Value of chromosomal microarray analysis for fetuses with duodenal obstruction

Objective To assess the value of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) for fetal duodenal obstruction (DO). Methods Fifty-one fetuses with DO identified by prenatal ultrasound were divided into DO only group and DO with other anomaly group. CMA was carried out on amniotic fluid or umbilical blood samples, and the outcome of pregnancy of all cases were followed up. Results Eight fetuses (15.7%) were found with genomic abnormalities, which included 3 chromosomal aneuploidies and 5 copy number variations (CNVs), including one 17q12 microduplication syndrome, one 13q21.33q31.1 microdeletion, one 13q21.32q22.3 deletion, one 13q21.2q31.1 deletion and one 1q43q44 duplication. EDNRB from 13q and HNF1B from 17q12 are candidate genes for fetal DO. No significant difference was found in the detection rate of pathogenic CNVs between the DO only and DO with other anomaly groups (9.5% vs.11.1%, P> 0.05). There were 39 live borns, 1 stillbirth, and 11 artificial abortions (8 with abnormal CMA results). Conclusion There is a correlation between fetal DO and abnormal copy number of the genome, for which prenatal diagnosis is necessary. CMA not only can detect microdeletions/microduplications, but also identify pathogenic genes, which can facilitate prenatal diagnosis, genetic counseling and prognosis for the fetus.