Application of exome sequencing to diagnose a novel presentation of the Cornelia de Lange syndrome in an Afro-Caribbean family

Experiences with offering pro bono medical genetics services in the West Indies: Benefits to patients, physicians, and the community

We describe our experiences with organizing pro bono medical genetics and neurology outreach programs on several different resource-limited islands in the West Indies. Due to geographic isolation, small population sizes, and socioeconomic disparities, most Caribbean islands lack medical services for managing, diagnosing, and counseling individuals with genetic disorders. From 2015 to 2019, we organized 2-3 clinics per year on various islands in the Caribbean. We also organized a week-long clinic to provide evaluations for children suspected of having autism spectrum disorder. Consultations for over 100 different individuals with suspected genetic disorders were performed in clinics or during home visits following referral by locally registered physicians. When possible, follow-up visits were attempted. When available and appropriate, clinical samples were shipped to collaborating laboratories for molecular analysis. Laboratory tests included karyotyping, cytogenomic microarray analysis, exome sequencing, triplet repeat expansion testing, blood amino acid level determination, biochemical assaying, and metabolomic profiling. We believe that significant contributions to healthcare by genetics professionals can be made even if availability is limited. Visiting geneticists may help by providing continuing medical education seminars. Clinical teaching rounds help to inform local physicians regarding the management of genetic disorders with the aim of generating awareness of genetic conditions. Even when only periodically available, a visiting geneticist may benefit affected individuals, their families, their local physicians, and the community at large.

Application of exome sequencing to diagnose a novel presentation of the Cornelia de Lange syndrome in an Afro-Caribbean family

BACKGROUND

Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) comprises a recognizable pattern of multiple congenital anomalies caused by variants of the DNA cohesion complex. Affected individuals may display a wide range of phenotypic severity, even within the same family.

METHODS

Exome sequencing and confirmatory Sanger sequencing showed the same previously described p.Arg629Ter NIPBL variant in two half-brothers affected with CdLS. Clinical evaluations were obtained in a pro bono genetics clinic.

RESULTS

One brother had relatively mild proportionate limb shortening; the other had complete bilateral hypogenesis of the upper arm with absence of lower arm structures, terminal transverse defects, and no digit remnants. His complex lower limb presentation included long bone deficiency and a deviated left foot. The mother had intellectual disability and microcephaly but lacked facial features diagnostic of the CdLS.

CONCLUSION

We describe a collaboration between a pediatrics team from a resource-limited nation and USA-based medical geneticists. Reports describing individuals of West Indian ancestry are rarely found in the medical literature. Here, we present a family of Afro-Caribbean ancestry with CdLS presenting with phenotypic variability, including unusual lower limb abnormalities. The observation of this novel family adds to our knowledge of the phenotypic and molecular aspects of CdLS.