Clinical, histomorphological and therapeutic features of the Van der Woude Syndrome: Literature review and presentation of an unusual case

Background Van der Woude syndrome (VWS), an autosomal dominant condition associated with lower lip pits and/or cleft palate, is caused by mutations in the interferon regulatory factor 6 gene (lRF6 gene). The genetic alterations identified to date that contribute to expression of the syndrome are chiefly mutations located on chromosome 1 (the largest of our chromosomes), mutations at p36 that codifies the gene GRHL (grainyhead transcriptor factor) and mutations involving IRF6 (interferon regulatory factor). With frequency ranging from 1:35,000 to 1:100,000, depending on ethnicity, gender, and socio-economic status, the syndrome accounts for about 2% of orofacial clefts. The clinical and histomorphological aspects of VWS are studied, and a case of heterozygous female twins of whom only one was affected with VWS is reported. Conclusion This very rare case (no similar case has been reported to date) contributes further evidence on modifying factors in the expression of this condition.