Hyaline Fibromatosis Syndrome
Summary
Clinical characteristics.
Hyaline fibromatosis syndrome (HFS) is characterized by hyaline deposits in the papillary dermis and other tissues. It can present at birth or in infancy with severe pain with movement, progressive joint contractures, and often with severe motor disability, thickened skin, and hyperpigmented macules/patches over bony prominences of the joints. Gingival hypertrophy, skin nodules, pearly papules of the face and neck, and perianal masses are common. Complications of protein-losing enteropathy and failure to thrive can be life threatening. Cognitive development is normal. Many children with the severe form (previously called infantile systemic hyalinosis) have a significant risk of morbidity or mortality in early childhood; some with a milder phenotype (previously called juvenile hyaline fibromatosis) survive into adulthood.
Diagnosis/testing.
The diagnosis of HFS is established in a proband with characteristic clinical features and/or biallelic pathogenic variants in ANTXR2 identified by molecular genetic testing. Skin biopsy may reveal hyaline material accumulation in the dermis or nondiagnostic findings; intestinal biopsy may demonstrate villous atrophy and lymphangiectasia. Skeletal x-rays may reveal osteopenia, periosteal reaction, and lucent lesions.
Management.
Treatment of manifestations: Possible nasogastric tube, gastrostomy tube feeding, or parenteral nutrition under supervision of a gastroenterologist and nutritionist; nutrition tailored for the possibility of malabsorption or lymphangiectasia; hydration and albumin infusions for protein-losing enteropathy; physiotherapy for joint contractures can be considered although pain may be problematic; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opiates, and possibly gabapentin for pain; gentle handling; splinting may reduce pain; consultation with a pain management specialist as needed; lesions that obstruct the airway or interfere with feedings can be excised, but may recur; anesthesiologists need to be aware of potential difficulties with endotracheal intubation; perianal masses may be resected; treatment of skin nodules as recommended by dermatology and/or plastic surgery; infections are treated based on the site of infection and causative agent; consider family counseling to manage chronic medical condition.
Surveillance: The following as needed based on clinical presentation: antibody levels and serum albumin; evaluation for gastrointestinal malabsorption; nutrition assessment; history and examination for contracture progression and pain; examination for concerning lesions; examination for oral lesions that affect feeding/nutrition and dental complications; cardiac assessment.
Genetic counseling.
HFS is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. If both parents are known to be heterozygous for an ANTXR2 pathogenic variant, each sib of an affected individual has at conception a 25% chance of being affected, a 50% chance of being unaffected and a carrier, and a 25% chance of being unaffected and not a carrier. Carrier testing for at-risk relatives and prenatal testing for pregnancies at increased risk are possible once the ANTXR2 pathogenic variants have been identified in an affected family member.
Diagnosis
Suggestive Findings
Hyaline fibromatosis syndrome (HFS) should be suspected in individuals with the following clinical, laboratory, histopathology, and radiographic features. Clinical features are presented in order of their specificity for clinical diagnosis.
Clinical features
- Hyperpigmented skin over bony prominences. Purplish patches develop over the medial and lateral malleoli of the ankles, metacarpophalangeal joints, spine, and elbows.
- Progressive contractures (e.g., hip, knee and elbow flexion, ankle dorsiflexion, wrist extension with flexion of proximal interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints) that may be congenital and/or cause decreased intrauterine movement. Some individuals have only mild contractures.
- Possible pain or excessive crying with passive movement
- Failure to thrive. Postnatal-onset growth deficiency is common. Some children develop chronic diarrhea and protein-losing enteropathy.
- Gingival thickening
- Skin nodules (e.g., pearly papules on the head and neck; skin nodules, papules, and fleshy lesions periorally and perianally)
- Characteristic facies. A depressed nasal bridge, variable ear malformations (large, simple or low-set ears, and preauricular skin tags), and a slightly coarse facial appearance may be present.
- Normal ophthalmologic examination can be used to differentiate HFS from some lysosomal storage disorders.
Laboratory features
- Serum albumin may be low.
- Normal or slightly elevated ESR, anemia, and/or thrombocytosis
- Immunoglobulin levels may be low and cellular immune responses depressed.
- CD3 and CD4 lymphocyte subsets and ANA are unremarkable.
Histopathology
- Skin biopsy. Light microscopy demonstrates hyaline material in the dermis.Note: This finding may not be evident in the early stages of the disease [Arbour et al 2001]. The hyaline material appears as an amorphous eosinophilic substance that is periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) positive. It is thought to contain glycoproteins and collagen. The spindle-shaped fibroblasts dispersed in abundant amounts of hyaline material render a "chondroid appearance."Electron microscopy demonstrates cells filled with fine, fibrillary material with an enlarged endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus.
- Intestinal biopsy. Villous atrophy, edema, lymphangiectasia, and hyalinosis may be seen in individuals with prominent gastrointestinal symptoms.
Radiographic features
- Skeletal radiographs. Generalized osteopenia, periosteal reaction, and lucent lesions are nonspecific findings that may affect long bones as well as the axial skeleton.
- Upper-gastrointestinal imaging studies may show rapid transit time.
- MRI of the brain is unremarkable.
Establishing the Diagnosis
The diagnosis of HFS is established in a proband with the above suggestive findings and/or biallelic pathogenic variants in ANTXR2 identified by molecular genetic testing (see Table 1).
Molecular genetic testing approaches can include a combination of gene-targeted testing (single-gene testing or multigene panel) and comprehensive genomic testing (exome sequencing, exome array, genome sequencing) depending on the phenotype.
Gene-targeted testing requires that the clinician determine which gene(s) are likely involved, whereas genomic testing does not. Individuals with the distinctive findings described in Suggestive Findings may be diagnosed using gene-targeted testing (see Option 1), whereas those in whom the diagnosis of HFS has not been considered are more likely to be diagnosed using genomic testing (see Option 2).
Option 1
Single-gene testing. Sequence analysis of ANTXR2 is performed first to detect small intragenic deletions/insertions and missense, nonsense, and splice site variants. Note: Depending on the sequencing method used, single-exon, multiexon, or whole-gene deletions/duplications may not be detected. If only one or no variant is detected by the sequencing method used, the next step is to perform gene-targeted deletion/duplication analysis to detect exon and whole-gene deletions or duplications.
A multigene panel that includes ANTXR2 and other genes of interest (see Differential Diagnosis) is most likely to identify the genetic cause of the condition at the most reasonable cost while limiting identification of variants of uncertain significance and pathogenic variants in genes that do not explain the underlying phenotype. Note: (1) The genes included in the panel and the diagnostic sensitivity of the testing used for each gene vary by laboratory and are likely to change over time. (2) Some multigene panels may include genes not associated with the condition discussed in this GeneReview. (3) In some laboratories, panel options may include a custom laboratory-designed panel and/or custom phenotype-focused exome analysis that includes genes specified by the clinician. (4) Methods used in a panel may include sequence analysis, deletion/duplication analysis, and/or other non-sequencing-based tests.
For an introduction to multigene panels click here. More detailed information for clinicians ordering genetic tests can be found here.
Option 2
When the diagnosis of HFS is not immediately recognized, comprehensive genomic testing (which does not require the clinician to determine which gene is likely involved) is the most likely option. Exome sequencing is most commonly used; genome sequencing is also possible.
If exome sequencing is not diagnostic, exome array (when clinically available) may be considered to detect (multi)exon deletions or duplications that cannot be detected by sequence analysis.
For an introduction to comprehensive genomic testing click here. More detailed information for clinicians ordering genomic testing can be found here.
Table 1.
Molecular Genetic Testing Used in Hyaline Fibromatosis Syndrome
| Gene 1 | Method | Proportion of Pathogenic Variants 2 Detectable by Method |
|---|---|---|
| ANTXR2 | Sequence analysis 3 | 95% 4 |
| Gene-targeted deletion/duplication analysis 5 | ~5% 6 |
- 1.
See Table A. Genes and Databases for chromosome locus and protein.
- 2.
See Molecular Genetics for information on variants detected in this gene.
- 3.
Sequence analysis detects variants that are benign, likely benign, of uncertain significance, likely pathogenic, or pathogenic. Variants may include small intragenic deletions/insertions and missense, nonsense, and splice site variants; typically, exon or whole-gene deletions/duplications are not detected. For issues to consider in interpretation of sequence analysis results, click here.
- 4.
Dowling et al [2003], Hanks et al [2003], El-Kamah et al [2010], Denadai et al [2012], Casas-Alba et al [2018], Cozma et al [2019]
- 5.
Gene-targeted deletion/duplication analysis detects intragenic deletions or duplications. Methods used may include quantitative PCR, long-range PCR, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), and a gene-targeted microarray designed to detect single-exon deletions or duplications.
- 6.
Shieh et al [2006], Denadai et al [2012]
Clinical Characteristics
Clinical Description
Hyaline fibromatosis syndrome (HFS), named for the characteristic hyaline deposits in the papillary dermis and other tissues including the gastrointestinal tract of affected individuals, exhibits a broad spectrum of clinical severity [Casas-Alba et al 2018, Cozma et al 2019]. Individuals may present at birth or in infancy with severe pain with movement, progressive joint contractures, skin that is firm to palpation, and characteristic hyperpigmented macules/patches over bony prominences of the joints, especially the ankles, wrists, and metacarpal-phalangeal joints [Shieh et al 2006, El-Kamah & Mostafa 2009, Hammoudah & El-Attar 2016, Schussler et al 2018]. Severely affected children can die in the first years of life, possibly from gastrointestinal involvement. Some individuals demonstrate a milder phenotype, which may be of later onset. Adults with significant symptoms have also been reported.
To date, at least 93 individuals have been identified with a pathogenic variant in ANTXR2 [Cozma et al 2019, Härter et al 2020]. The following description of the phenotypic features associated with this condition is based on these reports.
Table 2.
Features of Hyaline Fibromatosis Syndrome
| Feature | % of Persons w/Feature | Comment 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Skin nodules | >80% | Can be diagnostic |
| Hyperpigmented skin over bony prominences, thickened skin | Common | Can be diagnostic |
| Contractures | ~60% | Variable depending on severity |
| Gingival enlargement | 93% | |
| Protein-losing enteropathy | Unknown | Diarrhea, reported in >50%, is likely more common than reported |
| Immunodeficiency | ~33% | Variable; may be underreported |
- 1.
Presence of findings may be age dependent.
Skin nodules and other manifestations. Skin nodules and white-to-pink pearly papules that are a few millimeters in size are common on the face and neck. Fleshy lesions may appear in the perianal region. These lesions appear to develop and become more numerous over time. The skin is firm to palpation and has been described as thickened. Excessive diaphoresis is common.
Hyperpigmented skin over bony prominences. Characteristic purplish patches develop over the medial and lateral malleoli of the ankles, the metacarpophalangeal joints, spine, and elbows. The degree of hyperpigmentation varies depending on the baseline pigmentation of the skin [Arbour et al 2001].
Progressive contractures. Affected individuals can present with congenital contractures. Some mothers report deficient fetal activity during the pregnancy of the affected infant, and many parents note decreased passive and/or active movement of the extremities of their child. Contractures are progressive, and extremities become fixed with the hips and knees flexed and the ankles dorsiflexed. The elbows exhibit flexion contractures, and the wrists are typically positioned in extension with flexion contractures of the proximal interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints. Some individuals demonstrate milder features [Shieh et al 2006].
Pain or excessive crying. Severe pain with passive movement in infancy or early childhood is characteristic. Pathogenesis is unclear.
Failure to thrive. Postnatal-onset growth deficiency is common. Villous atrophy, edema, and lymphangiectasia of the intestine can lead to malabsorption. Some children develop severe intractable protein-losing diarrhea, likely due to hyalinosis of the intestine. The clinical progression of severe cases has been delayed with regular gastrointestinal evaluation and nutritional support [Shieh, unpublished].
Gingival manifestations. The gingivae are thickened. Affected individuals develop masses in the gingiva, which enlarge over time. Lesions that obstruct the airway or interfere with oral intake are particularly problematic. Lesions may recur after surgical excision.
Dental abnormalities include malpositioned teeth, curved dental roots, or other dental abnormalities.
Characteristic facies. A depressed nasal bridge, variable ear malformations (large, simple, or low-set ears; preauricular skin tags), and a slightly coarse facial appearance may be present.
Other
- Cognitive function is preserved; however, individuals with delayed development have been reported [Nischal et al 2004].
- Hepatomegaly may be present.
- Susceptibility to fractures may be increased.
- Recurrent infections may develop due to impaired cellular immune responses and reduced immunoglobulin levels [Klebanova & Schwindt 2009].
- At least two clinically diagnosed individuals developed squamous cell carcinoma [Kawasaki et al 2001, Shimizu et al 2005] and an adult has been reported with colon cancer. The ANTXR2 mutation status in these individuals is unknown.
- Cardiovascular involvement is largely unknown. One instance of atrial thrombus has been reported.
Prognosis
- Individuals with severe disease can succumb to infection or complications of protein-losing enteropathy.
- Some individuals demonstrate a milder phenotype, which may be of later onset with potential survival into adulthood.
- A clinical grading system for HFS has been proposed [Denadai et al 2012] with grades from mild to severe/lethal. All grades have skin and/or gingival involvement, while increasing grades have joint and/or bone and internal organ involvement. Sepsis or organ failure is associated with the most severe forms.
Milder phenotype. Although joint contractures, skin hyperpigmentation, and skin lesions occur with the milder phenotype, the presentation is variable and disability may be less pronounced. Pain is less severe and may decrease with age. Short stature, limb shortening, and brachydactyly may be present. Intractable diarrhea is rare in milder forms of the disorder.
Pathology. Myopathic changes on muscle biopsy may be evident [Zolkipli et al 2003]. Only a few postmortem examinations have been reported. Hyaline deposition has been documented in the dermis, the small and large intestine, skeletal muscle, lymph nodes, thymus, spleen, thyroid, adrenals, and myocardium. Interstitial parenchymal fibrosis of the pancreas, skeletal muscle, lung, and liver was observed [Criado et al 2004].
Genotype-Phenotype Correlations
Hanks et al [2003] reported on genotype/phenotype correlations in 17 families:
- Those with at least one insertion/deletion in ANTXR2 resulting in a translational frameshift had a severe phenotype (infantile systemic hyalinosis).
- In-frame and missense variants in the cytoplasmic domain were associated with a milder phenotype, with survival to adulthood without recurrent infections, diarrhea, or multiorgan failure. Skeletal manifestations, however, were variably present.
A review of ANTXR2 variant type and disease grade was published by Casas-Alba et al [2018]; missense variants in the cytoplasmic domain were found to be less severe.
Nomenclature
Before the molecular basis of HFS was understood, severe and milder forms of the disorder were described as separate conditions (infantile systemic hyalinosis and juvenile hyaline fibromatosis, respectively). It is now known that both severe and mild forms of HFS are caused by pathogenic variants in ANTXR2.
Prevalence
HFS is rare, but it has been recognized in families of various ethnic backgrounds on multiple continents.
Differential Diagnosis
The conditions summarized in Table 3 exhibit some features similar to hyaline fibromatosis syndrome (HFS); however, HFS can be distinguished by the characteristic associated pain, hyperpigmented skin lesions, and perianal and perioral masses.
Table 3.
Other Genes and Conditions of Interest in the Differential Diagnosis of Hyaline Fibromatosis Syndrome
| Gene(s) | Disorder | MOI | Clinical Features of Differential Diagnosis Disorder | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overlapping w/HFS | Differentiating from HFS | |||
| ASAH1 | Farber disease (See ASAH1 Disorders.) | AR | Typically presents w/painful joint contractures & progressive hoarseness; skin nodules develop, esp over bony prominences. | Neurologic involvement in most persons; absence of hyperpigmented patches |
| COL1A1 | Caffey disease (infantile cortical hyperostosis) | AD | Presents w/irritability, poor feeding, fever, & soft tissue swelling | Characteristic radiographic hyperostoses |
| ECM1 | Lipoid proteinosis | AR | Presents w/hoarseness, followed by development of papules around eyelids | Facial papules, tongue enlargement, dental hypoplasia, & distinct skin lesions (vesicles & crusted bullae evolving into waxy plaques) |
| FBN1 | Stiff skin syndrome (OMIM 184900) | AD | Thickened skin & flexion contractures; mucopolysaccharide deposition has been found in the skin but mucopolysacchariduria has not been detected. | Absence of characteristic HFS skin findings |
| GNPTAB | Mucolipidosis II (See GNPTAB Disorders.) | AR | Gingival thickening & dysostosis multiplex; facies are coarse & joint contractures develop over time. | |
| Mucolipidosis IIIα/β (See GNPTAB Disorders.) | AR | Phenotype varies in severity; principal features: contractures & dysostosis multiplex. | ||
| MMP2 | Multicentric osteolysis nodulosis & arthropathy 1 | AR | Short stature & osteolysis of interphalangeal & metacarpal-phalangeal joints | |
| PDGFRB | Congenital generalized fibromatosis (OMIM 228550) | AD | Solitary, multiple, or generalized nodules composed of cells w/features of differentiated fibroblasts & smooth muscle cells | |
AD = autosomal dominant; AR = autosomal recessive; HFS = hyaline fibromatosis syndrome; MOI = mode of inheritance
- 1.
In addition to multicentric osteolysis nodulosis and arthropathy (MONA), this phenotype has been reported in the literature as Torg syndrome, Winchester-Torg (or Torg-Winchester) syndrome, and nodulosis-arthropathy-osteolysis (NAO) syndrome. All of these conditions have been shown to be caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in MMP2 with no discernible genotype-phenotype correlation.
Note: Periosteal reaction or fractures on skeletal radiographs in systemic hyalinosis have been mistaken for non-accidental trauma. The hyperpigmented skin lesions may mistakenly be considered post-traumatic, and the perianal masses can resemble condylomata, prompting a workup for an infectious etiology.
Management
Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis
To establish the extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with hyaline fibromatosis syndrome (HFS), the evaluations summarized in Table 4 (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to the diagnosis) should be considered.
Table 4.
Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis in Individuals with Hyaline Fibromatosis Syndrome
| System/Concern | Evaluation | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| GI/Nutrition | Complete GI & nutritional eval | Incl eval for intestinal malabsorption & protein-losing enteropathy |
| Musculoskeletal | Consider pain management eval, orthopedic eval. | For contractures |
| Immunologic | Consider immunology eval. | To evaluate for immune deficiency both cellular & humoral; protein-losing enteropathy |
| Cardiac | Consider echocardiogram. | To evaluate cardiac function |
| Endocrine | Consider endocrine eval. | Possible osteopenia, recurrent fractures |
| Dental | Consider dental eval. | For gingival hypertrophy & dental abnormalities |
| Genetic counseling | By genetics professionals 1 | To inform affected persons & their families re nature, MOI, & implications of HFS in order to facilitate medical & personal decision-making |
GI = gastrointestinal; HFS = hyaline fibromatosis syndrome; MOI= mode of inheritance
- 1.
Medical geneticist, certified genetic counselor, certified advanced genetic nurse
Treatment of Manifestations
Table 5.
Treatment of Manifestations in Individuals with Hyaline Fibromatosis Syndrome
| Manifestation/ Concern | Treatment | Considerations/Other |
|---|---|---|
| Failure to thriv |
| A nutritionist should follow affected persons. |
| Protein-losing enteropathy | Diarrhea & protein-losing enteropathy w/subsequent edema should be treated w/hydration & albumin infusions. | An effective long-term treatment is lacking; the effectiveness of dietary therapies w/intestinal lymphangiectasia is not known. |
| Joint contractures | PT assessment | When passive movement of joint contractures is painful, PT should be carried out w/care; in some cases PT is not tolerated because of pain. |
| Pain | Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs & opiates | Agents such as gabapentin should also be considered. |
|
| |
| Skin nodules, gingival thickening, & lesions of the mouth |
|
|
| Perianal masses | Surgical excision is possible. | Masses may recur after excision. |
| Skin nodules |
| Intertriginous, perianal, & neck areas are prone to masses / hypertrophic skin lesions. |
| Immune deficiency |
| |
| Psychosocial | Consider family counseling. | To develop coping strategies for affected person & family |
PT = physiotherapy
Surveillance
Table 5.
Recommended Surveillance for Individuals with Hyaline Fibromatosis Syndrome
| System/Concern | Evaluation | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Gastrointestinal/ Nutrition |
| As needed based on clinical presentation |
| Musculoskeletal | Clinical history & examination for contracture progression & pain | |
| Integument | Exam for concerning lesions | |
| Immune system | Assessment of antibody levels | |
| ENT/Dental | Exam for oral lesions affecting feeding/nutrition & → dental complications | |
| Cardiology | Cardiac assessment |
GI = gastrointestinal
Evaluation of Relatives at Risk
See Genetic Counseling for issues related to testing of at-risk relatives for genetic counseling purposes.
Therapies Under Investigation
Search ClinicalTrials.gov in the US and EU Clinical Trials Register in Europe for access to information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions. Note: There may not be clinical trials for this disorder.