Fanconi anemia: a model for genetic causes of abnormal brain development.

Abstract

Fanconi anemia is an autosomal recessive disease resulting in bone-marrow failure, phenotypical abnormalities and predisposition to malignancy. The authors reviewed 257 clinical and neuropathology results from the International Fanconi Anemia Registry at The Rockefeller University. Two patients had hydrocephalus and ventriculoperitoneal shunts. Of 15 neuropathology reports, 10 found CNS abnormalities, with the most common--ventriculomegaly--seen in six, two of whom required shunts. Aqueductal stenosis, agenesis of the corpus callosum and septum pellucidum, and holoprosencephaly were found. The authors conclude that neurological derangements are probably more common in Fanconi anemia than previously recognised. Fanconi anemia cells in culture are highly sensitive to oxidative stress and alkylating agents; Fanconi anemia may provide a model for a genetic disorder potentially predisposing to environmental insults.

• Authors: S G Pavlakis, C L Frissora, P F Giampietro, J G Davis, R J Gould, B Adler-Brecher, A D Auerbach
• Journal: Developmental medicine and child neurology (Dev Med Child Neurol) Vol. 34 Issue 12 Pg. 1081-4 (Dec 1992) ISSN: 0012-1622 [Print] England
• PMID: 1451937 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Topics

• Abnormalities, Multiple (genetics, pathology)
• Adolescent
• Brain (abnormalities, pathology)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Chromosome Aberrations (genetics)
• Chromosome Disorders
• Chromosomes, Human, Pair 20
• Fanconi Anemia (genetics, pathology)
• Female
• Genes, Recessive (genetics)
• Genetic Linkage (genetics)
• Humans
• Hydrocephalus (genetics, pathology)
• Infant
• Infant, Newborn
• Male
• Risk Factors