Clinical Description
Individuals with the 1q21.1 recurrent microdeletion may have a wide range of clinical manifestations. The most common findings include developmental delay and mildly dysmorphic facies. However, there is not a clinically recognizable syndrome, as a subset of persons with the deletion do not have obvious clinical findings.
Clinical information from three reports involving 55 probands with the 1q21.1 recurrent microdeletion is summarized in Table 2 [Brunetti-Pierri et al 2008, Mefford et al 2008, Bernier et al 2015].
Table 2.
Features Present in 55 Persons with the 1q21.1 Recurrent Microdeletion
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Frequency | Features |
---|
>75% | Variable/mild dysmorphic facial features |
50%-75% | Mild-moderate developmental delay (includes speech & motor delays) |
25%-50% | Eye abnormalities Intellectual disability Microcephaly Short stature
|
10%-25% |
|
<10% |
|
The majority of persons with the 1q21.1 recurrent microdeletion have developmental delay. Most delays are mild and may involve global or specific areas, particularly gross motor development. Some may also have generalized learning disabilities throughout life. Mild intellectual and learning disabilities are seen in approximately 30% of affected individuals.
Dysmorphic craniofacial features are a common finding but are highly variable and therefore not easily recognizable. The facial features may include frontal bossing, deep-set eyes, epicanthal folds, prominent and/or large nasal bridge with bulbous tip, long philtrum, and highly arched palate. Microcephaly is described in 39% of individuals with the 1q21.1 recurrent microdeletion.
Eye abnormalities are seen in 33% of individuals and may include strabismus, chorioretinal and iris colobomas, microphthalmia, hypermetropia, Duane anomaly, and various types of cataracts (e.g., congenital, nuclear pulverulent).
Several reported individuals with the 1q21.1 recurrent microdeletion have cardiac defects, including patent ductus arteriosus, truncus arteriosus, ventricular and atrial septal defects, tetralogy of Fallot, bicuspid aortic valve, dilation of ascending aorta, aortic insufficiency, coarctation of the aorta, interrupted aortic arch, anomalous origin of the right coronary artery, pulmonary valve stenosis, and transposition of the great vessels in individuals with 1q21.1 deletions [Digilio et al 2013].
Genitourinary anomalies include vesicoureteral reflux, hydronephrosis, inguinal hernia, and cryptorchidism. Two individuals with the deletion had Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome [Chen et al 2015].
Skeletal malformations are variable and include craniosynostosis, scoliosis, joint laxity, brachydactyly with or without short distal phalanges, broad thumbs, clinodactyly of the fifth finger, clubfoot, small feet, pes planus, broad or duplicated/bifid great toes, overlapping or syndactyly of the toes, and polydactyly of the hands or feet.
Most affected individuals have a normal neurologic physical examination, but hypotonia and tremors are fairly common features. Seizures (e.g., tonic-clonic, absence) are seen in approximately 16% and often begin during the first year of life.
Brain malformations that have been described include hydrocephalus and agenesis of the corpus callosum.
Sensorineural hearing loss has been reported in five individuals.
Psychiatric and behavioral abnormalities that may be present include autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and mood disorders, and sleep disturbances. In addition, distal 1q21.1 microdeletions have been identified in 0.2%-0.6% of persons with schizophrenia [International Schizophrenia Consortium 2008, Stefansson et al 2008, Walsh et al 2008, Rees et al 2014].