A novel FGFR2 (S137W) mutation resulting in Apert syndrome: A case report

Apert syndrome (AS) is an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern of the most severe craniosynostosis syndrome. AS is characterized by synostosis of cranial sutures and acrocephaly, including brachycephaly, midfacial hypoplasia, and syndactyly of the hands and feet. Patients with AS often present with craniosynostosis, severe syndactyly, and skin, skeletal, brain, and visceral abnormalities.

A pregnant Chinese woman presented with a fetus at 23 + 5 weeks of gestation with suspected AS in a prenatal ultrasound examination. Following ultrasound, the pregnancy underwent spontaneous abortion. Gene sequencing was performed on the back skin of the dead fetus.

The diagnosis of AS was confirmed on the basis of clinical manifestations of the fetus, and a de novo mutation in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene was identified.

The couple finally chose to terminate the pregnancy based on the ultrasonic malformations and the risk of the parents having a neonate with AS in the future is small. However, any future pregnancy must be assessed by prenatal diagnosis.

The dead fetus presented with bilateral skull deformation. Additionally, there were bilateral changes to the temporal bone caused by inwards movement leading to concave morphology, a "clover" sign, and syndactyly from the index finger/second toe to the little finger/little toe. AS was diagnosed by genetic testing, which showed a p.S137W (c.410C>G, chr10:123279677) mutation in the FGFR2 gene.

Clinicians should be aware that there are a variety of ultrasound findings for AS. Therefore, genetic testing should be used when appropriate to confirm diagnosis of AS.