Clinical genetic counselors' use of people- and identity-first language in regard to patients' identification with disability.

The language surrounding disabilities has evolved from derogatory terms to the adoption of people-first language. However, identity-first language is being advocated for by some within the disability community. Using the preferred terminology is crucial to demonstrate respect and prevent stigmatization, especially in healthcare settings like genetic counseling, where language can impact relationships with the community. However, the specific language practices of genetic counselors and their underlying reasons are unclear. This qualitative study explored the language practices employed by genetic counselors when interacting with individuals with disabilities. Fifteen interviews were conducted with genetic counselors who had clinical experience. Reflexive thematic analysis revealed that the perceptions and practices about language used with patients and disability communities overall varied, with overarching themes of people-first language is the preferred and default language, counselors mirror patient language with some exceptions, acknowledging the evolving nature of language, recognizing differences in language preferences, and reacting to outdated terminology. These findings show the importance of continuing education to stay abreast of preferred verbiage within communities and individual patients.

Advanced cardiovascular imaging in Williams syndrome: Abnormalities, usefulness, and strategy for use.

Extracardiac arterial stenoses are not uncommon in Williams syndrome (WS); however, data on the utility of advanced cardiovascular imaging (CVI) to assess these stenoses are lacking. We retrospectively reviewed the frequency, indication, and diagnostic outcomes of CVI modalities performed in patients with WS evaluated at a single institution between 2001 and 2014. Data were collected and analyzed from 34 patients (56% female) who underwent CVI during the study period. The median age was 10 years (range 1.8-33 years). Excluding echocardiograms, 78 CVI studies "advanced" were performed in the 34 patients (mean 2.3 studies/patient). The most common advanced CVI was renal ultrasound with Doppler (29/34, 85%), followed by computed tomographic angiography (13/34, 38%) and magnetic resonance angiography in (9/34, 26%). Abnormalities were detected in 62% of patients (21/34). For the 20 patients in whom advanced CVI were performed for defined clinical indications, the rate of abnormalities were 73, 70, 57, and 100% when performed for anatomic delineation (15 patients), hypertension (10 patients), bruits (7 patients), and/or decreased peripheral pulses (2 patients), respectively. Advanced CVI in patients with WS reveals abnormalities in the majority of cases, and physical exam findings frequently indicate abnormalities on advanced CVI.

Aortic dilation, genetic testing, and associated diagnoses.

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to determine the genetic diagnoses most frequently associated with aortic dilation in a large population and to describe the results of genetic testing in the same. METHODS: A retrospective review of records from patients with known aortic dilation identified through an echocardiogram database was performed. During the study period, different chromosomal microarray platforms and molecular diagnostic techniques were used. RESULTS: A total of 715 patients (mean age, 9.7 years; 67% male) met study inclusion criteria. The overall frequency of underlying presumptive or confirmed genetic diagnoses was 17% (125/715). Molecular evaluation for possible underlying aortopathy-related disorders was performed in 9% of patients (66/715). Next-generation sequencing panels were performed in 16 patients, and pathogenic abnormalities were detected in 4 (25%). Microarrays were conducted in 10% of patients (72/715), with a total of 23 pathogenic copy-number variants identified in 19 patients (26%). Marfan syndrome was the most frequently recognized genetic disorder associated with aortic dilation, but other cytogenetic abnormalities and associated diagnoses also were identified. CONCLUSION: The differential diagnosis in patients with aortic dilation is broad and includes many conditions outside the common connective tissue disorder spectrum. A genetics evaluation should be considered to assist in the diagnostic evaluation.Genet Med 18 4, 356-363.

Aortic dilation in pediatric patients.

Aortic dilation at the level of the aortic root can be caused by a variety of congenital or acquired conditions that lead to weakening of the aortic wall. In this retrospective study, we sought to determine the frequency of different associated diagnoses from children with aortic dilation seen at a single institution. A total of 377 children (68 % male) met study inclusion criteria. Patients were classified based on the suspected or confirmed associated diagnosis in one of the following categories: congenital heart disease (241/377, 64 %), chromosomal (34/377, 9 %), Marfan syndrome (26/377, 7 %), other genetic and non-genetic (22/377, 6 %), Loeys-Dietz syndrome (6/377, 2 %), and unknown (48/377, 13 %). Bicuspid aortic valve was by far the most prevalent congenital heart defect (206/241, 85 %), while Turner syndrome was the most frequent chromosomal abnormality (12/34, 35 %). Patients with Marfan syndrome were more likely to have severe dilation of the ascending aorta (p = 0.002) and to require aortic root replacement surgery (p < 0.001) compared to those in other diagnosis categories. CONCLUSION: The differential diagnosis of aortic dilation is broad and requires a careful assessment of cardiac anatomy. Evaluation by a clinical geneticist in this setting should be strongly considered given the high frequency of associated genetic conditions. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Aortic dilation is frequent in bicuspid aortic valve and other congenital heart defects. • Aortic dilation can be seen in several connective tissue disorders. Limited information is available in regard to the differential diagnosis of aortic dilation in children. WHAT IS NEW: • In patients with aortic dilation concurrent congenital heart disease is frequently diagnosed. • Almost 18 % of cases in the present study had a defined presumptive or confirmed genetic diagnosis. We suggest considering a genetics evaluation in the setting of aortic dilation.

Cardiovascular and genitourinary anomalies in patients with duplications within the Williams syndrome critical region: phenotypic expansion and review of the literature.

Williams syndrome results from a microdeletion of approximately 1.5 Mb of chromosome 7q11.23. Several patients have been reported with the reciprocal microduplication in association with a variety of phenotypic features including cognitive impairment and typical facial features, though only a few have had birth defects. We report on three probands with duplications within 7q11.23 of variable sizes; two with cardiovascular involvement including aortic dilation and the other with unilateral renal and gonadal agenesis. We offer a comparison with previously reported cases of duplications of 7q11.23. In light of the present cases, we recommend undertaking echocardiographic and renal ultrasound evaluation of patients with documented 7q11.23 duplications. Further, this cytogenetic abnormality should be part of the differential diagnosis for patients with aortic dilation, as well as those with unilateral renal and gonadal agenesis.

A newborn with complex skeletal abnormalities, joint contractures, and bilateral corneal clouding with sclerocornea.

A newborn presented to genetics with complex skeletal abnormalities, joint contractures, and bilateral corneal clouding with sclerocornea. The patient survived for 8 months before succumbing to respiratory failure. Exome sequencing revealed a compound heterozygous mutation in theB3GALT6gene. Mutations in this gene have been associated with both Ehlers- Danlos syndrome, progeroid type 2 and spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia with joint laxity type 1. These diagnoses encompass the skeletal and joint findings. Our patient expands the phenotype of these diagnoses, as anterior segment eye anomalies have not been described with either syndrome, and he is much more profoundly affected. Interestingly, our patient fits the description of a rare genetic disease referred to as Al-Gazali syndrome, for which the genetic cause is unknown.