Hallermann-Streiff Syndrome

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Article initiated by:

Andrew Go Lee, MD, Arjun Merchant, Nita Bhat, MBBS, MS, Shruthi Harish Bindiganavile, MBBS, MS

All contributors:

Andrew Go Lee, MD, Arjun Merchant, Nita Bhat, MBBS, MS, Shruthi Harish Bindiganavile, MBBS, MS, Nagham Al-Zubidi, MD, Nita Bhat, MBBS, MS, S. Grace Prakalapakorn, MD, MPH, Janine Collinge, MD, Sonali Singh MD

Assigned editor:

Janine Collinge, MD, Sonali Singh MD

Review:

Assigned status Up to Date

 by Sonali Singh MD on June 27, 2024.

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Hallermann-Streiff Syndrome

DiseasesDB

32617

ICD-10

[1]87.0

OMIM

234100

MeSH

D006210

Disease Entity

Hallermann-Streiff syndrome (HSS) is a very rare genetic disorder defined by: characteristic facial appearance, dental abnormalities, hypotrichosis, skin atrophy, proportionate short stature, and ophthalmic features including microphthalmia and congenital bilateral cataracts. The disease was first discussed by Aubry in the late 1800s, but it was documented as a distinct entity by Hallermann in 1948 and Streiff in 1950.

Epidemiology

To date, approximately 200 cases have been reported worldwide. The inheritance pattern of HSS is ill defined and males and females are equally affected. The vast majority of cases are attributed to sporadic mutations, but there have been a few familial cases reported as well. Two cases of monozygotic twins have been described, where one set had both twins affected while the other had only one twin affected.

Etiology

The causative gene for HSS is yet to be determined. Previously, mutations in the GJA1 gene were thought to contribute to the disease, due to a similar phenotype in patients with these mutations. However, the GJA1 mutation phenotype was ultimately recognized to be distinctly different from the typical manifestations found in HSS.

Pathophysiology

HSS appears to be related to a defect involving the development of the second branchial arch during the early gestation period. This seems to be the basis for the craniofacial abnormalities seen in HSS.

Diagnosis

Clinical Features

Craniofacial – previously described as “bird-like” facies, but this terminology is no longer in use

• Skull: brachycephaly, delayed closure of fontanelles, wide sutures, poor ossification, and mild microcephaly
• Nose: thin, beaked shape with pinched ridge
• Chin/jaw/face: micrognathia, temporomandibular joint abnormalities with underdevelopment or displacement of the condyles or displacement of the disk, high-arched palate

Skin and hair

• Hypotrichosis, especially of the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes
• Atrophic skin especially of the scalp, forehead, and nose

Ophthalmic -Present in approximately 90% of patients

• Bilateral congenital cataracts
• Microphthalmia
• Other features: nystagmus, strabismus, conjunctival defects, blue sclera, corneal abnormalities, retinal detachments, chorioretinal atrophy, and peripapillary choroid atrophy

Dental

• Missing or deformed teeth
• Premature eruption and persistence of deciduous teeth
• Open bite
• Frequent and/or severe dental caries

Skeletal

• Short stature that is proportionate in relation to head and extremities
• Abnormal ossicles that develop from extra ossification centers within the cranium (i.e., Wormian bones) present between cranial sutures
• Thin ribs and long bones

Cardiac

• Several reported cases of: ventricular and atrial septal defects, Tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonic stenosis, and patent ductus arteriosus

Respiratory

• Narrow upper airway
• Glossoptosis

Intellectual disability

• Majority of patients have normal mental development; however, some have intellectual disability.

Clinical diagnosis

Diagnostic criteria have been previously published by Francois and are comprised of the 7 essential features seen in patients affected by HSS. Many cases are diagnosed clinically due to the distinctive craniofacial features observed.

1. Dyscephalia and “bird-like facies” – consisting of scaphocephaly or brachycephaly, mandibular aplasia, pointed nose
2. Abnormal dentition – missing and/or deformed teeth, improper implantation of teeth, open bite
3. Proportionate dwarfism
4. Hypotrichosis – specifically involving the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes
5. Skin atrophy – localized to head, particularly nose
6. Bilateral microphthalmia
7. Congenital cataract – most commonly bilateral; can be focal or complete

Differential diagnosis

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS)

• HGPS is a rare genetic syndrome that is classically associated with progressive premature aging and particular facial features such as a small face, micrognathia, and a thin, pointed nose with hypotrichosis. It is known to be caused by a substitution in the LMNA gene. It differs from HSS in that patients also have premature atherosclerosis, lipodystrophy, nail dystrophy, and an absence of ocular features.

Wiedemann-Rautenstrauch syndrome

• Wiedemann-Rautenstrauch syndrome, is a rare genetic syndrome that causes premature aging. Patients present with growth restriction, lipodystrophy, and a scalp with little hair and prominent veins. Like HSS, these patients can have a characteristic facial appearance and abnormal dentition. However, patients with Wiedmann-Rautenstrauch do not usually present with ophthalmic features of HSS such as congenital cataracts or microphthalmia.

Mandibulofacial dysostosis

• Mandibulofacial dysostosis, also known as Treacher Collins syndrome, is an autosomal dominant craniofacial genetic disorder involving the first and second branchial arches. It is caused by mutations in the TCOF1 gene. Some features of Treacher Collins are shared with HSS, such as micrognathia and dental abnormalities. However,mandibulofacial dysostosis is distinguishable due to the presence of external ear abnormalities and colobomas of the lower eyelid, features which HSS patients do not have.

Oculodentodigital Dysplasia (ODDD)

• ODDD is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder caused by mutations in the GJA1 gene. Similar to HSS, ODDD presents with hypotrichosis, micrognathia, abnormal dentition, and a small nose. However, ODDD also involves the digits, with abnormalities such as syndactyly or hypoplastic phalanges.

Seckel syndrome

• Seckel syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by intrauterine growth restriction, proportionate dwarfism, and intellectual disability. Craniofacial features of Seckel syndrome can be distinguished from HSS by the presence of ear malformations and severe microcephaly but no congenital cataracts.

Management

Management of HSS is aimed at addressing the most concerning and debilitating features. This includes the ophthalmic, dental, cardiovascular, and respiratory system disorders associated with the disease.

Regular ophthalmologic examination is recommended in all patients to establish baseline and monitor the ocular manifestations of disease. Some cases have described spontaneous resorption of congenital cataracts; however, surgery is recommended early on to prevent development of amblyopia. Patients are often left aphakic due to severe microcornea and microphthalmia that can occur with HSS.

Regular dental examinations are also recommended to prevent frequent dental caries that may be associated with HSS and their resulting complications. Additionally, preventative measures such as optimal oral hygiene and fissure sealants are recommended.

Congenital cardiovascular abnormalities, if present, usually require prompt surgical treatment along with ongoing cardiac care.

Lastly, the craniofacial abnormalities along with narrow upper airways seen in these patients frequently lead to the development of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), pulmonary infection, cor pulmonale, and feeding difficulties. Evaluation for these respiratory complications is recommended early in life. Because of the deleterious effects of OSA, it is recommended that any HSS patient who admits to snoring or daytime fatigue be immediately referred for a sleep study for further evaluation and treatment, if necessary. Additionally, it is important to note that micrognathia and tracheomalacia may make tracheotomy or intubation difficult in these patients. These challenging airways should be taken into account during surgical procedures performed on patients with HSS.

Course and Prognosis

Few formal studies have been conducted to investigate life expectancy of patients with HSS due to the relative rarity of the disease. Respiratory compromise and/or pulmonary infection in these patients can be very severe and the risk of death from these complications is noteworthy. Likewise, the severity of OSA in these patients with craniofacial abnormalities can range from mild to life-threatening. OSA that is not managed adequately has been associated with failure to thrive, hypertension, cardiopulmonary failure, and neurological damage. Each of these complications can significantly affect individual patient prognosis. Visual outcomes, while not life threatening, are often disappointing and potentially debilitating in patients even following cataract surgery