Chromosome subband 17p11·2 deletion: A minute deletion syndrome

Abstract

Interstitial deletion of the short arm of chromosome 17 was detected in three unrelated patients with mental retardation and multiple congenital malformations. These patients were identified at a single centre over a six month period suggesting that del(17)(p11·2p11·2) is not a rare constitutional chromosome rearrangement. Comparison of the phenotypic features in a total of 19 patients with del(17)(p11·2p11·2) shows a consistent clinical phenotype with moderate to severe mental retardation, microbrachycephaly, prominent forehead, broad face, flat midface, prognathism, short broad hands, and behavioural anomalies such as self-mutilation. The sex ratio is unremarkable, parental ages are normal, and survival is usually unimpaired. Chromosome resolution of at least 500 bands appears necessary to detect this deletion.