Where genetics and pathology meet: mulibrey nanism

Mulibrey nanism is a rare autosomal recessive disorder with prenatal onset growth retardation (nanism) and dysmorphic features, including a wide range of abnormalities, such as cardiac disease (pericardial constriction, myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis) and anomalies of muscle, liver, brain and eye, resulting in the acronym 'mulibrey'. This commentary summarizes recent analysis of the diverse pathologies seen in this syndrome and highlights the need for pathologists and geneticists to work together. Insights into the pathology of rare genetic syndromes may have important lessons for our understanding of much commoner conditions.