Phenotypic Variability of 17q12 Microdeletion Syndrome - Three Cases and Review of Literature

Chromosome 17q12 microdeletion syndrome is a contiguous gene deletion syndrome caused by an 1-2 Mb loss, characterized by multicystic dysplastic kidneys or other urinary system anomalies starting in utero, including autism or maturity-onset diabetes of the young in its postnatal phenotype. Here, we report on three cases (two prenatal and one postnatal) with distinct and novel clinical presentations as compared with a large number of reviewed patients, thus emphasizing the phenotypic variability of this syndrome and the consequent difficulties in genetic counselling. Prenatal hyperechogenic multicystic kidneys, as well as other urinary tract anomalies, should be considered a marker, therefore indicating the necessity of comprehensive genetic testing, and autism should also be acknowledged as a possible clinical presentation, postnatally.