Cerebellar atrophy in a patient with velocardiofacial syndrome

J Med Genet. 1995 Jul;32(7):561-3. doi: 10.1136/jmg.32.7.561.

Abstract

Velocardiofacial syndrome and DiGeorge syndrome have not previously been associated with central nervous system degeneration. We report a 34 year old man who presented for neurological evaluation with cerebellar atrophy of unknown aetiology. On historical review, he had neonatal hypocalcaemia, an atrial septal defect, and a corrected cleft palate. His physical examination showed the characteristic facies of velocardiofacial syndrome as well as dysmetria and dysdiadocho-kinesia consistent with cerebellar degeneration. Molecular cytogenetic studies showed a deletion of 22q11.2. This man is the first reported patient with the association of a neurodegenerative disorder and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Abnormalities, Multiple* / genetics
  • Adult
  • Atrophy
  • Cerebellum / pathology*
  • Chromosome Aberrations / pathology*
  • Chromosome Deletion*
  • Chromosome Disorders
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 22 / ultrastructure*
  • Cleft Palate* / genetics
  • Developmental Disabilities / genetics
  • Face / abnormalities*
  • Heart Septal Defects, Atrial* / genetics
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Syndrome