Witkop's syndrome: a mild phenotype variant of ectodermal dysplasia

Abstract

Witkop's syndrome is one of the milder forms of the 117 known variants of ectodermal dysplasia. Nonsense mutation in the MSX1 gene causes the characteristic features of hypodontia, morphological alterations in teeth and dysgenesis of nails. The presenting features of Witkop's syndrome differ from the classic ED by showing no involvement of sweat glands or hair. Due to its milder presentation, diagnosis is more likely to be missed, leading to unwarranted functional, aesthetic and psychological dysregulation in patients. Dentists play an important role in early diagnosis and management of Witkop's syndrome. Therefore, we present this case of a female patient in early adolescence who reported concerns of aesthetics with an aim to enhance clinical awareness of Witkop's syndrome, which is frequently underdiagnosed due to its subtle presentation.

Keywords: Congenital disorders; Dentistry and oral medicine; Dermatological; Oral and maxillofacial surgery; Radiology (diagnostics).