Muckle-Wells syndrome in the setting of basal cell nevus syndrome

Marie Wagener1, Joseph W Laskas2, Stephen Purcell3

  • 1Aesthetic Surgery Associates, Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA.

Cutis
|July 8, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Muckle-Wells syndrome (MWS) and Gorlin syndrome (BCNS) are rare genetic disorders. This case highlights MWS symptom exacerbation during basal cell carcinoma treatment in a patient with both conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Immunology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Muckle-Wells syndrome (MWS) is an autosomal-dominant hereditary periodic fever syndrome caused by NLRP3 mutations, leading to IL-1β overproduction and systemic inflammation.
  • Basal cell nevus syndrome (BCNS), or Gorlin syndrome, is an autosomal-dominant genodermatosis linked to PTCH1 mutations, presenting with diverse anomalies.

Observation:

  • A patient with co-existing Muckle-Wells syndrome and Basal cell nevus syndrome presented with complications during basal cell carcinoma treatment.
  • The treatment for basal cell carcinoma in this patient triggered or exacerbated symptoms characteristic of Muckle-Wells syndrome.

Findings:

  • This case illustrates a complex interaction between two distinct autosomal-dominant genetic disorders.
  • The inflammatory response in Muckle-Wells syndrome was notably affected by the management of basal cell carcinoma, a condition associated with Basal cell nevus syndrome.

Implications:

  • Understanding these interactions is crucial for managing patients with multiple rare genetic conditions.
  • This case underscores the need for careful monitoring and tailored treatment strategies in individuals with overlapping syndromes like MWS and BCNS.

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