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Diagnosis of Hirschsprung's Disease by Immunostaining Rectal Suction Biopsies for Calretinin, S100 Protein and Protein Gene Product 9.5
Published on: April 26, 2019
Genetic Testing in Hirschsprung Disease
Michele Spencer-Manzon1, Robert A Cowles2, Allan M Goldstein3
1Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
Abstract:
Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a congenital disorder of enteric nervous system development with a significant but complex genetic basis. While RET mutations predominate, variants in greater than 20 genes have been identified and may occur in isolated or syndromic forms. Genetic testing can identify associated conditions, inform cancer risk, and guide counseling for families regarding recurrence risk, although incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity complicate interpretation. This article provides a practical framework for evaluating HSCR patients, reviews key genetic causes and associated syndromes, and proposes an approach to genetic referral and testing to optimize clinical care and family counseling.
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