Vitelline vascular remnant causing intestinal obstruction in a patient with TARP syndrome

TARP syndrome, characterized by talipes equinovarus, atrial septal defect, Robin sequence, and persistent left superior vena cava, is an X-linked recessive condition caused by deleterious variants in RBM10. Vitelline vascular remnants (VVR) are a rare vitelline duct anomaly with approximately 26 cases previously reported. There are no previously reported cases of VVRs in patients with TARP syndrome.

We present a male neonate diagnosed with TARP syndrome via trio whole exome sequencing who had classic features of this syndrome, although his course was additionally complicated by feeding intolerance with multiple episodes of abdominal distension. Serial imaging and contrast studies of the upper GI tract and small bowel demonstrated small bowel obstruction of unclear etiology. Given the poor prognosis associated with this condition, life-sustaining measures were withdrawn, and he passed away at 38 days of age. On autopsy, a VVR was unexpectedly identified with proximal bowel dilation, explaining his feeding intolerance.

We highlight the importance of full post-mortem examination in understanding the complete spectrum of manifestations of genetic syndromes and provide a review of the literature.