Buschke–ollendorff Syndrome

Buschke–Ollendorff syndrome (BOS)is a rare genetic disorder associated with LEMD3. It is believed to be inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. It is named for Abraham Buschke and Helene Ollendorff Curth, who described it in a 45-year-old woman. Its frequency is almost 1 case per every 20,000 people, and it is equally found in both males and females.

Signs and symptoms

Osteopoikilosis

The signs and symptoms of this condition are consistent with the following (possible complications include aortic stenosis and hearing loss):

  • Osteopoikilosis
  • Bone pain
  • Connective tissue nevi
  • Metaphysis abnormality

Pathogenesis

Buschke–Ollendorff syndrome is caused by one important factor: mutations in the LEMD3 gene (12q14), located on chromosome 12.

Among the important aspects of Buschke–Ollendorff syndrome condition, genetically speaking are:

Bone Cells
  • LEMD3 (protein) referred also as MAN1, is an important protein in inner nuclear membrane.
  • LEMD3 gene gives instructions for producing protein that controls signaling for transforming growth factor-beta.
  • LEMD3 gene helps in the bone morphogenic protein pathway
  • Both of the above pathways help grow new bone cells
  • BMP and TGF-β pathways controls SMADs proteins, which then bind to DNA
  • LEMD3 once mutated, causes a reduction of the protein, which in turn causes excess of the above two pathways.

Diagnosis

Microscope with stained slide (histological specimen)
Histopathology of BOS.

The diagnosis of this condition can be ascertained via several techniques one such method is genetic testing, as well as:

  • X-ray
  • Ultrasound
  • Histological test

Differential diagnosis

The differential diagnosis for an individual believed to have Buschke–Ollendorff syndrome is the following:

  • Melorheostosis
  • Sclerotic bone metastases.

Treatment

In terms of the treatment of Buschke–Ollendorff syndrome, should the complication of aortic stenosis occur then surgery may be required.

Treatment for hearing loss may also require surgical intervention.

See also

  • Osteopoikilosis
  • List of cutaneous conditions
  • Melorheostosis