From genotype to phenotype: the impact of early management in pycnodysostosis.

Abstract

Summary: Pycnodysostosis (PYCD) is an osteosclerotic skeletal dysplasia caused by mutations in the CTSK gene. We describe four cases, highlighting their clinical progression and therapeutic responses. Case 1 is a 2-year-old girl with non-consanguineous parents exhibiting short stature (Z-score: -3.23), slow growth (3 cm/year), wide fontanelles, small hands, and no fractures. She received cholecalciferol and calcium. Two CTSK variants (c.436G>C; p.Gly146Arg and c.721C>T; p.Arg241*) were identified. At age three, somatropin was initiated, leading to improved growth (8 cm/year) and a stature Z-score of -2.21, without fractures until age six. Case 2 is a 2-year-old boy, sibling of Case 1, presenting with similar findings (Z-score: -1.81). Carrying the same CTSK variants, he showed improved growth (3 cm/4 months) after growth hormone therapy. Case 3 is a 3-year-old boy with consanguineous parents having short stature (Z-score: -3.75), slow growth (2 cm/year), exophthalmos, bluish sclera, and multiple tibial fractures. A homozygous CTSK variant (c.953G>A; p.Cys318Tyr) was identified. Growth hormone at age six, alongside cholecalciferol and calcium, increased growth (7 cm/year) and improved stature (Z-score: -2.65). Case 4 is an 8-year-old girl with consanguineous parents having multiple fractures, exophthalmos, and severe growth impairment. Misdiagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta, she received bisphosphonates, further compromising bone integrity. While genotype defines PYCD, early intervention can modulate its phenotype. Growth hormone, calcium, and cholecalciferol improved growth, whereas bisphosphonates negatively impacted bone quality.

Learning points: CTSK mutations define PYCD, but patients exhibit diverse skeletal features, necessitating individualized management. Despite normal IGF-1, growth hormone therapy enhances growth velocity and final height in selected PYCD cases. Bisphosphonates may worsen bone remodeling in PYCD, increasing fracture risk and impairing growth. The CTSK c.953G>A (p.Cys318Tyr) variant correlates with severe skeletal manifestations and variable treatment response.