Oculodentodigital dysplasia: new ocular findings and a novel connexin 43 mutation.

OBJECTIVES

To describe new ocular findings associated with oculodentodigital dysplasia (ODDD) and a novel mutation in the connexin 43 transmembrane domain.

DESIGN

Oculodentodigital dysplasia is a rare autosomal dominant disease characterized by multiple systemic abnormalities, most commonly of the ocular, nasal, dental, and limb structures. Herein, we studied 2 patients with ODDD. We describe their clinical findings and 2 ocular abnormalities not previously emphasized or reported.

RESULTS

Optic nerve and retinal dysplasia was observed in both patients, and ciliary body cysts were observed in 1 patient. Both patients carried isolated in-frame deletion and missense mutations of the GJA1 gene on chromosome 6.

CONCLUSIONS

Optic nerve and retinal dysplasia had not been emphasized as ocular manifestations of ODDD. Ciliary body cysts have not previously been reported in association with ODDD.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our findings support the potential significance of connexin 43 in the retina, optic nerve, and ciliary body. Retinal and optic nerve dysplasia may be more common than previously appreciated and may be associated with reduced vision. In addition, the ciliary body cysts observed in 1 patient may be secondary to weakened cellular adhesions between ciliary body pigmented and nonpigmented epithelium associated with the in-frame deletion identified in the affected patient. The presence of these cysts may exacerbate glaucoma or complicate its management.