Two cases of isochromosome 18q syndrome

Pal S, Siti MI, Ankathil R, Zilfalil BA
Correspondence: Dr Bin-Alwi Zilfalil, zilfalil@kb.usm.my

ABSTRACT
Patients with isochromosome 18q, a rare cytogenetic abnormality, also reported as Edwards syndrome, is the second most common autosomal trisomy. However, the phenotypic features and survival of these patients are not uniform and depend upon the portion of chromosomes getting duplicated or deleted. The survival of these children may be longer, hence a good cytogenetic diagnosis is a must. Morphological characteristics of isochromosome 18q are not yet fully delineated because of the rarity of the cases and as most cases are aborted medically or terminate spontaneously. We report two cases of isochromosome 18q, one male aged two years old and the other a male aged eight months old, and review the literature on this rare syndrome.

Keywords: autosomal trisomy, Edwards syndrome, isochromosome 18q, phenotype
Singapore Med J 2007; 48(5): e146–e150