Fumarase deficiency in dichorionic diamniotic twins

Twin Res Hum Genet. 2013 Dec;16(6):1117-20. doi: 10.1017/thg.2013.72. Epub 2013 Nov 4.

Abstract

Fumarase deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive inborn error of metabolism of the Krebs Tricarboxylic Acid cycle. A heavy neurological disease burden is imparted by fumarase deficiency, commonly manifesting as microcephaly, dystonia, global developmental delay, seizures, and lethality in the infantile period. Heterozygous carriers also carry an increased risk of developing hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma. We describe a non-consanguineous family in whom a dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy resulted in twin boys with fumarase deficiency proven at the biochemical, enzymatic, and molecular levels. Their clinical phenotype included hepatic involvement. A novel mutation in the fumarate hydratase gene was identified in this family.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Twin Study

MeSH terms

  • Amnion / pathology
  • Chorion / pathology
  • Developmental Disabilities / enzymology
  • Developmental Disabilities / genetics*
  • Diseases in Twins / enzymology
  • Diseases in Twins / genetics*
  • Female
  • Fumarate Hydratase / deficiency*
  • Fumarate Hydratase / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Liver Diseases / enzymology
  • Liver Diseases / genetics*
  • Male
  • Mutation / genetics*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Twin

Substances

  • Fumarate Hydratase