Imaging of STAT3 deficiency infectious complications

Abstract

Background: Hyper IgE syndrome (HIES) is a primary immunodeficiency with sporadic, autosomal dominant (STAT3 mutation) and autosomal recessive (DOCK8 and TYK2 mutations) inheritance patterns. HIES is characterized by recurrent Staphylococcus infections including lung infections, skin and visceral abcesses, pulmonary pneumatoceles, mucocutaneous candidiasis, and eczematous rash with associated elevated IgE. Patients with STAT3 mutations have additional features including connective tissue, skeletal, dental, and vascular abnormalities. Methods: This case series highlights the clinical presentation, radiographic findings, and immunologic investigations of 4 siblings with HIES caused by STAT3 mutation. Results: Our patients presented with infections including Staphylococcus aureus visceral abscesses, skin lesions, pneumonia with associated pneumatocele, and minimal signs of inflammation such as fever. Additional characteristic features included eczematous rash, scoliosis, fractures, and delayed shedding of primary teeth. Immune investigations were essentially unremarkable apart from elevated IgE and eosinophil counts. Detailed imaging identified infectious processes and associated noninfectious features of STAT3 mutations. Conclusion: Patients presenting with recurrent Staphylococcal cutaneous and visceral infections, pneumatoceles, candidiasis, and eczematous rash with associated elevated IgE should be investigated for STAT3 mutations. This case series highlights the important role of radiographic imaging to identify infectious processes as well as noninfectious associated features in patients with STAT3 mutations. Statement of novelty: Detailed images of morbidity associated with a STAT3 deficiency.