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Novel Genetic Mutation in the Background of Carney Complex

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Pathology & Oncology Research

Abstract

Carney complex is a rare disease inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. It is mostly caused by inactivating mutations of the subunit of protein kinase A. Carney complex is associated with atrial myxoma, nevi or myxomas of the skin, breast tumor and endocrine overactivity. Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease is the specific endocrine manifestation. The authors present the history of a 53-year-old female patient who had undergone surgery for atrial myxomas, thyroid tumor and breast cancer. She was also operated for an adrenal adenoma causing Cushing’s syndrome. Genetic study revealed a novel mutation in the regulatory subunit of protein kinase A (ivs2-1G>A splice mutation in intron 2). Her heterozygous twins were also genetically screened and one of them carried the same mutation. The authors emphasize that despite the absence of specific treatment for patients with Carney complex, confirmation of the diagnosis by genetic studies is important for the close follow-up of the patient and early identification of novel manifestations.

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Acknowledgements

We thank members of our laboratory (Molecular Medicine Research Group) for scientific advice. We thank the patient and her family for contribution and co-operation.

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We state formally that an appropriate institutional review board approved the experiment, and that informed consent was obtained from the subjects and from parents or legal guardians for minors. We ensure the safety and dignity of human subjects.

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We fully declare neither financial nor potential conflict of interest and that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported.

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This research did not receive any specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sector.

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Correspondence to Csaba Halászlaki.

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Halászlaki, C., Takács, I., Butz, H. et al. Novel Genetic Mutation in the Background of Carney Complex. Pathol. Oncol. Res. 18, 149–152 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12253-012-9502-3

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