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Published on: September 13, 2024
[Multiple bladder diverticula caused by occipital horn syndrome]
L Legros1, N Revencu2, M-C Nassogne3
1Service d'urologie, cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Bruxelles, Belgique.
Insights
This case highlights occipital horn syndrome (OHS) as a cause of multiple bladder diverticula in a child. Early diagnosis of rare genetic syndromes is crucial for managing complex urinary issues.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Medical Genetics
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Bladder diverticula are outpouchings of the bladder mucosa.
- Causes include congenital factors, obstruction, neurological disease, and connective tissue disorders.
Observation:
- A child presented with recurrent, multiple, and large bladder diverticula.
- The underlying cause was identified as occipital horn syndrome (OHS).
Findings:
- Occipital horn syndrome (OHS) is a rare, X-linked genetic disorder affecting copper metabolism.
- OHS can manifest with connective tissue abnormalities leading to bladder diverticula.
Implications:
- Emphasizes the need for thorough diagnostic evaluation in cases of multiple or large bladder diverticula.
- Suggests considering rare genetic syndromes like OHS when mechanical obstruction is ruled out.
Abstract:
We report on the case of a child who presented with recurrent, multiple, and voluminous bladder diverticula. Bladder diverticula are defined as a herniation of the mucosa through the bladder muscle or the detrusor. Causes are numerous and diverticula can be classified into primary congenital diverticula (para-ureteral - or Hutch diverticula - and posterolateral diverticula); secondary diverticula (resulting from chronic mechanical obstruction or from neurological disease; and diverticula secondary to connective tissue or muscle fragility. The latter is seen in disease entities such as prune belly syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, cutis laxa syndrome, OHS (occipital horn syndrome), Menkes disease, and Williams-Beuren syndrome. In this patient, the cause of these diverticula was OHS, a genetic, recessive X-chromosome-linked syndrome, responsible for abnormal tissue caused by a disorder in copper metabolism. This case reminds us of the importance of pushing the diagnostic workup when presented with multiple and/or large bladder diverticula, and in particular to search for rare malformation syndromes after exclusion of an obstacle.
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