Genotype-phenotype correlation of 5p-syndrome: pitfall of diagnosis

To clarify the genotype-phenotype correlation of 5p-syndrome, FISH analyses were performed for six patients by using a series of probes spanning 5p13.1-p15.33. Genotypically, break points of deletion were quite different. Three of the six patients were diagnosed as interstitial deletion on chromosome 5p by G-banding method and FISH analysis; however, all of them proved to be entire distal deletions of 5p caused by unbalanced chromosomal translocations. Furthermore, one 5p-syndrome patient was diagnosed only by the FISH analysis using a single probe but not by ordinary chromosomal analyses. Therefore, when ordinary chromosomal analysis cannot detect any deletion in a patient who is phenotypically suspected of 5p-syndrome, multiple FISH analysis or parental chromosomal analysis would be needed for correct diagnosis. Interestingly, one patient with terminal deletion between 5p15.31-pter lacks mental retardation and cat-like crying, indicating that this region might not be responsible for those cardinal features of 5p-syndrome. Further studies on genotype-phenotype correlation will help us better understand 5p-syndrome and also determine functional mapping of the 5p region.