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Title: Velo-Cardio-Facial syndrome and DiGeorge sequence with meningomyelocele and deletions of the 22q11 region

Journal Article · · American Journal of Medical Genetics
; ; ; ;  [1]; ;  [2]
  1. Oregon Health Sciences Univ., Portland, OR (United States)
  2. Univ. of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA (United States)

Approximately 5% of children with neural tube defects (NTDs) have a congenital heart defect and/or cleft lip and palate. The cause of isolated meningomyelocele, congenital heart defects, or cleft lip and palate has been largely thought to be multifactorial. However, chromosomal, teratogenic, and single gene causes of combinations of NTDs with congenital heart defects and/or cleft lip and palate have been reported. We report on 3 patients with meningomyelocele, congenital heart defects, and 22q11 deletions. Two of the children had the clinical diagnosis of velo-cardio-facial syndrome (VCFS); both have bifid uvula. The third child had DiGeorge sequence (DGS). The association of NTDs with 22q11 deletion has not been reported previously. An accurate diagnosis of the 22q11 deletion is critical as this micro-deletion and its associated clinical problems is transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait due to the inheritance of the deletion-bearing chromosome. We recommend that all children with NTDs and congenital heart defects, with or without cleft palate, have cytogenetic and molecular studies performed to detect 22q11 deletions. 31 refs., 3 figs.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
62027
Journal Information:
American Journal of Medical Genetics, Vol. 52, Issue 4; Other Information: PBD: 1 Oct 1994
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English