Abstract
Introduction
Branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome is an autosomal-dominant genetic condition with high penetrance and variable expressivity, with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 40,000. Approximately 40% of the patients with the syndrome have mutations in the gene EYA1, located at chromosomal region 8q13.3, and 5% have mutations in the gene SIX5 in chromosome region 19q13. The phenotype of this syndrome is characterized by preauricular fistulas; structural malformations of the external, middle, and inner ears; branchial fistulas; renal disorders; cleft palate; and variable type and degree of hearing loss.
Aim
Hearing loss is part of BOR syndrome phenotype. The aim of this study was to present a literature review on the anatomical aspects and audiological profile of BOR syndrome.
Data Synthesis
Thirty-four studies were selected for analysis. Some aspects when specifying the phenotype of BOR syndrome are controversial, especially those issues related to the audiological profile in which there was variability on auditory standard, hearing loss progression, and type and degree of the hearing loss. Mixed loss was the most common type of hearing loss among the studies; however, there was no consensus among studies regarding the degree of the hearing loss.
Keywords
branchio-oto-renal syndrome; BOR syndrome; hearing; review
Introduction
The etiology of hearing loss has been investigated in molecular and genetics medical
centers.11 Ramos PZ, de Moraes VCS, Svidnicki MCCM, Soki MN, Castilho AM,
Sartorato EL. Etiologic and diagnostic evaluation: algorithm for severe to profound
sensorineural hearing loss in Brazil. Int J Audiol 2013:1-7 Anatomical and
physiological changes in the auditory system have been described as part of the
phenotype of numerous genetic syndromes, including the previously studied
branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome.22 Kniffin CL. Branchiootorenal syndrome 1; BOR1. OMIM 2012. Available
at: http://omim.org/entry/113650. Access date: 10/07/ 2013.
Available at:
http:...
The features of this clinical condition were first described in 1864 when Heusinger presented the initial reports on the association between branchial fistulas, preauricular fistulas, and hearing loss.33 Heusinger CF. Hals-Kiemen-Fisteln von noch nicht beobachteter form. Virchows. Arch Path Anat 1864;29:338-380 However, these features combined with auricular malformations and renal anomalies, thus comprising the phenotype of a specific condition, were described almost 110 years after the first clinical reports, and it was called BOR syndrome.44 Melnick M, Bixler D, Silk K, Yune H, Nance WE. Autosomal dominant branchiootorenal dysplasia. Birth Defects Orig Artic Ser 1975;11:121-128 55 Melnick M, Bixler D, Nance WE, Silk K, Yune H. Familial branchiooto- renal dysplasia: a new addition to the branchial arch syndromes. Clin Genet 1976;9:25-34 66 Fraser FC, Ling D, Clogg D, Nogrady B. Genetic aspects of the BOR syndrome-branchial fistulas, ear pits, hearing loss, and renal anomalies. Am J Med Genet 1978;2:241-252
Different classifications have been applied to this condition over the years, including Melnick-Fraser syndrome. This nomenclature originates from the first phenotype descriptions by these authors, “ear pits deafness syndrome”77 Cremers CW, Fikkers-Van Noord M. The earpits-deafness syndrome. Clinical and genetic aspects. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 1980;2:309-322 and “branchio-oto-ureteral syndrome.”88 Fraser FC, Aymé S, Halal F, Sproule J. Autosomal dominant duplication of the renal collecting system, hearing loss, and external ear anomalies: a new syndrome? Am J Med Genet 1983;14:473-478 However, contemporary studies have adopted the term “BOR syndrome” in a systematic way.
The clinical characteristics that compose the BOR syndrome phenotype can be classified according to the occurrence of larger and smaller anomalies. The larger or more frequent anomalies are: (1) hearing loss (sensorineural, conductive, or mixed), (2) preauricular pits, (3) renal anomalies ranging from mild hypoplasia to agenesis, (4) brachial fistulae, and (5) stenosis of the external auditory canal. The smaller or less frequent anomalies are: (1) lacrimal duct aplasia, (2) short or cleft palate, (3) retrognathia, (4) congenital hip dysplasia, (5) facial nerve paralysis, (6) gustatory lacrimation, and (7) pancreatic cyst.99 Smith RJH, Schwartz C. Branchio-oto-renal syndrome. J Commun Disord 1998;31:411-420, quiz 421
Such anomalies are used as criteria to diagnose BOR syndrome. In other words, the presence of three major deficiencies, or the combination of two major and two smaller anomalies, or the presence of a major anomaly associated with presence of another first degree family member diagnosed with the syndrome.1010 Chang EH, Menezes M, Meyer NC, et al. Branchio-oto-renal syndrome: the mutation spectrum in EYA1 and its phenotypic consequences. Hum Mutat 2004;23:582-589
One of the most mentioned characteristics as part of the BOR syndrome phenotype is progressive hearing loss, which can be mixed, conductive, or sensorineural and can range from mild to profound.99 Smith RJH, Schwartz C. Branchio-oto-renal syndrome. J Commun Disord 1998;31:411-420, quiz 421 1111 Fraser FC, Sproule JR, Halal F. Frequency of the branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome in childrenwith profound hearing loss. AmJMed Genet 1980;7:341-349 In some patients, the hearing loss has a fluctuating pattern.1212 Ostri B, Johnsen T, Bergmann I. Temporal bone findings in a family with branchio-oto-renal syndrome (BOR). Clin Otolaryngol Allied Sci 1991;16:163-167 1313 Kemperman MH, Stinckens C, Kumar S, Huygen PL, Joosten FB, Cremers CW. Progressive fluctuant hearing loss, enlarged vestibular aqueduct, and cochlear hypoplasia in branchio-oto-renal syndrome. Otol Neurotol 2001;22:637-643 1414 Stinckens C, Standaert L, Casselman JW, et al. The presence of a widened vestibular aqueduct and progressive sensorineural hearing loss in the branchio-oto-renal syndrome. A family study. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2001;59:163-172 1515 Ceruti S, Stinckens C, Cremers CW, Casselman JW. Temporal bone anomalies in the branchio-oto-renal syndrome: detailed computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings. Otol Neurotol 2002;23:200-207 Studies have reported the occurrence of congenital cholesteatoma among the less common characteristics.1616 Graham GE, Allanson JE. Congenital cholesteatoma and malformations of the facial nerve: rare manifestations of the BOR syndrome. Am J Med Genet 1999;86:20-26 1717 Worley GA, Vats A, Harcourt J, Albert DM. Bilateral congenital cholesteatoma in branchio-oto-renal syndrome. J Laryngol Otol 1999;113:841-843 1818 Hernández Montero E, Adiego I, Clau F, Fraile J, Llorente E, Ortiz García A. Síndrome branquio-oto-renal y colesteatoma congénito. O.R.L.-DIPS. 2003;30:222-225
Genetic/Etiologic Bases of Branchio-Oto-Renal Syndrome
The estimated rate of BOR syndrome is 1:40,000.44 Melnick M, Bixler D, Silk K, Yune H, Nance WE. Autosomal dominant branchiootorenal dysplasia. Birth Defects Orig Artic Ser 1975;11:121-128 55 Melnick M, Bixler D, Nance WE, Silk K, Yune H. Familial branchiooto- renal dysplasia: a new addition to the branchial arch syndromes. Clin Genet 1976;9:25-34 66 Fraser FC, Ling D, Clogg D, Nogrady B. Genetic aspects of the BOR syndrome-branchial fistulas, ear pits, hearing loss, and renal anomalies. Am J Med Genet 1978;2:241-252 99 Smith RJH, Schwartz C. Branchio-oto-renal syndrome. J Commun Disord 1998;31:411-420, quiz 421 1919 Chen A, Francis M, Ni L, et al. Phenotypic manifestations of branchio-oto-renal syndrome. Am J Med Genet 1995;58:365-370 BOR syndrome presents a pattern of autosomal-dominant inheritance and is considered the most common syndromic hearing loss form of genetic etiology with high penetrance and variable expressivity.44 Melnick M, Bixler D, Silk K, Yune H, Nance WE. Autosomal dominant branchiootorenal dysplasia. Birth Defects Orig Artic Ser 1975;11:121-128 88 Fraser FC, Aymé S, Halal F, Sproule J. Autosomal dominant duplication of the renal collecting system, hearing loss, and external ear anomalies: a new syndrome? Am J Med Genet 1983;14:473-478 1919 Chen A, Francis M, Ni L, et al. Phenotypic manifestations of branchio-oto-renal syndrome. Am J Med Genet 1995;58:365-370 2020 König R, Fuchs S, Dukiet C. Branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome: variable expressivity in a five-generation pedigree. Eur J Pediatr 1994;153:446-450 2121 Stratakis CA, Lin J-P, Rennert OM. Description of a large kindred with autosomal dominant inheritance of branchial arch anomalies, hearing loss, and ear pits, and exclusion of the branchio-otorenal (BOR) syndrome gene locus (chromosome 8q13.3). AmJMed Genet 1998;79:209-214 In addition to the autosomal-dominant, mitochondrial inheritance,2222 MosratiMA, Hammami B, Rebeh IB, et al. A novel dominantmutation in SIX1, affecting a highly conserved residue, result in only auditory defects in humans. Eur J Med Genet 2011;54:e484-e488 some patients present with “new” mutations.77 Cremers CW, Fikkers-Van Noord M. The earpits-deafness syndrome. Clinical and genetic aspects. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 1980;2:309-322 2323 Rana I, Dhawan R, Gudwani S, Bothra R,Mathur NN. Non-inherited manifestation of bilateral branchial fistulae, bilateral pre-auricular sinuses and bilateral hearing loss: a variant of branchio-oto-renal syndrome. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2005;57:52-54 Deletions of various sizes have been found in individuals with BOR syndrome.2424 Ni L, Wagner MJ, Kimberling WJ, et al. Refined localization of the branchiootorenal syndrome gene by linkage and haplotype analysis. Am J Med Genet 1994;51:176-184 2525 Abdelhak S, Kalatzis V, Heilig R, et al. A human homologue of the Drosophila eyes absent gene underlies branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome and identifies a novel gene family. Nat Genet 1997; 15:157-164 2626 Vincent C, Kalatzis V, Abdelhak S, et al. BOR and BO syndromes are allelic defects of EYA1. Eur J Hum Genet 1997;5:242-246
The first chromosomal region associated with the syndrome was 8q12–22, identified from linkage studies in families that had multiple members affected.2727 Kumar S, Kimberling WJ, Kenyon JB, Smith RJH, Marres HA, Cremers CWRJ. Autosomal dominant branchio-oto-renal syndrome- localization of a disease gene to chromosome 8q by linkage in a Dutch family. Hum Mol Genet 1992;1:491-495 Subsequently, the detailed genetic study of this region allowed researchers to determine the chromosomal region 8q13.3 was associated with the syndrome.2424 Ni L, Wagner MJ, Kimberling WJ, et al. Refined localization of the branchiootorenal syndrome gene by linkage and haplotype analysis. Am J Med Genet 1994;51:176-184 The EYA1 gene, which is responsible for the development of the branchial arches, auditory system, and kidneys, is located in this region.2525 Abdelhak S, Kalatzis V, Heilig R, et al. A human homologue of the Drosophila eyes absent gene underlies branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome and identifies a novel gene family. Nat Genet 1997; 15:157-164 2828 Ruf RG, Xu PX, Silvius D, et al. SIX1 mutations cause branchio-otorenal syndrome by disruption of EYA1-SIX1-DNA complexes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2004;101:8090-8095
EYA1 gene mutations have been reported in most cases of BOR
syndrome.22 Kniffin CL. Branchiootorenal syndrome 1; BOR1. OMIM 2012. Available
at: http://omim.org/entry/113650. Access date: 10/07/ 2013.
Available at:
http:...
2929 Stockley TL, Mendoza-Londono R, Propst EJ, Sodhi S, Dupuis L, Papsin
BC. A recurrent EYA1 mutation causing alternative RNA splicing in branchio-oto-renal
syndrome: implications for molecular diagnostics and disease mechanism. Am J Med
Genet A 2009; 149A:322-327 However, studies described that
in many cases of clinically diagnosed BOR syndrome, the screening for alterations in
the EYA1 gene was negative, which also showed that other genes are
involved in the BOR syndrome etiology, indicating a condition with genetic
heterogeneity.1010 Chang EH, Menezes M, Meyer NC, et al. Branchio-oto-renal syndrome:
the mutation spectrum in EYA1 and its phenotypic consequences. Hum Mutat
2004;23:582-589
3030 Rodríguez-Soriano J, Vallo A, Bilbao JR, Castaño L. Branchio-otorenal
syndrome: identification of a novel mutation in the EYA1 gene. Pediatr Nephrol
2001;16:550-553
3131 Vervoort VS, Smith RJH, O'Brien J, et al. Genomic rearrangements of
EYA1 account for a large fraction of familieswith BOR syndrome. Eur J Hum Genet
2002;10:757-766
Missense mutations and small deletions in the SIX1 gene, located on chromosome region 14q23.1, were also reported by several studies that described families affected by BOR syndrome.2828 Ruf RG, Xu PX, Silvius D, et al. SIX1 mutations cause branchio-otorenal syndrome by disruption of EYA1-SIX1-DNA complexes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2004;101:8090-8095 3232 Ito T, Noguchi Y, Yashima T, Kitamura K. SIX1 mutation associated with enlargement of the vestibular aqueduct in a patient with branchio-oto syndrome. Laryngoscope 2006;116:796-799 3333 Sanggaard KM, Rendtorff ND, Kjaer KW, et al. Branchio-oto-renal syndrome: detection of EYA1 and SIX1 mutations in five out of six Danish families by combining linkage, MLPA and sequencing analyses. Eur J Hum Genet 2007;15:1121-1131 3434 Kochhar A, Orten DJ, Sorensen JL, et al. SIX1 mutation screening in 247 branchio-oto-renal syndrome families: a recurrent missense mutation associated with BOR. Hum Mutat 2008;29:565 3535 Krug P, Moriniere V, Marlin S, et al.Mutation screening of the EYA1, SIX1 and SIX5 genes in a large cohort of patients harboring branchio-oto-renal syndrome calls into question the pathogenic role of SIX5 mutations. Hum Mutat 2011;32:183-190 3636 Nie X, Sun J, Gordon RE, Cai CL, Xu PX. SIX1 acts synergisticallywith TBX18 in mediating ureteral smooth muscle formation. Development 2010;137:755-765 However, intrafamilial phenotypic variability can be observed in all families studied that showed mutations in SIX1.2222 MosratiMA, Hammami B, Rebeh IB, et al. A novel dominantmutation in SIX1, affecting a highly conserved residue, result in only auditory defects in humans. Eur J Med Genet 2011;54:e484-e488
General Clinical Features of Branchio-Oto-Renal Syndrome
Based on the reviewed studies, the most common triad of BOR syndrome findings is: (1) hearing loss and preauricular fistulas located near the helix, (2) branchial fistulas typically found on the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, and (3) a variability of renal anomalies, which often present no symptoms. Branchial fistulas are usually located next to the first branchial arch. However, a rare case was described where the subject had four branchial fistulas located at the first and second branchial arches.3737 Gutierrez CB, Bardají C, Bento L, Martinez MA, Conde J. Branchiooto- renal syndrome: incidence in three generations of a family. J Pediatr Surg 1993;28:1527-1529 3838 Millman B, Gibson WS, Foster WP. Branchio-oto-renal syndrome. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1995;121:922-925
A retrospective analysis of seven individuals diagnosed with BOR syndrome has shown that besides the applicant phenotype, other clinical features were found in these individuals, such as gustatory lacrimation, imperforate anus, otosclerosis, and congenital vocal cord paresis.3939 Weber KM, Kousseff BG. New' manifestations of BOR syndrome. Clin Genet 1999;56:306-312
The manifestations of BOR syndrome can also be composed of craniofacial abnormalities such as microcephaly,3939 Weber KM, Kousseff BG. New' manifestations of BOR syndrome. Clin Genet 1999;56:306-312 hemifacial microsomy,4040 Johnston DR, Whittemore K, Poe D, Robson CD, Perez-Atayde AR. Diagnostic and surgical challenge: middle ear dermoid cyst in 12 month old with branchio-oto-renal syndrome and multiple middle-ear congenital anomalies. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2011;75:1341-1345 long face syndrome associated with lacrimal duct stenosis,55 Melnick M, Bixler D, Nance WE, Silk K, Yune H. Familial branchiooto- renal dysplasia: a new addition to the branchial arch syndromes. Clin Genet 1976;9:25-34 77 Cremers CW, Fikkers-Van Noord M. The earpits-deafness syndrome. Clinical and genetic aspects. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 1980;2:309-322 1414 Stinckens C, Standaert L, Casselman JW, et al. The presence of a widened vestibular aqueduct and progressive sensorineural hearing loss in the branchio-oto-renal syndrome. A family study. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2001;59:163-172 1717 Worley GA, Vats A, Harcourt J, Albert DM. Bilateral congenital cholesteatoma in branchio-oto-renal syndrome. J Laryngol Otol 1999;113:841-843 4141 Preisch JW, Bixler D, Ellis FD. Gustatory lacrimation in association with the branchio-oto-renal syndrome. Clin Genet 1985; 27:506-509 4242 Bellini C, Piaggio G, Massocco D, et al. Branchio-oto-renal syndrome: a report on nine family groups. Am J Kidney Dis 2001; 37:505-509 overbite palate,1717 Worley GA, Vats A, Harcourt J, Albert DM. Bilateral congenital cholesteatoma in branchio-oto-renal syndrome. J Laryngol Otol 1999;113:841-843 and retrognathia.3939 Weber KM, Kousseff BG. New' manifestations of BOR syndrome. Clin Genet 1999;56:306-312 The presence of micrognathia,4343 MisraM, Nolph KD. Renal failure and deafness: branchio-oto-renal syndrome. Am J Kidney Dis 1998;32:334-337 hypodontia,3939 Weber KM, Kousseff BG. New' manifestations of BOR syndrome. Clin Genet 1999;56:306-312 and microdontia associated with malformations of permanent molars4444 Prabhu NT, Alexander S, John R. Branchio-oto-renal syndrome with generalized microdontia: case report. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 1999;87:180-183 were also reported. Lacrimal duct stenosis, although rare, has been described in some studies,66 Fraser FC, Ling D, Clogg D, Nogrady B. Genetic aspects of the BOR syndrome-branchial fistulas, ear pits, hearing loss, and renal anomalies. Am J Med Genet 1978;2:241-252 77 Cremers CW, Fikkers-Van Noord M. The earpits-deafness syndrome. Clinical and genetic aspects. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 1980;2:309-322 and its occurrence is associated with gustatory lacrimation.3939 Weber KM, Kousseff BG. New' manifestations of BOR syndrome. Clin Genet 1999;56:306-312 4141 Preisch JW, Bixler D, Ellis FD. Gustatory lacrimation in association with the branchio-oto-renal syndrome. Clin Genet 1985; 27:506-509
One study described the presence of cardiac manifestation—mitral valve prolapse—in a family diagnosed with BOR syndrome (one family member had tachycardia). These symptoms were not reported in previous studies. This manifestation was identified in five of seven patients with BOR syndrome in this family, whereas hearing loss was present in all of them. Other previously described features such as branchial fistula, preauricular appendices, external ear malformation, renal anomalies, and anomalies of the lacrimal duct were found in this family.4545 Ayçiçek A, Saglam H, Koçogullari CU, Haktanir NT, Dereköy FS, Solak M. Mitral valve prolapse as a new finding in branchio-otorenal syndrome. Clin Dysmorphol 2010;19:181-184
Limited kidney functions, bifid renal pelvis, hypoplasia, and renal cysts associated with urinary tract infections appeared in one study.2020 König R, Fuchs S, Dukiet C. Branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome: variable expressivity in a five-generation pedigree. Eur J Pediatr 1994;153:446-450 Another study reported that such infections and glomerulonephritis episodes may be associated with normal renal anatomy and physiology.1616 Graham GE, Allanson JE. Congenital cholesteatoma and malformations of the facial nerve: rare manifestations of the BOR syndrome. Am J Med Genet 1999;86:20-26 However, a case with a bifid kidney, double ureter, and vesicoureteric reflux4646 Pierides AM, Athanasiou Y, Demetriou K, Koptides M, Deltas CC. A family with the branchio-oto-renal syndrome: clinical and genetic correlations. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2002;17:1014-1018 as well as two patients who reported congenital hydronephrosis were described.4040 Johnston DR, Whittemore K, Poe D, Robson CD, Perez-Atayde AR. Diagnostic and surgical challenge: middle ear dermoid cyst in 12 month old with branchio-oto-renal syndrome and multiple middle-ear congenital anomalies. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2011;75:1341-1345 Only one case has been described with severe reduction in kidney volume without family history of this condition,4747 Garg A, Wadhera R, Gulati SP, Kumar A. Branchio-oto-renal syndrome. J Assoc Physicians India 2008;56:904-905 and there was another case with renal agenesis.4848 Nardi E, Palermo A, Cusimano P,Mulè G, Cerasola G. Young woman with branchio-oto-renal syndrome and a novel mutation in the EYA-1 gene. Clin Nephrol 2011;76:330-333
From 1975 to 2013, several authors have described specific phenotypes in individuals diagnosed with BOR syndrome: these articles are summarized in Table 1. Most of these studies describe isolated patients or a familial nucleus and show varied expressiveness.
Hearing loss is part of the BOR syndrome phenotype. The aim of this study was to present a literature review on the anatomical aspects and audiological profile in this condition.
Methods
This study review published studies describing BOR syndrome from 1975 to 2013. Research was performed on the following national and international databases: BIREME (Virtual Health Library—LILACS and IBECS) PubMed/MEDLINE (MEDlars onLINE), ProQuest, Web of Science (integrated into ISI Web of Knowledge), and OMIM (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man).
The following research descriptors were used according to the criteria of the MeSH:
-
“Branchio-Otorrenal Syndrome” and “Hearing Loss” or “Hearing Disorders”
-
“Branchio-Oto-Renal Syndrome” and (“Hearing” or “Hearing Disorders” or “Hearing Loss”)
-
“Branchio-Oto-Renal Syndrome”
Exclusion Criteria
This review refers to the auditory aspects of BOR syndrome and used the following criteria for the exclusion of articles: the title and summary were not related to the purpose of the review; repeated articles and articles written in languages other than English, Portuguese, or Spanish; animal studies; editorial letters, review articles, and articles in which BOR syndrome was associated with other syndromes or genetic conditions with partial phenotype of BOR syndrome; articles that cited BOR syndrome as a cause of loss of hearing; and those that were focused only on general and genetic aspects of BOR syndrome.
From the BIREME database (LILACS and IBECS) and ProQuest, six articles were found using research descriptor 1, and five articles were excluded based on the exclusion criteria. When searching the MEDLINE database, via PubMed, using research descriptor 2, 37 articles were found, 27 of which were excluded by the criteria mentioned above, and thus 10 articles remained. The last search was performed on the Web of Science database using research descriptor 3. It resulted in 96 articles, 73 of which were excluded considering the exclusion criteria, leaving 23 remaining articles.
The results concerning literature review and discussion followed the chronological order of publication, and the issues were grouped by the descriptors used in the literature.
Fig. 1 shows the flow diagram that demonstrates the articles' selection criteria.
Flowchart demonstrating the process of deleting articles. Abbreviation: BOR, branchio-oto-renal syndrome.
Literature Review
After the application of the exclusion criteria, 34 studies were selected and compiled on Table 2, which contains the year of publication, article title, author, and number of the study participants.
Results
Anatomical Changes and Audiological Profile
In the studies reviewed, a prevalence of mixed hearing loss was observed, followed by conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. Some studies reported that the presence of chronic or recurrent otitis media is an aggravating factor for hearing loss, which may be associated with ossicular chain malformations or alterations, or presence of cleft palate, increasing the number with conductive/mixed hearing loss.66 Fraser FC, Ling D, Clogg D, Nogrady B. Genetic aspects of the BOR syndrome-branchial fistulas, ear pits, hearing loss, and renal anomalies. Am J Med Genet 1978;2:241-252 1616 Graham GE, Allanson JE. Congenital cholesteatoma and malformations of the facial nerve: rare manifestations of the BOR syndrome. Am J Med Genet 1999;86:20-26 2020 König R, Fuchs S, Dukiet C. Branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome: variable expressivity in a five-generation pedigree. Eur J Pediatr 1994;153:446-450 4949 Kim SH, Shin JH, Yeo CK, et al. Identification of a novel mutation in the EYA1 gene in a Korean family with branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2005;69: 1123-1128 5050 Senel E, Kocak H, Akbiyik F, SaylamG, Gulleroglu BN, Senel S. From a branchial fistula to a branchiootorenal syndrome: a case report and review of the literature. J Pediatr Surg 2009;44:623-625 5151 Furlan RH, Rossi NF, Cardoso ACV, Richieri-Costa A, Motonaga SM, Giacheti CM. Achados genéticos, audiológicos e da linguagem oral de umnúcleo familial com diagnóstico da síndrome Branquio-otorenal (SBOR). Paper presented at: XVI Congresso Brasileiro de Fonoaudiologia; September 24-27, 2008; Campos do Jordão, São Paulo, Brasil There was a higher recurrence of moderate and severe hearing loss among the studies' participants, probably due to the number of abnormalities found in the inner ear, which encompasses cochlear alterations to malformation of the vestibular system.
Some research verified that in addition to the auditory standards mentioned above, hearing loss could maintain a progressive and/or fluctuating pattern,66 Fraser FC, Ling D, Clogg D, Nogrady B. Genetic aspects of the BOR syndrome-branchial fistulas, ear pits, hearing loss, and renal anomalies. Am J Med Genet 1978;2:241-252 1313 Kemperman MH, Stinckens C, Kumar S, Huygen PL, Joosten FB, Cremers CW. Progressive fluctuant hearing loss, enlarged vestibular aqueduct, and cochlear hypoplasia in branchio-oto-renal syndrome. Otol Neurotol 2001;22:637-643 1414 Stinckens C, Standaert L, Casselman JW, et al. The presence of a widened vestibular aqueduct and progressive sensorineural hearing loss in the branchio-oto-renal syndrome. A family study. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2001;59:163-172 1515 Ceruti S, Stinckens C, Cremers CW, Casselman JW. Temporal bone anomalies in the branchio-oto-renal syndrome: detailed computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings. Otol Neurotol 2002;23:200-207 1919 Chen A, Francis M, Ni L, et al. Phenotypic manifestations of branchio-oto-renal syndrome. Am J Med Genet 1995;58:365-370 4646 Pierides AM, Athanasiou Y, Demetriou K, Koptides M, Deltas CC. A family with the branchio-oto-renal syndrome: clinical and genetic correlations. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2002;17:1014-1018 5252 Jankauskiene A, Azukaitis K. Congenital unilateral facial nerve palsy as an unusual presentation of BOR syndrome. Eur J Pediatr 2013;172:273-275 which contradicts other studies that related their standard as stable.1212 Ostri B, Johnsen T, Bergmann I. Temporal bone findings in a family with branchio-oto-renal syndrome (BOR). Clin Otolaryngol Allied Sci 1991;16:163-167 1616 Graham GE, Allanson JE. Congenital cholesteatoma and malformations of the facial nerve: rare manifestations of the BOR syndrome. Am J Med Genet 1999;86:20-26 1919 Chen A, Francis M, Ni L, et al. Phenotypic manifestations of branchio-oto-renal syndrome. Am J Med Genet 1995;58:365-370 5353 Kemperman MH, Koch SM, Kumar S, Huygen PL, Joosten FB, Cremers CW. Evidence of progression and fluctuation of hearing impairment in branchio-oto-renal syndrome. Int J Audiol 2004; 43:523-532 A retrospective study identified significant hearing loss progression in 10 patients. The results demonstrated that in seven patients, the hearing loss was fluctuating; however, this fluctuation was only significant in young patients.5252 Jankauskiene A, Azukaitis K. Congenital unilateral facial nerve palsy as an unusual presentation of BOR syndrome. Eur J Pediatr 2013;172:273-275 A study reported that patients with an enlarged endolymphatic sac or duct had hearing thresholds significantly higher than in those patients without such abnormalities,5252 Jankauskiene A, Azukaitis K. Congenital unilateral facial nerve palsy as an unusual presentation of BOR syndrome. Eur J Pediatr 2013;172:273-275 which corroborates the study of Kemperman et al, 2001.1313 Kemperman MH, Stinckens C, Kumar S, Huygen PL, Joosten FB, Cremers CW. Progressive fluctuant hearing loss, enlarged vestibular aqueduct, and cochlear hypoplasia in branchio-oto-renal syndrome. Otol Neurotol 2001;22:637-643
In the literature, a description was found of three patients with BOR syndrome who also had cholesteatoma. In one of them, the cholesteatoma was in the temporal bone cavity, bilaterally, and showed no association with the facial nerve alterations. However, the other patients showed facial nerve alterations. One subject had facial nerve paralysis on the left side and in the other subject had right-side paralysis.1616 Graham GE, Allanson JE. Congenital cholesteatoma and malformations of the facial nerve: rare manifestations of the BOR syndrome. Am J Med Genet 1999;86:20-26 1717 Worley GA, Vats A, Harcourt J, Albert DM. Bilateral congenital cholesteatoma in branchio-oto-renal syndrome. J Laryngol Otol 1999;113:841-843 1818 Hernández Montero E, Adiego I, Clau F, Fraile J, Llorente E, Ortiz García A. Síndrome branquio-oto-renal y colesteatoma congénito. O.R.L.-DIPS. 2003;30:222-225 5454 Usami S, Abe S, Shinkawa H, Deffenbacher K, Kumar S, Kimberling WJ. EYA1 nonsense mutation in a Japanese branchio-oto-renal syndrome family. J Hum Genet 1999;44:261-265
Cochlear implant in BOR syndrome was first used in a 3-year-old with congenital profound hearing loss and impaired language and speech development. Radiologic evaluation of the temporal bone and the inner ear showed severe dysplasia of the vestibule, ossicles, and bilaterally malformed semicircular canals and facial nerve posteriorly positioned. Three weeks after implantation, initial mapping showed positive responses. After hearing habilitation, the patient was able to recognize speech stimuli in a closed set.5555 Bamiou DE, Phelps P, Sirimanna T. Temporal bone computed tomography findings in bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Arch Dis Child 2000;82:257-260
Radiologic studies and magnetic resonance imaging of the mastoid and middle ear showed several types of middle and inner ear pathology, among them: (1) hypoplasia, malformation and displacement of the ossicular chain, such as the junction of the hammer and anvil fixing the malleus in the tympanic membrane, and calcified oval window; (2) malformations—enlargement—and asymmetry of the semicircular canals/ducts and endolymphatic sac; and (3) cochlear hypoplasia or dysplasia.66 Fraser FC, Ling D, Clogg D, Nogrady B. Genetic aspects of the BOR syndrome-branchial fistulas, ear pits, hearing loss, and renal anomalies. Am J Med Genet 1978;2:241-252 77 Cremers CW, Fikkers-Van Noord M. The earpits-deafness syndrome. Clinical and genetic aspects. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 1980;2:309-322 1414 Stinckens C, Standaert L, Casselman JW, et al. The presence of a widened vestibular aqueduct and progressive sensorineural hearing loss in the branchio-oto-renal syndrome. A family study. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2001;59:163-172 4949 Kim SH, Shin JH, Yeo CK, et al. Identification of a novel mutation in the EYA1 gene in a Korean family with branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2005;69: 1123-1128 5050 Senel E, Kocak H, Akbiyik F, SaylamG, Gulleroglu BN, Senel S. From a branchial fistula to a branchiootorenal syndrome: a case report and review of the literature. J Pediatr Surg 2009;44:623-625 5353 Kemperman MH, Koch SM, Kumar S, Huygen PL, Joosten FB, Cremers CW. Evidence of progression and fluctuation of hearing impairment in branchio-oto-renal syndrome. Int J Audiol 2004; 43:523-532 5656 Kameswaran M, Kumar RSA, Murali S, Raghunandhan S, Karthikeyan K. Cochlear implantation in branchio-oto-renal syndrome- a surgical challenge. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2007; 59:280-283 5757 Klingebiel R, Bockmühl U,WerbsM, et al. Visualization of inner ear dysplasias in patients with sensorineural hearing loss. Acta Radiol 2001;42:574-581 5858 Kemperman MH, Koch SM, Joosten FB, Kumar S, Huygen PL, Cremers CW. Inner ear anomalies are frequent but nonobligatory features of the branchio-oto-renal syndrome. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2002;128:1033-1038
A study retrospectively assessed tomographic findings of 21 subjects (42 ears) with a clinical diagnosis of BOR syndrome, based on criteria derived from genotype and phenotype, and described the most common and easily identifiable features of BOR syndrome by visual inspection. The results of this assessment were: (1) apical cochlear hypoplasia was present in all individuals with BOR syndrome and no subject had normal hearing, (2) the facial nerve was diverted to the medial side of the cochlea in 38 of 42 ears, and (3) the inner ear channel was funnel-shaped in 36 of the 42 ears.5959 Propst EJ, Blaser S, Gordon KA, Harrison RV, Papsin BC. Temporal bone findings on computed tomography imaging in branchio-otorenal syndrome. Laryngoscope 2005;115:1855-1862
Discussion
The phenotypic features related to the most-mentioned anatomical ear alterations in BOR syndrome were: malformation; hyperplasia and low implantation of the ear; narrowing of the external acoustic meatus; ossicular chain abnormalities; reduced size of the middle ear cavity; otosclerosis; semicircular canal anomalies involving hypoplasia, dysplasia, and enlargement of the endolymphatic duct and sac; and cochlear hypoplasia.
The audiological profile, considering the type and degree of hearing loss and the association of the auditory system characteristics, is presented in Table 3.
The analysis of these studies showed that there was a high frequency of mixed hearing loss (33.72%) followed by sensorineural (10.98%) and conductive hearing loss (7.84%); however, in 47.45% of the articles, this information was not present. The degree of hearing loss was classified as moderate in 12.94% of the articles, mild in 6.66%, severe in 6.27%, and profound in 4.73%. This information was not present in 67.84% of the articles. Only 29.4% of the studies described the hearing loss pattern, which was classified as stable, progressive, or fluctuating.
Conclusion
Because hearing loss is mentioned in a great number of BOR syndrome studies. Deafness linked to preauricular fistula, branchial fistulae, and renal anomalies should be investigated and monitored by a multidisciplinary team, mainly otorhino-laryngologic professionals.
Due to the variable phenotypic expression described, many cases of BOR syndrome may have been underdiagnosed, and sometimes the diagnosis is delayed, even in cases where the hearing impairment is severe and interferes with the development of language and speech.
This review shows that some aspects remain controversial due to syndrome variability and the difficulty of early diagnosis, especially in issues related to the audiological profile where there is a great variability in the auditory pattern and the hearing loss progression, type, and degree. Most studies described that mixed hearing loss is the most common type; however, there is no consensus about the degree.
In the 40 years of research on BOR syndrome, studies were aimed at characterization of the phenotype of this syndrome, and the hearing loss was mentioned as part of the phenotype; however, few specific studies characterize the hearing loss standard, type, and degree.
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Publication Dates
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Publication in this collection
Jan 2014
History
-
Received
27 Aug 2013 -
Accepted
04 Sept 2013