22q11.2 deletion syndrome

22q11.2 deletion syndrome

22q11.2 deletion syndrome

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Basics - The Chromosome 22 Glitch

  • Microdeletion on the long arm (q) of chromosome 22 at position 11.2.
  • Pathogenesis: Defective development of the 3rd and 4th pharyngeal pouches, leading to a spectrum of disorders.
  • Inheritance:
    • ~90% of cases are de novo mutations.
    • ~10% are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern.
  • Key Gene: TBX1 is the major gene implicated, crucial for the development of the heart, parathyroid, thymus, and face.

22q11.2 deletion syndrome is the most common microdeletion syndrome in humans.

Chromosome 22 with 22q11.2 deletion region highlighted

📌 Mnemonic: CATCH-22

  • Cardiac anomalies (esp. conotruncal)
  • Abnormal facies
  • Thymic aplasia/hypoplasia
  • Cleft palate
  • Hypocalcemia/Hypoparathyroidism

Clinical Features - CATCH-22 Unpacked

📌 CATCH-22 mnemonic outlines the classic pentad, though presentation is highly variable.

  • Cardiac Anomalies (~75%)
    • Most common: Conotruncal defects (e.g., Tetralogy of Fallot, truncus arteriosus, interrupted aortic arch).
  • Abnormal Facies
    • Long face, small mouth, hooded eyelids, bulbous nose, low-set ears.
    • Facial dysmorphism in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome across ages
  • Thymic Hypoplasia/Aplasia
    • Leads to T-cell immunodeficiency.
    • Results in recurrent viral and fungal infections.
  • Cleft Palate
    • Includes submucous cleft palate or velopharyngeal incompetence, causing hypernasal speech.
  • Hypocalcemia/Hypoparathyroidism
    • Due to parathyroid hypoplasia.
    • Can present with seizures in the neonatal period.

⭐ In neonates, 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is a primary differential for seizures secondary to hypocalcemia.

Diagnosis & Management - Confirm & Care

  • Diagnosis:

    • Prenatal: ↑ Nuchal translucency, polyhydramnios, or cardiac anomalies on ultrasound.
    • Postnatal: Suspected based on CATCH-22 features.
    • Confirmation: Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) is the gold standard, detecting the microdeletion on chromosome 22. Chromosomal microarray (CMA) is also highly sensitive.
  • Management (Multidisciplinary Team):

    • Cardiac: Echocardiogram & surgical correction for conotruncal anomalies.
    • Immunology: T-cell count assessment. Prophylaxis against Pneumocystis jirovecii. Irradiated blood products.
    • Endocrinology: Monitor for hypocalcemia; treat with calcium & vitamin D.
    • Development: Early intervention for speech/palatal defects & learning disabilities.

⭐ Patients have a ~25% risk of developing schizophrenia in adulthood, a rate significantly higher than the general population.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Also known as DiGeorge syndrome and Velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS).
  • Results from a microdeletion on chromosome 22q11.2; it is the most common microdeletion syndrome.
  • Classic mnemonic is CATCH-22: Cardiac anomalies, Abnormal facies, Thymic aplasia, Cleft palate, Hypocalcemia/Hypoparathyroidism.
  • Thymic aplasia leads to deficient T-cell immunity and recurrent infections.
  • Hypoparathyroidism causes neonatal hypocalcemia and tetany.
  • Most common cardiac defects are conotruncal anomalies (e.g., Tetralogy of Fallot, truncus arteriosus).

Practice Questions: 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

Test your understanding with these related questions

A healthy, full-term 1-day-old female infant is evaluated after birth. She is noted to have a cleft palate and a systolic ejection murmur at the left intercostal space. Low-set ears and micrognathia are also noted on examination. A chest radiograph is obtained which reveals a boot-shaped heart and absence of thymus. Vital signs are unremarkable. Echocardiography is performed which demonstrates a ventricular septal defect, pulmonary valve stenosis, a misplaced aorta, and a thickened right ventricular wall. Family history is non-contributory; not much is known about the father. Based on this clinical presentation, which complication is this infant most likely to develop?

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Flashcards: 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

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DiGeorge syndrome is characterized by an absent _____ on CXR

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

DiGeorge syndrome is characterized by an absent _____ on CXR

thymic shadow

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