Lack of FOXE3 coding mutation in a case of congenital aphakia.

PURPOSE: To report the findings in a patient with congenital primary aphakia, a rare disease known to be caused by mutations in the FOXE3 gene.

METHODS

The clinical appearances and visual functions of the patient were determined from the medical records. Genetic analyses were performed to search for mutations in the FOXE3 gene by Sanger sequencing and whole exome sequencing.

RESULTS

The 2-month-old male patient first presented with bilateral congenital aphakia associated with microphthalmia, corneal opacity, and dysplasia of the anterior segment. At the age of 2-years, his visual acuity in the left eye was 20/1000 at 30 cm, he was able to discriminate red, blue, and yellow light stimuli, and a b-wave was recorded by scotopic combined rod-cone electroretinograms. The right eye became blind during the follow-up period. No mutation in the FOXE3 gene was detected.

CONCLUSION

Although congenital aphakia is known to be caused by mutations in the FOXE3 gene, the results of lack of coding mutation in this patient suggests a possible genetic heterogeneity of the disease.