• Disease Overview
  • Synonyms
  • Signs & Symptoms
  • Causes
  • Affected Populations
  • Disorders with Similar Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Standard Therapies
  • Clinical Trials and Studies
  • References
  • Programs & Resources
  • Complete Report

Singleton Merten syndrome

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Last updated: February 06, 2017
Years published: 1997, 1998, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2017


Acknowledgment

NORD gratefully acknowledges Lusha Liang, M.D. and Emile R. Mohler III, MD, Director of Vascular Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System, for assistance in the preparation of this report.


Disease Overview

Singleton-Merten syndrome is an extremely rare, multisystem disorder the major characteristics of which are tooth abnormalities (dental dysplasia), calcifications in the aorta, the major artery of the body, and certain valves of the heart (i.e., aortic and mitral valves), as well as progressive thinning and loss of protein of the bones (osteoporosis), especially in the hands and feet. Other physical findings usually associated with Singleton-Merten syndrome may include generalized muscle weakness; progressive loss or wasting away of muscle tissue (atrophy); delayed growth, possibly resulting in short stature; delays in motor development; a skin condition characterized by thickened patches of red, scaly skin, particularly on the fingers; vision problems (glaucoma); abnormal ligaments of the joints and muscle; and/or malformation of the hips and/or feet. It appears that, in some cases, Singleton-Merten syndrome is present as a result of a random (sporadic) mutation that occurs for no apparent reason. In other cases, an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance has been suggested.

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Synonyms

  • Merten-Singleton syndrome
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Signs & Symptoms

Singleton-Merten syndrome, an extremely rare disorder, is characterized by abnormalities of the teeth (dental dysplasia), abnormal accumulation of calcium deposits (calcifications) in the major artery of the body (aorta) and certain valves of the heart (i.e., aortic and mitral valves), and/or progressive thinning and loss of protein of the bones (osteoporosis). Between the ages of four to 24 months, most affected infants experience generalized muscle weakness and loss or wasting away (atrophy) of muscle tissue. Affected infants may also exhibit delays in general physical (somatic) development, possibly resulting in short stature, and/or delays in the ability to coordinate muscles and perform certain tasks (motor development).

Abnormalities affecting the teeth also occur at an early age in individuals with Singleton-Merten syndrome. Affected infants may develop cavities (caries) and lose their primary (deciduous) teeth prematurely. Certain secondary (permanent) teeth may not develop (erupt) or may erupt late; those permanent teeth that do develop are usually malformed (dysplastic). In some patients, permanent teeth may also be lost prematurely.

By late infancy or early childhood, affected individuals may experience symptoms associated with the progressive accumulation of calcium deposits (calcifications) in the major artery of the body (aorta) and on certain valves of the heart (i.e., aortic and mitral). The aorta arises from the lower pumping chamber of the heart (left ventricle) and supplies oxygen-rich (oxygenated) blood to all the arteries of the body (excluding the pulmonary artery). In individuals with Singleton-Merten syndrome, deposits of calcium (calcifications) form in the portion of the aorta nearest the heart (proximal thoracic aorta). The accumulation of calcium deposits is progressive and typically causes blockage and narrowing of the aorta (calcific aortic stenosis), obstructing the flow of oxygenated blood. In some cases, abnormal calcium deposits may also develop around the valve on the left side of the heart (mitral valve calcification). As a result of calcification of these various structures, affected individuals may experience high blood pressure (hypertension), abnormal transmission of electrical impulses (conduction) that coordinate the activity of the heart muscle (heart block), abnormal contractions of the heart (systolic murmurs), and/or abnormal enlargement of the heart (cardiomegaly). By late adolescence, the heart may be unable to pump blood effectively (heart failure), leading to life-threatening complications.

Infants with Singleton-Merten syndrome may also experience abnormal thinning and weakness of the bones (osteoporosis). As a result, bones are frequently brittle and may fracture easily. Osteoporosis may occur in the skull and the long bones of the arms and legs, but is most prominent in the bones of the hands and fingers.

Other findings associated with Singleton-Merten syndrome may include malformations of the hips and feet that may occur due to muscle weakness; wearing away (erosion) of the bones in the tips of the fingers (terminal phalanges); and/or a chronic skin condition characterized by red, thick, scaly patches of skin (psoriasiform skin eruption). Some affected individuals may have abnormal accumulation of pressure of the fluid of the eye (glaucoma) and/or abnormal sensitivity to light (photosensitivity). Typical facial features have also been described in individuals with Singleton-Merten syndrome including a high anterior hairline, broad forehead, drooping of the upper eyelids (ptosis), a loss of the vertical groove between the base of the nose and upper lip (philtrum), and a thin upper lip border (vermillion).

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Causes

Singleton-Merten syndrome is an extremely rare disorder that is likely an autosomal dominant condition with highly variable expression. Individuals with a mild form of Singleton-Merten syndrome may show only one symptom, such as a skin rash (psoriasis). Individuals with a severe form may exhibit all the main features of Singleton-Merten syndrome including calcifications in the heart and aorta as well as skeletal and dental abnormalities.

Singleton-Merten syndrome is caused by a mutation in the IFIH1 gene. This gene is responsible for making a protein called melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) protein. When it functions normally, MDA5 is activated by the presence of viruses. Upon activation it leads to production of certain molecules that can increase activity of the immune system. However, the form of the MDA5 protein in individuals with Singleton-Merten syndrome appears to always be activated, even when there are no viruses present. This leads to an overactive immune system. This constant state of inflammation may promote disordered calcium metabolism in the body, leading to abnormal calcification of the aorta and heart valves and loss of calcification in the bones.

There has also been another gene identified, DDX58, which has been associated with atypical Singleton-Merten syndrome. DDX58 is a gene responsible for making a protein called retinoic-acid-inducible gene (RIG-I). One family of individuals with this mutation were affected by vision problems, aortic calcification, and skeletal abnormalities but had normal dentition. Another family of individuals with this mutation had vision problems and skeletal abnormalities but had normal aortas and normal dentition.

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Affected populations

Singleton-Merten syndrome is an extremely rare inherited disorder that, in theory, affects males and females in equal numbers. However, in reported cases, females have been affected more frequently than males (3:1). Fewer than 10 individual cases and three families (kindred) with multiple affected members have been reported in the medical literature.

Atypical Singleton-Merten syndrome has been identified in two families. One family with 8 affected individuals were affected by vision problems, aortic calcification, and skeletal abnormalities but had normal dentition. Another family with 3 affected individuals had vision and skeletal abnormalities but no problems with their arteries and teeth.

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Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Singleton-Merten syndrome may be suspected during infancy based upon the identification of characteristic physical findings (i.e., muscle weakness, muscle atrophy, dental abnormalities, and skeletal changes). A diagnosis may be confirmed by a thorough clinical evaluation, a detailed patient history, and/or a variety of specialized tests. The identification of calcium deposits in the aorta, in association with the other findings described above, strongly suggests a diagnosis of Singleton-Merten syndrome.

X-ray tests may be used to confirm the presence and extent of calcium deposits (calcifications) in the aorta. Obstruction or narrowing (stenosis) of the heart valves, particularly the aortic and mitral valves, may be confirmed by cardiac catheterization. During this procedure, a small hollow tube (catheter) is inserted into a large vein and threaded through the blood vessels leading to the heart. This procedure allows physicians to determine the rate of blood flow through the heart and measure the pressure within the heart. X-ray studies may also be performed to confirm the presence and extent of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis may be suspected when bone fractures occur more frequently than usual. X-ray tests may also reveal abnormal widening of the hollow parts of the bones that contain soft fatty tissue (bone marrow cavities) within the bones of the hands and/or feet (e.g., metacarpals, carpals, phalanges, etc.).

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Standard Therapies

Treatment

The treatment of Singleton-Merten syndrome is directed toward the specific symptoms that are apparent in each individual. Treatment may require the coordinated efforts of a team of specialists. Pediatricians, surgeons, specialists who diagnose and treat abnormalities of the heart (cardiologists), dental specialists, physical therapists, specialists who diagnose and treat conditions of the skin (dermatologists), and other health care professionals may need to systematically and comprehensively plan an affected child’s treatment.

Specific therapies for the treatment of Singleton-Merten syndrome are symptomatic and supportive. Special services that may be beneficial to affected children may include special social support, physical therapy, and other medical, social, and/or vocational services. Genetic counseling will be of benefit for affected individuals and their families.

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Clinical Trials and Studies

Information on current clinical trials is posted on the Internet at www.clinicaltrials.gov. All studies receiving U.S. government funding, and some supported by private industry, are posted on this government web site.

For information about clinical trials being conducted at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD, contact the NIH Patient Recruitment Office:
Tollfree: (800) 411-1222 (800) 411-1222
TTY: (866) 411-1010
Email: prpl@cc.nih.gov

For information about clinical trials sponsored by private sources, contact:
www.centerwatch.com

For information about clinical trials conducted in Europe, contact:
https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/

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References

TEXTBOOK
Gorlin RJ, Cohen MMJr, Levin LS, eds. Syndromes of the Head and Neck. 3rd ed. Oxford University Press, London, UK; 1990:910.

JOURNAL ARTICLES
Buers I, Nitschke Y, Rutsch F. Novel interferonopathies associated with mutations in RIG-I like receptors. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev. 2016;29:101-7.

Bursztejn AC, Briggs TA, del Toro Duany Y, Anderson BH, O’Sullivan J, Williams SG, Bodemer C, Fraitag S, Gebhard F, Leheup B, Lemelle I, Oojageer A, Raffo E, Schmitt E, Rice GI, Hur S, Crow YJ. Unusual cutaneous features associated with heterozygous gain-of-function mutation in IFIH1: overlap between Aicardi-Goutières and Singleton-Merten syndromes. Br J Dermatol. 2015;6:1505-13.

Jang MA, Kim EK, Now H, Nguyen NT, Kim WJ, Yoo JY, Lee J, Jeong YM, Kim CH, Kim OH, Sohn S, Nam SH, Hong Y, Lee YS, Chang SA, Jang SY, Kim JW, Lee MS, Lim SY, Sung KS, Park KT, Kim BJ, Lee JH, Kim DK, Kee C, Ki CS. Mutations in DDX58, which encodes RIG-I, cause atypical Singleton-Merten syndrome. Am J Hum Genet. 2015;2:266-74.

Rutsch F, MacDougall M, Lu C, Buers I, Mamaeva O, Nitschke Y, Rice GI, Erlandsen H, Kehl HG, Thiele H, Nürnberg P, Höhne W, Crow YJ, Feigenbaum A, Hennekam RC. A specific IFIH1 gain-of-function mutation causes Singleton-Merten syndrome. Am J Hum Genet. 2015;2:275-82.

Rutsch F, Kehl HG, Ruf N, Vogt J, Kleinheinz J, Rauch F, Hofbauer LC, Rebder H, Arslan-Kirchner M, Neurnberg P. Singleton-Merten syndrome: evidence of autosomal dominant inheritance in the first European family. Eur J Hum Genet. 2005;13:112.

Feigenbaum A, Kumar A, Weksberg R. Singleton-Merten (S-M) syndrome: autosomal dominant transmission with variable expression. Am J Hum Genet. 1988;43:A48.

Goldbaum TS, Lindsay J, Garcia JM, Pichard AD. Ascending aortic calcification and calcific aortic stenosis in a young woman. Am Heart J. 1986:111:992-993.

Gay BB Jr, Kuhn JP. A syndrome of widened medullary cavities of bone, aortic calcification abnormal dentition, and muscular weakness (the singleton-merten syndrome). Radiology. 1976;118:389-95.

Rose AG, Forman R. Idiopathic aortitis with calcification of ascending aorta and aortic mitral valves. Br Heart J. 1976;38:650-652.

McLoughlin MG, Pasternac A, Morch J, Wigle ED. Idiopathic calcification of the ascending aorta and aortic arch in two young women. Br Heart J. 1974;36:96-100.

INTERNET
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM). The Johns Hopkins University. _ Singleton-Merten Syndrome. Entry No: 182250. Last Update 06/04/2015. Available at: https://omim.org/entry/182250 Accessed February 2, 2017.

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