Further case of Cantu syndrome: Exclusion of cryptic subtelomeric chromosome aberrations

Cantu syndrome consists of hypertrichosis, osteochondrodysplasia, and cardiomegaly, and has been reported in 18 patients to date. We report an infant with Cantu syndrome. In addition to typical findings, he had relatively mild radiological and cardiological manifestations. Previously undescribed findings included pyloric stenosis and elevated alkaline phosphatase levels. Brain scans showed bilateral calcification of the Arteriae thalamostriatae and widening of the outer liquor spaces and lateral ventricles. Because the propositus is the youngest patient reported to date, our findings refine the clinical spectrum of Cantu syndrome in neonates and young infants. The etiology and mode of inheritance of Cantu syndrome are unknown. Most cases are sporadic. Microdeletions have been discussed as a possible cause of Cantu syndrome. Recently several syndromes with multiple congenital anomalies and mental retardation have been shown to be caused by subtelomeric chromosome aberrations. We excluded the presence of a cryptic subtelomeric chromosome anomaly in our patient by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) screening with locus-specific probes. (C) 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.