Holoprosencephaly in Patau Syndrome / Holoprosencefalia na Síndrome de Patau

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate radiological (gestational and perinatal) and neonatal signs of patients with Patau syndrome and semilobar holoprosencephaly, as well as to report the association of both pathologies. Case description: This case report is about a female infant, born at term with trisomy of the chromosome 13 and semilobar holoprosencephaly, with thalamic fusion and a single cerebral ventricle, in addition to several other changes that worsened the patient's prognosis. Comments: Chromosome 13 trisomy is a genetic alteration that leads to the symptoms that determines Patau syndrome. In this syndrome, cardiovascular, urogenital, central nervous system, facial structure and intellectual impairment are common, in addition to problems in limb formation, such as decreased humerus and femur length, polydactyly, hypotelorism and low ear implantation. It is estimated, however, that holoprosencephaly is present in only 24 to 45% of the patients with trisomy 13.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar sinais radiológicos (gestacionais e perinatais) e neonatais de paciente com síndrome de Patau e holoprosencefalia semilobar, assim como relatar a associação de ambas as patologias. Descrição do caso: Trata-se de um relato de recém-nascido do sexo feminino a termo, que apresentou trissomia do cromossomo 13 e holoprosencefalia semilobar, com fusão talâmica e ventrículo cerebral único, além de várias outras alterações que pioraram o prognóstico da paciente. Comentários: A trissomia do cromossomo 13 é um defeito genético que caracteriza um conjunto de sintomas que compõem a Síndrome de Patau. Nesta síndrome, é comum o acometimento cardiovascular, urogenital, do sistema nervoso central, da estrutura facial e da capacidade intelectual, além de falhas na formação dos membros, como diminuição no comprimento do úmero, fêmur, polidactilia, hipotelorismo e baixa implantação das orelhas. Estima-se, no entanto, que a holoprosencefalia apresente-se nesse grupo de malformações congênitas apenas em 24 a 45% dos casos.

Holoprosencefalia lobar en un recién nacido / Lobar Holoprosencephaly in A Newborn Infant

Introducción: La holoprosencefalia es la consecuencia directa de cambios genéticos o ambientales específicos que interrumpen la división de la línea media del prosencéfalo embrionario o prosencéfalo. Estas alteraciones pueden condicionar disímiles alteraciones fenotípicas en los seres humanos. Objetivo: Describir las manifestaciones clínicas de pacientes con holoprosencefalia y la conducta clínica y terapéutica en un neonato. Presentación del caso: Hijo de padres no consanguíneos, madre de 35 años de edad con antecedente de cervicitis y gestorragia en la segunda mitad del embarazo, y antecedentes familiares de diabetes mellitus y cardiopatía. El parto se produjo a término a las 37 semanas, distócico por cesárea secundaria a un hematoma retroplacentario. Se obtuvo un recién nacido del sexo masculino con presentación pelviana, peso de 3380 gramos y Apgar 9/9 al nacer. La cesárea se realizó en el Hospital Materno Sur Mariana Grajales Coello (área urbana) de Santiago de Cuba. En el recién nacido se observaron rasgos dismórficos principalmente cráneo-facial. No precisó reanimación, pero a los pocos minutos comenzó con cuadro de dificultad respiratoria e hiposaturación. Conclusiones: En la holoprosencefalia el diagnóstico posnatal se puede realizar mediante las características fenotípicas, las malformaciones faciales y los estudios neuroimagenológicos como el ultrasonido transfontanelar y la tomografía axial computarizada de cráneo. Los pacientes deben evaluarse y seguirse en la evolución por un equipo multidisciplinario de especialidades como otorrinolaringología, máxilo-facial, neuropediatría, consulta de neurodesarrollo, genética, fisiatría e imagenología(AU)

Introduction: Holoprosencephaly is the direct consequence of specific genetic or environmental changes that disrupt midline division of the embryonic prosencephalon or prosencephalon. These alterations can condition dissimilar phenotypic alterations in humans. Objective: To describe the clinical manifestations of patients with holoprosencephaly and the clinical and therapeutic behavior in a neonate. Case presentation: Child of non-consanguineous parents, 35-year-old mother with a history of cervicitis and gestation bleeding in the second half of pregnancy, and family history of diabetes mellitus and heart disease. Delivery was at term, at 37 weeks, dystocic by cesarean section secondary to a retroplacental hematoma. The result was a male newborn with breech presentation, weight 3380 grams and Apgar 9/9 at birth. The cesarean section was performed at the Hospital Materno Sur Mariana Grajales Coello (urban area) of Santiago de Cuba. Dysmorphic features were observed in the newborn, mainly craniofacial dysmorphic ones. He did not require resuscitation, but a few minutes later he presented respiratory distress and hyposaturation. Conclusions: In holoprosencephaly, postnatal diagnosis can be made by phenotypic features, facial malformations and neuroimaging studies such as transfontanellar ultrasound and cranial computed tomography. Patients should be evaluated and followed in evolution by a multidisciplinary team of specialties such as otorhinolaryngology, maxillofacial, neuropediatrics, neurodevelopmental consultation, genetics, physiatry and imaging(AU)

An encounter with alobar holoprosencephaly: a case report

Alobar holopresencephaly is a rare embryonic condition where there is anomalous fusion of cerebral hemispheres. The key features include neurological impairment and facial dysmorphism like cyclopia, ocular hypertelorism with divided orbits and a proboscis. Obstetric ultrasound and foetal MRI are the diagnostic modalities. Majority of cases are sporadic in origin while a genetic association is also described. A small recurrence risk is noted in cases with sporadic origin. Early diagnosis and pregnancy termination are advisable for the condition since the survival rate is very low.

Antenatal diagnosis of alobar holoprosencephaly: a case report

'Holoprosencephaly (HPE) is a structural malformation of the brain that results from the complete or incomplete noncleavage of the forebrain/ prosencephalon of the embryo into 2 hemispheres1. We present a case of twenty-five year-old primigravida presented to the Outpatient department of Obstetrics for routine checkup and diagnosed with Alobar holoprosencephaly on 2nd level USG. Fetal MRI was performed and the findings were confirmed. Even though ultrasonography is diagnostic in the detection of fetal anomalies, MRI plays a vital role due to its multiplanar capability and excellent soft tissue resolution. The purpose of publishing this case is to sensitize the clinicians to the classical features of holoprosencephaly on various imaging modalities and to stress the importance of its detection before 20 weeks of gestation so as to allow for legal medical termination and alleviate maternal psychological trauma of bearing a deformed fetus.

Rare association of cyclopia with craniospinal rachischisis

Cyclopia is a severe form of holoprosencephaly which results in children being born with just one eye, absence of nose and presence of a proboscis above the median eye. Incidence of cyclopia is around 1.05 in 1, 00,000 births, including stillbirths. The association of anencephaly with spinal rachichisis varies from 17-50%. However, the existence of cyclopia with anencephaly and spinal rachischisis has been reported only in 9 cases till date. We report one more case of cyclopia with anencephaly and spinal rachischisis. Awareness of this spectrum of association with cyclopia, albeit rare, will help in early antenatal diagnosis by fetal ultrasonography. Public education and strict adherence to folic acid supplementation can prevent this unfortunate anomaly.

Holoprosencefalia semilobar y malformaciones asociadas: reporte de caso y algunas consideraciones / Semilobar holoprosencephaly and associated malformations: case report and some considerations

RESUMEN: El defecto más común del prosencéfalo es la holoprosencefalia (HPE), caracterizada por ausencia en la división del prosencéfalo. La holoprosencefalia tiene una prevalencia de 1/10.000 en recién nacidos; la ciclopía de 1/100.000 nacidos y la agnatia asociada a holoprosencefalia de 0,8 a 10 %. El objetivo fue describir las características morfológicas e histopatológicas de un feto humano con holoprosencefalia y sus malformaciones asociadas. Se estudió un feto masculino. Se le realizó microdisección bajo el estereomicroscopio, toma de microfotografías con cámara AxioCam y software AxioVision 4.8, y estudio histopatológico. La edad gestacional estimada fue de 12,4-13,2 semanas, encontrándose como hallazgos la HPE semilobar asociada a ciclopía, esbozo oral hipoplásico sin apertura oral, cubierta por una membrana y ausencia de labios. El estudio histopatológico reportó: ojo con lente, retina y córnea únicos; en la cara, probóscide con cartílago tubular en formación asociado a mesénquima y cubierta muscular esquelética, y cavidad oral pequeña, circunscrita por mandíbula hipoplásica conformada por cartílago. Se revisa la literatura y se reafirma la necesidad de estudio multidisciplinario de esta patología para mejorar su comprensión.

SUMMARY: The most common defect of the forebrain is holoprosencephaly (HPE), characterized by absence in the forebrain division. Holoprosencephaly has a prevalence of 1 / 10,000 in newborns; the cyclopia of 1 / 100,000 births and the agnathia, in a series of cases of holoprosencephaly ranges from 0.8 to 10 %. The objective was the description of the morphological and histopathological characteristics of fetus with holoprosencephaly and its associated malformations. A male fetus was studied. Microdissection was performed under the stereomicroscope, taking microphotographs with AxioCam camera and AxioVision 4.8 software, and histopathological study. The estimated gestational age was 12.4-13.2 weeks, the findings were semilobar HPE, associated with cyclopia, hypoplastic oral outline without buccal opening, covered by a membrane and lips absence. The histopathological study reported: eye with lens, retina and cornea only; in the face, proboscis with tubular cartilage in formation associated with mesenchyme and musculoskeletal sheath, and small oral cavity, delimited by hypoplastic mandible conformed by cartilage. The literature is reviewed and reaffirmed the need for multidisciplinary studies of this disease to improve their understanding.

A Case of Congenital Nasal Pyriform Aperture Stenosis

Incisivo central único de la línea media del maxilar, holoprosencefalia y estenosis congènita del orificio nasal anterior en un recién nacido prematuro: a propósito de un caso / Solitary median maxillary central incisor, holoprosencephaly and congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis in a premature infant: case report

El síndrome del incisivo central único de la línea media del maxilar es un trastorno raro que implica anomalías de la línea media, como holoprosencefalia, anomalías de las fosas nasales, fisura palatina, labio leporino, hipotelorismo, microcefalia y panhipopituitarismo. La estenosis congénita del orificio nasal anterior es una causa mortal de dificultad respiratoria neonatal debido al estrechamiento del orificio nasal anterior, y podría confundirse con la atresia de coanas. En este informe, presentamos el caso de un recién nacido con síndrome del incisivo central único de la línea media del maxilar acompañado de otras anomalías, tales como holoprosencefalia, estenosis del orificio nasal anterior, microcefalia y panhipopituitarismo. El cariotipado mostró una deleción heterocigota en el gen SIX3 en la región 2p21, que produjo una forma más grave de holoprosencefalia.

Solitary median maxillary central incisor syndrome is a rare disorder involving midline abnormalities such as holoprosencephaly, nasal cavity anomalies, cleft palate-lip, hypotelorism, microcephaly, and panhypopituitarism. Congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis is a lethal cause of neonatal respiratory distress due to narrowing of the pyriform aperture anteriorly and it can be confused with choanal atresia. In this report, we present a newborn infant with solitary median maxillary central incisor syndrome accompanied by other abnormalities including holoprosencephaly, nasal pyriform aperture stenosis, microcephaly and panhypopituitarism. Chromosomal analysis showed heterozygous SIX3 gene deletion at 2p21 region resulting in a more severe form of holoprosencephaly.

Imaging analysis of holoprosencephaly in children / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To improve the diagnostic level of the holoprosencephaly (HPE) disease in children by imaging analysis. Methods From May 2007 to August 2015, 14 cases of HPE in children were collected (7 males and 7 females, aged 2 days to 8 years, mean 14 months). Two cases were showed as sucking difficulty and convulsions frequently after birth. Mental and motor development defects were showed in 12 cases, in which 4 cases were associated with cleft lip and palate deformities and 1 case with microcephaly. Of the 14 cases, CT scan was performed in 7 cases and MRI scan in 7 cases. Results All 14 cases were consistent with the diagnostic criteria of HPE according to the imaging findings of literatures reviewed. Four cases were showed as semilobar HPE, 8 cases were lober HPE, and 2 cases were middle interhemispheric fusion variant. There were thirteen cases were associated with corpus callosum agenesis, including 2 cases were with heterotopic gray matter. Putamen and caudate partia fusion were showed in 6 cases, and thalamus partia fusion in 3 cases. One case was associated with schizencephaly, 4 cases were palate malformation, one case was microcephaly, and one case was cerebellar hypoplasia. Conclusion CT and MRI scan could contribute to diagnosis and classification of holoprosencephaly, and determine whether HPE was associated with other neurological abnormalities. MRI scan should be the first choice for HPE diagnosis.

First-trimester ultrasonography in the diagnosis of fetal holoprosencephaly / 中华医学超声杂志（电子版）

Objective To determine the image feature and clinical value of first-trimester ultrasonographic diagnosis of fetal holoprosencephaly.Methods A total 35 580 fetuses at gestational age between 11 + 6 and 13 + 6 weeks were scanned in our hospital by color Doppler ultrasound according to the prenatal ultrasound from Jan 2009 to Jan 2017.Fetal craniocerebral and faceprestige were checked carefully.Cases of fetal holoprosencephaly diagnosed in first-trimester were followed sonographically,and the clinical outcomes were recorded.Results Totally five cases of fetal holoprosencephaly were detected.Four fetuses with other associated malformations were detected by first trimester ultrasound,including one case with beak nosetril,eyes too close,one case with beak nosetril,fetal cleft lip and palate,fetal hydrops,congenital heart disease and mid gut herniation,one case with thickened nucha.One translucency (NT),one case with mandibular micrognathia,one case with trisomy 13 syndrome,the other four cases were not checked.Terminal of pregnancy was performed in four cases during early pregnancy,one case was loss to follow-up.Autopsy was refused in these cases.Fetal appearance revealed one case of cleft lip,single nostril,mandibular micrognathia,one case of hydrops,polyphalangia,microtia,one case of beak nosetril,fetal cleft lip and palate,mid gut herniation,hydrops,one case of beak nosetril,eyes too close.Conclusion Fetal holoprosencephaly can be effectively detected and diagnosed during early pregnancy with standardized prenatal ultrasound.

Correlation of bispectral index (BIS) monitoring and end-tidal sevoflurane concentration in a patient with lobar holoprosencephaly / Correlação entre monitoração do índice bispectral (BIS) e concentração expirada de sevoflurano em paciente com holoprosencefalia lobar

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE: The bispectral index (BIS) is a parameter derived by electroencephalography (EEG) which provides a direct measurement of the effects of sedatives and anesthetics on the brain and offers guidance on the adequacy of anesthesia. The literature lacks studies on BIS monitoring in pediatric patients with congenital brain disease undergoing general anesthesia.CLINICAL FEATURES: A 13-year-old child weighing 32 kg, suffering from lobar holoprosencephaly, underwent surgery in which the bispectral index (BIS) monitoring the depth of anesthesia showed an abnormal response. Detailed analysis of the trends of BIS values in the different observation times demonstrated sudden falls and repetitive values of BIS likely related to repetitive epileptiform electrical activity caused by sevoflurane.CONCLUSION: The BIS is a very useful monitoring tool for assessing the degree of depth of anesthesia and to analyze the electroencephalographic variations of anesthetics. Particular attention should be given to patients with congenital disorders of the central nervous system in which the BIS may give abnormal responses that do not reflect an accurate assessment of the depth of anesthesia.

RESUMOOBJETIVO: O índice bispectral (BIS) é um parâmetro derivado por eletroencefalografia (EEG) que fornece uma medida direta dos efeitos de sedativos e anestésicos no cérebro e orientação sobre a adequação da anestesia. A literatura carece de estudos sobre a monitoração do BIS em pacientes pediátricos com doença cerebral congênita submetidos à anestesia geral.CARACTERÍSTICAS CLÍNICAS: Criança de 13 anos de idade, pesando 32 kg, com holoprosencefalia lobar, foi submetida à cirurgia em que a monitoração da profundidade da anestesia com o uso do BIS mostrou uma resposta anormal. A análise detalhada das tendências dos valores do BIS nos diferentes tempos de observação mostrou quedas súbitas e valores repetitivos do BIS, provavelmente relacionados à atividade elétrica epileptiforme repetitiva causada por sevoflurano.CONCLUSÃO: O BIS é uma ferramenta de monitoração muito útil para avaliar o grau de profundidade da anestesia e as variações eletroencefalográficas dos anestésicos. Atenção especial deve ser dedicada aos pacientes com doenças congênitas do sistema nervoso central nos quais o BIS pode apresentar respostas anormais que não refletem a avaliação precisa da profundidade da anestesia.

Polidactilia, holoprosencefalia, labio y paladar hendido: no siempre es lo que parece / Polydactyly, holoprosencephaly, cleft lip and cleft palate are not always what they seem: Case report

Reportamos un neonato masculino con defectos de línea media, cardiopatía congénita y polidactilia, características sugestivas de trisomía 13. Sin embargo, el reporte de cariotipo fue normal. Por hallazgos clínicos, el diagnóstico final probable fue pseudotrisomía 13. Aunque el pronóstico de ambas condiciones es pobre, los estudios genéticos siempre son necesarios para establecer una adecuada asesoría genética. Si bien hay síndromes con presentación similar, como el de Meckel, el de Smith-Lemli- Opitz, el de Pallister-Hall y el hidroletalus, se puede realizar una aproximación diagnóstica basada en los antecedentes perinatales, el peso al nacer, el tiempo de supervivencia y algunos rasgos característicos de cada síndrome. Además, pueden existir, en algunos países, limitaciones para realizar estudios genéticos, por lo que los criterios clínicos pueden ser relevantes.

We report a male infant with midline defects, congenital heart disease and polydactyly, features suggestive of trisomy 13. However, the report of the karyotype was normal. By clinical findings the final diagnosis was likely to be Pseudotrisomy 13. Although the prognosis is poor in both conditions, the genetic study is always necessary to establish an adequate genetic counseling. Although there are syndromes with similar presentation as Meckel syndrome, Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, Pallister-Hall syndrome and hydrolethalus, it is possible to make a diagnostic approach based on the perinatal history, birth weight, survival time, and some characteristics of each syndrome. However, limitations may exist to perform genetic studies in some countries, therefore the clinical criteria may be relevant.

ECLAMC: 41 años de vigilancia de la holoprosencefalia en Chile. Período 1972-2012 / Frequency of holoprosencephaly in Chile

Background: Holoprosencephaly is a structural anomaly of the brain that consists in a defect of the prosencephalon development that leads to face and neurological defects of variable intensity. Aim: To estimate holoprosencephaly prevalence at birth. Patients and Methods: All cases of holoprosencephaly, born alive or stillbirths, registered in the 15 Chilean Hospitals of the Latin American Collaborative Study of Congenital Malformations (ECLAMC) between 1972 and 2012, were studied. Craniofacial and other anomalies found in newborns affected by holoprosencephaly are described. Results: Fifty five cases of holoprosencephaly (58% males) were found among the 798.222 registered births (rendering a prevalence at birth of 0.69 per 10.000 newborns). The most common cranial defect was medial cleft lip with cleft palate (27.3%), bilateral cleft lip (11%) or both (38.2%), cyclopia (14%), single nostril (10.9%) and proboscis (9.1%). Eleven percent cases had a trisomy 13. A slight increase in prevalence over time was observed. Conclusions: Holoprosencephaly has a low frequency in Chile and is associated to trisomy 13. The increase in prevalence could be explained by a better prenatal diagnosis (ultrasonography).

Absence of the lateral and third ventricles associated with holoprosencephaly / 대한해부학회지

We describe a 6-month-old boy suffering from motor and mental retardation. All radiological features were suggestive of holoprosencephaly with no identifiable lateral or third ventricles and fusion of the thalami.

Holoprosencefalia: a proposito de un caso / Holoprosencephaly: report a case

Se reporta el caso de una mujer de 22 años de edad, sin antecedentes de importancia. Fue admitida en el hospital, enpródromos de trabajo de parto, gestación de 40 semanas y malformación cerebral: holoprosencefalia semilobar, hipotelorismo, hidronefrosis derecha leve (diagnóstico ecográfico). Es intervenida mediante la operación cesáreaobteniéndose un recién nacido con características de holoprosencefalia siendo lo resaltante el hipotelorismo y laarrinencefalia. No presenta llanto al nacimiento, por lo que se le realiza maniobras de reanimación cardio pulmonar, continùaen mal estado general con periodos de apnea, baja saturación, expansibilidad torácica disminuida, se procede a colocaciónde tubo endotraqueal, administración de adrenalina, es llevada al servicio de unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos,presentando en el trayecto dos episodios de paro cardiaco, el menor luego es colocado en ventilador mecánico, no teniendouna buena evolución ,fallece el día siguiente de nacido.

It is reported the case of a woman, 22 years of age, without important background information. She was admitted to the hospital, in premonitory signs of 40 weeks and cerebral malformation: semilbar holoprosencephaly, hipotelorismo, mild right hydronephrosis (sonographic diagnosis). She is operated by the cesarean section obtaining a newborn with characteristics of holoprosencephaly remains what the striking hipotelorismo and arrinencefalia. There is no crying at birth, by what is realized maneuvers cardio pulmonary resuscitation, continues un poor condition general, with periods of apnea, low saturation, chest diminished expansibility, so proceeded to endotracheal tube placement, placement of adrenaline, is taken to the pediatric intensive care units, presenting in the journey two episodes of cardiac arrest, the minor then is placed on mechanical ventilator, not taking a good evolution, dies the net day of birth.

Use of 3D multislide CT in the study of a fetus with cyclopia / Utilización de TC multicorte 3D en el estudio de un feto con ciclopia

Cyclopia is a rare congenital malformation incompatible with life; it is characterized by the presence of a single eye in the center position, secondary to alobar holoprosencephaly. Cyclopia etiology is heterogeneous, with a prevalence of 1.05 in 100,000 births. We report a case of cyclopia with sinoftalmía in a fetus of 21 weeks where they use 3D multislice computed tomography as a complementary study.

La ciclopía es una malformación congénita rara e incompatible con la vida, caracterizada por la presencia de un solo ojo en posición central, secundaria a holoprosencefalia alobar. La ciclopía es de etiología heterogénea, con una prevalencia de 1,05 en 100000 nacimientos. Presentamos un caso de ciclopía con sinoftalmía en un feto de 21 semanas en donde se utilizo tomografía computarizada multicorte 3D como estudio complementario.

How can we prevent birth of fetus with holoprosencephaly? anatomical and embryological aspects of holoprosencephaly.

Objectives: Holoprosencephaly is a rare condition characterized by different degrees of fused ventricles of the brain resulting from impaired midline cleavage of the embryonic forebrain. The present study aimed to identify cases of holoprosencephaly over a period of three years, to assess the incidence of this malformation, and if possible, prevention of birth of such malformed fetus or infant through genetic counseling. Methods: Diverse features of holoprosencephalic fetus or infant and incidence of holoprosencephaly were studied at GSL Medical College, Rajahmundry; Andhra Pradesh. Results: Incidence found for holoprosencephaly is 2.58 per 10,000 births. Out of total four cases of holoprosencephaly two cases were of alobar and there was each case of semilobar and lobar holoprosencephaly. In two cases there was association between holoprosencephaly and gestational diabetes and in another two cases; there was a familial distribution of holoprosencephaly. Conclusion: Prenatal diagnosis of this rare disorder and genetic counseling has immense importance to prevent holoprosencephaly.

Holoprosencephaly: A Guide to Diagnosis and Clinical Management.

Context: Holoprosencephaly affects 1 in 8,000 live births and is the most common structural anomaly of the developing forebrain, resulting in facial dysmorphism, neurologic impairment, and additional clinical sequelae. Given the increasing relative contribution of genetic diseases to perinatal morbidity and mortality in India, proper recognition and management of holoprosencephaly can improve care for a significant number of affected Indian children. Evidence Acquisition: We used the PubMed database (search terms: “holoprosencephaly,” “HPE,” “holoprosencephaly India”) and cross-referenced articles regarding holoprosencephaly, using our research group’s extensive experience as a guide for identifying seminal papers in the field. Results: Holoprosencephaly is classified into four types based on the nature of the brain malformations as seen on neuroimaging and/or pathologic examination, with typically recognizable craniofacial phenotypes. Despite the identification of several genetic loci and other etiologic agents involved in pathogenesis, additional causes are elusive. Moreover, satisfactory explanations for phenomena such as incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity are lacking. Conclusions: For each patient, pediatricians should follow a diagnostic protocol including dysmorphology examination, complete family history and ascertainment of risk factors, and neuroimaging. Many medical issues, including hypothalamic dysfunction, endocrinologic dysfunction, motor impairment, respiratory issues, seizures, and hydrocephalus should be prioritized in management. Pediatricians should work with genetic specialists to identify syndromic forms and to perform cytogenetic investigation, molecular screening, and genetic counseling in order to fully characterize prognosis and recurrence risk

Genomic imbalances detected through array CGH in fetuses with holoprosencephaly / Instabilidades genômicas detectadas através de array CGH em fetos com holoprosencefalia

OBJECTIVE: Holoprosencephaly (HPE) is heterogeneous in pathogenesis, integrating genetic susceptibility with the influence of environmental factors. Submicroscopic aberrations may contribute to the etiology of HPE. Our aim was to report the molecular analysis of 4 fetuses with HPE and normal metaphase karyotype. METHOD: A whole genome BAC-array based Comparative Genomic Hybridization (array CGH) was carried out in fetal blood samples. All potential cytogenetic alterations detected on the arrays were matched against the known copy number variations databases. RESULTS: The array CGH analysis showed copy number gains and losses in all cases. We found a recurrent deletion in 15q14 (clone RP11-23J11) and in 15q22 (clone RP11-537k8) in 2 out 4 cases analyzed. We also observed submicroscopic gain in 6p21 in 3 out of 4 fetuses in nearby clones. All these regions were tested in known databases and no copy number variations have been described for them. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of molecular characterization through a whole genome microarray CGH of fetuses with HPE. Our results may contribute to verify the effectiveness and applicability of the molecular technique of array CGH for prenatal diagnosis purposes, and contributing to the knowledge of the submicroscopic genomic instability characterization of HPE fetuses.

OBJETIVO: Holoprosencefalia (HPE) é uma malformação heterogênea na patogênese, integrando a suscetibilidade genética com a influência de fatores ambientais. Aberrações submicroscópicas podem contribuir para a etiologia da HPE. Nosso objetivo foi relatar a análise molecular de 4 fetos com HPE e cariótipo normal. MÉTODO: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo prospectivo dos achados da técnica de hibridação genômica comparativa baseada em microarranjos utilizando BAC clones de ampla cobertura genômica (BAC-array CGH) em amostras sanguíneas de fetos portadores de holoprosencefalia e com cromossomos numericamente normais ao bandamento G. Todas as potenciais alterações citogenéticas detectadas foram comparadas com bancos de dados com variações do número de cópias conhecidas. RESULTADOS: A análise de array CGH evidenciou ganhos e perdas do número de cópias em todos os 4 casos. Foram encontradas deleções recorrentes em 15q14 (clone RP11-23J11) e em 15q22 (clone RP11-537k8) em 2 dos 4 casos analisados. Observou-se em 3 fetos ganho genômico na região 6p21 em clones próximos. Todas estas regiões não apresentaram variações do número de cópias descritas em bancos de dados conhecidos. CONCLUSÃO: Este é o primeiro relato de caracterização molecular através de um microarray CGH de fetos com HPE. Nossos resultados podem contribuir para verificar a eficácia e aplicabilidade da técnica molecular de array CGH para fins de diagnóstico pré-natal, contribuindo para o conhecimento da caracterização de instabilidades genômicas submicroscópicas de fetos com HPE.