Hidden in Plain Sight: A Rare 7q Deletion Masquerading as a Common Aneuploidy on Prenatal Ultrasound

Prenatal diagnosis of rare chromosomal microdeletions is challenging when fetal abnormalities mimic common aneuploidies. Traditional karyotyping may miss submicroscopic aberrations detectable by chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA). We report a case of 7q31.1-q32.3 microdeletion syndrome identified through CMA, highlighting its diagnostic value. A 28-year-old primigravida at 29 weeks presented with polyhydramnios, fetal growth restriction, short nasal bone, and cardiac abnormalities suggestive of trisomy. CMA revealed a 21.58-megabase deletion at 7q31.1-q32.3. She delivered at 37 weeks by cesarean section. The neonate developed respiratory distress requiring intensive care and was found to have an atrial septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, pulmonary artery stenosis, ventriculomegaly, and feeding difficulties. This case demonstrates that prenatal ultrasound features suggestive of common aneuploidies may instead arise from other, less common genetic abnormalities. CMA offers superior diagnostic precision and should be considered in atypical prenatal presentations resembling aneuploidy.

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-12-06
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.98598
Primary Topic
Prenatal Screening and Diagnostics
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Hidden in Plain Sight: A Rare 7q Deletion Masquerading as a Common Aneuploidy on Prenatal Ultrasound

Cureus
Prenatal Screening and Diagnostics
article

Hidden in Plain Sight: A Rare 7q Deletion Masquerading as a Common Aneuploidy on Prenatal Ultrasound

article en

Abstract

Prenatal diagnosis of rare chromosomal microdeletions is challenging when fetal abnormalities mimic common aneuploidies. Traditional karyotyping may miss submicroscopic aberrations detectable by chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA). We report a case of 7q31.1-q32.3 microdeletion syndrome identified through CMA, highlighting its diagnostic value. A 28-year-old primigravida at 29 weeks presented with polyhydramnios, fetal growth restriction, short nasal bone, and cardiac abnormalities suggestive of trisomy. CMA revealed a 21.58-megabase deletion at 7q31.1-q32.3. She delivered at 37 weeks by cesarean section. The neonate developed respiratory distress requiring intensive care and was found to have an atrial septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, pulmonary artery stenosis, ventriculomegaly, and feeding difficulties. This case demonstrates that prenatal ultrasound features suggestive of common aneuploidies may instead arise from other, less common genetic abnormalities. CMA offers superior diagnostic precision and should be considered in atypical prenatal presentations resembling aneuploidy.

CureusVol. 17(12)
Universiti Putra Malaysia (MY), Serdang Hospital (MY)
Openalex Percentile: Top 21%
Prenatal Screening and Diagnostics
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.