Am J Hum Genet. 2011 Jul 15; 89(1): 15-27
Baasanjav S, Al-Gazali L, Hashiguchi T, Mizumoto S, Fischer B, Horn D, Seelow D, Ali BR, Aziz SA, Langer R, Saleh AA, Becker C, Nürnberg G, Cantagrel V, Gleeson JG, Gomez D, Michel JB, Stricker S, Lindner TH, Nürnberg P, Sugahara K, Mundlos S, Hoffmann K

Proteoglycans are a major component of extracellular matrix and contribute to normal embryonic and postnatal development by ensuring tissue stability and signaling functions. We studied five patients with recessive joint dislocations and congenital heart defects, including bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and aortic root dilatation. We identified linkage to chromosome 11 and detected a mutation (c.830G>A, p.Arg277Gln) in B3GAT3, the gene coding for glucuronosyltransferase-I (GlcAT-I). The enzyme catalyzes an initial step in the synthesis of glycosaminoglycan side chains of proteoglycans. Patients' cells as well as recombinant mutant protein showed reduced glucuronyltransferase activity. Patient fibroblasts demonstrated decreased levels of dermatan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and heparan sulfate proteoglycans, indicating that the defect in linker synthesis affected all three lines of O-glycanated proteoglycans. Further studies demonstrated that GlcAT-I resides in the cis and cis-medial Golgi apparatus and is expressed in the affected tissues, i.e., heart, aorta, and bone. The study shows that reduced GlcAT-I activity impairs skeletal as well as heart development and results in variable combinations of heart malformations, including mitral valve prolapse, ventricular septal defect, and bicuspid aortic valve. The described family constitutes a syndrome characterized by heart defects and joint dislocations resulting from altered initiation of proteoglycan synthesis (Larsen-like syndrome, B3GAT3 type).

Spec Care Dentist. 2010 Nov-Dec; 30(6): 255-60
Sajnani AK, Yiu CK, King NM

Larsen syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by multiple dislocations of the large joints and characteristic craniofacial abnormalities. It exists in both a severe autosomal recessive form and a mild autosomal dominant variety. To date, only three authors have reported oral findings for this syndrome. This paper describes an 8-year-old Chinese boy with Larsen syndrome who had advanced periodontitis. The need for periodontal therapy and regular monitoring of such patients has been highlighted.

Am J Med Genet A. 2010 Oct; 152A(10): 2543-9
Unger S, Lausch E, Rossi A, Mégarbané A, Sillence D, Alcausin M, Aytes A, Mendoza-Londono R, Nampoothiri S, Afroze B, Hall B, Lo IF, Lam ST, Hoefele J, Rost I, Wakeling E, Mangold E, Godbole K, Vatanavicharn N, Franco LM, Chandler K, Hollander S, Velten T, Reicherter K, Spranger J, Robertson S, Bonafé L, Zabel B, Superti-Furga A

We recently reported on the deficiency of carbohydrate sulfotransferase 3 (CHST3; chondroitin-6-sulfotransferase) in six subjects diagnosed with recessive Larsen syndrome or humero-spinal dysostosis [Hermanns et al. (2008); Am J Hum Genet 82:1368-1374]. Since then, we have identified 17 additional families with CHST3 mutations and we report here on a series of 24 patients in 23 families. The diagnostic hypothesis prior to molecular analysis had been: Larsen syndrome (15 families), humero-spinal dysostosis (four cases), chondrodysplasia with multiple dislocations (CDMD "Megarbane type"; two cases), Desbuquois syndrome (one case), and spondylo-epiphyseal dysplasia (one case). In spite of the different diagnostic labels, the clinical features in these patients were similar and included dislocation of the knees and/or hips at birth, clubfoot, elbow joint dysplasia with subluxation and limited extension, short stature, and progressive kyphosis developing in late childhood. The most useful radiographic clues were the changes of the lumbar vertebrae. Twenty-four different CHST3 mutations were identified; 16 patients had homozygous mutations. We conclude that CHST3 deficiency presents at birth with congenital dislocations of knees, hips, and elbows, and is often diagnosed initially as Larsen syndrome, humero-spinal dysostosis, or chondrodysplasia with dislocations. The incidence of CHST3 deficiency seems to be higher than assumed so far. The clinical and radiographic pattern (joint dislocations, vertebral changes, normal carpal age, lack of facial flattening, and recessive inheritance) is characteristic and distinguishes CHST3 deficiency from other disorders with congenital dislocations such as filamin B-associated dominant Larsen syndrome and Desbuquois syndrome.

Turk J Pediatr. 2008 Jul-Aug; 50(4): 395-9
Orhan D, Balci S, Deren O, Utine EG, Başaran A, Kale G

Larsen syndrome is characterized by multiple joint dislocations, associated with a typical facial appearance and frequently other abnormalities. Both dominant and recessive patterns of inheritance have been reported. A lethal form of Larsen syndrome (Larsen-like syndrome) has been described as a combination of the Larsen phenotype and pulmonary hypoplasia. In this report, we present a 24-week-old female fetus with a possible prenatal diagnosis of thanatophoric dysplasia in whom postmortem examination revealed lethal type Larsen-like syndrome associated with bifid tongue, severe micrognathia and non-immune hydrops fetalis. These findings have not been reported previously in the lethal type Larsen syndrome.

Am J Hum Genet. 2008 Jun; 82(6): 1368-74
Hermanns P, Unger S, Rossi A, Perez-Aytes A, Cortina H, Bonafé L, Boccone L, Setzu V, Dutoit M, Sangiorgi L, Pecora F, Reicherter K, Nishimura G, Spranger J, Zabel B, Superti-Furga A

Deficiency of carbohydrate sulfotransferase 3 (CHST3; also known as chondroitin-6-sulfotransferase) has been reported in a single kindred so far and in association with a phenotype of severe chondrodysplasia with progressive spinal involvement. We report eight CHST3 mutations in six unrelated individuals who presented at birth with congenital joint dislocations. These patients had been given a diagnosis of either Larsen syndrome (three individuals) or humero-spinal dysostosis (three individuals), and their clinical features included congenital dislocation of the knees, elbow joint dysplasia with subluxation and limited extension, hip dysplasia or dislocation, clubfoot, short stature, and kyphoscoliosis developing in late childhood. Analysis of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans in dermal fibroblasts showed markedly decreased 6-O-sulfation but enhanced 4-O-sulfation, confirming functional impairment of CHST3 and distinguishing them from diastrophic dysplasia sulphate transporter (DTDST)-deficient cells. These observations provide a molecular basis for recessive Larsen syndrome and indicate that recessive Larsen syndrome, humero-spinal dysostosis, and spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia Omani type form a phenotypic spectrum.

Am J Med Genet. 1997 Dec 12; 73(2): 132-8
Nishimura G, Horiuchi T, Kim OH, Sasamoto Y

We report on 2 cases of otopalatodigital syndrome type II (OPD II) with atypical skeletal changes, overlapping those of boomerang dysplasia, atelosteogenesis type I (AO I) and type III (AO III), and the lethal male phenotype of Melnick-Needles syndrome. One patient exhibited strikingly broad, bowed femora, which resembled those of boomerang dysplasia. The other patient possessed conspicuous undertubulation of the long bones, defective ossification of the spine, and severe undermineralization of the calvaria, which may have caused diagnostic confusion with AO I, AO III, and the lethal male phenotype of Melnick-Needles syndrome. OPD II is transmitted as an X-linked recessive trait, whereas AO I, AO III, and boomerang dysplasia are considered to result from a new dominant mutation, and Melnick-Needles syndrome is inherited as an X-linked dominant trait. Accordingly, differential diagnosis is mandatory to provide the affected families with adequate genetic counseling. Awareness of these skeletal changes in OPD II will prevent the misdiagnosis of this entity as other disorders. Furthermore, the phenotypic overlap among these disorders may expand the entities that constitute the OPD-Larsen dysplasia family proposed by Spranger [1985].

Clin Genet. 1997 Jun; 51(6): 408-11
Kurtoglu S, Dundar M, Hallaç IK, Uzüm K, Okumuş Y, Oktem T

Larsen's syndrome is characterised by multiple joint dislocations, flat face and talipes equinovarus. There is an autosomal dominant form and also a more severe autosomal recessive form. Several types of polycystic kidney disease have been reported in children. In this report we present an infant with a severe form of Larsen's syndrome (thought to be lethal Larsen-like), infantile-type polycystic kidney disease, biliary dysgenesis and osteosclerosis.

Obstet Gynecol. 1993 May; 81(5 ( Pt 2)): 845-7
Rochelson B, Petrikovsky B, Shmoys S

Larsen syndrome is a disease of generalized defect in collagen formation including multiple disorders of the joints and cardiac anomalies. A review of the literature revealed no previous reported cases in pregnancy.A 29-year-old woman with known Larsen syndrome thought to be of the autosomal recessive type presented in pregnancy; second-trimester ultrasound suggested fetal involvement with Larsen syndrome. The patient was followed with serial ultrasounds, and she had pediatric and anesthesiologic consultations. She was delivered by cesarean of a female infant whose neck was immediately stabilized. The infant was then taken to the neonatal intensive care unit, where a diagnosis of Larsen syndrome was confirmed.Larsen syndrome, which may be diagnosed prenatally, is a rare and unique condition that requires multidisciplinary care. Obstetric management must take into account the increased anesthetic and surgical risks to the mother and the risk of fetal injury including cervical spine instability. The genetics of Larsen syndrome are also discussed.

Am J Med Genet. 1986 Jun; 24(2): 219-30
Maroteaux P, Frézal J, Cohen-Solal L

We address the confusion in the current classification of inherited disorders of collagen and the excessive extension of the concept of the Ehlers-Danlos "syndrome" that tends to cover many facts and conditions frequently without strong clinical connection. We propose to subdivide the collagen disorders into four main classes depending on whether skin, joints, bone, or blood vessels are mainly involved. The class with mainly skin involvement includes the different forms of cutis laxa, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome types I and II (autosomal dominant), types V and IX (X-linked recessive), type VI (autosomal recessive), and type VIII (autosomal dominant). The group with mainly articular involvement includes Larsen and related syndromes and other types with a more benign course. The conditions with mainly skeletal involvement include the different forms of osteogenesis imperfecta. The class with mainly blood vessel involvement includes disorders of type III collagen and the Marfan syndrome. This tentative classification proposes a logical clinical framework that will allow easier integration of molecular biology data.