Terminal deletion of 6p results in a recognizable phenotype

With improved cytogenetic techniques, small deletions and duplications are being identified with increased frequency. We report four cases with terminal deletions involving the 6p24- and 6p25-pter chromosomal segment who exhibit a distinct, recognizable pattern of malformations including hypertelorism, downslanting palpebral fissures, flat nasal bridge, Dandy-Walker malformation/variant, congenital heart defects, anterior eye-chamber abnormalities, hearing loss, and developmental delay. We also compare the clinical aspects of these patients to those of previously reported cases in the literature with similar terminal deletions of chromosome 6p. Routine chromosome analysis can miss this deletion, therefore, high-resolution chromosome analysis is indicated for individuals who exhibit these distinct features. Furthermore, individuals with this deletion should have an ophthalmologic exam, cardiac evaluation, head imaging, renal ultrasound, and formal hearing evaluation. (c) 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.