Comparison between Fluorescence in-situ Hybridization (FISH), Reverse Transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) and fragment analysis, for detection of t (X; 18) (p11; q11) translocation in synovial sarcomas

Background: Synovial sarcoma (SS) is an aggressive, but a relatively chemosensitive soft tissue sarcoma, characterized by a specific, t (X;18)(p11;q11) translocation, leading to formation of SS18–SSX chimeric transcript. This translocation can be detected by various techniques, such as fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH), reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) and fragment analysis. Objectives: To compare the results of detection of t (X;18)(p11;q11) translocation, across three different platforms, in order to determine the most optimal and sensitive technique. Methods: Formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue sections of 45 soft tissue sarcomas were analyzed, including 16 cases of SS confirmed by histopathology, immunohistochemistry and molecular technique (s)(Group 1); 13 cases, wherein SS was one of the differential diagnosis, preceding molecular testing (Group 2) and 16 cases of various other sarcomas (Group 3). Various immunohistochemical (IHC) markers studied, including INI1/SMARCB1. All cases were tested for t (X;18) translocation, by fragment Analysis, FISH and RT-PCR. Results: There were 23 cases of SS, including 16 of group 1 and 7 of group 2. By fragment analysis, t (X;18)(p11;q11) translocation was detected in 22/23 cases (95.6%). By FISH, SS18 gene rearrangement was detected in 18/22 cases (78.2%), whereas by RT-PCR, SS18-SSX transcripts were detected in 15/23 cases (65.2%). Immunohistochemically, a unique “weak to absent”/reduced INI1 immunostaining pattern was exclusively observed in 12/13 cases of SS (92.3%). Fragment analysis and FISH were relatively more sensitive techniques. Unique “weak to absent”INI1 immunoexpression significantly correlated with positive t (X;18) translocation results (P = 0.0001). Conclusion: The present study constitutes first such study from our subcontinent. Fragment analysis is a promising technique for detection of t (X;18)(p11;q11) translocation. FISH and INI1 immunostaining pattern were also relatively more sensitive, over RT-PCR.

A case of de novo 18p deletion syndrome with panhypopituitarism

Deletion on the short arm of chromosome 18 is a rare disorder characterized by intellectual disability, growth retardation, and craniofacial malformations (such as prominent ears, microcephaly, ptosis, and a round face). The phenotypic spectrum is wide, encompassing a range of abnormalities from minor congenital malformations to holoprosencephaly. We present a case of a 2-year-old girl with ptosis, a round face, broad neck with low posterior hairline, short stature, and panhypopituitarism. She underwent ventilation tube insertion for recurrent otitis media with effusion. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed an ectopic posterior pituitary gland and a shallow, small sella turcica with poor visualization of the pituitary stalk. Cytogenetic and chromosomal microarray analysis revealed a de novo deletion on the short arm of chromosome 18 (arr 18p11.32p11.21[136,227–15,099,116]x1). She has been treated with recombinant human growth hormone (GH) therapy since the age of 6 months after diagnosis of GH deficiency. Her growth rate has improved without any side effects from the GH treatment. This case expands the phenotypic spectrum of 18p deletion syndrome and emphasizes the positive impact of GH therapy on linear growth in this syndrome characterized by growth deficiency. Further studies are required to define the genotype-phenotype correlation according to size and loci of the deletion in 18p deletion syndrome and to predict prognosis.

Clinical and cytogenetic characterization of a patient with tetrasomy 18p / Caracterización clínica y citogenética de un paciente con tetrasomía 18p

The 18p tetrasomy is a structural chromosomal abnormality with the presence of an extra isochromosome 18p, caused by a nondisjunction failure during maternal meiosis II. This additional i(18p) occurs in 1 of 180,000 live-born children worldwide, affecting males and females equally. It is characterized by craniofacial dysmorphisms; ears, nose and throat (ENT) abnormalities; musculoskeletal alterations; and global development delay. We aim to present the clinical and cytogenetic findings of a 3-year-10-month-old Latin American male with i(18p), to support the gene dosage effects, comparing his features with the ones reported in literature. This patient was product of the second pregnancy of a 39-year-old woman and the first son of a 49-year-old man. His main clinical features were microcephaly, facial dysmorphism, generalized hypotonia, and developmental delay. A blood sample of the patient was required to perform a GTG-banded karyotype and a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for chromosome 18 short arm. In addition, an SNP microarray analysis was carried out to detect genomic imbalances. Cytogenetic analysis revealed the presence of a metacentric supernumerary marker chromosome. The FISH study confirmed the origin of the marker chromosome by showing two signals for the 18p subtelomere and an intermediate signal for the 18 centromere. The microarray analysis showed a copy number gain of 18,385 Mb within the 18p.Tetrasomy tends to be a result of de novo events. The presence of the patient's isochromosome could be explained by advanced maternal age as it is known that this factor has high influence in isochromosome formation. Despite that there were no genes associated with the i(18p)'s clinical manifestations, these features are negatively correlated with dosage effects of the entire short arm. Physical and language therapy was recommended to the patient; the family received medical orientation, and awareness in family planning was raised.

La tetrasomía 18p es una anormalidad cromosómica estructural con la presencia de un isocromosoma extra 18p, causado por una no disyunción durante la meiosis materna II. Este adicional i(18p) ocurre en 1 de 180.000 niños nacidos vivos en todo el mundo, y afecta a hombres y mujeres por igual. Se caracteriza por dismorfias craneofaciales; anomalías en oídos, nariz y garganta (ENT); alteraciones musculoesqueléticas y del desarrollo global. Nuestro objetivo es presentar los hallazgos clínicos y citogenéticos de un varón latinoamericano de 3 años y 10 meses de edad con i(18p), para explicar los efectos de dosificación génica, comparando sus características con las reportadas en la literatura. Este paciente es producto del segundo embarazo de una mujer de 39 años y el primer hijo de un hombre de 49 años. Sus principales características clínicas fueron microcefalia, dismorfia facial, hipotonía generalizada y retraso global en el desarrollo. Se requirió una muestra de sangre del paciente para realizar un cariotipo con bandas GTG y una hibridación fluorescente in situ (FISH) para el análisis del brazo corto del cromosoma 18. Además, se llevó a cabo un análisis de microarreglos para detectar desequilibrios genómicos. El análisis citogenético reveló la presencia de un cromosoma supernumerario metacéntrico. Mientras que el estudio FISH confirma el origen del cromosoma marcador al mostrar dos señales para subtelómeros 18p y una señal intermedia para el centrómero 18. El análisis de microarreglos mostró una ganancia en el número de copias de 18,385 Mb dentro de la región 18p.La tetrasomía tiende a ser el resultado de eventos de novo. El isocromosoma del paciente podría explicarse por la edad materna avanzada, ya que se sabe que tiene una gran influencia en su formación. A pesar de que no hay genes asociados con las manifestaciones clínicas de i(18p), estas características están negativamente correlacionadas con los efectos de dosificación de todo el brazo corto. Se le recomendó terapia física y de lenguaje al paciente, la familia recibió orientación médica y se concientiza sobre la planificación familiar.

Small supernumerary marker chromosome and chromosome 18p abnormalities / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Humans typically have 22 pairs of autosomal chromosomes in cells,and a pair of sex chromosomes.Some individuals have an extra,autosomal chromosome called a small supernumerary marker chromosome (sSMC).sSMC is a structurally abnormal chromosome fragment.The fragments are too small and no-specific banding pattern to be identified by conventional banding cytogenetic analysis.Array-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH),fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) or other molecular biological methods are necessary for the diagnosis.This article summarized the karyotype,pathogenesis,and the clinical manifestations of the sSMC-related chromosome 18p abnormalities.The patients with sSMC usually presented with abnormal chromosome syndrome.Some syndromes are relative common,such as Pallister-Killian syndrome,isochromosome 18p syndrome,Cat eye syndromes or Emanuel syndrome.sSMC is considered to be the frequent cause of mental retardation.The patients have no specific symptoms.With the progress of molecular cytogenetics,more sSMC has been identified.Genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis are important to prevent sSMC.Molecular cytogenetic techniques are necessary to the diagnosis.

A case report of prenatally diagnosed tetrasomy 18p

Tetrasomy 18p, one of the most commonly observed isochromosomes, consists of two copies of the p arms on chromosome 18[i(18p)]. It is known as a de novo occurrence of non-disjunction or centromeric mis-division during meiosis II in the vast majority of cases. It has a prevalence of 1/140,000-180,000 live births and affects both genders equally. A 28-year-old woman was referred at 33+2 weeks gestation to rule out fetal congenital heart disease. Her prenatal ultrasonography showed intrauterine growth retardation, cardiomegaly, and imperforate anus. Doppler ultrasonographic finding showed fetal anemia. Tetrasomy 18p was confirmed by conventional karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Because of its very low prevalence rate, only several cases of tetrasomy 18p has been reported worldwide and it has not yet been reported in Korea before. Therefore, we report a case of prenatally diagnosed tetrasomy 18p.

18p- syndrome: presentation of two cases with alobar holoprosencenphaly / Síndrome 18p-: presentación de dos casos con holoprosencefalia alobar

Introduction: The syndrome by deletion of the short arm of chromosome 18 is an infrequent syndrome, and its phenotypical variability makes it difficult to recognize. Its most frequently observed clinical characteristics include mental retardation, growth retardation, craniofacial malformations, including long ears, microcephaly and short neck; other less frequent associated malformations include holoprosencephaly. Case report: We present two patients with deletion of the short arm of chromosome 18, one presented a de novo mutation and the other was produced by a balanced translocation 6p/18p of maternal origin. Both patients presented alobar holoprosencephaly and cebocephaly, low-frequency clinical characteristics in this syndrome. Discussion: alobar holoprosencephaly is a malformation appearing in 10% of patients with deletion of the short arm of chromosome 18; we review the probable physiopathology of holoprosencephaly in this syndrome.

Introducción: El síndrome por deleción del brazo corto del cromosoma 18, es un síndrome poco frecuente y su variabilidad fenotípica lo hace difícil de reconocer. Las características clínicas observadas con más frecuencia incluyen retardo mental y de crecimiento, malformaciones craneofaciales que incluyen orejas largas, microcefalia y cuello corto; otras malformaciones asociadas menos frecuentes incluyen la holoprosencefalia. Reporte de casos: Se presentan dos pacientes con deleción del brazo corto del cromosoma 18, uno presentado de novo y otro producido por translocación balanceada 6p/18p de origen materno. Ambos pacientes presentaron holoprosencefalia alobar y cebocefalia, características clínicas de baja frecuencia en este síndrome. Discusión: La holoprosencefalia alobar es una malformación que se presenta en 10% de los pacientes con deleción del brazo corto del cromosoma 18; se revisa la probable fisiopatología de la holoprosencefalia en este síndrome.

Supernumerary Marker Chromosome in a Child with Microcephaly and Mental Retardation.

A de novo supernumerary marker chromosome (SMC) was identified in a 13- month-old girl who presented with microcephaly and mild mental retardation. On further characterization by oligo-nucleotide array-comparative genomic hybridization [array-CGH], the SMC was confirmed to be 18p.

A Case of Partial Trisomy 2p23-pter Syndrome with Trisomy 18p Due to a de novo Supernumerary Marker Chromosome / 대한진단검사의학회지

Partial trisomy 2p is a rare but relatively well-defined syndrome with distinctive clinical features, including marked psychomotor delay, dysmorphic face, and congenital heart disease. The phenotype of trisomy 18p is variable, from normal appearance to moderate mental retardation. Most cases of trisomy 2p and trisomy 18p result from the inheritance of an unbalanced segregant from a balanced parental translocation or due to de novo duplication. Here, we present the first report of a combined partial trisomy 2p and trisomy 18p due to a supernumerary marker chromosome (SMC). The final karyotype of the patient was 47,XX,+der(18)t(2;18)(p23.1;q11.1)[22]/46,XX[8]. The patient had typical dysmorphic features of partial trisomy 2p23-pter syndrome and congenital heart disease. SMCs are remarkably variable in euchromatic DNA content and mosaicism level. The precise identification of the origin and composition of SMCs is essential for genotype-phenotype correlation and genetic counseling.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus and Pulmonary Valve Stenosis in A Patient with 18p Deletion Syndrome

We report on a patient with a partial deletion on the short arm of chromosome 18 (del 18p), who presented with dysmorphic features and delayed developmental milestones as well as with a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and pulmonary valve stenosis (PS). Several forms of congenital heart disease (CHD) are found in about 10% of patients with del (18p), but coexisting PDA and PS have not been reported. Del (18p) must be considered in patients with characteristic phenotypic abnormalities and congenital heart disease, including a combination of PDA and PS.

Construction of Painting probe for Chromosome Band 18p11.1-p11.2 / 대한해부학회지

Chromosome microdissection has become a very powerful approach to generate chromosome band-specific library and painting probes for physical mapping or cytogenetic analysis. Here we have constructed the band-specific painting probe for human chromosome 18p11.1-p11.2 by microdissec-tion and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We pretreated the microdissected fragments with Topoisomerase I (Topo I) which catalyzes the relaxation of supercoiled DNA, and performed two initial rounds of DNA synthesis with T7 DNA polymerase followed by conventional PCR to enable the reliable preparation of fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) probe from a single microdissected chromosome. With this method, it was possible to construct region-specific painting probe for 18p11.1-p11.2. The probe has been used successfully to determine the trisomy 18. Thus this painting probe can be applied to detect the related marker chromosomes in various solid tumors, and the band specific probe pools may be used to analyse the genes.

A Case of 18p- Syndrome

We have experienced a case of 18p- syndrome in 22 month old girl who had craniofacial anomaly such as microcephaly, hypertelorism, nystagmus, depressed nasal bridge, complete bilateral cleft palate, both ear canal stenosis and mental retardation. Chromosome culture revealed short arm deletion of chromosome 18 in E group. As far as we know, this case is the first report of 18p- syndrome in Korea and brief review of related literature was made.