Rothmund-Thomson syndrome. A case report, phototesting, and literature review

J Am Acad Dermatol. 1987 Aug;17(2 Pt 2):332-8.

Abstract

Rothmund-Thomson syndrome is a rare hereditary syndrome with developmental defects. Characteristics of this syndrome, based on a review of 107 reported cases in the literature, are (in descending order) as follows: early onset of poikiloderma, short stature, absence or sparseness of eyebrow and/or eyelash hair, familial juvenile cataracts, small hands and bone defects, sunlight sensitivity, hypogonadism, defective dentition, nail abnormality, hyperkeratosis, and mental retardation. Recently we encountered a 25-year-old white woman who had developed this syndrome but without juvenile cataracts, hypogonadism, or mental retardation. She had developed a basal cell epithelioma, which has not previously been described in this syndrome. Phototesting with monochromatic radiation and with a solar simulator showed photosensitivity in the ultraviolet A range but not in the ultraviolet B range. This case may represent an example of the Thomson type. The case is described and the literature reviewed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Abnormalities, Multiple*
  • Adult
  • Bone and Bones / abnormalities
  • Cataract*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Photosensitivity Disorders* / diagnosis
  • Rothmund-Thomson Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Rothmund-Thomson Syndrome* / pathology
  • Skin Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Skin Diseases* / pathology
  • Syndrome