Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia: An Update on New Diagnostic Modalities and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a genetic condition affecting approximately 1 in 15,000-20,000 individuals, and the majority of cases exhibit an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. However, genetic heterogenicity is seen in PCD and reflects the complexity of ciliary structure and biogenesis. There have been many recent advances in the diagnosis and management of PCD in the last few years, including advanced genetic sequencing, nasal nitric oxide assay, and ciliary motility tests. This article focuses on the ultrastructure and pathophysiology of ciliary dyskinesias, along with a review of clinical features, screening, and diagnostic tests. It also reflects upon the diagnostic challenge caused by the diverse clinical presentation, which will be of great value to pediatricians for considering PCD in their differential list, henceforth leading to early recognition and management, along with awareness of the recent advances in the field of genetics and other techniques for diagnosis of this condition.

FIG. 1.

Cilia and flagella structure reproduced with the courtesy of Molecular Expressions, National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, The Florida State University. Color images available online at www.liebertpub.com/ped

FIG. 2.

Noncontrast computed tomography (CT) scan of the thorax in a patient with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) showing dextrocardia with left lingular bronchiectasis and mild bronchial wall thickening throughout both lungs.