Mandibulofacial dysostosis Guion-Almeida type caused by novel EFTUD2 splice site variants in two Asian children

Mandibulofacial dysostosis type Guion-Almeida (MFDGA) is a rare disease entity that results in congenital craniofacial anomalies that are caused by abnormal development of the first and second pharyngeal arches. MFDGA is characterized by malar and mandibular hypoplasia, microcephaly, developmental delay, dysplastic ears, and a distinctive facial appearance. Extracraniofacial malformations include esophageal atresia, congenital heart disease, and radial ray abnormalities. Heterozygous mutations in the elongation factor Tu GTP-binding domain containing 2 (EFTUD2) gene have been shown to result in MFDGA. To date, there have been a total of 108 individuals reported in the literature, of whom 95 patients have a confirmed EFTUD2 mutation. The majority of individuals reported in the literature have been of White ethnic origin. Here, we report two individuals of Asian ancestry with MFDGA, each harboring a novel, pathogenic splice site variant in EFTUD2.