Dysmorphology in the era of genomic diagnosis

Abstract

Genetic and genomic testing technologies have expanded beyond levels of diagnostic capability that were unimaginable even a few years ago. While this has significantly benefited clinicians in their care of patients and families, it has also altered how geneticists evaluate patients. One immediate example is the role of the dysmorphologic physical exam in the patient evaluation. While some have suggested that it is no longer necessary, we argue that the dysmorphologic physical exam is still essential, albeit in a different role.