Volume 9 • Number 2 • June 2022

Commentary

Novel Mutation and VUS

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Vol. 9No. 2pp. 40–44
Background: Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA4) haploinsufficiency is characterized by a variety of phenotypes, ranging from autoimmune disorders, enteropathy, fatal combined immunodeficiency, as well as lymphoproliferation and malignancy.Aim: To broaden the genotypic spectrum and clinical presentations of patients with CTLA4 variants.Methods: We evaluated a female patient with autoimmunity and lymphopenia. Immune workup and whole exome sequencing (WES) were performed.Results: The proband presented at 11 years of age with hypothyroidism and later developed Evans syndrome, alopecia, eczema, and lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia. Immune evaluation revealed T, B, and NK lymphopenia with normal humoral immunity. Following a negative genetic panel for autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS), WES analysis identified a novel heterozygous intronic variant predicted in-silico to cause skipping of exon 2 of the CTLA4 gene.Conclusion: A novel heterozygous mutation in CTLA4 caused variable presentations of immune dysregulation, one of the hallmarks of CTLA4 haploinsufficiency.Statement of Novelty: We herein report a novel mutation in CTLA4 resulting in various features of autoimmunity.
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Vol. 9No. 2pp. 45–51
Background: Forkhead-box protein N1 (FOXN1) plays a critical role in the proper development and function of thymic epithelial cells, required for T cell ontogeny. Homozygous variants in the FOXN1 gene, encoding FOXN1, cause severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), whereas heterozygous mutations are associated with variable presentations and over time, improving T cell function.Aim: To highlight the importance of broader genetic investigations to attain a definitive molecular diagnosis following abnormal newborn screening for SCID.Methods: Case report of a patient with immunodeficiency due to a novel de novo FOXN1 mutation.Results: The patient was identified following abnormal newborn screening for SCID in which T cell receptor excision circles were absent/very low. Initial immune investigations revealed severe T cell lymphopenia and poor lymphocyte function and she was diagnosed with T-B+NK+SCID. During work-up for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, extensive genetic investigations identified a novel heterozygous mutation in FOXN1. A more conservative management approach was taken, and over the following months, the patient’s immune parameters improved.Conclusion: Newborn screening for SCID has facilitated the detection of SCID, as well as other T cell immunodeficiencies, before infectious complications and organ damage occur. Heterozygous mutations in FOXN1 are associated with more variable presentations including improving immune indices with age. Here, results of genetic investigations were essential for informing the management of this case.Statement of Novelty: We report a novel heterozygous mutation in FOXN1, presenting initially as T-B+NK+ SCID with gradual improvement of immune parameters over time.

Original Artilce

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Vol. 9No. 2pp. 52–56
Introduction: DiGeorge syndrome is a heterogenous disorder with various clinical presentations. Common features include thymic hypoplasia, T cell lymphopenia, conotruncal heart defects, facial dysmorphism, cleft palate, developmental delay, and hypoparathyroidism. The severity of this condition varies, however typical presentation includes congenital heart defects and characteristic facial features. Isolated hypocalcemia in DiGeorge syndrome is rarely seen in neonates but rather as the sole manifestation in older teenagers or adults.Aim: To report a case of an atypical presentation of DiGeorge syndrome.Results: We report here a case of an infant who was diagnosed with DiGeorge syndrome, with seizures being the only clinical manifestation displayed by the patient. He was found to have low T cell receptor excision circle levels on a newborn screen (NBS) for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). He did not have facial dysmorphism nor cardiac defect.Conclusion: Our case shows that severe hypocalcemia can be the only presenting symptom in DiGeorge syndrome. Based on this case, we recommend physicians test for calcium levels and PTH at the first encounter with a patient who screened positive during NBS for SCID.Statement of Novelty: We describe an infant with DiGeorge syndrome who presented with severe hypocalcemia.
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