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Ankyloblepharon-ectodermal defects-cleft lip/palate syndrome(AEC)

MedGen UID:
98032
Concept ID:
C0406709
Disease or Syndrome
Synonyms: AEC syndrome; Ankyloblepharon-ectodermal defects, cleft lip/palate; Hay-Wells syndrome; Hay-Wells syndrome of ectodermal dysplasia
SNOMED CT: Hay-Wells syndrome (55821006); AEC - Ankyloblepharon, ectodermal defects, cleft lip and palate (55821006); Ankyloblepharon, ectodermal defects, cleft lip and palate (55821006); Hay Wells syndrome of ectodermal dysplasia (55821006); Hay-Wells syndrome of ectodermal dysplasia (55821006); Ankyloblepharon-ectodermal dysplasia-clefting syndrome (55821006); AEC syndrome (55821006)
Modes of inheritance:
Autosomal dominant inheritance
MedGen UID:
141047
Concept ID:
C0443147
Intellectual Product
Source: Orphanet
A mode of inheritance that is observed for traits related to a gene encoded on one of the autosomes (i.e., the human chromosomes 1-22) in which a trait manifests in heterozygotes. In the context of medical genetics, an autosomal dominant disorder is caused when a single copy of the mutant allele is present. Males and females are affected equally, and can both transmit the disorder with a risk of 50% for each child of inheriting the mutant allele.
 
Gene (location): TP63 (3q28)
 
Monarch Initiative: MONDO:0007124
OMIM®: 106260
Orphanet: ORPHA1071

Disease characteristics

Excerpted from the GeneReview: TP63-Related Disorders
The TP63-related disorders comprise six overlapping phenotypes: Ankyloblepharon-ectodermal defects-cleft lip/palate (AEC) syndrome (which includes Rapp-Hodgkin syndrome). Acro-dermo-ungual-lacrimal-tooth (ADULT) syndrome. Ectrodactyly, ectodermal dysplasia, cleft lip/palate syndrome 3 (EEC3). Limb-mammary syndrome. Split-hand/foot malformation type 4 (SHFM4). Isolated cleft lip/cleft palate (orofacial cleft 8). Individuals typically have varying combinations of ectodermal dysplasia (hypohidrosis, nail dysplasia, sparse hair, tooth abnormalities), cleft lip/palate, split-hand/foot malformation/syndactyly, lacrimal duct obstruction, hypopigmentation, hypoplastic breasts and/or nipples, and hypospadias. Findings associated with a single phenotype include ankyloblepharon filiforme adnatum (tissue strands that completely or partially fuse the upper and lower eyelids), skin erosions especially on the scalp associated with areas of scarring, and alopecia, trismus, and excessive freckling. [from GeneReviews]
Authors:
V Reid Sutton  |  Hans van Bokhoven   view full author information

Additional descriptions

From OMIM
Ankyloblepharon-ectodermal defects-cleft lip/palate syndrome (AEC) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by congenital ectodermal dysplasia, including alopecia, scalp infections, dystrophic nails, hypodontia, ankyloblepharon, and cleft lip and/or palate (summary by McGrath et al., 2001).  http://www.omim.org/entry/106260
From MedlinePlus Genetics
Ankyloblepharon-ectodermal defects-cleft lip/palate (AEC) syndrome is a form of ectodermal dysplasia, a group of about 180 conditions characterized by abnormal development of ectodermal tissues including the skin, hair, nails, teeth, eyes, ears, and sweat glands.

Among the most common features of AEC syndrome are missing patches of skin (erosion). In affected infants, skin erosion most commonly occurs on the scalp. It tends to recur throughout childhood and into adulthood, frequently affecting the scalp, neck, hands, and feet. Skin erosion ranges from mild to severe and can lead to life-threatening infection in infancy, scarring, and hair loss. Other ectodermal abnormalities in AEC syndrome include changes in skin coloring; brittle, sparse, or missing hair; misshapen or absent fingernails and toenails; and malformed or missing teeth. Affected individuals may also have an inability to control their body temperature because of missing or nonfunctioning sweat glands causing overheating or hypothermia.

Many infants with AEC syndrome are born with an eyelid condition known as ankyloblepharon filiforme adnatum, in which strands of tissue partially or completely fuse the upper and lower eyelids. Most people with AEC syndrome are also born with an opening in the roof of the mouth (a cleft palate), a split in the lip (a cleft lip), or both. Cleft lip or cleft palate can make it difficult for affected infants to suck, so these infants often have trouble feeding and do not grow and gain weight at the expected rate (failure to thrive).

A condition known as Rapp-Hodgkin syndrome has signs and symptoms that overlap considerably with those of AEC syndrome. These two syndromes were classified as separate disorders until it was discovered that they both result from mutations in the same part of the same gene. Most researchers now consider Rapp-Hodgkin syndrome and AEC syndrome to be part of the same disease spectrum.

Additional features of AEC syndrome can include limb abnormalities, most commonly fused fingers and toes (syndactyly). Less often, affected individuals have permanently bent fingers and toes (camptodactyly) or a deep split in the hands or feet with missing fingers or toes and fusion of the remaining digits (ectrodactyly). Hearing loss is common, occurring in more than 90 percent of children with AEC syndrome. Some affected individuals have distinctive facial features, such as small jaws that cannot open fully and a narrow space between the upper lip and nose (philtrum). Other signs and symptoms can include the opening of the urethra on the underside of the penis (hypospadias) in affected males, digestive problems, absent tear duct openings in the eyes, and chronic sinus or ear infections.  https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/ankyloblepharon-ectodermal-defects-cleft-lip-palate-syndrome

Clinical features

From HPO
Vaginal dryness
MedGen UID:
69141
Concept ID:
C0241633
Finding
Persistent vaginal dryness.
Hypospadias
MedGen UID:
163083
Concept ID:
C0848558
Congenital Abnormality
Abnormal position of urethral meatus on the ventral penile shaft (underside) characterized by displacement of the urethral meatus from the tip of the glans penis to the ventral surface of the penis, scrotum, or perineum.
Micropenis
MedGen UID:
1633603
Concept ID:
C4551492
Congenital Abnormality
Abnormally small penis. At birth, the normal penis is about 3 cm (stretched length from pubic tubercle to tip of penis) with micropenis less than 2.0-2.5 cm.
2-3 toe syndactyly
MedGen UID:
1645640
Concept ID:
C4551570
Congenital Abnormality
Syndactyly with fusion of toes two and three.
Palmoplantar keratoderma
MedGen UID:
1635750
Concept ID:
C4551675
Disease or Syndrome
Abnormal thickening of the skin of the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.
Patent ductus arteriosus
MedGen UID:
4415
Concept ID:
C0013274
Congenital Abnormality
In utero, the ductus arteriosus (DA) serves to divert ventricular output away from the lungs and toward the placenta by connecting the main pulmonary artery to the descending aorta. A patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in the first 3 days of life is a physiologic shunt in healthy term and preterm newborn infants, and normally is substantially closed within about 24 hours after bith and completely closed after about three weeks. Failure of physiologcal closure is referred to a persistent or patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Depending on the degree of left-to-right shunting, PDA can have clinical consequences.
Ventricular septal defect
MedGen UID:
42366
Concept ID:
C0018818
Congenital Abnormality
A hole between the two bottom chambers (ventricles) of the heart. The defect is centered around the most superior aspect of the ventricular septum.
Nasogastric tube feeding in infancy
MedGen UID:
868930
Concept ID:
C4023343
Finding
Feeding problem necessitating nasogastric tube feeding.
Conductive hearing impairment
MedGen UID:
9163
Concept ID:
C0018777
Disease or Syndrome
An abnormality of vibrational conductance of sound to the inner ear leading to impairment of sensory perception of sound.
Atresia of the external auditory canal
MedGen UID:
78613
Concept ID:
C0266597
Congenital Abnormality
Absence or failure to form of the external auditory canal.
Abnormality of the nervous system
MedGen UID:
105425
Concept ID:
C0497552
Congenital Abnormality
An abnormality of the nervous system.
Intellectual disability
MedGen UID:
811461
Concept ID:
C3714756
Mental or Behavioral Dysfunction
Intellectual disability, previously referred to as mental retardation, is characterized by subnormal intellectual functioning that occurs during the developmental period. It is defined by an IQ score below 70.
Hypoplasia of the maxilla
MedGen UID:
66804
Concept ID:
C0240310
Congenital Abnormality
Abnormally small dimension of the Maxilla. Usually creating a malocclusion or malalignment between the upper and lower teeth or resulting in a deficient amount of projection of the base of the nose and lower midface region.
Blepharitis
MedGen UID:
598
Concept ID:
C0005741
Disease or Syndrome
Inflammation of the eyelids.
Conjunctivitis
MedGen UID:
1093
Concept ID:
C0009763
Disease or Syndrome
Inflammation of the conjunctiva.
Cleft upper lip
MedGen UID:
40327
Concept ID:
C0008924
Congenital Abnormality
A gap or groove in the upper lip. This is a congenital defect resulting from nonfusion of tissues of the lip during embryonal development.
Partial congenital absence of teeth
MedGen UID:
43794
Concept ID:
C0020608
Congenital Abnormality
Tooth agenesis in some form is a common human anomaly that affects approximately 20% of the population. Although tooth agenesis is associated with numerous syndromes, several case reports describe nonsyndromic forms that are either sporadic or familial in nature, as reviewed by Gorlin et al. (1990). The incidence of familial tooth agenesis varies with each class of teeth. Most commonly affected are third molars (wisdom teeth), followed by either upper lateral incisors or lower second premolars; agenesis involving first and second molars is very rare. Also see 114600 and 302400. Selective tooth agenesis without associated systemic disorders has sometimes been divided into 2 types: oligodontia, defined as agenesis of 6 or more permanent teeth, and hypodontia, defined as agenesis of less than 6 teeth. The number in both cases does not include absence of third molars (wisdom teeth). Faulty use of the terms, however, have confounded their use. The term 'partial anodontia' is obsolete (Salinas, 1978). Genetic Heterogeneity of Selective Tooth Agenesis Other forms of selective tooth agenesis include STHAG2 (602639), mapped to chromosome 16q12; STHAG3 (604625), caused by mutation in the PAX9 gene (167416) on chromosome 14q12; STHAG4 (150400), caused by mutation in the WNT10A gene (606268) on chromosome 2q35; STHAG5 (610926), mapped to chromosome 10q11; STHAG7 (616724), caused by mutation in the LRP6 gene (603507) on chromosome 12p13; STHAG8 (617073), caused by mutation in the WNT10B gene (601906) on chromosome 12q13; STHAG9 (617275), caused by mutation in the GREM2 gene (608832) on chromosome 1q43; STHAG10 (620173), caused by mutation in the TSPEAR gene (612920) on chromosome 21q22; and STHAGX1 (313500), caused by mutation in the EDA gene (300451) on chromosome Xq13. A type of selective tooth agenesis that was formerly designated STHAG6 has been incorporated into the dental anomalies and short stature syndrome (DASS; 601216). Of 34 unrelated patients with nonsyndromic tooth agenesis, van den Boogaard et al. (2012) found that 56% (19 patients) had mutations in the WNT10A gene (STHAG4), whereas only 3% and 9% had mutations in the MSX1 (STHAG1) and PAX9 (STHAG3) genes, respectively. The authors concluded that WNT10A is a major gene in the etiology of isolated hypodontia. Genotype-Phenotype Correlations Yu et al. (2016) observed that the most frequently missing permanent teeth in WNT10B-associated oligodontia were the lateral incisors (83.3%), whereas premolars were missing only 51.4% of the time, which they noted was a pattern 'clearly different' from the oligodontia patterns resulting from WNT10A mutations. They also stated that the selective pattern in WNT10B mutants was different from that associated with mutations in other genes, such as MSX1, in which second premolars are missing, and PAX9, in which there is agenesis of molars.
Conical tooth
MedGen UID:
82730
Concept ID:
C0266037
Congenital Abnormality
An abnormal conical form of the teeth, that is, a tooth whose sides converge or taper together incisally.
Ankyloblepharon
MedGen UID:
83282
Concept ID:
C0339182
Anatomical Abnormality
Partial fusion of the upper and lower eyelid margins by single or multiple bands of tissue.
Lacrimal duct atresia
MedGen UID:
576318
Concept ID:
C0344511
Congenital Abnormality
A developmental disorder of the lacrimal drainage system that most often affects the lacrimal ostium and resulting in non-opening of the nasolacrimal duct. It usually results from a non-canalization of the nasolacrimal duct.
Widely spaced teeth
MedGen UID:
337093
Concept ID:
C1844813
Finding
Increased spaces (diastemata) between most of the teeth in the same dental arch.
Oval face
MedGen UID:
336480
Concept ID:
C1849025
Finding
A face with a rounded and slightly elongated outline.
Wide nasal bridge
MedGen UID:
341441
Concept ID:
C1849367
Finding
Increased breadth of the nasal bridge (and with it, the nasal root).
Selective tooth agenesis
MedGen UID:
370882
Concept ID:
C1970308
Congenital Abnormality
Agenesis specifically affecting one of the classes incisor, premolar, or molar.
Cleft palate
MedGen UID:
756015
Concept ID:
C2981150
Congenital Abnormality
Cleft palate is a developmental defect of the palate resulting from a failure of fusion of the palatine processes and manifesting as a separation of the roof of the mouth (soft and hard palate).
Bilateral choanal atresia
MedGen UID:
870857
Concept ID:
C4025317
Congenital Abnormality
Bilateral absence (atresia) of the posterior nasal aperture (choana).
Cleft lip
MedGen UID:
1370297
Concept ID:
C4321245
Anatomical Abnormality
A gap in the lip or lips.
Anhidrosis
MedGen UID:
1550
Concept ID:
C0003028
Disease or Syndrome
Inability to sweat.
Ectodermal dysplasia
MedGen UID:
8544
Concept ID:
C0013575
Disease or Syndrome
Ectodermal dysplasia is a group of conditions in which there is abnormal development of the skin, hair, nails, teeth, or sweat glands.
Hyperpigmentation of the skin
MedGen UID:
57992
Concept ID:
C0162834
Pathologic Function
A darkening of the skin related to an increase in melanin production and deposition.
Nail dystrophy
MedGen UID:
66368
Concept ID:
C0221260
Disease or Syndrome
Onychodystrophy (nail dystrophy) refers to nail changes apart from changes of the color (nail dyschromia) and involves partial or complete disruption of the various keratinous layers of the nail plate.
Pili torti
MedGen UID:
82670
Concept ID:
C0263491
Finding
Pili (from Latin pilus, hair) torti (from Latin tortus, twisted) refers to short and brittle hairs that appear flattened and twisted when viewed through a microscope.
Anonychia
MedGen UID:
120563
Concept ID:
C0265998
Congenital Abnormality
Congenital anonychia is defined as the absence of fingernails and toenails. Anonychia and its milder phenotypic variant, hyponychia, usually occur as a feature of genetic syndromes, in association with significant skeletal and limb anomalies. Isolated nonsyndromic congenital anonychia/hyponychia is a rare entity that usually follows autosomal recessive inheritance with variable expression, even within a given family. The nail phenotypes observed range from no nail field to a nail field of reduced size with an absent or rudimentary nail (summary by Bruchle et al., 2008). This form of nail disorder is referred to here as nonsyndromic congenital nail disorder-4 (NDNC4). For a list of other nonsyndromic congenital nail disorders and a discussion of genetic heterogeneity, see NDNC1 (161050).
Hyperconvex nail
MedGen UID:
488894
Concept ID:
C0423807
Finding
When viewed on end (with the digit tip pointing toward the examiner's eye) the curve of the nail forms a tighter curve of convexity.
Absent eyelashes
MedGen UID:
334299
Concept ID:
C1843005
Congenital Abnormality
Lack of eyelashes.
Sparse eyelashes
MedGen UID:
375151
Concept ID:
C1843300
Finding
Decreased density/number of eyelashes.
Patchy alopecia
MedGen UID:
350774
Concept ID:
C1862862
Finding
Transient, non-scarring hair loss and preservation of the hair follicle located in in well-defined patches.
Sparse body hair
MedGen UID:
350775
Concept ID:
C1862863
Finding
Sparseness of the body hair.
Supernumerary nipple
MedGen UID:
120564
Concept ID:
C0266011
Congenital Abnormality
Presence of more than two nipples.
Alacrima
MedGen UID:
87488
Concept ID:
C0344505
Disease or Syndrome
Absence of tear secretion.

Term Hierarchy

CClinical test,  RResearch test,  OOMIM,  GGeneReviews,  VClinVar  
  • CROGVAnkyloblepharon-ectodermal defects-cleft lip/palate syndrome

Professional guidelines

PubMed

Barbaro V, Nardiello P, Castaldo G, Willoughby CE, Ferrari S, Ponzin D, Amato F, Bonifazi E, Parekh M, Calistri A, Parolin C, Di Iorio E
Am J Med Genet A 2012 Aug;158A(8):1957-61. Epub 2012 Jun 27 doi: 10.1002/ajmg.a.35414. PMID: 22740388
Lane MM, Dalton WT 3rd, Sherman SA, Bree AF, Czyzewski DI
Am J Med Genet A 2009 Sep;149A(9):1926-34. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.a.32835. PMID: 19504609

Recent clinical studies

Etiology

Butcher C, Abbott BM, Grange D, Fete M, Meyer B, Spinka C, Fete T
Am J Med Genet A 2024 Dec;194(12):e63832. Epub 2024 Aug 9 doi: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63832. PMID: 39126172
Nanda A, AlLafi A, Wolf S, AlMasry IM, Betz R
Dermatol Online J 2021 Nov 15;27(11) doi: 10.5070/D3271156088. PMID: 35130400
Cadieux-Dion M, Safina NP, Engleman K, Saunders C, Repnikova E, Raje N, Canty K, Farrow E, Miller N, Zellmer L, Thiffault I
BMC Med Genet 2018 Mar 9;19(1):41. doi: 10.1186/s12881-018-0556-2. PMID: 29523099Free PMC Article
Rinne T, Bolat E, Meijer R, Scheffer H, van Bokhoven H
Am J Med Genet A 2009 Sep;149A(9):1948-51. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.a.32793. PMID: 19676060
Sutton VR, Plunkett K, Dang DX, Lewis RA, Bree AF, Bacino CA
Am J Med Genet A 2009 Sep;149A(9):1916-21. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.a.32791. PMID: 19676059

Diagnosis

Butcher C, Abbott BM, Grange D, Fete M, Meyer B, Spinka C, Fete T
Am J Med Genet A 2024 Dec;194(12):e63832. Epub 2024 Aug 9 doi: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63832. PMID: 39126172
Serra G, Antona V, Giuffré M, Li Pomi F, Lo Scalzo L, Piro E, Schierz IAM, Corsello G
Ital J Pediatr 2021 Sep 28;47(1):196. doi: 10.1186/s13052-021-01152-y. PMID: 34583755Free PMC Article
Niculescu L, Wagner M, Westphal DS, Fischer M, Mihatsch W, Prothmann A, Ruzicka T, Wollenberg A, Wolff H, Schmidt H, Giehl KA
Acta Derm Venereol 2019 Jan 1;99(1):111-112. doi: 10.2340/00015555-2997. PMID: 29956718
Guo S, Chen R, Xu Y, Mu Y, Chen L
J Craniofac Surg 2017 Jun;28(4):e349-e351. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000003600. PMID: 28230601
Sutton VR, Plunkett K, Dang DX, Lewis RA, Bree AF, Bacino CA
Am J Med Genet A 2009 Sep;149A(9):1916-21. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.a.32791. PMID: 19676059

Prognosis

Jin JY, Zeng L, Li K, He JQ, Pang X, Huang H, Xiang R, Tang JY
J Gene Med 2019 Oct;21(10):e3122. Epub 2019 Aug 30 doi: 10.1002/jgm.3122. PMID: 31420900

Clinical prediction guides

Jin JY, Zeng L, Li K, He JQ, Pang X, Huang H, Xiang R, Tang JY
J Gene Med 2019 Oct;21(10):e3122. Epub 2019 Aug 30 doi: 10.1002/jgm.3122. PMID: 31420900
Koster MI, Dinella J, Chen J, O'Shea C, Koch PJ
Cell Commun Adhes 2014 Feb;21(1):55-63. doi: 10.3109/15419061.2013.876015. PMID: 24460201Free PMC Article

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