Autosomal recessive von Willebrand disease associated with compound heterozygosity for a novel nonsense mutation (2908 Del C) and the missense mutation C2362F: Definite evidence for the non-penetrance of the C2362F mutation

A novel null mutation (2908del C in exon 22) of the von Willebrand factor (VWF) gene was identified in compound heterozygosity with the missense mutation G7335T (C2362F) in exon 42 in a propositus from a new family with autosomal recessive von Willebrand disease (VWD). The propositus, referred at age 2 for severe epistaxis and prolonged bleeding after a tongue bite, had factor VIII:C 14-21 IU/dL, VWF Antigen 3-8 IU/dL and Ristocetin Cofactor activity < 3 IU/dL. Multimeric pattern showed the lack of triplet pattern and a faster mobility of central band, while heterozygotes for C2362F showed intermediate mobility compared to normal plasma and plasma from the propositus. In the propositus' family 5 subjects were heterozygotes for the C2362F mutation and 5 were heterozygotes for the cytosine deletion. Bleeding score was assessed with a detailed questionnaire in 28 heterozygotes for C2362F, 23 of whom identified in 5 previously reported families and 5 in the present one, and found to be similar to what is observed in normal controls and heterozygotes for null allele. In conclusion, the mutation C2362F is frequently observed in compound heterozygosity with null alleles in patients with recessive VWD in the Veneto region and cause bleeding only in the compound heterozygous or homozygous state.