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Published on: July 13, 2015
Ciliary dyskinesia associated with hydrocephalus and mental retardation in a Jordanian family
M al-Shroof1, A M Karnik, A A Karnik
1Houston Medical Center, Warner Robins, GA 11554, USA.
Insights
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) can present with hydrocephalus and mental retardation. This genetic disorder, observed in a Jordanian family, suggests an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern, possibly due to a new mutation.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
Background:
- Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare genetic disorder affecting cilia function.
- Its association with hydrocephalus and mental retardation is unusual.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical presentation and genetic transmission of ciliary dyskinesia syndrome.
- To describe a family with co-occurring hydrocephalus and mental retardation.
Main Methods:
- A large Jordanian family spanning 3 generations was studied.
- Clinical data, including recurrent pulmonary infections and developmental assessments, were collected.
- Electron microscopy of nasal cilia and brain imaging (CT scans) were performed.
- Karyotype analysis was conducted.
Main Results:
- Three affected siblings exhibited features of primary ciliary dyskinesia via nasal cilia electron microscopy.
- All four affected siblings presented with hydrocephalus on computed tomographic scans.
- Chromosome analysis revealed a normal karyotype for the family.
Conclusions:
- The observed symptoms in the Jordanian family are likely linked to ciliary dyskinesia.
- The condition appears to follow an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern.
- The combination of ciliary dyskinesia, hydrocephalus, and mental retardation may indicate a novel genetic mutation.
Objective:
To describe the presentation and genetic transmission of ciliary dyskinesia syndrome associated with hydrocephalus and mental retardation in 3 generations of a family.
Patients And Methods:
A large Jordanian family included 9 individuals in 3 generations with recurrent pulmonary infections; 4 male siblings have been diagnosed as having mental retardation, and a maternal uncle was believed to have been similarly affected. Chromosome analysis of the family showed a normal karyotype.
Results:
Electron microscopy of the nasal cilia from 3 affected siblings showed features of primary ciliary dyskinesia. Computed tomographic scans of the brains of all 4 affected siblings showed hydrocephalus.
Conclusions:
The recurrent pulmonary infections and hydrocephalus in this large Jordanian family are likely related to ciliary dyskinesia, which appears to follow an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. The unusual presentation of ciliary dyskinesia, hydrocephalus, and mental retardation may be due to a new genetic mutation.
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