Cutis laxa is a collection of disorders that are typified by loose and/or wrinkled skin that imparts a prematurely aged appearance. Face, hands, feet, joints, and torso may be differentially affected. The skin lacks elastic recoil, in marked contrast to the hyperelasticity apparent in classical Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (see 130000). These properties are nearly always attributable to loss, fragmentation, or severe disorganization of dermal elastic fibers (summary by Davidson and Giro, 2002).
The clinical spectrum of autosomal recessive cutis laxa is highly heterogeneous with respect to organ involvement and severity. Type I autosomal recessive cutis laxa (ARCL1) is a specific, life-threatening disorder with organ involvement, lung atelectasis and emphysema, diverticula of the gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems, and vascular anomalies. Associated cranial anomalies, late closure of the fontanel, joint laxity, hip dislocation, and inguinal hernia have been observed but are uncommon. Diminution of elastic fibers throughout the dermis and abnormal elastin components by electron microscopy are pathognomonic (summary by Morava et al., 2009).
Classification of autosomal recessive cutis laxa is further divided into type II (ARCL2), associated with bone dystrophy, joint laxity, and developmental delay; and type III (ARCL3), or de Barsy syndrome, which presents very severe symptoms, with ocular involvement and mental retardation (summary by Davidson and Giro, 2002).
For a phenotypic description and a discussion of genetic heterogeneity of autosomal dominant cutis laxa, see 123700.
Genetic Heterogeneity of Autosomal Recessive Cutis Laxa
Also see ARCL1B (614437), caused by mutation in the FBLN4 gene (EFEMP2; 604633); ARCL1C (613177), caused by mutation in the LTBP4 gene (FAM72A; 614710); and ARCL1D (620780), caused by mutation in the FBLN3 gene (EFEMP1; 601548).
ARCL2A (219200) is caused by mutation in the ATP6V0A2 gene (611716). ARCL2B (612940) is caused by mutation in the PYCR1 gene (179035). ARCL2C (617402) is caused by mutation in the ATP6V1E1 gene (108746). ARCL2D (617403) is caused by mutation in the ATP6V1A gene (607027). ARCL2E (619451) is caused by mutation in the LTBP1 gene (150390).
ARCL3A (219150) is caused by mutation in the ALDH18A1 gene (138250). ARCL3B (614438) is caused by mutation in the PYCR1 gene (179035). [from OMIM]