Achondroplastic dwarfism

Achondroplastic dwarfism is a type of genetic disorder that is a common cause of dwarfism. People with this condition have short stature, usually reaching a full adult height of around 4'0" (1.22 metres). The disorder is a result of an autosomal dominant mutation in the fibroblast growth factor receptor gene 3 (FBFR3), which causes an abnormality of cartilage formation. It occurs at a frequency of about 1 in 20,000 to 1 in 40,000 births.

Clinical features of Achondroplastic dwarfism

* dwarfism (nonproportional short stature)
* shortening of the proximal limbs (termed rhizomelic shortening)
* short fingers and toes
* a large head with prominent forehead
* small midface with a flattened nasal bridge
* spinal kyphosis (convex curvature) or lordosis (concave curvature)
* varus (bowleg) or valgus (knock knee) deformities
* frequently have ear infections (due to Eustachian tube blockages), sleep apnea (which can be central or obstructive), and hydrocephalus

Description of Achondroplastic dwarfism

People with Achondroplastic dwarfism have one normal copy of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 gene and one mutant copy. Two copies are invariably fatal before or shortly after birth. Only one copy of the gene needs to be present for the disorder to be seen. Thus, a person with Achondroplastic dwarfism has a 50% chance of passing on the gene to their offspring, meaning that 1 in 2 of their children will have Achondroplastic dwarfism. Since two copies are fatal, if two people with Achondroplastic dwarfism have children, there's a 1 in 4 chance of it dying shortly after birth; 2 out of 3 surviving children will have normal Achondroplastic dwarfism. However, in 3 out of 4 cases, people with Achondroplastic dwarfism are born to parents who don't have the condition. This is the result of a new mutation.

New gene mutations are associated with increasing paternal age (over 35 years). Studies have demonstrated that new gene mutations are exclusively inherited from the father and occur during spermatogenesis (as opposed to resulting from a gonadal mosaicism).

Achondroplastic dwarfism can be detected before birth by the use of prenatal ultrasound. A DNA test can be performed before birth to detect homozygosity, where two copies of the mutant gene are inherited, a condition which is lethal and leads to stillbirths.

Growth hormone (GH) therapy has been proposed as a possible treatment for the short stature of Achondroplastic dwarfism. However, the people who participated in the studies on the subject have not yet reached adult size, so this type of therapy has unknown results. Early experience with surgical limb lengthening procedures resulted in a high incidence of complications, but recent experiences have improved results considerably.

For the genetic details: More than 99% of Achondroplastic dwarfism is caused by two different mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3). In about 98% of cases, the mutation is a Gly380Arg substitution, resulting from a G to A point mutation at nucleotide 1138 of the FGFR3 gene [Bellus et al 1995, Shiang et al 1994, Rousseau et al 1996]. About 1% of cases are caused by a G to C point mutation at nucleotide 1138.

Achondroplastic dwarfism - Radiologic Findings

A skeletel survey is useful to confirm the diagnosis of Achondroplastic dwarfism. Skull films demonstrate a large skull with a narrow foramen magnum, and relatively small skull base. The vertabral bodies are short and cuboidal, and there is congenitally narrowed spinal canal. The iliac wings are small and squared, with a narrow sciatic notch. The tubular bones are short and thick with metaphyseal cupping and flaring and irregular growth plates. Fibular overgrowth is present. The hand is broad with short metacarpals and phalanges, and a trident configuration. The ribs are short with cupped anterior ends. If the radiographic features are not classic, a search for a different diagnosis should be entertained.

T2-weighted MR showing severe spinal stenosis, particularly at the foramen magnum

Fig. 1 T2-weighted MR showing severe spinal stenosis, particularly at the foramen magnum.

The diagnosis can be made on by fetal ultrasound by progressive discordance between the femur length and biparietal diameter by age. The trident hand configuration can be seen if the fingers are fully extended.

External links

• Description of Achondroplasia from the Wellcome Trust
• Achondroplasia by by Kathleen Tozer, M.D. & Bart Keogh, M.D., University of Washington Department of Radiology
• Approach to Skeletal Dysplasias
• Azouz, E. M., Teebi, A. S., Chen, M.-F., Lemyre, E., and P. Glanc. "Achondroplasia, Hypochondroplasia, and Thanatophoric Dysplasia: Review and Update [Bone Dysplasia Series]," Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal 50(3): 185. June 1999.

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