Double Heterozygous Pathogenic Variants in the LOX and PKD1 Genes in a 5-Year-Old Patient with Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Polycystic Kidney Disease

Familial thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections may occur as an isolated hereditary trait or as part of connective tissue disorders with Mendelian inheritance, but severe cardiovascular disease in pediatric patients is extremely rare. There is growing knowledge on pathogenic variants causing the disease; however, much of the phenotypic variability and gene-gene interactions remain to be discovered. We present a case report of a 5.5-year-old girl with an aortic aneurysm and concomitant polycystic kidney disease. Whole exome sequencing was performed, followed by family screening by amplicon deep sequencing and diagnostic imaging studies. In the proband, two pathogenic variants were identified: p.Tyr257Ter in the LOX gene inherited from her mother, and p.Thr2977Ile in the PKD1 gene inherited from her father. All adult carriers of either of these variants showed symptoms of aortic disease. We conclude that the coexistence of two independent genetic variants in the proband may be the reason for an early onset of disease.

Automated summary

Familial thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections in pediatric patients are extremely rare, and there is limited knowledge about the pathogenic variants. This case report presents a 5.5-year-old girl with early-onset aortic aneurysm and concomitant polycystic kidney disease. Whole exome sequencing and family screening identified the presence of two pathogenic variants in the LOX and PKD1 genes in the patient.