Characterization of a balanced complex chromosomal rearrangement carrier ascertained through a fetus with dup15q26.3 and del5p15.33: case report

Chromosomal abnormalities associated with fetal pleural effusion (II): Specific and non-specific chromosome aberrations

Fetal pleural effusion has been reported to be associated with chromosomal abnormalities, genetic syndromes, obstructive uropathy, lymphatic vessel abnormalities such as Noonan syndrome, RASopathy and congenital lymphatic anomalies, thoracic cavity defects, Rh or ABO incompatibility, non-immune hydrops fetalis, infections, congenital cardiac anomalies, metabolic diseases and hematologic diseases such as α-thalassemia. This review provides a comprehensive view of specific and non-specific chromosome aberrations associated with fetal pleural effusion which is useful for genetic counseling and fetal therapy at prenatal diagnosis of fetal pleural effusion.

Microarray findings in pregnancies with oligohydramnios - a retrospective cohort study and literature review

Objective To explore the risk for abnormal chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) findings in pregnancies with oligohydramnios. Methods Data from all CMA analyses performed due to oligohydramnios between 2013 and 2017 were retrospectively obtained from the Israeli Ministry of Health database. The rate of clinically significant (pathogenic and likely pathogenic) findings was compared to a local cohort of pregnancies with normal ultrasound, yielding a 1.4% rate of abnormal CMA results. In addition, a search was conducted through the PubMed database addressing the issue. Results Fifty CMA analyses were performed due to oligohydramnios. The 2% risk for clinically significant CMA finding in pregnancies with oligohydramnios did not differ from the control population of 5541 pregnancies with normal ultrasound - relative risk (RR) 1.4 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.2-10.2]. Literature search yielded 394 titles, of which four relevant articles were selected, all using fetal karyotyping. Conclusion There is yet insufficient evidence to support invasive prenatal testing in pregnancies with isolated oligohydramnios.

Characterization of a complex chromosomal rearrangement using chromosome, FISH, and microarray assays in a girl with multiple congenital abnormalities and developmental delay

Complex chromosomal rearrangements (CCRs) are balanced or unbalanced structural rearrangements involving three or more cytogenetic breakpoints on two or more chromosomal pairs. The phenotypic anomalies in such cases are attributed to gene disruption, superimposed cryptic imbalances in the genome, and/or position effects. We report a 14-year-old girl who presented with multiple congenital anomalies and developmental delay. Chromosome and FISH analysis indicated a highly complex chromosomal rearrangement involving three chromosomes (3, 7 and 12), seven breakpoints as a result of one inversion, two insertions, and two translocations forming three derivative chromosomes. Additionally, chromosomal microarray study (CMA) revealed two submicroscopic deletions at 3p12.3 (467 kb) and 12q13.12 (442 kb). We postulate that microdeletion within the ROBO1 gene at 3p12.3 may have played a role in the patient’s developmental delay, since it has potential activity-dependent role in neurons. Additionally, factors other than genomic deletions such as loss of function or position effects may also contribute to the abnormal phenotype in our patient.

Identification of a balanced complex chromosomal rearrangement involving chromosomes 3, 18 and 21 with recurrent abortion: case report

BACKGROUND

Complex chromosome rearrangements (CCRs) are constitutional structural rearrangements involve more than two breakpoints on two or more chromosomes. Balanced CCR carriers are often phenotypically normal but associated with high risk of spontaneous abortion and having abnormal offspring with unbalanced karyotype. Here, we report a new familial case of complex chromosome structural aberrations involving chromosomes 3, 18 and 21 and four breakpoints.

RESULTS

Cytogenetic investigations showed a complex chromosomal chromosome rearrangement involving chromosomes 3, 18 and 21 with four breakpoints. 2 of 4 breakpoints were within the long arm of chromosome 18. Three-color fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) confirmed the complexity of the rearrangement and showed the derivative 21 to be composed of 3 distinct segments derived from chromosomes 21, 18, and 3. The karyotype of CCR carrier was determined as 46,XX,t(3;21;18)(3pter → 3q12::18q23 → 18qter;21pter → 21q22.1::18q21.1 → 18q23::3q12 → 3qter; 18pter → 18q21.1::21q22.1 → 21qter).

DISCUSSION

A new complex balanced CCR was characterized using conventional high resolution banding and molecular cytogenetic analysis. The results provided an explanation of recurrent abortion and abnormal child for balanced CCR carriers. Genetic counselling and prenatal diagnosis for couples with a balanced CCR is necessary since they have a high risk of having a child with unbalanced karyotype. Additional studies to reveal the molecular mechanism of CCRs would help reveal the rule of inherited CCRs in offspring.