Cervical Aortic Arch Associated with 22q11.2 Deletion

A 16-year-old boy had cervical aortic arch associated with 22q11.2 deletion. This case is the first one reported of cervical aortic arch in which deletion within the 22q11.2 band was detected by the fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) method.     

Aortic Arch Anomalies Associated with Chromosome 22q11 Deletion (CATCH 22)

Chromosome 22q11 deletion or CATCH 22 is associated with DiGeorge syndrome, conotruncal anomaly face syndrome, and velocardiofacial syndrome. Associated congenital heart diseases include tetralogy of Fallot, truncus arteriosus, and ventricular septal defect. Associated anomalies of the aortic arch, aortic branches, ductus arteriosus, and pulmonary arteries are more frequent in patients with the deletion than in those without the deletion. Associated anomalies include right aortic arch, cervical aorta, aberrant origin or isolation of the subclavian artery, the absence of the ductus arteriosus, major aortopulmonary collateral arteries, isolation of the left pulmonary artery, and vascular ring formed by the right aortic arch, retroesophageal aortic arch, and left descending aorta.     

Right Aortic Arch with Retroesophageal Left Aberrant Innominate Artery

Right aortic arch with a left retroesophageal innominate artery (type D double aortic arch) is rare. The diagnosis is made by aortography. The present case is the first known patient to undergo a magnetic resonance imaging study that outlined the anomaly clearly.     

Monozygotic Twins with Chromosome 22q11 Microdeletion and Discordant Phenotypes in Cardiovascular Patterning

Monozygotic twins with chromosome 22q11 microdeletions offer an ideal situation to observe the association of microdeletion and disrupted cardiovascular patterning. We report monozygotic twins concordant for 22q11.2 microdeletion but discordant for cardiovascular patterning. Both twins showed identical intracardiac defects including tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia. Nevertheless, their great vessel patternings were variable. These twins show that the mispatterning of the great vessels may not correlate with intracardiac morphogenesis. The discordant development of the great vessels, especially in the pulmonary vascular system, has clinical significance for prognosis. The phenotypic variability of cardiovascular anomalies seen in 22q11 microdeletion cannot be explained on the basis of genotypic difference.     

Frequency of a 22q11 deletion in patients with conotruncal cardiac malformations: A prospective study

Recent molecular studies have revealed that a 22q11 deletion is frequently detected in DiGeorge syndrome (DGS), velo-cardio-facial syndrome (VCFS), and conotruncal anomaly face syndrome (CTAFS). As one of the major clinical manifestations in these three syndromes is conotruncal cardiac malformation, we prospectively studied the frequency of a 22q11 deletion in a group of patients with conotruncal cardiac malformation. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses using N25 (D22S75) DiGeorge Chromosome Region probe were performed on 64 patients with conotruncal cardiac malformation, who visited our clinic from October 1993 to January 1994. Of the 64 patients studied, a 22q11 deletion was detected in 5 patients (7.8%): 3 out of 30 patients with tetralogy of Fallot, one of three with interruption of the aortic arch, and one hemitruncus patient. No deletion was found in 16 patients with complete transposition of the great arteries, 8 with double outlet right ventricle and 2 with aortopulmonary window. In these five patients with 22q11 deletion, patient 1 was clinically diagnosed as having DGS, patients 2 and 3 had CTAFS, and patient 4 had VCFS. Patient 5 could not be dysmorphologically evaluated. It was noteworthy that all patients with a 22q11 deletion, except a non-evaluated patient, had some symptoms of syndromes DGS, CTAFS or VCFS, and that we failed to identify a non-syndromic 22q11 deletion positive patients in the present series of 64 patients.Conclusion This study suggests that it is advisable to bear 22q11 deletion in mind when a patient with conotruncal cardiac anomalies has some other features of DGS, VCFS or CTAFS.     

Facial features in children with the 22q11 deletion syndrome

AIM: To find a pattern of the most typical facial features in children with the 22q11 deletion syndrome, which could serve as an aid in identifying patients with the syndrome. METHODS: In 80 children and adolescents with the 22q11 deletion syndrome, three investigators evaluated the facial features separately using frontal and profile photographs. A patient was considered to have a given feature if at least two of the evaluators agreed. RESULTS: The most common facial features found in at least 50% of the patients were malar flatness, fullness of eyelids (hooded eyelids), broad nasal bridge/tubular nose, broad/round nasal tip, round ears, thick/overfolded helix and slightly low-set ears. These were also the most common features when all agreed, although a considerable variation in the assessment by the three evaluators was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The 22q11 deletion syndrome is a differential diagnosis in children with a variety of symptoms and signs including congenital malformations, developmental delay and speech abnormalities. Almost all children with the syndrome show a characteristic pattern of minor facial variants, which can be difficult to recognise, unless specifically looked for. A systematic evaluation of facial features might help in identifying children with the syndrome.     

Presenting phenotype in 100 children with the 22q11 deletion syndrome

The aim of this study was to investigate and describe the presenting phenotype of children with the 22q11 deletion syndrome and to describe common clinical features that could serve as guidelines in the clinical diagnostic process preceding genetic testing. A hospital-based study of 100 consecutive children and adolescents with 22q11 deletion was initiated. The patients were divided into two groups according to age at diagnosis: before or after 2 years of age. Clinical features were grouped into a core set of eight features: cardiac defects, non-visible/hypoplastic thymus or infection problems, hypocalcaemia, feeding difficulties, cleft palate/speech-language impairment, developmental delay/learning difficulties, characteristic dysmorphic features and other malformations and deformities. The median age at diagnosis was 6.7 years. Of all patients, 26% were diagnosed in infancy and 92% had a congenital cardiac defect, whereas 54% of those diagnosed later had a cardiac defect. A cleft palate was present in 25 cases and 44 had some other malformation or deformity. All presented with a combination of many of the core features. Of those diagnosed after 2 years of age, the majority presented with speech-language impairment, developmental delay or learning difficulties and recurrent infections. Characteristic mild dysmorphic features were noticed in all children. Conclusion: In spite of variable clinical expression, children with 22q11 deletion share a number of major features and have a characteristic phenotype. A high proportion have no cardiac defect and hence a risk of diagnostic delay. Increased awareness and knowledge among general paediatricians and other specialists who meet these children early in life is needed to reduce the diagnostic delay.     

22q11缺失综合征的研究进展

22q11缺失综合征(22q11DS)是最常见的染色体微缺失疾病.它的临床表现复杂多样,可表现为心脏、颅面、四肢、免疫和内分泌等多系统的异常.其患病率约为1/2500～1/4000.22q11缺失的发病机制是缺失区域内的低拷贝重复序列之间的不对称重组,TBX1基因等被认为是其相关致病基因.     

Molecular Characterization of Tetralogy of Fallot Within DiGeorge Critical Region of the Chromosome 22

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the levels of heterozygosity and microdeletion of specific loci within the DiGeorge critical region (del22q11) are associated with different phenotypes of tetralogy of Fallot (TF). Examinations were conducted on 84 sporadic TF patients and their unaffected parents for del22q11, using the following 9 simple tandem repeat polymorphic microsatellite markers: D22S420, D22S427, D22S941, D22S944, D22S264, D22S311, D22S425, D22S303, D22S257. The microdeletions were confirmed using quantitative PCR with markers TUPLE1, exon 2 of the UFD1L gene, and D22S264; the boundaries of these microdeletions were estimated using genotypic analyses of the unaffected family members. The del22q11 was identified in 14 patients (16.6%). The boundary of the shortest region of deletion overlap (SRO) in these 14 TF patients was identified, proximally using D22S427 and distally using the TUPLE 1 gene. The deletion of exon 2 of the UFD1L gene and TUPLE1 gene was identified in 13 patients (13/14 cases; 93%). The SRO in TF patients with del22q11 was at or close to the ADU breakpoint and centromeric to the UFD1L gene. The level of heterozygosity for the marker D22S944 in TF patients without del22q11 (n= 70) was found to be significantly lower than expected. Overall, this study demonstrated the significantly low level of heterozygosity within DiGeorge critical region in TF patients with or without del22q11. Our results suggest that the genetic factors leading to DiGeorge/velocardiofacial syndrome might also be partly responsible for TF phenotypes.     

Clinical characteristics of children with hypoparathyroidism due to 22q11.2 microdeletion

The phenotypes of chromosomal 22q11.2 microdeletion are quite variable among individuals and hypoparathyroidism (HP) constitutes a definite portion of the clinical spectrum. For the correct diagnosis and pertinent follow up of the HP children due to del22q11.2, we tried to delineate the clinical characteristics of such patients. By employing fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to all the patients diagnosed as HP in our clinic, ten possessed the 22q11.2 microdeletion. Among them, the incidence of cardiac defect (5/10), recurrent infection (1/10) and cleft palate (1/10) was modest. Additionally, seven of them had been diagnosed as HP during the infantile period, when their facial abnormality and intellectual problem had not become evident. Notably, two patients were complicated by Graves disease, while the association of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura was also observed in two girls. Conclusion HP due to del22q11.2 may be misdiagnosed as idiopathic, especially in an infant who lacks apparent complications like cardiac anomaly. They should be closely followed up for auto-immune complications. Received: 11 February 1997 and in revised form: 20 June 1997 / Accepted: 6 July 1997     

Anomalous Origin of One Pulmonary Artery from the Innominate Artery: A Report of Two Cases

Two children with an anomalous origin of one pulmonary artery from the innominate artery are reported. One was a 15-month-old boy presenting with respiratory distress. He had a right aortic arch and his left pulmonary artery originated from the innominate artery. The other was a 1-month-old girl presenting with congestive heart failure. She had a left aortic arch and her right pulmonary artery originated from the innominate artery. An understanding of the embryological pathogenesis of these anomalies has significant therapeutic implications.     

Right Aortic Arch with Isolation of the Left Subclavian Artery and Bilateral Patent Ductus Arterioses

Of the right aortic arch anomalies, a right arch with isolation of the left subclavian artery is the least common. In a neonate who had a right arch with isolation of the left subclavian artery and bilateral patent ductus arterioses, pulmonary artery steal phenomenon developed after ligation of the right ductus. We performed division of the left ductus and reimplantation of the left subclavian artery into the left common carotid artery.     

C1-2 vertebral anomalies in 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome

BACKGROUND: Chromosome 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome (22q11DS) is characterized by cleft palate, cardiac anomalies, characteristic facies, high prevalence of skeletal anomalies and learning disability. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of craniovertebral junction anomalies in children with 22q11DS and compare these findings to those in nonsyndromic children with velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sequential CT scans performed for presurgical carotid assessment in 76 children (45 children positive for chromosome 22q11.2 deletion and 31 negative for the deletion) with VPI were retrospectively evaluated for assessment of C1-2 anomalies. RESULTS: C1-2 vertebral anomalies, specifically midline C1 defects, uptilted or upswept posterior elements of C2 and fusions of C2-3, were nearly universal in our cohort of 22q11DS patients with VPI. They were strikingly absent in the majority of non-22q11DS patients with VPI. CONCLUSION: C1-2 vertebral anomalies, particularly those listed above, are important radiographic markers for 22q11DS.     

Coarctation of the Aorta in the Right Aortic Arch with Left Aberrant Innominate Artery

Right aortic arch with an aberrant left innominate artery is a rare combination. We report a unique case of coarctation of the aorta in a patient with right aortic arch and aberrant left innominate artery. The diverticulum of Kommerell gave rise to the left innominate artery and a left ligamentum arteriosum, completing a vascular ring. This unusual case raises interesting points regarding the development of coarctation in the context of a right-sided arch and the approach to management of these patients.     

多重连接探针扩增技术在先天性心脏病22q11微缺失/微重复综合征诊断中的应用

目的:染色体22q11区域基因拷贝数异常是先天性心脏病（CHD）的遗传病因之一,由其引起的CHD预后不良。该研究主要探讨多重连接探针扩增技术用于CHD 22q11微缺失或微重复遗传病因诊断的实用性,并了解22q11微缺失或微重复在CHD中的发生情况。方法:选择25个位于染色体22q11低重复拷贝序列A-H区域内、7个位于其周围（CES、22q13）和16个位于4、8、10、17号染色体上的基因位点共计48个探针组成多重连接探针,对181例外科手术前的CHD儿童和14例严重CHD或包括CHD的多发性畸形胎儿进行了22q11微缺失或微重复的检测,并进行了染色体核型分析。结果:195例患儿中,共检出22q11微缺失者7例（LCR A-D区6例,LCR A-C区1例）,22q11微重复1例（LCR B-D区）,涉及的CHD类型包括室间隔缺损、房室间隔缺损、肺动脉狭窄和法洛四联征。同时染色体核型分析还发现了6例异常：1例21q部分缺失［46,XY,21q-］,1例嵌合性8-三体［47,XY,+8/46,XY（1∶2）］,4例21-三体。其中1例21-三体与22q11微重复同时存在。结论:染色体22q11区域高密度多重连接探针检测技术能快速、灵敏、精确定位诊断染色体22q11区域基因拷贝数异常,适合于CHD的遗传学诊断;此外,22q11微缺失或微重复引起的CHD类型多种多样,建议所有CHD患者应常规进行遗传学检测。［中国当代儿科杂志,2009,11（11）：892-896］     

多重连接探针扩增技术在先天性心脏病22q11微缺失/微重复综合征诊断中的应用

目的染色体22q11区域基因拷贝数异常是先天性心脏病(CHD)的遗传病因之一,由其引起的CHD预后不良。该研究主要探讨多重连接探针扩增技术用于CHD22q11微缺失或微重复遗传病因诊断的实用性,并了解22q11微缺失或微重复在CHD中的发生情况。方法选择25个位于染色体22q11低重复拷贝序列A-H区域内、7个位于其周围(CES、22q13)和16个位于4、8、10、17号染色体上的基因位点共计48个探针组成多重连接探针,对181例外科手术前的CHD儿童和14例严重CHD或包括CHD的多发性畸形胎儿进行了22q11微缺失或微重复的检测,并进行了染色体核型分析。结果195例患儿中,共检出22q11微缺失者7例(LCRA-D区6例,LCRA-C区1例),22q11微重复1例(LCRB-D区),涉及的CHD类型包括室间隔缺损、房室间隔缺损、肺动脉狭窄和法洛四联征。同时染色体核型分析还发现了6例异常:1例21q部分缺失[46,XY,21q-],1例嵌合性8-三体[47,XY,+8/46,XY(1∶2)],4例21-三体。其中1例21-三体与22q11微重复同时存在。结论染色体22q11区域高密度多重连接探针检测技术能快速、灵敏、精确定位诊断染色体22q11区域基因拷贝数异常,适合于CHD的遗传学诊断;此外,22q11微缺失或微重复引起的CHD类型多种多样,建议所有CHD患者应常规进行遗传学检测。     

Double-Lumen Aortic Arch by Persistence of Fifth Aortic Arch: A New Case Associated with Coarctation

A coarctation of aorta with double-lumen aortic arch due to persistence of an embryonic fifth aortic arch was recognized in a 13-day-old girl and successfully repaired using enlargement of the aorta by side-to-side anastomosis of the fourth and fifth aortic arches.