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Recurrent and founder mutations in the Netherlands

Extensive clinical variability in Marfan syndrome patients with a single novel recurrent fibrillin-1 missense mutation

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Abstract

Background/Methods. Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a heritable connective tissue disorder usually caused by a mutation in the fibrillin 1 (FBN1) gene. Typical characteristics of MFS that have been described include dolichostenomelia, ectopia lentis and aortic root dilatation. However, there is great clinical variability in the expression of the syndrome’s manifestations, both between and within families. Here we discuss the clinical variability of MFS by describing a large fourgeneration Dutch family with MFS.

Results. Nineteen individuals of one family with a single missense FBN1 mutation (c.7916A>G) were identified. The same mutation was found in one unrelated person. Clinical variability was extensive and not all mutation carriers fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for MFS. Some patients only expressed mild skeletal abnormalities, whereas aortic root dilation was present in eight patients, an acute type A aortic dissection was recorded in two other patients, and a mitral valve prolapse was present in eight patients. In some patients cardiac features were not present on initial screening, but did however develop over time.

Conclusion. MFS is a clinically highly variable syndrome, which means a meticulous evaluation of suspected cases is crucial. Mutation carriers should be re-evaluated regularly as cardiovascular symptoms may develop over time. (Neth Heart J 2010;18:85–9.)

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, PO Box 30001, 9700, RB, Groningen, the Netherlands

    J. P. van Tintelen

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    J. P. van Tintelen

Authors
  1. J. J. J. Aalberts
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  2. A. G. Schuurman
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  3. G. Pals
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  4. B. J. C. Hamel
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  5. G. Bosman
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  6. Y. Hilhorst-Hofstee
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  7. D. Q. C. M. Barge-Schaapveld
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  8. B. J. M. Mulder
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  9. M. P. van den Berg
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  10. J. P. van Tintelen
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Correspondence to J. P. van Tintelen.

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Department of Cardiology, Thorax Centre, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands

Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands

Department of Clinical Genetics, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, the Netherlands

Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, the Netherlands

Department of Clinical Genetics, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Department of Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands

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Aalberts, J.J.J., Schuurman, A.G., Pals, G. et al. Recurrent and founder mutations in the Netherlands. NHJL 18, 85–89 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03091743

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