Diagnostic Utility of Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization in Children with Neurological Diseases

Introduction: We evaluated the contribution of array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) to the final diagnosis in children with neurocognitive disturbances or dysmorphic findings, but lacked a specific diagnosis. Materials and methods: Medical files of pediatric patients with neurocognitive disturbances who underwent aCGH analysis were reviewed retrospectively. Results: Of 155 patients, 77 copy number variations were detected and 50% (39/77) were considered causative. The aCGH's final diagnostic rate was 25.1% (39/155). Conclusion: With aCGH analysis, the diagnosis rate for patients with undiagnosed neurocognitive disturbances or dysmorphic syndrome may increase by 25-30%. If the phenotypic findings of the widely known neurocognitive disturbances cannot be identified during the initial clinical assessment, aCGH analysis may be beneficial.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the contribution of aCGH to the final diagnosis in children with neurocognitive disturbances or dysmorphic findings. The results showed that aCGH analysis can increase the diagnostic rate for undiagnosed patients with neurocognitive disturbances or dysmorphic syndrome.