Structural brain abnormalities associated with deletion at chromosome 22q11: quantitative neuroimaging study of adults with velo-cardio-facial syndrome.

BACKGROUND

Velo-cardio-facial syndrome (VCFS) is associated with deletions in the qll band of chromosome 22, learning disability and psychosis, but the neurobiological basis is poorly understood.

AIMS

To investigate brain anatomy in adults with VCFS.

METHOD

Magnetic resonance imaging was used to study 10 patients with VCFS and 13 matched controls. We carried out three analyses: qualitative; traced regional brain volume; and measurement of grey and white matter volume.

RESULTS

The subjects with VCFS had: a high prevalence of white matter hyperintensities and abnormalities of the septum pellucidum; a significantly smaller volume of cerebellum; and widespread differences in white matter bilaterally and regional specific differences in grey matter in the left cerebellum, insula, and frontal and right temporal lobes.

CONCLUSIONS

Deletion at chromosome 22q11 is associated with brain abnormalities that are most likely neurodevelopmental and may partially explain the high prevalence of learning disability and psychiatric disorder in VCFS.