Mutations in the ERF gene, coding for ETS2 repressor
factor, a member of the ETS family of
transcription factors cause a recently recognized syndromic form of
craniosynostosis (CRS4) with facial dysmorphism, Chiari-1 malformation, speech and
language delay, and learning difficulties and/or behavioral problems. The overall prevalence of ERF mutations in patients with syndromic
craniosynostosis is around 2%, and 0.7% in clinically nonsyndromic
craniosynostosis. Here, we present findings from 16 unrelated probands with ERF-related
craniosynostosis, with additional data from 20 family members sharing the mutations. Most of the probands exhibited multisutural (including pan-)
synostosis but a pattern involving the sagittal and lambdoid
sutures (Mercedes-Benz pattern) predominated. Importantly the
craniosynostosis was often postnatal in onset, insidious and progressive with subtle effects on head morphology resulting in a median age at presentation of 42 months among the probands and, in some instances, permanent
visual impairment due to unsuspected raised intracranial pressure (ICP). Facial dysmorphism (exhibited by all of the probands and many of the affected relatives) took the form of orbital
hypertelorism, mild exorbitism and
malar hypoplasia resembling
Crouzon syndrome but, importantly, a Class I occlusal relationship.
Speech delay, poor gross and/or fine motor control, hyperactivity and poor concentration were common. Cranial vault surgery for raised ICP and/or Chiari-1 malformation was expected when multisutural
synostosis was observed. Variable expressivity and nonpenetrance among genetically affected relatives was encountered. These observations form the most complete phenotypic and developmental profile of this recently identified
craniosynostosis syndrome yet described and have important implications for surgical intervention and follow-up.