De novo 13q12.3-q14.11 deletion involving BRCA2 gene in a patient with developmental delay, elevated IgM levels, transient ataxia, and cerebellar hypoplasia, mimicking an A-T like phenotype

We report on a child with a de novo deletion of approximately 12 Mb detected through array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). The deletion involved chromosome bands 13q12.3-13q14.11 and determined the loss of ≥50 genes. A second deletion on chromosome 12p11.3p11.22 of 43-167 kb, including about 12 genes, was unlikely of clinical relevance because inherited from the asymptomatic father. The child had developmental delay, dysmorphisms, and many features reminiscent of ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T), as cerebellar ataxia, oculocutaneus telangiectasia, and recurrent upper airway infections. Atraumatic fractures of the metatarsus were noted. Moreover, this is a rare case of 13q deletion syndrome associated with peripheral blood white cells radiosensitivity to bleomycin, reminiscent of what previously reported on X-ray hypersensitivity of fibroblasts from patients with alterations of this chromosome. The immunological evaluation revealed increased IgM serum levels and a low proliferative response to mitogens, PHA, and CD3 cross-linking (CD3 XL). After 12 years of age only a mild dysmetria persisted, while the proliferative response to mitogens became normal by 9 years of age.