Two siblings with autism spectrum disorder and two different genetic abnormalities: paternal 16p11.2 microdeletion and maternal 17q12 microduplication.

Abstract

Etiopathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is highly heterogeneous. Genetic factors play a major role in the etiology of ASD, and 16p11.2 microdeletion is one of the best-known genetic abnormalities thought to be strongly linked to ASD. Conversely, 17q12 microduplication is observed relatively rarely, yet it is reported that 17q12 recurrent duplication also results in a predisposition to ASD. Additionally, 16p11.2 microdeletion is characterized by developmental delay, intellectual disability, ASD and seizures, while 17q12 recurrent duplication is thought to be related to intellectual disability, seizures, eye or vision problems and, rarely, cardiac and renal anomalies. It also has been linked to ASD, schizophrenia, aggression and self-injury. This paper presents two different genetic abnormalities and their relations to ASD. Two siblings were studied; in one of the siblings, maternally originated 17q12 duplication was identified, and paternally originated 16p11.2 microdeletion was identified in the other sibling. To the best of the authors' knowledge, the present paper is a rare case report which shows the coexistence of 17q12 duplication, clubfoot deformity and ASD as well as 16p11.2 microdeletion, spina bifida occulta and ASD.