[Extra-cardiac phenotype associated with microdeletion 22q11]

Syndrome de Di George, étude rétrospective de 52 cas

The deletion of chromosome 22q11.2 is involved in the majority of DiGeorge or velo-cardiofacial syndrome. The phenotypic variability was noted in the "CATCH 22" acronym. This acronym doesn't recapitulate the full spectrum of the symptoms. The diagnosis of this syndrome can be done with the prenatal diagnosis, with fetal pathology or with a child alive.

METHODS

Review of 52 cases with the microdeletion 22q11. Six cases were diagnosed during the prenatal period, 12 cases at fetal pathology examination, and 34 cases during infancy.

RESULTS

Cardiac malformations were the major indications (75%) to search for the microdeletion. The facial dysmorphy was difficult to diagnose during the antenatal period or in dead foetus, thereby it was not often recognized. The renal anomalies usually present in 35% of cases, were diagnosed in only 6 to 16% of the cases in our study.

CONCLUSION

Phenotypic diversity of the DiGeorge syndrome is important. Its knowledge allows to better determine the indications of the research of the microdeletion. 22q11.2.

Genetic osteoarticular diseases under the molecular biology spotlight

Major strides have been made recently in unraveling the genetic underpinnings of various bone and joint diseases. In many cases, progress in molecular biology has provided detailed knowledge in this area. An overview is given herein.