Vohwinkel Syndrome

At a glance

Congenital deafness with keratopachyderma and constrictions of fingers and toes. The risk of autoamputation is very high, mostly as a result of trauma and infections.

Synonyms

Mutilating Keratoderma; Keratoderma Hereditarium Mutilans; Congenital Deafness with Keratopachyderma and Constriction of Fingers and Toes Syndrome.

History

First described by K. H. Vohwinkel in 1929.

Genetic inheritance

Autosomal dominant.

Pathophysiology

Caused by mutation in the gene encoding connexin-26, a gap-junction protein (GJB2).

Diagnosis

Hyperkeratoses of the palms and soles occurring in infancy or early childhood. Histological examination shows thickening of the granular layer, moderate acanthosis, and a few mononuclear inflammatory cells in the papillary dermis. Radiological investigation demonstrates mild bone rarefaction and osteoporotic changes distal to the constricting bands.

Clinical aspects

Characterized by diffuse hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles, with a “honeycomb” appearance that progresses to “starfish-shaped” keratotic plaques on the dorsa of the hands and feet, and also involving the wrists, forearms, elbows, and knees. Fibrous constricting bands (pseudoainhum) at the interphalangeal joints, which may lead to autoamputation. A variant form is associated with ichthyosiform dermatosis without hearing loss, cicatricial alopecia, nail abnormalities, mental retardation, and spastic paraplegia or myopathy.

Precautions before anesthesia

Evaluate the severity of pseudoamputations.

Anesthetic considerations

Careful perioperative installation is necessary to avoid further constriction and accidental finger amputation. Same remarks concerning use of digital sensor. Venous access on hands can be difficult.

Pharmacological implications

Consider the benefit of using aminoglycosides in cases of incomplete deafness.

Other conditions to be considered

• ☞Bart Pumphrey Syndrome: Inherited syndrome featuring knuckle pads, leukonychia, and sensorineural deafness.

• Mutilating Keratoderma with Ichthyosis: This is a variant caused by mutation of the gene for loricrin, a component of the epidermal differentiation complex (EDC). The gene is located at 13q11-q12. Most prevalent during childhood. More than 200 cases have been reported. Characterized by transient, circumscribed, figurate erythematous patches, hyperkeratosis (yellow-brown and thickened plaques).

References