16p13.11 microdeletion/microduplication in fetuses: investigation of associated ultrasound phenotypes, genetic anomalies, and pregnancy outcome follow-up

Objectives: 16p13.11 microdeletion/microduplication are rare genetic diseases with incomplete penetrance, most of which have been reported in adults and children, with ultrasound phenotyping in fetuses rarely described. Here, we have analyzed prenatal ultrasound phenotypic characteristics associated with 16p13.11 microdeletion/microduplication, in order to improve the understanding, diagnosis and monitoring of this disease in the fetus. Methods: A total of 9000 pregnant women who underwent invasive prenatal diagnosis for karyotyping and SNP-array were retrospectively analyzed in tertiary referral institutions from October 2016 to January 2022. Results: SNP-array revealed that 20 fetuses had copy number variation (CNV) in the 16p13.11 region, out of which 5 had 16p13.11 microdeletion and the rest showed microduplication, along with different ultrasound phenotypes. Furthermore, 4/20 cases demonstrated structural abnormalities, while the remaining 16 cases were atypical in ultrasound. Taken together, 16p13.1 microdeletion was closely related to thickened nuchal translucency, while 16p13.11 microduplication was more closely associated with echogenic bowel. Only 5/15 fetuses were verified by pedigree, with one case of 16p13.11 microdeletion being de novo, and the other cases of 16p13.11 microduplication were inherited from one parent. In 4/20 cases, the pregnancy was terminated. Except for one case with short stature and another one who underwent lung cystadenoma surgery, no abnormalities were reported in the other cases during follow-up. Conclusion: Fetuses with 16p13.11 microdeletion/microduplication had no characteristic phenotype of intrauterine ultrasound and was in good health after birth, thus providing a reference for the perinatal management of such cases.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the prenatal ultrasound phenotypic characteristics associated with 16p13.11 microdeletion/microduplication. It was found that fetuses with this genetic condition did not show characteristic ultrasound phenotypes and had good health after birth, providing valuable information for diagnosis and management of this disease.