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Published on: June 14, 2024
Idiopathic hemihypertrophy
Mabrook A Mohanna1, Abdul Khalig Sallam
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana'a University, PO Box 18660, Sana'a, Yemen. E-mail: mabrookmohanna@yahoo.com / draks601@yahoo.com.
Insights
Idiopathic hemihypertrophy in Yemeni children is linked to a higher risk of embryonal tumors. This study highlights four cases in Sana
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Idiopathic hemihypertrophy (IHH) is a rare congenital condition characterized by asymmetric overgrowth.
- IHH is associated with an increased risk of embryonal tumors, necessitating vigilant monitoring.
- Understanding IHH prevalence and associated conditions in diverse populations is crucial for early diagnosis and management.
Observation:
- Four cases of IHH were identified in Yemeni children over three years in Sana'a.
- Two cases presented with isolated hemihypertrophy.
- Two cases exhibited hemihypertrophy alongside other significant medical conditions, including Wilms' tumor and ureteropelvic junction stricture with renal anomalies.
Findings:
- The study identified left-sided hemihypertrophy in three cases and right-sided in one.
- One case of left-sided hemihypertrophy was associated with Wilms' tumor.
- Another case of right-sided hemihypertrophy presented with polydactyly, ureteropelvic junction stricture, hydronephrosis, and renal agenesis.
Implications:
- This case series underscores the importance of recognizing hemihypertrophy as a potential indicator for embryonal tumors in pediatric populations.
- Early detection and management of associated anomalies in children with hemihypertrophy can improve patient outcomes.
- Further research is warranted to explore the genetic and environmental factors contributing to hemihypertrophy and its tumor predisposition in different ethnic groups.
Abstract:
Idiopathic hemihypertrophy is a congenital overgrowth disorder associated with an augmented risk for embryonal tumors. We present 4 cases of hemihypertrophy in Yemeni children living in Sana`a city. They presented to the outpatient clinics in a private hospital in Sana`a city, Yemen, over a period of 3 years from January 2009 to December 2011. The first 2 cases had no complaints apart from asymmetrical size of one side of their bodies (left side hemihypertrophy). The third case presented with left side hemihypertrophy and an abdominal mass, which upon referral to a cancer center was confirmed to be Wilms` tumor. The fourth case had overgrowth of the right leg and foot with polydactyly, and a right sided abdominal mass. He was diagnosed to have an ureteropelvic junction stricture with hydronephrosis and absent left kidney.
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