
doi: 10.1002/lary.24504
pmid: 24338212
Objectives/HypothesisEnlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) and hearing loss are known to be caused by SLC26A4 mutations, but large phenotypic variability exists among patients with biallelic SLC26A4 mutations. Intrafamilial phenotypic variability was analyzed in multiplex EVA families carrying biallelic SLC26A4 mutations to identify the contribution of SLC26A4 mutations and other genetic or environmental factors influencing the clinical manifestations.Study DesignRetrospective case series.MethodsEleven multiplex Korean families with EVA and hearing loss that carry biallelic mutations of the SLC26A4 gene were included. Genetic analysis for SLC26A4 and other genes including FOXI1, FOXI1‐DBD, and KCNJ10 was performed. The auditory and other phenotypes were compared among siblings with the same SLC26A4 mutations.ResultsThe difference in the auditory phenotypes was identified between siblings in approximately half of the EVA families. Families with SLC26A4 mutations other than H723R homozygous mutations demonstrated more phenotypic variability, especially in those carrying IVS7‐2A>G splice site mutation. Cochlear malformation was a consistent finding among siblings with the same SLC26A4 mutations. No mutation was identified in the FOXI1, FOXI1‐DBD, and KCNJ10 genes in the tested families.ConclusionsThe possibility of variability concerning auditory phenotype should be considered even within family members carrying the same SLC26A4 mutations when providing genetic counseling to multiplex EVA families. Mutations in the currently known genes associated with EVA other than SLC26A4 were not found to be responsible for the intrafamilial phenotypic variability. Modifier genes or environmental factors other than the currently known genes seem to play a role in the phenotypic expressions of EVA patients.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 124:E194–E202, 2014
Adult, Male, Adolescent, Genotype, Hearing Loss, Sensorineural, Membrane Transport Proteins/genetics*, 610, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Audiometry, Asian People, Republic of Korea, SLC26A4, Humans, Asian Continental Ancestry Group/genetics, Preschool, Child, Hearing Loss, Alleles, Retrospective Studies, variability, Sensorineural/genetics*, Infant, Membrane Transport Proteins, Hearing Loss/genetics*, Phenotype, Vestibular Aqueduct/abnormalities*, Child, Preschool, Mutation, Audiometry, Pure-Tone, enlarged vestibular aqueduct, Female, Pure-Tone
Adult, Male, Adolescent, Genotype, Hearing Loss, Sensorineural, Membrane Transport Proteins/genetics*, 610, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Audiometry, Asian People, Republic of Korea, SLC26A4, Humans, Asian Continental Ancestry Group/genetics, Preschool, Child, Hearing Loss, Alleles, Retrospective Studies, variability, Sensorineural/genetics*, Infant, Membrane Transport Proteins, Hearing Loss/genetics*, Phenotype, Vestibular Aqueduct/abnormalities*, Child, Preschool, Mutation, Audiometry, Pure-Tone, enlarged vestibular aqueduct, Female, Pure-Tone
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