Article Text
Abstract
Background Adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADAR) mutations cause a spectrum of neurological phenotypes ranging from severe encephalopathy (Aicardi-Goutières syndrome) to isolated spastic paraplegia and are associated with enhanced type I interferon signalling. In children, non-neurological involvement in the type I interferonopathies includes autoimmune and rheumatological phenomena, with calcifying cardiac valve disease only previously reported in the context of MDA5 gain-of-function.
Results We describe three patients with biallelic ADAR mutations who developed calcifying cardiac valvular disease in late childhood (9.5–14 years). Echocardiography revealed progressive calcification of the valvular leaflets resulting in valvular stenosis and incompetence. Two patients became symptomatic with biventricular failure after 5–6.5 years. In one case, disease progressed to severe cardiac failure despite maximal medical management, with death occurring at 17 years. Another child received mechanical mitral and aortic valve replacement at 16 years with good postoperative outcome. Histological examination of the affected valves showed fibrosis and calcification.
Conclusions Type I interferonopathies of differing genetic aetiology demonstrate an overlapping phenotypic spectrum which includes calcifying cardiac valvular disease. Individuals with ADAR-related type I interferonopathy may develop childhood-onset multivalvular stenosis and incompetence which can progress insidiously to symptomatic, and ultimately fatal, cardiac failure. Regular surveillance echocardiograms are recommended to detect valvular disease early.
- cardiovascular medicine
- clinical genetics
- metabolic disorders
- immunology (including allergy)
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Footnotes
Contributors Conceptualisation: YC, BB-M, SR. Clinical data collection: BB-M, CB, MH, CG, SR, NK. Immunological data collection: VB, DD. Cardiac data collection: GB, ND, AG. Genetic data collection: SR, GIR, LS, YC. Manuscript drafting: YC, SR, NK. Images: BB-M, JPB, NK. Critical review of manuscript: all authors.
Funding YJC acknowledges funding from the European Research Council (GA 309449), fellowship and a state subsidy managed by the National Research Agency (ANR, France) under the 'Investments for the Future' (ANR-10-IAHU-01). SR acknowledges funding from the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, the NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre and the Lily Foundation.
Disclaimer The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health.
Competing interests None declared.
Patient consent for publication Not required.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.