7q21.11 Microdeletion in a Neonate With Goldenhar Syndrome: Case Report and a Literature Review

Expanding the Etiology of Oculo-Auriculo-Vertebral Spectrum: A Novel Interstitial Microdeletion at 1p36

The etiology of oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum (OAVS) is not well established. About half of patients show a positive family history. The etiology of familiar cases is unclear but appears genetically heterogeneous. This motivated us to report a case of OAVS with microtia, ptosis, facial microsomy, and fusion of vertebral bodies associated with a novel genetic etiology, including a deletion at 1p36.12-13. This case report expands on the genetic etiology of OAVS. Furthermore, it also expands the clinical manifestations of patients with interstitial deletions of the de 1p36.12-13 region.

Microarray-Based Comparative Genomic Hybridization, Multiplex Ligation-Dependent Probe Amplification, and High-Resolution Karyotype for Differential Diagnosis Oculoauriculovertebral Spectrum: A Systematic Review

Oculoauriculovertebral spectrum (OAVS) is a rare class of heterogenous congenital craniofacial malformation conditions of unknown etiology. Although classic OAVS has been described as hemifacial microsomia with facial asymmetry and microtia, there is no consensus regarding clinical criteria for diagnosis or genetic cause. This systematic review aims to assess the applicability of high-resolution (HR) karyotype, fluorescence in situ hybridization, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), and microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH) for differential diagnosis of OAVS. A search was performed in PubMed and Web of Science using all entry terms to the following descriptors: Goldenhar's syndrome, cytogenetic analysis, hybridization in situ, fluorescent, comparative genomic hybridization, multiplex polymerase chain reaction, whole genome sequencing, and karyotype analysis methods. After screening, 25 articles met eligibility. Of the included studies, 59 individuals had a genetic alteration identified. Array-CGH, MLPA, and HR karyotype appear to be viable approaches for molecular diagnosis in OAVS. Heterogeneity is a hallmark of OAVS. Establishing an enhanced framework for diagnosis would inform clinical decision making, and better resource utilization could improve health care facility efficiency and economy.

[Cochlear implantation in a girl with 7q-microdeletion syndrome]

One of the rare genetic diseases with sensory hearing loss is the microdeletion 7q syndrome. First described in the 1990s, only 7 cases of patients with this disease are described in the literature. Although this mutation is not well known, otological treatment is necessary if the DFNA5 gene is affected. A mutation in this gene leads to progressive hearing loss. Affected children therefore need regular evaluation of their hearing to ensure adequate treatment with hearing aids at early stages. We now present a case of an affected child with sensory hearing loss, mental retardation and anogenital malformations. In the following we describe the course of disease and possible treatment options. We especially describe the possibility of cochlear implantation. We can show with this case report that, even though massive mental retardation is shown, cochlear implantation is useful in this patient. Associated disabilities as cardiac and pulmonary problems may occur and should be treated before cochlear implantation. This is the first report of cochlear implantation in a child affected with microdeletion 7q syndrome.