Autosomal dominant "Opitz" GBBB syndrome due to a 22q11.2 deletion

We report on a family with autosomal dominant paternally inherited "Opitz" GBBB syndrome and an additional case with findings which have been reported in that syndrome. In each case the propositus presented with a vascular ring. Since a vascular ring may be a sign of a 22q11.2 deletion [Zacki et al., 1995], FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) studies were performed. These studies demonstrated a 22q11.2 deletion in the 3 affected individuals. Review of Opitz GBBB syndrome and the 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome demonstrates significant overlap of manifestations including both facial characteristics and structural anomalies. Based on the phenotypic overlap and the presence of a 22q11.2 deletion in our patients with Opitz GBBB syndrome and the presence of a deletion in a patient with lung hypoplasia, absent pulmonary artery, and long segment tracheomalacia, we propose that, in some cases, the Opitz GBBB syndrome may be due to a 22q11.2 deletion. This enlarges the list of "syndromes" associated with the 22q11.2 deletion, which presently includes most patients with DiGeorge, velocardiofacial, and conotruncal anomaly face syndrome.