Atypical Werner Syndrome

An heterogeneous group of cases that are clinically diagnosed as Werner syndrome (WS) but do not carry WRN gene mutations. Similar to classical WS caused by WRN mutations, patients generally exhibit an aged appearance and common age-related disorders at earlier ages compared to the general population.

Epidemiology

The prevalence is unknown.

Clinical description

Atypical WS shows accelerated aging characterized by short stature, thinning/graying of hair, a ''bird-like'' facial appearance, skin atrophy, lipodystrophy, myopathy along with other age-related disorders such as osteoporosis and atherosclerosis. Compared to WS, it has an earlier age of onset (early 20s or earlier) and a more rapid rate of progression. Cataracts are often not present.

Etiology

A subset of atypical WS is caused by the mutation of the LMNA gene, the same causal gene seen in Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS; see this term) that codes for the nuclear intermediate filament, lamin A/C. The LMNA type of atypical WS follows an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. Additional causes of atypical WS are being discovered, and their inheritance patterns elucidated.