Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the typical age of diagnosis for individuals with a positive family history of PXE?
What is the typical age of diagnosis for individuals with a positive family history of PXE?
Which of the following best describes the skin findings in patients with PXE?
Which of the following best describes the skin findings in patients with PXE?
What is the heritable nature of Grönblad-Strandberg syndrome classified as?
What is the heritable nature of Grönblad-Strandberg syndrome classified as?
Which feature is likely to be highly specific for PXE prior to 30 years of age?
Which feature is likely to be highly specific for PXE prior to 30 years of age?
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In PXE, what type of system involvement can patients exhibit?
In PXE, what type of system involvement can patients exhibit?
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What is the estimated incidence of cutis laxa in live births?
What is the estimated incidence of cutis laxa in live births?
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Which is true regarding the skin elasticity in patients with cutis laxa?
Which is true regarding the skin elasticity in patients with cutis laxa?
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Which of the following describes a common feature in individuals with autosomal dominant cutis laxa?
Which of the following describes a common feature in individuals with autosomal dominant cutis laxa?
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What percentage success is estimated for detecting mutations in patients with AR form of cutis laxa Type I?
What percentage success is estimated for detecting mutations in patients with AR form of cutis laxa Type I?
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What is one notable characteristic of the viscoelastic nature of skin in patients with cutis laxa compared to normal patients?
What is one notable characteristic of the viscoelastic nature of skin in patients with cutis laxa compared to normal patients?
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Study Notes
Grönblad-Strandberg Syndrome (PxE)
- Also known as Grönblad-Strandberg syndrome; a hereditary ectopic mineralization disorder.
- Characterized by progressive calcium hydroxyapatite deposition on elastic tissues.
- Prevalence estimated at 1 in 25,000 to 100,000 individuals; likely underdiagnosed.
- Classified as an autosomal recessive disorder with documented pseudodominance.
Clinical Presentation
- Average diagnosis age: 8 to 12 years, especially in those with a family history.
- Clinical heterogeneity observed; some families have members with isolated symptoms.
- Dermatological signs include yellowish, flat-topped papules commonly located in skin folds.
- Skin changes may be subtle initially, becoming more prominent with age, leading to "plucked chicken skin."
Ocular Manifestations
- Angioid streaks are observed in 87% of patients; these are radial, curvilinear extensions associated with retinal damage.
- Commonly appear in the third or fourth decade; earliest recorded cases occurred in patients as young as 10.
- Visual acuity is often unaffected; late complications may lead to significant vision loss.
Vascular Complications
- GI and renal vasculature frequently exhibit early signs of damage, often highlighting acute hemorrhages.
- Hypertension and GI bleeding commonly arise, particularly before the age of 30.
- Late-stage complications include cerebrovascular accidents and myocardial infarction; documented cases of significant coronary artery disease in adolescents.
Genetic Factors
- Primary mutation identified in the ABCC6 gene on chromosome 16p13.1.
- Common mutations: R1141X (predominant in Europe) and ABCC6del23-29 (notable in U.S. populations).
- ABCC6 protein primarily expressed in liver and kidney; deficiency leads to dysregulation of mineralization.
Additional Genetic Considerations
- Phenotypic diversity suggests other genes or environmental factors may contribute.
- Associations reported with polymorphisms in the SPP1 gene and mutations in GGCX, linked to coagulation deficiencies.
Diagnosis and Investigative Approaches
- Histological confirmation through skin biopsy shows characteristic broken curls of elastic fibers.
- Imaging techniques may reveal vascular calcification; ultrasonography identifies renal arteries' echogenicity patterns.
Treatment and Management Strategies
- There is currently no cure; management emphasizes symptomatic relief and complications prevention.
- Lifestyle modifications include avoiding contact sports and maintaining a healthy diet with cholesterol control.
- Potential treatments under investigation include bisphosphonates and dietary supplements like magnesium.
- Regular evaluations by specialists in cardiology and ophthalmology are essential.
Prognosis and Quality of Life
- Patients may face complications that impair quality of life, such as visual impairment and vascular issues.
- Increased awareness and multidisciplinary care can mitigate some effects of the disease.
Cutis Laxa Overview
- Cutis laxa manifests in autosomal dominant (AD), autosomal recessive (AR), and X-linked forms, with recessive types being the most prevalent.
- Estimated incidence of cutis laxa is 1 in 1,000,000 live births; few hundred cases recorded globally.
- Historical identification of molecular causes in cutis laxa patients has been limited, though advancements in next-generation sequencing are improving diagnosis rates.
Clinical Presentation
- Clinically, skin in cutis laxa is inelastic, appearing pendulous, soft, and loose at birth.
- Skin hyperextensibility exists, but normal shape is poorly regained after stretching.
- Patients exhibit facial features reminiscent of bloodhounds: loose skin on the face, neck, shoulders, and thighs, often presenting aged appearance in youth.
- Unlike Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), patients typically lack skin fragility and abnormal scarring.
Types of Cutis Laxa
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Autosomal Dominant Cutis Laxa (ADCL)
- Affects all ages, generally with benign course and near-normal life expectancy.
- Notable facial features include beaked nose, long philtrum, high forehead, and large ears.
- Less internal involvement than other forms.
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X-linked Cutis Laxa
- Primarily affects males; associated with occipital horn syndrome and Menkes disease.
- Clinical manifestations begin around 2-3 months, including hypotonia and distinctive facial features like inverted eyelids and beaked noses.
- Characterized by feeding difficulties, developmental delays, and potential mortality in early years.
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Autosomal Recessive Cutis Laxa (ARCL)
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Type 1 (ARCL1)
- Highly variable; severe cases present emphysema, hernias, pulmonary artery stenosis, and visceral organ involvement.
- Cutaneous findings often severe with significant skin laxity.
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Type 2 (ARCL2)
- Distinct clinical findings categorized by N- and O-linked glycosylation defects.
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Subtypes:
- ARCL2A: Caused by ATP6V0A2 mutations, shows variability in symptoms and developmental delays.
- ARCL2B: Caused by PYCR mutations; presents with severe wrinkling and common CNS abnormalities like agenesis of the corpus callosum.
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Genetic Basis
- Cutis laxa involves mutations affecting elastic fiber synthesis, stability, or degradation impacting skin elasticity.
- Essential components of elastic fibers include elastin and microfibrillar sheaths, primarily composed of fibrillin.
- Specific gene mutations (e.g., in elastin, fibulin 4, and fibulin 5) lead to abnormal elastic fiber formation, contributing to clinical phenotypes.
- ARCL1 is often associated with mutations in fibulin genes, leading to severe manifestations, particularly cardiovascular complications.
Complications and Management
- Internal organ involvement can occur in various forms of cutis laxa, complicating clinical management.
- Early intervention, such as copper replacement therapy in specific subtypes of X-linked cutis laxa, may improve outcomes.
- Patients often experience a spectrum of symptoms, requiring multidisciplinary care to address diverse clinical needs and improve quality of life.
Summary of Clinical Features
- Distinctive facial characteristics include loose skin, unique nasal features, and potential neurological impairments.
- Joint laxity and hypermobility can impact mobility and overall function, leading to further complications over time.
- Significant variability exists in the severity and manifestations of cutis laxa across its different forms and genetic subtypes.
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Description
This quiz explores Grönblad-Strandberg syndrome, a rare ectopic mineralization disorder. Learn about its characteristics, prevalence, genetic aspects, and how it relates to pseudoxanthoma elasticum. Understand the implications of being a heterozygous carrier in this hereditary condition.