Pelviscapular Dysplasia

Pelviscapular dysplasia (Cousin syndrome) is characterized by the association of pelviscapular dysplasia with epiphyseal abnormalities, congenital dwarfism and facial dysmorphism.

Epidemiology

Pelviscapular dysplasia was initially described in a North African brother and sister. Two other unrelated patients (a German and a Turkish girl) from consanguineous families have recently been reported.

Clinical description

The facial dysmorphism is characterized by frontal bossing, hypertelorism, narrow palpebral fissures, deep-set eyes, strabismus, low-set posteriorly rotated and malformed ears, dysplasia of conchae, a small chin, a short neck with redundant skin folds, and a low hairline. Intelligence may vary from normal to moderately impaired. Pelviscapular dysplasia is phenotypically similar to pelvis-shoulder dysplasia (Kosenow syndrome, scapuloiliac dysostosis; see this term), and the two entities may represent different manifestations of the same disease. However, Kosenow syndrome is not associated with craniocervical abnormalities and seems to be inherited as an autosomal dominant trait.

Etiology

Mutations in the TBX15 gene have been identified as potentially causative.

Diagnostic methods

Radiographic features comprise aplasia of the body of the scapula, hypoplasia of the iliac bone, humeroradial synostosis, dislocation of the femoral heads, and moderate brachydactyly.

Genetic counseling

An autosomal recessive mode of transmission has been suggested.