Cole-Carpenter Syndrome

Cole-Carpenter syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive medical condition in humans. It is characterised by dysmorphic features and a tendency to fractures.

Signs and symptoms

This condition is usually diagnosed in infancy.

Features of this condition include

• Short trunk
• Poor growth
• Hydrocephalus
• Multiple fractures
• Craniofacial abnormalities
  • Multisutural craniosynostosis
  • Ocular proptosis
  • Marked frontal bossing
  • Midface hypoplasia
  • Micrognathia

Genetics

There are three forms of this syndrome.

Type 1 has mutations in the protein disulfide-isomerase (P4HB) gene located on the long arm of chromosome 17 (17q25).

Type 2 have mutations in the protein transport protein Sec24D (SEC24D) gene located on the long arm of chromosome 4 (4q26).

A third type has been described with a mutation in the cartilage associated protein (CRTAP) located on the short arm of chromosome 3 (3p22.3).

Clinically these forms are very similar and are best differentiated by gene sequencing.

Pathogensis

Protein disulfide-isomerase is involved in the hydroxylation of proline residues in preprocollagen. Protein transport protein Sec24D is a protein involved in vesicle transport. How mutations in the gene cause disease is not yet clear. Cartilage associated protein is involved in post translation modifications of collagen.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis may be suspected on the basis of the constellation of clinical features. It is made by sequencing the P4HB, SEC24D and CRTAP genes.

Differential diagnosis

• Pfeiffer syndrome
• Osteogenesis imperfecta
• Osteoglophonic dwarfism

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for this condition currently known and management of its various features is the norm.

History

This condition was first described in 1987.