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Review
. 2024 Jan 28;51(1):216.
doi: 10.1007/s11033-024-09214-0.

Genetically confirmed coexistence of neurofibromatosis type 1 and Cherubism in a pediatric patient

Sofia Sarantou  1 , Nikolaos M Marinakis  2 , Joanne Traeger-Synodinos  2 , Ekaterini Siomou  3 , Argyrios Ntinopoulos  3 , Anastasios Serbis  4
Affiliations
Review

Genetically confirmed coexistence of neurofibromatosis type 1 and Cherubism in a pediatric patient

Sofia Sarantou et al. Mol Biol Rep. .

Abstract

Background: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant disorder typified by various combination of numerous Café-au-lait macules, cutaneous and plexiform neurofibromas, freckling of inguinal or axillary region, optic glioma, Lisch nodules and osseous lesions. Cherubism is a rare genetic syndrome described by progressive swelling of the lower and/or upper jaw due to replacement of bone by fibrous connective tissue. Patients are reported in the literature with NF1 and cherubism-like phenotype due to the NF1 osseous lesions in the jaws. The purpose of this case report is the description of a young male genetically diagnosed with both NF1 and cherubism.

Methods and results: A 9 years and six month old patient with clinical findings of NF1 and cherubism in whom both diseases were genetically confirmed, is presented. The patient was evaluated by a pediatrician, a pediatric endocrinologist, an ophthalmologist, and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. A laboratory and hormonal screening, a histological examination, a chest X-ray, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the orbit and a digital panoramic radiography were performed. Genetic testing applying Whole Exome Sequencing was conducted.

Conclusions: A novel and an already reported pathogenic variants were detected in NF1 and SH3BP2 genes, respectively. This is the first described patient with coexistence of NF1 and cherubism. The contribution of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) in gene variant identification as well as the importance of close collaboration between laboratory scientists and clinicians, is highlighted. Both are essential for optimizing the diagnostic approach of patients with a complex phenotype.

Keywords: Cherubism; NF1; Neurofibromatosis; RASopathy.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Pedigree of the family and diagnosis results of the proband. na: not available for genetic testing
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
IGV screenshots of the proband’s WES, A NF1 gene variant c.2205T > A, B SH3BP2 gene variant c.1253 C > T
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Partial Sanger sequencing chromatographs of the proband, A NF1 gene variant c.2205T > A, B SH3BP2 gene variant c.1253 C > T
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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