The HOXA genes cluster plays a key role in embryologic development. Mutations in HOXA genes have been linked to different human phenotypes, including developmental delay, limb anomalies, and urogenital malformations. The present study reported a clinical and genetic investigation of a female patient with polymalformative syndrome including left arm agenesis, bicornuate uterus and bicuspid aortic valve. Using whole exome sequencing, two heterozygous missense variants were identified. Of these, one was a novel variant in the HOXA13 gene [p.(Tyr290Ser)] and the second a heterozygous variant in the HOXA9 gene [p.(Ala102Pro)]. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first association of HOXA9/HOXA13 point mutations linked to a syndromic case. In conclusion, the present study suggested that the phenotypic spectrum of vertebral anomalies, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheo‑esophageal fistula, renal anomalies and limb abnormalities/hand‑foot‑genital syndrome may be attributable to the combination of different HOXA variants, particularly in patients with a severe clinical presentation. The current report contributed as well to the molecular understanding of HOXA genes‑related phenotypes via the identification of novel variant and genes associations.

Hand-Foot-Genital Syndrome (HFGS) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by a broad phenotypic spectrum. Variants in HOXA13 gene were associated with HFGS. To date, only twenty families with HFGS have been reported. However, the challenge in HFGS is the limited sample sizes and phenotypic heterogeneity. The advent of next-generation sequencing has permitted the identification of patients with HOXA13 variants who do not manifest with the full HFGS syndromic features. Trio (parents-proband) Whole-exome sequence(WES) and whole-genome sequencing(WGS) was carried out in this study to investigate the underlying pathogenic genetic factor of the neonate with a wide variety of clinical abnormalities. No possible pathogenetic variation was detected by trio-WES, and a duplication variant in HOXA13 (c.360_377dup, p.Ala128_Ala133dup), inherited from her mother, was identified by the subsequent WGS in the proband with malnutrition, feeding difficulties, electrolyte disorders, metabolic acidosis, recurrent urinary tract infections, hydronephrosis, nephrolithiasis, abnormal ureter morphology, cholelithiasis, uterus didelphys. Sequence analysis of the variant region (exon1) indicated a high GC content of 73.92%. In addition, further enquiry of the family history revealed that 5 members of the family in 4 generations had hand and foot anomalies. The neonate was diagnosed with HFGS by genetic analysis. GC content had less influence on sequence coverage in WGS than WES analysis. This was the first report of trio-WGS study for HFGS genetic diagnosis, revealed that subsequent WGS was necessary for identification of potentially pathogenic variants in unexplained genetic disorders.

Hand-Foot-Genital Syndrome (HFGS) is a dominantly inherited condition and one of the rarest cases encountered in clinical practice. It might be presented with a wide variety of limb malformations and urogenital defects manifestations. In this report, a unique and novel case of HFGS accompanied with Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma of the urinary bladder is described in a two-year-old male. The patient was admitted to the hospital in order to investigate a progressively enlarging mass in the lower abdomen. During hospitalization, oliguria was noted by resident physicians. However, hypospadias and dysmorphic abnormalities, demonstrated upon physical examination, were the cornerstone in the diagnosis of HFGS. An accurate visual examination of the abdomen showed dilated superficial veins, and abdominal rigidity appeared through palpation. Furthermore, the radiologic evaluation showed delayed ossification of carpal bones, and abdominal CT scan revealed a necrotic mass in the hypogastric region measuring 12 × 10 cm. A biopsy was performed through which the mass was confirmed as Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma of the urinary bladder. The kidney function follow-up showed normal results. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was started to diminish the tumor size. However, the patient eventually passed away during the treatment phase. This report emphasizes the need for a high index of suspicion to establish early detection of Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma in each newborn diagnosed with Hand-Foot-Genital Syndrome (HFGS) to avoid potential fatal consequences.

Hand-foot-genital syndrome (HFGS) is characterized by limb malformations and urogenital defects. Mild-to-severe bilateral shortening of the thumbs and great toes, caused primarily by shortening of the distal phalanx and/or the first metacarpal or metatarsal, is the most common limb malformation and results in impaired dexterity or apposition of the thumbs. Urogenital malformations include abnormalities of the ureters and urethra and various degrees of incomplete müllerian fusion in females, and hypospadias of variable severity with or without chordee in males. Vesicoureteral reflux, recurrent urinary tract infections, and chronic pyelonephritis may occur; fertility is normal. Diagnosis is based on physical examination including radiographs of the hands and feet and imaging studies of the kidneys, bladder, and female reproductive tract. Identification of a heterozygous HOXA13 pathogenic variant can establish the diagnosis if clinical and radiographic features are inconclusive. Approximately 50%-60% of pathogenic variants are polyalanine expansions. Treatment of manifestations: Hand or foot surgery is not usually necessary. Ureteric reimplantation and surgical correction of bladder outlet abnormalities are often necessary. Surgical removal of a longitudinal vaginal septum is rarely indicated. Surgery for removal of a uterine septum or reunification of a bicornuate uterus is exceptional in the absence of recurrent mid-trimester pregnancy loss. Hymenectomy may be necessary for tight constriction ring. Prevention of secondary complications: Prophylactic antibiotics or surgery as needed to prevent urinary tract infections or other complications of ureteral reflux or ureteropelvic junction obstruction; gynecologic examination prior to menstruation for small hymenal opening; pre-pregnancy evaluation of the vaginal and uterine anatomy because of the increased risk for premature labor and fetal loss associated with structural abnormalities of the uterus. Surveillance: Follow up with a urologist in the presence of vesicoureteral reflux and/or documented urinary tract infection. Hand-foot-genital syndrome is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. The proportion of cases caused by a de novo pathogenic variant is unknown because of the small number of individuals described. If a parent of the proband is affected, the recurrence risk to the sibs is 50%. If the proband has a known HOXA13 pathogenic variant that cannot be detected in the leukocyte DNA of either parent, the recurrence risk to sibs is slightly greater than that of the general population because of the possibility of parental germline mosaicism. Each child of an individual with HFGS has a 50% chance of inheriting the pathogenic variant. Prenatal testing for a pregnancy at increased risk and preimplantation genetic testing are possible if the pathogenic variant in the family is known.