Clinical Description
INPPL1-related opsismodysplasia is characterized by prenatal-onset short stature, short limbs, small hands and feet, narrow thorax, dysmorphic facial features (including relative macrocephaly, prominent forehead, midface retrusion, depressed nasal bridge, short nose, anteverted nares, and relatively long philtrum), delayed epiphyseal mineralization, metaphyseal cupping, and platyspondyly. To date, 35 individuals have been identified with biallelic pathogenic variants in INPPL1 [Below et al 2013, Huber et al 2013, Iida et al 2013, Li et al 2014, Feist et al 2016, Ghosh et al 2017, Abumansour et al 2021, Silveira et al 2021]. The following description of the phenotypic features associated with this condition is based on these reports.
Prenatal. Reported prenatal ultrasound findings reflect the underlying skeletal differences, including short limbs, short long bones, short hands and feet, narrow thorax, bell-shaped thorax, platyspondyly, and decreased bone echogenicity. Increased nuchal translucency, cystic hygroma, and hydrops have been reported. Both oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios have been reported.
Craniofacial features. The described craniofacial configuration frequently includes relative macrocephaly, large fontanelles, prominent forehead, tall forehead, frontal bossing, hypertelorism, midface retrusion, depressed nasal bridge, short nose, anteverted nares, and relatively long philtrum. Macrocephaly (head circumference greater than two standard deviations [SD] above the mean) has been reported in a small number of individuals [Below et al 2013, Ghosh et al 2017]. Other reported craniofacial features include coarse facies, brachycephaly, proptosis, shallow orbits, low-set ears, high-arched palate, macro- or microstomia, retrognathia, micrognathia, and short neck.
Growth. Prenatal and postnatal growth deficiency are reported in all affected individuals. Short stature is disproportionate, with short limbs. Below et al [2013] reported birth lengths ranging from 43 to 49 cm, but the corresponding gestational ages at birth were not clearly indicated. Growth deficiency is progressive. One affected female had a birth length of 38 cm (at full term) and height of 65 cm (more than 6 SD below the mean) at age nine years [Iida et al [2013]. Li et al [2014] reported progressive short stature in the first two years of life in a preterm female; height at age seven years was 78 cm, and final adult height was 101 cm at age 21 years.
Musculoskeletal manifestations
Osteopenia leads to bowing of the long bones and an increased risk of fractures. To date, fractures have not been reported at birth.
Below et al [2013] reported fractures in three individuals, including rib fractures in one child at age three years. Fractures of the radius and fibulae were reported in one individual at age seven years [
Li et al 2014]. Increased risk for fractures is likely related to the extent of bony demineralization.
Cervical spine complications include odontoid hypoplasia, os odontoideum, small foramen magnum, and cervical spinal canal stenosis.
Scoliosis.
Huber et al [2013] described severe scoliosis in three individuals; one individual underwent surgery for scoliosis. Age of onset and progression of scoliosis have not been specifically described in individuals with
INPPL1-related opsismodysplasia, although scoliosis appears progressive [D Earl & K White, personal observations].
Flexion contractures. Limited elbow extension has been noted at birth [
Li et al 2014]. Mild elbow flexion contracture was reported in one individual and mild knee contracture in two individuals [
Below et al 2013].
Skeletal deformities and pain contribute to the challenges with walking. Such deformities may be surgically addressed. Walkers and wheelchairs are reported to aid mobility.
Respiratory issues. Contributions to respiratory insufficiency include restrictive lung disease from a narrow small thorax, severe scoliosis, pulmonary hypoplasia, pulmonary hypertension, recurrent infections (including pneumonia and aspiration pneumonia), reactive airway disease, obstructive sleep apnea, tracheomalacia, and bronchial narrowing. For some individuals, respiratory support includes intubation and mechanical ventilation. Two reported individuals required tracheostomy [Below et al 2013, Iida et al 2013]. Many individuals develop chronic lung disease. Respiratory issues may be severe and life-limiting.
Development. Affected individuals often have gross motor delays, with delayed onset of walking. One individual was described as wheelchair dependent [Below et al 2013]. Another individual started walking at age two years, stopped walking at age 2.5 years, but was then able to walk again after phosphate replacement therapy [Li et al 2014]. Two sibs demonstrated improved mobility following treatment with intravenous pamidronate [Khwaja et al 2015].
Normal intelligence has been reported, while cognitive impairment has not been specifically noted [Below et al 2013, Huber et al 2013, Iida et al 2013]. Cognitive outcomes are not uniformly commented upon across case reports. To date, the expectation is that cognition is not directly impacted in INPPL1-related opsismodysplasia.
Cardiac manifestations. Dilated cardiomyopathy was identified in one individual at age 2.5 years [Below et al 2013, Khwaja et al 2015]. Atrial septal defect was reported in two individuals [Below et al 2013, Abumansour et al 2021]. Tricuspid valve prolapse and mitral valve prolapse were reported in one individual at age 3.5 years [Huber et al 2013]. Abnormal tricuspid valve with regurgitation was identified at birth in one individual [Abumansour et al 2021].
Kidney manifestations. Absent kidney, hypoplastic kidney, and hydronephrosis have each been reported in one individual [Below et al 2013, Huber et al 2013, Abumansour et al 2021].
Other. Hearing loss and posterior cleft palate have each been reported in one individual [Below et al 2013].
Prognosis. At least two stillbirths have been reported in infants with INPPL1-related opsismodysplasia. Among the 21 liveborn infants, three were reported to have died in the perinatal period (30 minutes to 12 days) [Huber et al 2013, Abumansour et al 2021]. One infant died at 12 days after withdrawal of support for poor cardiorespiratory status in the context of apparently lethal skeletal dysplasia [Abumansour et al 2021]. There is variable life span; the oldest reported individual is age 24 years [Below et al 2013]. The cause of death beyond the perinatal period has not been specifically reported in individuals with INPPL1-related opsismodysplasia. In those with clinical and radiographic features of opsismodysplasia, diagnosed prior to the availability of molecular genetic testing, death secondary to respiratory failure has been reported [Cormier-Daire et al 2003].