Coexpression of May-Hegglin anomaly and hereditary nephritis in a family
G Bepler1, O Melhus, J C Gunnells
1Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710.
Insights
This study investigated May-Hegglin anomaly and hereditary nephritis in a family across three generations. Findings suggest a potential distinct disorder combining May-Hegglin anomaly with mild hereditary nephritis.
Area of Science:
- Medical Genetics
- Nephrology
- Hematology
Background:
- May-Hegglin anomaly is a rare genetic disorder affecting blood cell morphology.
- Hereditary nephritis, including Alport's syndrome, involves kidney disease with potential extra-renal manifestations.
- Co-occurrence of these conditions is infrequently reported.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the coexpression of May-Hegglin anomaly and hereditary nephritis in a multi-generational family.
- To characterize the clinical and pathological features of this combined presentation.
- To determine if this combination represents a distinct clinical entity.
Main Methods:
- Family-based investigation across three generations.
- Routine laboratory studies, including blood cell counts and urinalysis.
- Electron microscopy of renal tissue and peripheral blood cells.
- Platelet aggregation studies, audiometry, and ophthalmologic examinations.
Main Results:
- The propositus presented with typical May-Hegglin anomaly and mild hereditary nephritis.
- Affected family members exhibited May-Hegglin anomaly with varying degrees of nephritis.
- One member showed May-Hegglin anomaly without nephritis at age 23.
- The hereditary nephritis observed was milder and atypical for Alport's syndrome.
Conclusions:
- The coexpression of May-Hegglin anomaly and mild hereditary nephritis may represent a distinct genetic disorder.
- Further studies and similar case reports are needed to confirm this association.
- This familial study highlights the importance of comprehensive evaluation in suspected genetic syndromes.
Abstract:
In three generations of a family investigation for coexpression of May-Hegglin anomaly and hereditary nephritis was done by routine studies, as well as electron microscopy of renal tissue and blood cells, platelet aggregation studies, audiograms, and ophthalmologic evaluations. The propositus had typical May-Hegglin anomaly and a mild form of hereditary nephritis. One son had May-Hegglin anomaly and possible hereditary nephritis, and one daughter had May-Hegglin anomaly and probable hereditary nephritis. A grandson had May-Hegglin anomaly but no evidence of hereditary nephritis at age 23. The mild form of hereditary nephritis described here was atypical for Alport's syndrome, but together with similar reports, suggests that a combination of May-Hegglin anomaly and mild hereditary nephritis may be a distinct disorder.
Related Concept Videos
Genetic Lingo
Multiple Allele Traits
Pleiotropy
Epistasis Analysis
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations


