“Serpentine-like syndrome”–A very rare multiple malformation syndrome characterised by brachioesophagus and vertebral anomalies

Beleza-Meireles, Ana;Steenhaut, Patricia;Hocq, Catheline;Clapuyt, Philippe;Sznajer, Yves;et.al.
(2017) European Journal of Medical Genetics — Vol. 60, n° 2, p. 100-104 (2017)

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Authors
  • Beleza-Meireles, AnaUCLouvain
    Author
  • Steenhaut, PatriciaUCLouvain
    Author
  • Author
  • Clapuyt, PhilippeUCLouvain
    Author
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  • Debauche, ChristianUCLouvain
    Author
  • Sznajer, Yvesorcid-logoUCLouvain
    Author
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Abstract
"Serpentine-like syndrome" is a severe and rare association of multiple congenital malformations, characterised by brachioesophagus, secondary intrathoracic stomach, and vertebral anomalies. Other associated anomalies have been described, such as malposition and herniation of abdominal organs. We report the natural history of a baby girl born at 29 weeks of gestation with intra uterine growth restriction, short neck, large rachischisis from cervical to thoracic spine, a very short oesophagus, thoracic stomach associated with a midline diaphragmatic hernia, malrotated gut and median cleft lip. Most of these anomalies were detected antenatally. Molecular karyotype was normal. She died at age 12 days. To our knowledge, the present patient represents the 8th report of a case of "Serpentine-like syndrome". Brachioesophagus and congenital vertebral anomalies, in particular rachischisis, are the cardinal features of this condition. All reported cases have been sporadic and the cause is still unknown. We believe that the specificity of the presentation as well as the similarities between available descriptions of patients suggests a common, yet to identify, molecular cause, possibly involving a developmental "toolkit"/homeobox gene or related pathways.
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Citations

Beleza-Meireles, A., Steenhaut, P., Hocq, C., Clapuyt, P., Bernard, P., Debauche, C., & Sznajer, Y. (2017). “Serpentine-like syndrome”–A very rare multiple malformation syndrome characterised by brachioesophagus and vertebral anomalies. European Journal of Medical Genetics, 60(2), 100-104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejmg.2016.11.002 (Original work published 2017)