Ocular findings associated with ring B chromosome

The 4p- syndrome--an autopsy study

The autopsy of an infant with the 4p- or Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome revealed visceral abnormalities not previously described, i.e., agencies of the gallbladder and spleen. The parents' chromosomes were normal.

Ring chromosome 4 and Wolf syndrome

A 5-day-old male child presenting some features of Wolf syndrome is studied. The analysis of his karyotype by usual techniques showed a ring chromosome of B group. This chromosome was presnt in most of the cells examined. By GTG banding it was identified as a No.4 chromosome, the karyotype being: 46,XY,r(4),(p15 leads to q35). The analysis was completed by familial cytogenetic and dermatoglyphic studies.

The Wolf-Hirschhorn (4p-) syndrome

In a review of 43 cases, the phenotypic spectrum of the Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome is analyzed and the frequency of clinical anomalies is tabulated. The characteristic features are intrauterine growth retardation, severe psychomotor retardation, typical facies, and various major and minor congenital anomalies suggestive of a midline fusion defect. Diagnosis is established by karyotyping- deletion of the short arm of chromosome No. 4. All cases so far reported are de novo occurrences with no sibling involvement and normal parents. Prognosis is poor, with death in the first 2 years of life in 34% of cases, usually due to cardiac decompensation or infection. Psyhomotor retardation is profound, so that heroic medical efforts probably need to be reconsidered.