Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is a disorder in which many tiny fragments (microliths) of calcium phosphate gradually accumulate in alveoli. Loss of function mutations in the gene SLC34A2 coding for the sodium phosphate co-transporter (NaPi-IIb) are responsible for genetic forms of alveolar microlithiasis.We now report a consanguineous Italian family from Calabria with two affected members segregating alveolar microlithiasis in a recessive fashion. We describe, for the first time, a novel loss of function mutation in the gene coding for NaPi-IIb. A careful description of the clinical phenotype is provided together with technical details for direct sequencing of the gene.

Gitelman’s syndrome (GS) is a salt-losing tubulopathy with an autosomal recessive inheritance caused by mutations of SLC12A3, which encodes for the thiazide-sensitive NaCl cotransporter. In this study we report a new mutation of SLC12A3 found in two brothers affected by GS. Hypokalemia, hypocalciuria and hyper-reninemia were present in both patients while hypomagnesemia was detected only in one. Both patients are compound heterozygotes carrying one well known GS associated mutation (c.2581 C > T) and a new one (c.283delC) in SLC12A3 gene. The new mutation results in a possible frame-shift with a premature stop-codon (pGln95ArgfsX19). The parents of the patients, heterozygous carriers of the mutations found in SLC12A3, have no disease associated phenotype. Therefore, the new mutation is causative of GS.

Objective. To assess aetiology of a POF in a 33-year-old woman and, if possible, plan a cure. Design. Case report. Setting. medical genetics diagnostic unit in a university hospital. Patient. A 33-year-old woman with premature ovarian failure (POF). Intervention(s). Genetic counseling, karyotyping, FISH study. Result(s). Turner-like diagnosis. Conclusion(s). Most cases of POF remain idiopathic. Turner syndrome can occur in very different phenotypes; cytogenetic and molecular profiling can provide a definitive diagnosis in cases with nonclassical phenotype.

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