Alström Syndrome and Cecal Volvulus in 2 Siblings

Alström syndrome (ALMS1, MIM 203800) is a rare, autosomal recessively inherited monogenic condition caused by mutations in the ALMS1 gene located on the short arm of chromosome 2. ALMS1 is a multisystem condition characterized by childhood onset of blindness, dilated cardiomyopathy, sensorineural hearing loss, renal failure, fibrotic lung disease, and metabolic abnormalities, including hypertriglyceridemia, liver steatosis, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and obesity. We describe 2 siblings with ALMS who presented with the potentially life-threatening condition of acute cecal volvulus, an association not previously reported. Cecal volvulus may, therefore, represent a significant new feature of the Alström syndrome.