# Approach to Macrodactyly: A Case Report and Diagnostic Algorithm for Syndromic and Isolated Forms

**Authors:** Ioannis Kyriakidis, Iordanis Pelagiadis, Nikolaos Katzilakis, Eftichia Stiakaki

PMC · DOI: 10.3390/pediatric17020032 · Pediatric Reports · 2025-03-07

## TL;DR

This case report presents a rare overgrowth condition called macrodactyly and proposes a diagnostic algorithm to distinguish between isolated and syndromic forms.

## Contribution

A diagnostic algorithm for macrodactyly and insights into its clinical management and differential diagnosis are provided.

## Key findings

- Targeted sequencing for PIK3CA, AKT1, and PTEN in the affected tissue was negative.
- A 16p11.2 duplication and a PRRT2 variant were identified, though not causally linked to digit malformation.
- A multidisciplinary approach is recommended for managing both syndromic and isolated macrodactyly.

## Abstract

Background: Macrodactyly (megalodactyly or digital gigantism) is a rare condition of overgrowth affecting one or more fingers or toes. Methods: We report a case of a 16-year-old Caucasian male with macrodactyly, lipomas, nevi, dysmorphic features, and autism. The clinical suspicion for a Proteus-like syndrome was high. Results: Targeted PIK3CA, AKT1, and PTEN sequencing for the affected tissue was negative. Subsequent genetic testing revealed a 16p11.2 duplication along with a heterozygous pathogenic variant in PRRT2 (not causally associated with digit malformation). Conclusions: The clinical management of syndromic macrodactyly is well described by consensus guidelines, but isolated macrodactyly also needs pediatricians’ attention and warrants a multidisciplinary approach. After reviewing the literature, a diagnostic algorithm for the approach and differential diagnosis of macrodactyly is provided. Phenotypes associated with PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway mutations (including PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum PROS) are described. Late effects, follow-up schedules, and surveillance for cancer are discussed.

## Linked entities

- **Genes:** PIK3CA (phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha) [NCBI Gene 5290], AKT1 (AKT serine/threonine kinase 1) [NCBI Gene 207], PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) [NCBI Gene 5728], PRRT2 (proline rich transmembrane protein 2) [NCBI Gene 112476]
- **Diseases:** Proteus-like syndrome (MONDO:0017571), autism (MONDO:0005260)

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) [NCBI Gene 5728] {aka 10q23del, BZS, CWS1, DEC, GLM2, MHAM}, PRRT2 (proline rich transmembrane protein 2) [NCBI Gene 112476] {aka BFIC2, BFIS2, DSPB3, DYT10, EKD1, FICCA}, MTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase) [NCBI Gene 2475] {aka FRAP, FRAP1, FRAP2, RAFT1, RAPT1, SKS}, AKT1 (AKT serine/threonine kinase 1) [NCBI Gene 207] {aka AKT, PKB, PKB-ALPHA, PRKBA, RAC, RAC-ALPHA}, PIK3CA (phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha) [NCBI Gene 5290] {aka CCM4, CLAPO, CLOVE, CWS5, HMH, MCAP}
- **Diseases:** digit malformation (MESH:C000721267), Proteus-like syndrome (MESH:D016715), lipomas (MESH:D008067), cancer (MESH:D009369), Macrodactyly (MESH:C562546), autism (MESH:D001321), nevi (MESH:D009506), digital gigantism (MESH:D005877)

## Full text

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## Figures

3 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11932304/full.md

## References

30 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11932304/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11932304