Chromosome 2q14.3 microdeletion encompassing CNTNAP5 gene in a patient carrying a complex chromosomal rearrangement

We report a patient with loss of chromosome region 2q14.3 encompassing exon 1 of the gene CNTNAP5. The deletion occurred in association with a de novo complex chromosomal rearrangement, characterized by routine G-banding, fluorescence in situ hybridization and microarray analysis. The presented patient's phenotype is dominated by severe early childhood weight gain, severe speech delay and behavioural problems. To our knowledge, a few similar patients have been reported previously. CNTNAP5 is a member of the neurexin gene family and is associated with autism spectrum disorder and potentially other behavioural and neurodevelopmental disorders. Recent data point to its possible role in obesity and/or metabolism. The phenotype of the herein presented pediatric patient corroborates CNTNAP5's pathogenic role in human disease.