosome infertility is a disorder that affects sperm...
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification01:25

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification

Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
Pleiotropy01:47

Pleiotropy

Pleiotropy is the phenomenon in which a single gene impacts multiple, seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits. For example, defects in the SOX10 gene cause Waardenburg Syndrome Type 4, or WS4, which can cause defects in pigmentation, hearing impairments, and an absence of intestinal contractions necessary for elimination. This diversity of phenotypes results from the expression pattern of SOX10 in early embryonic and fetal development. SOX10 is found in neural crest cells that form melanocytes,...
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
Incomplete Dominance01:43

Incomplete Dominance

Gregor Mendel's work (1822 - 1884) was primarily focused on pea plants. Through his initial experiments, he determined that every gene in a diploid cell has two variants called alleles inherited from each parent. He suggested that amongst these two alleles, one allele is dominant in character and the other recessive. The combination of alleles determines the phenotype of a gene in an organism.