An unusual presentation of de novo RAC3 variation in prenatal diagnosis

Abstract

AbstractPathogenic variants in RAC3 cause a neurodevelopmental disorder with brain malformations and craniofacial dysmorphism, called NEDBAF. This gene encodes a small GTPase, which plays a critical role in neurogenesis and neuronal migration. We report a 31 weeks of gestation fetus with triventricular dilatation, and temporal and perisylvian polymicrogyria, without cerebellar, brainstem, or callosal anomalies. Trio whole exome sequencing identified a RAC3 (NM_005052.3, GRCh38) probably pathogenic de novo variant c.276 T>A p.(Asn92Lys). Eighteen patients harboring 13 different and essentially de novo missense RAC3 variants were previously reported. All the patients presented with corpus callosum malformations. Gyration disorders, ventriculomegaly (VM), and brainstem and cerebellar malformations have frequently been described. The only previous prenatal case associated with RAC3 variant presented with complex brain malformations, mainly consisting of midline and posterior fossa anomalies. We report the second prenatal case of NEDBAF presenting an undescribed pattern of cerebral anomalies, including VM and polymicrogyria, without callosal, cerebellar, or brainstem malformations. All neuroimaging data were reviewed to clarify the spectrum of cerebral malformations.