Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorder / Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders, Two Volume Set - Volume 2 - M-Z - I

TABLE 1

Screening recommendations for patients with Muir-Torrie syndrome

of individuals with Muir-Torre syndrome have a one in two or 50% chance of inheriting the gene alteration. However, the symptoms of the syndrome are variable and not all individuals with the condition will develop all of the features.

Demographics

At least 250 cases of Muir-Torre syndrome, specifically, have been reported. It is estimated that between one in 200 to one in 2,000 people in Western countries carry an alteration in the genes associated with HNPCC but the rate of Muir-Torre syndrome itself has not been clarified. More males than females appear to exhibit the features of Muir-Torre syndrome. The average age at time of diagnosis of the syndrome is around 55 years.

Signs and symptoms

Skin findings

Sebaceous neoplasms typically appear as yellowish bumps on the skin of the head or neck but can be found on the trunk and other areas. The classification of the different types of sebaceous neoplasms can be difficult so microscopic evaluation is usually required for the final diagnosis. Keratoacanthomas are skin-colored or reddish, firm skin nodules that are distinct from sebaceous neoplasms upon microscopic examination. The skin findings in Muir-Torre syndrome can either appear before, during, or after the development of the internal cancer.

Internal findings

Internal organ cancers are common in Muir-Torre syndrome. Several individuals with Muir-Torre syn-

TABLE 2

Additional screening recommendations for females with Muir-Torrie syndrome

drome with multiple types of internal cancers have been reported. The most common internal organ cancer is colorectal cancer. Unlike colon cancers in the general population, the tumors due to Muir-Torre syndrome are more frequently seen around or closer to the right side of an area of the colon known as the splenic flexure. This tumor location, the meeting point of the transverse and the descending colon, is different than the usual location of colon cancer in the general population. Colon polyps, benign growths with the possibility of cancer development, have been reported in individuals with Muir-Torre syndrome; however, the number of polyps typically is limited.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer or polyps may include:

•red blood in stool

•weight loss

•pain or bloating in abdomen

•long-term constipation

•diarrhea

•decrease in stool size

The next most frequent cancer occurances in MuirTorre syndrome are those of the genitourinary system, including uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and bladder cancer. Other cancers that have been seen with MuirTorre syndrome include breast cancers, blood cancers, head and neck cancers, and cancers of the small intestine.

Diagnosis

Since not all families with the features of Muir-Torre syndrome have identifiable mismatch repair gene alterations, diagnosis is based mainly on the presence of the physical features of the disease. Muir-Torre syndrome is defined by the presence of certain types of sebaceous neoplasms (sebaceous adenomas, sebaceous epitheliomas, sebaceous carcinomas and keratoacanthomas with sebaceous differentiation) and at least one internal

syndrome Torre-Muir

Multifactorial inheritance

organ cancer in the same individual. Muir-Torre syndrome may also be diagnosed if an individual has multiple keratoacanthomas, multiple internal organ cancers, and a family history of Muir-Torre syndrome. Testing of the hMLH1 and hMSH2 genes is available and could be done to confirm a diagnosis or to assist in testing at-risk relatives prior to development of symptoms. Given the complexity of this disorder, genetic counseling may be considered before testing.

Screening recommendations have been proposed for individuals with Muir-Torre or at-risk relatives. In addition to regular screening for the skin findings, screening for internal cancers may be considered. The effectiveness of screening for individuals with or at risk for Muir-Torre syndrome has yet to be proven.

Treatment and management

While it is not possible to cure the genetic abnormality that results in Muir-Torre syndrome, it is possible to prevent and treat the symptoms of the syndrome. The skin tumors are removed by freezing or cutting. If lymph nodes, small bean-sized lumps of tissue that are part of the immune system, are involved, these must be removed also. Radiation, high energy rays, to the affected area can be beneficial. A medication, isotretinoin, may reduce the risk of skin tumors. Internal organ cancers are treated in the standard manner, removal by surgery and possible treatment with radiation or cancer-killing medication (chemotherapy). Removal of the colon, colectomy, before colon cancer develops is an option with HNPCC and may be considered for individuals with Muir-Torre syndrome.

Prognosis

The cancers associated wth Muir-Torre syndrome are usually diagnosed at earlier ages than typically seen. For instance, the average age at diagnosis of colorectal cancer is 10 years earlier than in the general population. Fortunately, the internal organ cancers seen in MuirTorre syndrome appear less aggressive. So, the prognosis may be better for a person with colon cancer due to MuirTorre syndrome than colon cancer in the general population.

Resources

BOOKS

Flanders, Tamar et al. “Cancers of the digestive system”. In

Inherited Susceptibility: Clinical, predictive and ethical perspectives. edited by William D. Foulkes and Shirley V. Hodgson, Cambridge University Press, 1998. pp.181-185.

ORGANIZATIONS

American Cancer Society. 1599 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329. (800) 227-2345. http://www.cancer.org .

National Cancer Institute. Office of Communications, 31 Center Dr. MSC 2580, Bldg. 1 Room 10A16, Bethesda, MD 20892-2580. (800) 422-6237. http://www.nci.nih.gov .

WEBSITES

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

http://www3.mdanderson.org/depts/hcc .

Kristin Baker Niendorf, MS, CGC

I Multifactorial inheritance

Definition

Many common congenital malformations and diseases are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The term multifactorial inheritance is used to describe conditions that occur due to these multiple factors. In contrast to dominantly or recessively inherited diseases, multifactorial traits do not follow any particular pattern of inheritance in families. Multifactorial conditions do tend to cluster in families, but pedigree analysis does not reveal a specific pattern of affected individuals. Some multifactorial conditions occur because of the interplay of many genetic factors and limited environmental factors. Others occur because of limited genetic factors and significant environmental factors. The number of genetic and environmental factors vary, as does the amount of impact of each factor on the presence or severity of disease. Often there are multiple susceptibility genes involved, each of which has an additive affect on outcome.

Examples of congenital malformations following a multifactorial pattern of inheritance include cleft lip and palate, neural tube defects, and heart defects. Adult onset diseases that follow multifactorial inheritance include diabetes, heart disease, epilepsy and affective disorders like schizophrenia. Many normal traits in the general population follow multifactorial inheritance. For instance, height, intelligence, and blood pressure are all determined in part by genetic factors, but are influenced by environmental factors.

Continuous and discontinuous traits

Some multifactorial traits are considered continuous because there is bell shaped distribution of those traits in the population. These are quantitative traits such as height. Other traits are discontinuous because there is a cutoff or threshold of genetic and environmental risk that

must be crossed in order for the trait to occur. An example would be a malformation like a cleft lip, in which the person is either affected or unaffected. In both cases, the genetic and environmental factors that are involved in the occurrence of the condition are referred to as liability.

Pyloric stenosis

An example of a discontinuous multifactorial trait that follows the threshold model is pyloric stenosis. Pyloric stenosis is a narrowing of the pylorus, the connection between the stomach and the intestine. Symptoms of pyloric stenosis include vomiting, constipation, and weight loss. Surgery is often needed for repair. An important genetic factor in the occurrence of pyloric stenosis is a person’s sex. The condition is five times more common in males. The liability is higher in women, such that more or stronger genetic and environmental factors are needed to cause the condition in women. Therefore, male first-degree relatives of a female who is affected with pyloric stenosis have a higher risk to be born with the condition than do female first-degree relatives of the same person. This is because the stronger genetic factors present in the family (represented by the affected female) are more likely to cross the lower liability threshold in male family members.

Recurrence risks

Recurrence risks for multifactorial traits are based on empiric data, or observations from other families with affected individuals. Most multifactorial traits have a recurrence risk to first-degree relatives of 2-5%. However, empiric data for a specific condition may provide a more specific recurrence risk. Some general characteristics about the recurrence risk of multifactorial traits include:

•The recurrence risk to first-degree relatives is increased above the general population risk for the trait, but the risk drops off quickly for more distantly related individuals.

•The recurrence risk increases proportionately to the number of affected individuals in the family. A person with two affected relatives has a higher risk than someone with one affected relative.

•The recurrence risk is higher if the disorder is in the severe range of the possible outcomes. For instance, the risk to a relative of a person with a unilateral cleft lip is lower than if the affected person had bilateral cleft lip and a cleft palate.

•If the condition is more common in one sex, the recurrence risk for relatives is higher in the less affected sex. Pyloric stenosis is an example of this.

K E Y T E R M S

Candidate gene—A gene that encodes proteins believed to be involved in a particular disease process.

Genetic heterogeneity—The occurrence of the same or similar disease, caused by different genes among different families.

Loci—The physical location of a gene on a chromosome.

Phenotype—The physical expression of an individuals genes.

Polymorphism—A change in the base pair sequence of DNA that may or may not be associated with a disease.

•Recurrence risks quoted are averages and the true risk in a specific family may be higher or lower.

It is also important to understand that recurrence risks for conditions may vary from one population to another. For instance, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas all have a higher incidence of neural tube defects that other states in the United States. Ireland has a higher incidence of neural tube defects than many other countries.

Examples of multifactorial traits

Neural tube defects

Neural tube defects are birth defects that result from the failure of part of the spinal column to close approximately 28 days after conception. If the anterior (top) portion of the neural tube fails to close, the most severe type of neural tube defect called anencephaly results. Anencephaly is the absence of portions of the skull and brain and is a lethal defect. If a lower area of the spine fails to close, spina bifida occurs. People with spina bifida have varying degrees of paralysis, difficulty with bowel and bladder control, and extra fluid in the brain called hydrocephalus. The size and location of the neural tube opening determines the severity of symptoms. Surgery is needed to cover or close the open area of the spine. When hydrocephalus is present, surgery is needed for shunt placement.

Neural tube defects are believed to follow a multifactorial pattern of inheritance. Empiric data suggests that the risk to first-degree relatives of a person with a neural tube defect is increased 3-5%. The risk to other more distantly related relatives decreases significantly. In

inheritance Multifactorial

Multifactorial inheritance

addition, it is known that a form of vitamin B called folic acid can significantly reduce the chance for the occurrence of a neural tube defect. Studies have shown that when folic acid is taken at least three months prior to pregnancy and through the first trimester, the chance for a neural tube defect can be reduced by 50-70%. This data suggests that one environmental factor in the occurrence of neural tube defects is maternal folate levels. However, some women who are not folate deficient have babies with open spine abnormalities. Other women who are folate deficient do not have babies with spinal openings. The exact interplay of genetic and environmental factors in the occurrence of neural tube defects is not yet clear. Studies are currently underway to identify genes involved in the occurrence of neural tube defects.

Diabetes

There are two general types of diabetes. Type I is the juvenile onset form that often begins in adolescence and requires insulin injections for control of blood sugar levels. Type II is the more common, later onset form that does not usually require insulin therapy. Both are known to be influenced by environmental factors and show familial clustering. Important environmental factors involved in the occurrence of diabetes include diet, viral exposure in childhood, and certain drug exposures. It is clear that genetic factors are involved in the occurrence of type I diabetes since empiric data show that 10% of people with the condition have an affected sibling. An important susceptibility gene for type I diabetes has been discovered on chromosome 6. The gene is called IDDM1. Another gene on chromosome 11 has also been identified as a susceptibility gene. Studies in mice have indicated that there are probably 12-20 susceptibility genes for insulin dependent diabetes. IDDM1 is believed to have a strong effect and is modified by other susceptibility genes and environmental factors.

Analysis of multifactorial conditions

Genetic studies of multifactorial traits are usually more difficult than genetic studies of dominant or recessive traits. This is because it is difficult to determine the amount of genetic contribution to the multifactorial trait versus the amount of environmental contribution. For most multifactorial traits, it is not possible to perform a genetic test and determine if a person will be affected. Instead, studies involving multifactorial traits strive to determine the proportion of the phenotype due to genetic factors and to identify those genetic factors. The inherited portion of a multifactorial trait is called heritability.

Disease association studies

One method of studying the heritability of multifactorial traits is to determine if a candidate gene is more common in an affected population than in the general population.

Sibling pair studies

Another type of study involves gathering many pairs of siblings who are affected with a multifactorial trait. Researchers try to identify polymorphisms common in the sibling pairs. These polymorphisms can then be further analyzed. They can also study candidate genes in these sibling pairs. Studying individuals who are at the extreme end of the affected range and are thought to have a larger heritability for the trait can strengthen this type of study.

Twin studies

Another approach is to study a trait of interest in twins. Identical twins have 100% of their genes in common. Non-identical twins have 50% of their genes in common, just like any other siblings. In multifactorial traits, identical twins will be concordant for the trait significantly more often than non-identical twins. One way to control for the influence of a similar environment on twins is to study twins who are raised separately. However, situations in which one or both identical twins were adopted out and are available for study are rare.

Linkage analysis and animal studies are also used to study the heritability of conditions, although there are significant limitations to these approaches for multifactorial traits.

Ethical concerns of testing

One of the goals of studying the genetic factors involved in multifactorial traits is to be able to counsel those at highest genetic risk about ways to alter their environment to minimize risk of symptoms. However, genetic testing for multifactorial traits is limited by the lack of understanding about how other genes and environment interact with major susceptibility genes to cause disease. Testing is also limited by genetic heterogeneity for major susceptibility loci. Often the attention of the media to certain genetic tests increases demand for the test, when the limitations of the test are not fully explained. Therefore, it is important for people to receive appropriate pre-test counseling before undergoing genetic testing. Patients should consider the emotional impact of both positive and negative test results. Patients should understand that insurance and employment discrimination might occur due to test results. In addition,

there may not be any treatment or lifestyle modification available for many multifactorial traits for which a genetic test is available. The patient should consider the inability to alter their risk when deciding about knowing their susceptibility for the condition. When a person chooses to have testing, it is important to have accurate post-test counseling about the result and its meaning.

Resources

BOOKS

Connor, Michael, and Malcolm Ferguson-Smith. Medical Genetics, 5th Edition. Osney Mead, Oxford: Blackwell Science Ltd, 1997.

Gelehrter, Thomas, Francis Collins, and David Ginsburg.

Principles of Medical Genetics, 2nd Edition. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1998.

Jorde, Lynn, John Carey, Michael Bamshad, and Raymond White. Medical Genetics, 2nd Edition. St. Louis, Missouri: Mosby, Inc. 2000.

Lucassen, Anneke. “Genetics of multifactorial diseases.” In

Practical Genetics for Primary Care by Peter Rose and Anneke Lucassen. Oxford: Oxford University Press 1999, pp.145-165.

Mueller, Robert F., and Ian D. Young. Emery’s Elements of Medical Genetics. Edinburgh, UK: Churchill Livingstone, 1998.

Sonja Rene Eubanks, MS

Multiple cartilaginous exostoses see

Hereditary multiple exostoses

I Multiple endocrine neoplasias

Definition

The multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes are four related disorders affecting the thyroid and other hormonal (endocrine) glands of the body. MEN has previously been known as familial endocrine adenomatosis.

The four related disorders are all neuroendocrine tumors. These tumorous cells have something in common, they produce hormones, or regulatory substances for the body’s homeostasis. They come from the APUD (amine precursor and uptake decarboxylase) system, and have to do with the cell apparatus and function to make these substances common to the cell line. Neuroendocrine tumors cause syndromes associated with each other by genetic predisposition.

Description

The four forms of MEN are MEN1 (Wermer syndrome), MEN2A (Sipple syndrome), MEN2B (previously known as MEN3), and familial medullary thyroid carcinoma (FMTC). Each is an autosomal dominant genetic condition, and all except FMTC predisposes to hyperplasia (excessive growth of cells) and tumor formation in a number of endocrine glands. FMTC predisposes only to this type of thyroid cancer.

Individuals with MEN1 experience hyperplasia of the parathyroid glands and may develop tumors of several endocrine glands including the pancreas and pituitary. The most frequent symptom of MEN1 is hyperparathyroidism. Hyperparathyroidism results from overgrowth of the parathyroid glands leading to excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone, which in turn leads to elevated blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia), kidney stones, weakened bones, fatigue, and weakness. Almost all individuals with MEN1 show parathyroid symptoms by the age of 50 years with some individuals developing symptoms in childhood.

Tumors of the pancreas, called pancreatic islet cell carcinomas, may develop in individuals with MEN1. These tumors tend to be benign, meaning that they do not spread to other body parts. However, on occasion these tumors may become malignant or cancerous and thereby a risk of metastasis, or spreading, of the cancer to other body parts becomes a concern. The pancreatic tumors associated with MEN1 may be called non-functional tumors as they do not result in an increase in hormone production and consequently, no symptoms are produced. However, in some cases, extra hormone is produced by the tumor and this results in symptoms; the symptoms depend upon the hormone produced. These symptomatic tumors are referred to as functional tumors. The most common functional tumor is gastrinoma followed by insulinoma. Other less frequent functional tumors are VIPoma and glucagonoma. Gastrinoma results in excessive secretion of gastrin (a hormone secreted into the stomach to aid in digestion), which in turn may cause upper gastrointestinal ulcers; this condition is sometimes referred to as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. About one in three people with MEN1 develop a gastrinoma. Insulinoma causes an increase in insulin levels, which in turn causes glucose levels to decrease. This tumor causes symptoms consistent with low glucose levels (hypoglycemia, low blood sugar) which include anxiety, confusion, tremor, and seizure during periods of fasting. About 40–70% of individuals with MEN1 develop a pancreatic tumor.

The pituitary may also be affected—the consequence being extra production of hormone. The most fre-

neoplasias endocrine Multiple

Multiple endocrine neoplasias

neoplasias endocrine Multiple

Multiple endocrine neoplasias

tion, and/or development of these symptoms after rising suddenly from bending over.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of the MEN syndromes has in the past depended upon clinical features and laboratory test results. Now that the genes responsible for these conditions have been identified, genetic testing provides another means of diagnosing individuals and families with these conditions. However, all of these tumors have a higher incidence of sporadic cases. It is important to ask the patient about family members when one of these types of tumor is diagnosed.

MEN1 is typically diagnosed from clinical features and from testing for parathyroid hormone (PTH). An elevated PTH indicates that hyperparathyroidism is present. When an individual develops a MEN1 related symptom or tumor, a complete family history should also be taken. If no family history of MEN1 or related problems such as kidney stones and pepic ulcers exists and close family members, i.e. parents, siblings and children, have normal serum calcium levels, then the person unlikely has MEN1. However, if the individual is found to have a second symptom or tumor characteristic of MEN1, the family history is suggestive of MEN1, and/or close family members have increased serum calcium levels, then MEN1 may be the correct diagnosis.

As of 1998, genetic testing for the MEN1 gene has helped with evaluating individuals and families for MEN1. If an individual apparently affected by MEN1 is found to have a mutation in the MEN1 gene, then this positive test result confirms the diagnosis. However, as of 2001, genetic testing of the MEN1 gene does not identify all mutations causing MEN1; consequently, a negative test result does not remove or exclude the diagnosis.

MEN2A is typically diagnosed from clinical features and from laboratory testing of calcitonin levels. Elevated calcitonin levels indicate C-cell hyperplasia and/or MTC is present. When an individual develops a MEN2A related symptom or tumor, a complete family history should be taken. If no family history of related problems exists and close family members, i.e. parents, siblings, and children, have normal calcitonin levels, then the person unlikely has MEN2A. However, if the individual is found to have a second symptom or tumor characteristic of MEN2A, the family history is suggestive of MEN2A, and/or close family members have increased calcitonin levels, then MEN2A may be the correct diagnosis.

As of 1993, genetic testing for the RET gene has helped with evaluating an individual and/or family for MEN2A. If an individual apparently affected by MEN2A is

found to have a mutation in the RET gene, then this positive test result confirms the diagnosis. However, as of 2001, genetic testing of the RET gene does not identify all mutations causing MEN2A and FMTC; consequently, a negative test result does not remove or exclude the diagnosis.

Diagnosis of MEN2B can be made by physical examination and a complete medical history.

Diagnosis of FMTC may be made when the family history includes four other family members having developed MTC with no family member having developed a pheochromocytoma or pituitary tumor. Genetic testing of the RET gene may also assist with diagnosis.

Genetic testing of the MEN1 gene and of the RET gene allows individuals to be diagnosed prior to the onset of symptoms; this is often called predictive genetic testing. It is important to note that individuals should not undergo predictive genetic testing prior to the identification of the familial genetic mutation. Genetic testing of a family member clinically affected by the condition needs to be done first in order to identify the familial mutation. If this is not done, a negative result in an asymptomatic individual may not be a true negative test result.

Prenatal diagnosis of unborn babies is now technically possible via amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS). However, prior to undergoing these procedures, the familial mutation needs to have been identified. An additional issue in prenatal diagnosis is how the test result will be used with regard to continuation of the pregnancy. Individuals considering prenatal diagnosis of MEN1 or MEN2 should confirm its availability prior to conception.

Genetic testing is best done in consultation with a geneticist (a doctor specializing in genetics) and/or genetic counselor.

Treatment and management

No cure or comprehensive treatment is available for the MEN syndromes. However, some of the consequences of the MEN syndromes can be symptomatically treated and complications may be lessened or avoided by early identification.

For individuals affected by MEN1, hyperparathyroidism is often treated by surgery. The parathyroids may be partially or entirely removed. If they are entirely removed, the individual will need to take calcium and vitamin D supplements. The pancreatic tumors that develop may also be removed surgically or pharmacological treatment (medication) may be given to provide relief from symptoms. As of 2001, the treatment of pancreatic tumors remains controversial as the most effective treatment has not been identified. Pituitary tumors that

develop may not require treatment, but if so, medication has often been effective. Surgery and radiation are used in rare cases.

Children of a parent affected by MEN1 should begin regular medical screening in childhood. It has been suggested that children beginning at five to 10 years of age begin having annual measurements of serum calcium, serum prolactin, and of the pancreatic, pituitary, and parathyroid hormones. The child should also undergo radiographic imaging (ultrasound, MRI examination) of the pancreas and pituitary. If the family history includes family members developing symptoms of MEN1 at younger than usual ages, then the children will need to begin medical screening at a younger age as well.

For the three types of MEN2, the greatest concern is the development of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Medullary thyroid carcinoma can be detected by measuring levels of the thyroid hormone, calcitonin.

Treatment of MTC is by surgical removal of the thyroid and the neighboring lymph nodes, although doctors may disagree at what stage to remove the thyroid. After thyroidectomy, the patient will receive normal levels of thyroid hormone orally or by injection. Even when surgery is performed early, metastatic spread of the cancer may have already occurred. Since this cancer is slow growing, metastasis may not be obvious. Metastasis is very serious in MTC because chemotherapy and radiation therapy are not effective in controlling its spread.

In the past, children who had a parent affected by one of the MEN2 syndromes were screened for MTC by annual measurement of calcitonin levels. More recently, it has been determined that MTC can be prevented by prophylactic thyroidectomy, meaning that the thyroid gland is removed without it being obviously affected by cancer. As of 2001, it is not uncommon for a child as young as one year of age, when the family history is of MEN2B, or six years of age, when the family history is of MEN2A or FMTC, to undergo prophylactic thyroidectomy in order to prevent the occurrence of MTC.

Pheochromocytomas that occur in MEN2A and MEN2B can be cured by surgical removal of this slow growing tumor. Pheochromocytomas may be screened for using annual abdominal ultrasound or CT examination and laboratory testing.

For individuals diagnosed with MEN2, it is also recommended that the pituitary be screened by laboratory tests.

In general, each tumor may be approached surgically. However, problems occur when the tumors are multiple, when the whole gland is involved (hyperplasia

as opposed to tumor), when replacement therapy is difficult (pituitary or adrenal), or when the gland makes multiple hormones (if the gland is removed, hormone replacement therapy becomes necessary).

Prognosis

Diagnosed early, the prognosis for the MEN conditions is reasonably good, even for MEN2B, the most dangerous of the four forms. Medullary thyroid cancer can be cured when identified early. The availability of genetic testing to identify family members at risk for developing the conditions will hopefully lead to earlier treatment and improved outcomes.

Resources

BOOKS

Offit, Kenneth. “Multiple Endocrine Neoplasias.” In Clinical

Cancer Genetics: Risk Counseling and Management. New

York: John Wiley & Sons, 1998.

PERIODICALS

Hoff, A.O., G.J. Cote, and R.F. Gagel. “Multiple endocrine neoplasias.” (Review). Annual Review of Physiology 62 (2000): 377–422.

ORGANIZATIONS

Canadian Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 Society, Inc. (CMEN). PO Box 100, Meota, SK S0M 1X0. Canada (306) 892-2080.

Genetic Alliance. 4301 Connecticut Ave. NW, #404, Washington, DC 20008-2304. (800) 336-GENE (Helpline) or (202) 966-5557. Fax: (888) 394-3937 info@geneticalliance.http://www.geneticalliance.org .

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Building 31, room 9A04, Bethesda, MD 20892.http://www.niddk.nih.gov .

WEBSITES

Gagel, Robert F. Familial Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: A guide for families. http://endocrine.mdacc.tmc.edu/ educational/mtc.htm .

Gagel, Robert F., MD. “Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma.” M.D.

Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas.

http://endocrine.mdacc.tmc.edu/educational/thyroid

.htm .

Marx, Stephen J. “Familial Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1.” National Institutes of Health. http://www.niddk.nih

.gov/health/endo/pubs/fmen1/fmen1.htm .

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. “Hyperparathyroidism.” National Institutes of Health. http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/endo/pubs/ hyper/hyper.htm .

Wiesner, Georgia L., and Karen Snow. “ Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2.” GeneClinics. University of Washington, Seattle. http://www.geneclinics.org/ .

Cindy L. Hunter, MS, CGC

neoplasias endocrine Multiple

Multiple lentigenes syndrome

I Multiple lentigenes syndrome

Definition

Multiple lentigenes syndrome is a rare genetic condition that causes the affected individual to have many dark brown or black freckle-like spots on the skin, as well as other symptoms.

Description

Multiple lentigenes syndrome is a genetic disorder that results in characteristic marking of the skin, abnormalities in the structure and function of the heart, hearing loss, wide-set eyes, and other symptoms. Other terms for multiple lentigenes syndrome include cardiomyopathic lentiginosis and LEOPARD syndrome. LEOPARD syndrome is an acronym for the seven most commonly observed symptoms of the disorder:

•(L)entigenes, or small dark brown and black spots on the skin;

•(E)lectrocardiographic conduction defects, or abnormalities of the muscle activity in the heart;

•(O)cular hypertelorism, or eyes that are spaced farther apart than normal;

•(P)ulmonary stenosis, or narrowing of the lower right ventricle of the heart;

•(A)bnormalities of the genitals, such as undescended testicles or missing ovaries;

•(R)etarded growth leading to shortness of stature;

•(D)eafness or hearing loss.

The lentigenes, or skin spots, observed in multiple lentigenes syndrome are similar in size and appearance to freckles, but unlike freckles, they are not affected by sun exposure.

Genetic profile

Multiple lentigenes syndrome is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Autosomal means that the syndrome is not carried on a sex chromosome, while

K E Y T E R M S

Lentigene—A dark colored spot on the skin.

Stenosis—The constricting or narrowing of an opening or passageway.

dominant means that only one parent has to pass on the gene mutation in order for the child to be affected with the syndrome.

As of 2001, the specific gene mutation responsible for multiple lentigenes syndrome had not been identified.

Demographics

Multiple lentigenes syndrome is extremely rare. Due to the small number of reported cases, demographic trends for the disease have not been established. There does not seem to be any clear ethnic pattern to the disease. Both males and females appear to be affected with the same probability.

Signs and symptoms

The most characteristic symptom of the disease is the presence of many dark brown or black spots, ranging in size from barely visible to 5 cm in diameter, all over the face, neck, and chest. They may also be present on the arms and legs, genitalia, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet. The spots appear in infancy or early childhood and become more numerous until the age of puberty. There may also be lighter brown (café au lait) birthmarks on the skin.

Heart defects, such as the pulmonary stenosis and electrocardiographic conduction abnormalities described above, are another hallmark of multiple lentigenes syndrome. Other areas of narrowing (stenosis) in different areas of the heart may be present, as well as abnormalities in the atrial septum, the wall between the upper left and right chambers of the heart. There is an increased risk of heart disease and tumors of the heart.

In addition to the feature of widely spaced eyes, other facial abnormalities may include low-set or prominent ears, drooping eyelids, a short neck, or a projecting jaw. In some cases of multiple lentigenes syndrome, additional skeletal malformations have been reported, including a sunken breastbone, rib anomalies, curvature of the spine (scoliosis), and webbing of the fingers.

Deafness or hearing loss is observed in about 25% of the cases of multiple lentigenes syndrome. Some people affected with the syndrome also exhibit mild developmental delay. Other reported neurological findings include seizures, eye tics, and abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

People with multiple lentigenes syndrome often exhibit genital abnormalities such as undescended testicles or a small penis in men, or missing or underdeveloped ovaries in women. The onset of puberty may be