Ellis-van Creveld Syndrome Research Articles

A Case Report on Ellis–van Creveld Syndrome: Clinical, Embryological, Anesthetic, and Surgical Implications

AbstractPostaxial polydactyly (PAP) in the form of rudimentary soft tissue masses is quite common. Management involves ligation or surgical excision. Rarely do literature discussions cover complex variants in which the extra finger is fully developed. Ellis–van Creveld syndrome (EVC) or chondroectodermal dysplasia is a rare disorder characterized by PAP. When chondral dysplasia encompasses PAP, dwarfism, and genu valgum, ectodermal dysplasia involves nails and teeth. We describe two EVC cases. When one had cardiac malformations, the other had dental anomalies. One of them underwent genu valgum correction and removal of the additional finger. The hand surgery proved complex due to fusion of its metacarpal with the fifth metacarpal. Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) scores at 1.5 and 2.5 years after hand and knee surgeries were excellent. A multidisciplinary approach is essential to achieve comprehensive care. Additional embryological research is necessary to elucidate the clinical manifestations described in this report.

Identification of two novel genetic variants for Ellis-van Creveld syndrome from a Chinese family through whole exome sequencing

ObjectiveThis study conducted genetic testing and analysis on the fetal tissue of a terminated pregnancy to clarify the cause of the fetal abnormalities. MethodsA fetus with multiple malformations detected during mid-pregnancy was terminated. Trio whole exome sequencing (Trio-WES) was performed on the fetal tissue. The identified gene variants were verified from parents’ blood samples using Sanger sequencing. ResultsPrenatal ultrasound indicated that the fetus had an atrioventricular septal defect, thoracic narrowing, short and angulated long bones of the limbs, polydactyly of the hands, and right clubfoot. The high-throughput sequencing results showed that the fetus had a heterozygous splicing variant c.939+1G>A and a heterozygous frameshift deletion variant c.528delC (p. Ser177Alafs19) in the Ellis-van Creveld (EVC) gene. Sanger sequencing confirmed that the maternal variant c.939+1G>A and the paternal variant c.528delC (p. Ser177Alafs19) were the sources of the two EVC gene variants in the fetus. Combined with the genetic analysis and prenatal ultrasound findings, this family was diagnosed with Ellis-van Creveld syndrome. ConclusionTwo novel causative genetic variants for EVC syndrome were identified. The findings would expand the mutational spectrum of the EVC gene and demonstrate that whole-exome sequencing is a powerful tool for the clinical diagnosis of genetically heterogeneous diseases.

A rare case of Ellis-van Creveld syndrome with primary immunodeficiency with recurrent and persistent pneumonia

A rare case of Ellis-van Creveld syndrome with primary immunodeficiency with recurrent and persistent pneumonia

Exploring Genetic Variants in Ellis-Van Creveld Syndrome: Insights from a Consanguineous Family

Background: Ellis-Van Creveld Syndrome (EVC) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by skeletal abnormalities and developmental anomalies, presenting significant challenges in diagnosis and understanding its genetic underpinnings. Objective: This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the clinical and molecular aspects of EVC within a consanguineous family from Pakistan, identifying the genetic variants involved. Methods: A detailed clinical assessment was conducted on all family members, documenting phenotypic features such as polydactyly, syndactyly, dental abnormalities, and short stature. Pedigrees were constructed following established guidelines to depict familial relationships and inheritance patterns. Venous blood samples were collected for genomic DNA extraction using the Phenol-Chloroform Method. Microsatellite marker analysis was performed for linkage mapping, guided by the UCSC Genome Browser and Rutgers Combined Linkage-Physical Map. Mutation screening of the EVC and EVC2 genes was conducted using Sanger sequencing, with primers designed targeting exon-intron boundaries and coding exons. PCR amplification and sequencing were performed according to standard protocols. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 25. Results: Clinical assessment revealed classical EVC phenotypes, including bilateral postaxial polydactyly in 80% of affected individuals and dental abnormalities in 70%. Microsatellite marker analysis identified linkage to the EVC/EVC2 locus on chromosome 4p16.2. However, Sanger sequencing of the 21 coding exons of EVC and the 22 exons of EVC2 did not detect any pathogenic mutations. Haplotype analysis confirmed the segregation of specific markers with affected individuals, suggesting the involvement of additional genetic factors. Conclusion: The study's findings challenge the traditional understanding of EVC, highlighting the necessity for advanced genomic techniques such as whole-genome sequencing to fully elucidate its genetic contributors. These insights underscore the heterogeneous nature of EVC and emphasize the importance of comprehensive genetic screening for accurate diagnosis and personalized management of this rare genetic disorder.

Variant characterisation and clinical profile in a large cohort of patients with Ellis-van Creveld syndrome and a family with Weyers acrofacial dysostosis

BackgroundEllis-van Creveld syndrome (EvC) is a recessive disorder characterised by acromesomelic limb shortening, postaxial polydactyly, nail-teeth dysplasia and congenital cardiac defects, primarily caused by pathogenic variants in EVC or EVC2....

Clinical features and genetic analysis of a case series of skeletal ciliopathies in a prenatal setting

BackgroundShort-rib polydactyly syndrome (SRPS) refers to a group of lethal skeletal dysplasias that can be difficult to differentiate between subtypes or from other non-lethal skeletal dysplasias such as Ellis-van Creveld syndrome and Jeune syndrome in a prenatal setting. We report the ultrasound and genetic findings of four unrelated fetuses with skeletal dysplasias.MethodsSystemic prenatal ultrasound examination was performed in the second or third trimester. Genetic tests including GTG-banding, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array and exome sequencing were performed with amniocytes or aborted fetal tissues.ResultsThe major and common ultrasound anomalies for the four unrelated fetuses included short long bones of the limbs and narrow thorax. No chromosomal abnormalities and pathogenic copy number variations were detected. Exome sequencing revealed three novel variants in the DYNC2H1 gene, namely NM_001080463.2:c.6809G > A p.(Arg2270Gln), NM_001080463.2:3133C > T p.(Gln1045Ter), and NM_001080463.2:c.337C > T p.(Arg113Trp); one novel variant in the IFT172 gene, NM_015662.3:4540-5 T > A; and one novel variant in the WDR19 gene, NM_025132.4:c.2596G > C p.(Gly866Arg). The genotypes of DYNC2H1, IFT172 and WDR19 and the phenotypes of the fetuses give hints for the diagnosis of short-rib thoracic dysplasia (SRTD) with or without polydactyly 3, 10, and 5, respectively.ConclusionOur findings expand the mutation spectrum of DYNC2H1, IFT172 and WDR19 associated with skeletal ciliopathies, and provide useful information for prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling on rare skeletal disorders.

Oligodontia in the Clinical Spectrum of Syndromes: A Systematic Review.

The aim of this systematic review was to describe the clinical and genetic features of syndromes showing oligodontia as a sign. The review was performed according to the PRISMA 2020 checklist guidelines, and the search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Lilacs, Web of science, Livivo, and EMBASE and supplemented by a gray literature search on Google Scholar and ProQuest, applying key terms relevant to the research questions. The systematic review identified 47 types of syndromes in 83 studies, and the most common was hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, which was reported in 24 patients in 22 studies. Other common syndromes that reported oligodontia included Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome, Witkop's syndrome, Ellis-van Creveld syndrome, blepharocheilodontic syndrome, and oculofaciocardiodental syndrome. The X-linked mode of inheritance was the most reported (n = 13 studies), followed by the autosomal dominant (n = 13 studies). The review describes the main syndromes that may have oligodontia as a clinical sign and reinforces the need for orodental-facial examining for adequate diagnosis and treatment of the affected patients. Molecular analysis in order to better understand the occurrence of oligodontia is imperative.

Variants in EFCAB7 underlie nonsyndromic postaxial polydactyly.

Polydactyly is the most common limb malformation that occurs in 1.6-10.6 per one thousand live births, with incidence varying with ancestry. The underlying gene has been identified for many of the ~100 syndromes that include polydactyly. While for the more common form, nonsydromic polydactyly, eleven candidate genes have been reported. We investigated the underlying genetic cause of autosomal recessive nonsyndromic postaxial polydactyly in four consanguineous Pakistani families. Some family members with postaxial polydactyly also present with syndactyly, camptodactyly, or clinodactyly. Analysis of the exome sequence data revealed two novel homozygous frameshift deletions in EFCAB7: [c.830delG;p.(Gly277Valfs*5)]; in three families and [c.1350_1351delGA;p.(Asn451Phefs*2)] in one family. Sanger sequencing confirmed that these variants segregated with postaxial polydactyly, i.e., family members with postaxial polydactyly were found to be homozygous while unaffected members were heterozygous or wild type. EFCAB7 displays expressions in the skeletal muscle and on the cellular level in cilia. IQCE-EFCAB7 and EVC-EVC2 are part of the heterotetramer EvC complex, which is a positive regulator of the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway, that plays a key role in limb formation. Depletion of either EFCAB7 or IQCE inhibits induction of Gli1, a direct Hh target gene. Variants in IQCE and GLI1 have been shown to cause nonsyndromic postaxial polydactyly, while variants in EVC and EVC2 underlie Ellis van Creveld and Weyers syndromes, which include postaxial polydactyly as a phenotype. This is the first report of the involvement of EFCAB7 in human disease etiology.

EVC-EVC2 complex stability and ciliary targeting are regulated by modification with ubiquitin and SUMO.

Ellis van Creveld syndrome and Weyers acrofacial dysostosis are two rare genetic diseases affecting skeletal development. They are both ciliopathies, as they are due to malfunction of primary cilia, microtubule-based plasma membrane protrusions that function as cellular antennae and are required for Hedgehog signaling, a key pathway during skeletal morphogenesis. These ciliopathies are caused by mutations affecting the EVC-EVC2 complex, a transmembrane protein heterodimer that regulates Hedgehog signaling from inside primary cilia. Despite the importance of this complex, the mechanisms underlying its stability, targeting and function are poorly understood. To address this, we characterized the endogenous EVC protein interactome in control and Evc-null cells. This proteomic screen confirmed EVC's main known interactors (EVC2, IQCE, EFCAB7), while revealing new ones, including USP7, a deubiquitinating enzyme involved in Hedgehog signaling. We therefore looked at EVC-EVC2 complex ubiquitination. Such ubiquitination exists but is independent of USP7 (and of USP48, also involved in Hh signaling). We did find, however, that monoubiquitination of EVC-EVC2 cytosolic tails greatly reduces their protein levels. On the other hand, modification of EVC-EVC2 cytosolic tails with the small ubiquitin-related modifier SUMO3 has a different effect, enhancing complex accumulation at the EvC zone, immediately distal to the ciliary transition zone, possibly via increased binding to the EFCAB7-IQCE complex. Lastly, we find that EvC zone targeting of EVC-EVC2 depends on two separate EFCAB7-binding motifs within EVC2's Weyers-deleted peptide. Only one of these motifs had been characterized previously, so we have mapped the second herein. Altogether, our data shed light on EVC-EVC2 complex regulatory mechanisms, with implications for ciliopathies.

Prenatal whole exome sequencing identified two rare compound heterozygous variants in EVC2 causing Ellis-van Creveld syndrome.

Pathogenic mutations in EVC or EVC2 gene can lead to Ellis-van Creveld (EvC) syndrome, which is a rare autosomal recessive skeletal dysplasia disorder. This study aimed to determine pathogenic gene variations associated with EvC syndrome in fetuses showing ultrasound anomalies. A 32-year-old pregnant woman from Quanzhou, China was investigated. In her pregnancy examination, the fetus exhibited multiple fetal malformations, including a narrow thorax, short limbs, postaxial polydactyly, cardiac malformations, and separation of double renal pelvis. Karyotype, chromosomal microarray analysis and whole exome sequencing were performed for prenatal genetic etiology analysis. Chromosome abnormalities and copy number variants were not observed in the fetus using karyotype and chromosomal microarray analysis. Using whole exome sequencing, two compound heterozygous variants NM_147127.5:c.[2484G>A(p.Trp828Ter)];[871-2_894del] in EVC2 gene were identified in the fetus as pathogenic variants inherited from parents. The study is the first to identify two rare compound variants in EVC2 gene in a Chinese family using whole exome sequencing. The application of whole-exome sequencing would be helpful in fetal etiological diagnosis with ultrasound anomalies.

Recruitment of transcription factor ETS1 to activated accessible regions promotes the transcriptional program of cilia genes.

Defects in cilia genes, which are critical for cilia formation and function, can cause complicated ciliopathy syndromes involving multiple organs and tissues; however, the underlying regulatory mechanisms of the networks of cilia genes in ciliopathies remain enigmatic. Herein, we have uncovered the genome-wide redistribution of accessible chromatin regions and extensive alterations of expression of cilia genes during Ellis-van Creveld syndrome (EVC) ciliopathy pathogenesis. Mechanistically, the distinct EVC ciliopathy-activated accessible regions (CAAs) are shown to positively regulate robust changes in flanking cilia genes, which are a key requirement for cilia transcription in response to developmental signals. Moreover, a single transcription factor, ETS1, can be recruited to CAAs, leading to prominent chromatin accessibility reconstruction in EVC ciliopathy patients. In zebrafish, the collapse of CAAs driven by ets1 suppression subsequently causes defective cilia proteins, resulting in body curvature and pericardial oedema. Our results depict a dynamic landscape of chromatin accessibility in EVC ciliopathy patients, and uncover an insightful role for ETS1 in controlling the global transcriptional program of cilia genes by reprogramming the widespread chromatin state.

A homozygous EVC mutation in a prenatal fetus with Ellis-van Creveld syndrome.

Ellis-van Creveld (EvC) syndrome, caused by variants in EVC, is a rare genetic skeletal dysplasia. Its clinical phenotype is highly diverse. EvC syndrome is rarely reported in prenatal stages because its presentation overlaps with other diseases. A Chinese pedigree diagnosed with EvC syndrome was enrolled in this study. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was applied in the proband to screen potential genetic variant(s), and then Sanger sequencing was used to identify the variant in family members. Minigene experiments were applied. WES identified a homozygous variant (NM_153717.3:c.153_174 + 42del) in EVC which was inherited from the heterozygous parents and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Further experiments demonstrated that this variant disrupts the canonical splicing site and produces a new splicing site at NM_153717.3: c.-164_174del, which ultimately leads to a 337 bp deletion at the 3' end of exon 1 and loss of the start codon. This is the first reported case of EvC syndrome based on a splicing variant and detailed delineation of the aberrant splicing effect in the fetus. Our study demonstrates the pathogenesis of this new variant, expands the spectrum of EVC mutations, and demonstrates that WES is a powerful tool in the clinical diagnosis of diseases with genetic heterogeneity.

Oral manifestations in child patient with Ellis-van Creveld syndrome: case report

Ellis–van Creveld syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by a tetrad of disproportionate dwarfism, ectodermal dysplasia, postaxial polydactyly, and congenital heart malformations. In this article, we hereby present a case of a 6-year-old Brazilian boy with Ellis–van Creveld syndrome who presented with a remarkable number of classical oral and dental features and uncommon findings such as taurodontism. Clinical examination revealed multiple enamel hypoplasia, absent vestibular sulcus, alveolar serrations in the maxilla anterior region, missing teeth, conical teeth, lower canine rotation, bilateral posterior crossbite, dental caries, and a nodule. Radiographically were observed teeth agenesis, taurodontism of deciduous and permanent molars, and delayed tooth eruption. Clinical and radiographic findings may be present from birth and the pediatric dentist has a fundamental role in the early diagnosis of Ellis–van Creveld syndrome, as well as oral problems prevention, rehabilitation, and aesthetic interventions.

Report of Ellis–Van Creveld Syndrome: A Chondroectodermal Dysplasia

Report of Ellis–Van Creveld Syndrome: A Chondroectodermal Dysplasia

Severe Hydrocephalus in an Infant with Ellis–van Creveld Syndrome: A Rare Entity

Abstract Ellis–van Creveld (EVC) syndrome is an autosomal recessive condition due to mutation in EVC 1 and EVC 2 genes. The authors report the anesthetic management of EVC syndrome with raised intracranial pressure with concomitant congenital heart disease for emergency cerebrospinal diversion procedure.

Clinical variability in DYNC2H1-related skeletal ciliopathies includes Ellis-van Creveld syndrome.

Deleterious variants of DYNC2H1 gene are associated with a wide spectrum of skeletal ciliopathies (SC). We used targeted parallel sequencing to analyze 25 molecularly unsolved families with different SCs. Deleterious DYNC2H1 variants were found in six sporadic patients and two monozygotic (MZ) twins. Clinical diagnoses included short rib-polydactyly type 3 in two cases, and asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy (ATD) in one case. Remarkably, clinical diagnosis fitted with EvC, mixed ATD/EvC and short rib-polydactyly/EvC phenotypes in three sporadic patients and the MZ twins. EvC/EvC-like features always occurred in compound heterozygotes sharing a previously unreported splice site change (c.6140-5A>G) or compound heterozygotes for two missense variants. These results expand the DYNC2H1 mutational repertoire and its clinical spectrum, suggesting that EvC may be occasionally caused by DYNC2H1 variants presumably acting as hypomorphic alleles.

A case of Ellis-van Creveld syndrome in Palestine

Background: Ellis-van Creveld syndrome (EVC) causes chondral and ectodermal abnormalities. Although the precise prevalence is still unknown, the Amish group in the United States most frequently reports this uncommon sickness. Case presentation: The reported case was of a 2-year-old female patient presented with dysmorphic facial and digital features, polydactyly, dwarfism, inability to walk normally, and multiple cardiac abnormalities. On examination, the patient\'s growth parameters were below the 5th percentile, with a weight of 10 kg, height of 72 cm, and head circumference of 45 cm (10th percentile). The patient had sparse, thin hair with bi-temporal narrowing and frontal bossing. The patient was advised to undergo surgery, which included AV canal repair, atrial septal defect closure, VSD closure, Mitral and tricuspid valve cleft closure, and left SVC tunneling to the right atrium. One week after the operation, the patient developed sudden bilateral visual impairment, with no hemorrhage or space-occupying lesions. The patient was discharged on day 15 after surgery, and although stable, the visual impairment remained. Conclusion: This case is believed to be one of the first cases in Palestine, as this disease is very rare worldwide. The outcomes of the condition are thought to be well predicted by prenatal discoveries.

Dental Anomalies in Ciliopathies: Lessons from Patients with BBS2, BBS7, and EVC2 Mutations.

To investigate dental anomalies and the molecular etiology of a patient with Ellis-van Creveld syndrome and two patients with Bardet-Biedl syndrome, two examples of ciliopathies. Clinical examination, radiographic evaluation, whole exome sequencing, and Sanger direct sequencing were performed. Patient 1 had Ellis-van Creveld syndrome with delayed dental development or tooth agenesis, and multiple frenula, the feature found only in patients with mutations in ciliary genes. A novel homozygous mutation in EVC2 (c.703G>C; p.Ala235Pro) was identified. Patient 2 had Bardet-Biedl syndrome with a homozygous frameshift mutation (c.389_390delAC; p.Asn130ThrfsTer4) in BBS7. Patient 3 had Bardet-Biedl syndrome and carried a heterozygous mutation (c.389_390delAC; p.Asn130ThrfsTer4) in BBS7 and a homozygous mutation in BBS2 (c.209G>A; p.Ser70Asn). Her clinical findings included global developmental delay, disproportionate short stature, myopia, retinitis pigmentosa, obesity, pyometra with vaginal atresia, bilateral hydronephrosis with ureteropelvic junction obstruction, bilateral genu valgus, post-axial polydactyly feet, and small and thin fingernails and toenails, tooth agenesis, microdontia, taurodontism, and impaired dentin formation. EVC2, BBS2, and BBS7 mutations found in our patients were implicated in malformation syndromes with dental anomalies including tooth agenesis, microdontia, taurodontism, and impaired dentin formation.

Orthopaedic Diagnoses in the Black Pediatric Population.

The Black pediatric population is one that has been historically underserved and continues to have unmet needs. Factors including lack of diversity in orthopaedic studies and in historical standards, such as bone age, may inadvertently lead to inferior care. There are certain conditions in this population for which the practicing orthopaedic surgeon should have a higher degree of suspicion, including slipped capital femoral epiphysis, Blount disease, and postaxial polydactyly. Systemic diseases with higher rates in this population have orthopaedic manifestations, including sickle cell disease, vitamin D deficiency, and obesity. Racial discrepancies in access to prenatal care can have orthopaedic consequences for babies, especially cerebral palsy and myelodysplasia. Racial discrepancy exists in evaluation for nonaccidental trauma. Increased awareness of these issues better prepares practitioners to provide equitable care.

Pulmonary Alveolar Microlithiasis in a Patient with Ellis-van Creveld Syndrome.

"Pulmonary Alveolar Microlithiasis in a Patient with Ellis–van Creveld Syndrome." American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 0(ja), pp. –