Facio-auriculo-vertebral sequence in association with DiGeorge sequence, Rokitansky sequence, and Dandy-Walker malformation: case report

Pediatr Dev Pathol. 2003 Jul-Aug;6(4):355-60. doi: 10.1007/s10024-003-1124-z.

Abstract

Extreme variability of expression is characteristic of the facio-auriculo-vertebral sequence. Sporadic and familial cases have been reported with obvious etiologic heterogeneity. Most reports in the literature are of clinical cases. The purpose of this paper is to present a fetal autopsy case report of the facio-auriculo-vertebral sequence in association with DiGeorge sequence, Rokitansky sequence, and Dandy-Walker malformation. A standard neonatal autopsy was performed on a macerated female fetus, gestational age 29 wk. External examination of the fetus revealed hypoplastic right face, low-set microtic right ear, and macrostomia. Internal examination showed hypoplastic thymus and lungs, a type I truncus arteriosus, and ventricular septal defect. Both kidneys showed evidence of pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction. The ovaries and fallopian tubes were present with an absent uterus and vagina (Rokitansky sequence). In addition, Dandy-Walker malformation was identified. Microscopically, a single hypoplastic parathyroid gland was noted and there was cystic renal dysplasia. We report the sixth case of the facio-auriculo-vertebral sequence in association with Rokitansky sequence and the first case of this sequence in association with Dandy-Walker malformation. In addition, features of DiGeorge sequence were present.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abnormalities, Multiple / embryology*
  • Abnormalities, Multiple / pathology
  • Dandy-Walker Syndrome / complications
  • Dandy-Walker Syndrome / embryology*
  • DiGeorge Syndrome / complications
  • DiGeorge Syndrome / embryology*
  • Ear / abnormalities*
  • Facial Asymmetry / complications
  • Facial Asymmetry / embryology*
  • Facial Asymmetry / pathology
  • Female
  • Genitalia, Female / abnormalities*
  • Genitalia, Female / pathology
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Spine / abnormalities*
  • Uterus / abnormalities
  • Vagina / abnormalities