Clinical Description
Individuals with the 1q21.1 recurrent deletion (BP3-BP4) have a wide range of clinical manifestations, ranging from unaffected to severely affected. The most common findings include developmental delay and mild but nonspecific dysmorphic facies. There is not a clinically recognizable syndrome, as a subset of persons with the deletion do not have obvious clinical findings.
Clinical information from reports involving 102 probands with the 1q21.1 recurrent deletion is summarized in Table 2 [Brunetti-Pierri et al 2008, Mefford et al 2008, Bernier et al 2016, Edwards et al 2021, Bourgois et al 2023].
Table 2.
Select Features Present in Individuals with the 1q21.1 Recurrent Deletion
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Frequency | Select Features 1 |
---|
>75% | Nonspecific mild dysmorphic facial features |
50%-75% |
|
25%-50% |
|
10%-25% |
|
<10% |
|
Facial features. Dysmorphic craniofacial features are a common finding but are highly variable and therefore not easily recognizable nor characteristic. The facial features may include frontal bossing; thin eyebrows; deep-set eyes; epicanthal folds; prominent, large, and/or wide nasal bridge with bulbous tip; long philtrum; and highly arched palate.
Growth. Microcephaly is described in 43% of individuals with the 1q21.1 recurrent deletion. This is more common in females than males. Short stature and poor growth may also be seen. While approximately 19% of individuals were described as having dysphagia, a definite etiology for poor growth (such as growth hormone deficiency) has not been determined [Edwards et al 2021] (see also Gastrointestinal issues in the following text).
Developmental delay (DD) and intellectual disability (ID). The majority of individuals with the 1q21.1 recurrent deletion have developmental delay.
Most delays are mild and may involve specific areas, particularly gross motor delay, or be global, involving all areas of development.
Some may also have generalized learning disabilities throughout life.
Mild intellectual disability and learning disabilities are seen in approximately 25% of affected individuals.
Ophthalmologic involvement is present in about one third of individuals and may include strabismus, nystagmus, nasolacrimal duct obstruction, chorioretinal and iris colobomas, microphthalmia, hypermetropia, Duane anomaly, and various types of cataracts (e.g., congenital, nuclear pulverulent) [Edwards et al 2021].
Neurobehavioral/psychiatric manifestations. Psychiatric and behavioral abnormalities that may be present include autism spectrum disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and mood disorders, sleep disturbances, and self-injurious behaviors. In addition, distal 1q21.1 deletions 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].
Cardiac anomalies. Several reported individuals with the 1q21.1 recurrent deletion have cardiac defects [Digilio et al 2013, Edwards et al 2021], which may include:
Patent ductus arteriosus
Truncus arteriosus
Ventricular and atrial septal defects
Tetralogy of Fallot
Bicuspid aortic valve
Dilatation of ascending aorta, with no further information on whether this is progressive or static
Aortic insufficiency
Coarctation of the aorta
Interrupted aortic arch
Supravalvular aortic stenosis
Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery
Pulmonary valve stenosis
Transposition of the great vessels
Rhythm abnormalities (sinus bradycardia, prolonged QT interval). Of note, one individual with long QT syndrome was also found to have a pathogenic KCNH2 variant.
Females are more likely to have a cardiac anomaly.
Neurologic. 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 23% of individuals and often begin during the first year of life.
Brain malformations that have been described range from structural anomalies (including agenesis of the corpus callosum) to migrational anomalies. Hydrocephalus has also been reported.
Genitourinary anomalies include vesicoureteral reflux, hydronephrosis, renal asymmetry, unilateral renal agenesis, inguinal hernia, and cryptorchidism. Two individuals with the deletion had Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome [Chen et al 2015].
Gastrointestinal issues include chronic constipation, dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux, and poor gastric emptying/gastroparesis. Some affected individuals required G-tube for feeding difficulty [Edwards et al 2021].
Skeletal malformations are variable and include:
Craniosynostosis (one report of metopic synostosis specifically)
Scoliosis, ranging from mild to severe (requiring spinal hardware)
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
Polydactyly of the hands or feet
Hearing impairment. Sensorineural hearing loss has been reported in at least five individuals, with an additional six individuals having mild-to-profound hearing loss, though conductive/sensorineural/mixed is not specified.
Recurrent infections have been reported in a minority of affected individuals and may include frequent otitis media [Bourgois et al 2023].