Test Directory

Test Code
5345
Test Name
Saethre-Chotzen Syndrome
CPT Codes
81403, 81404, 81479
Expected Turnaround Time
Typically 2 to 4 weeks from receipt of a sample in the laboratory. All cases involving ongoing pregnancies will be expedited.
Clinical Utility
Genetic analysis to provide a molecular diagnosis of this disorder. Recommended for individuals with a personal and/or family history of this disorder to ensure appropriate treatment and establish recurrence risk for family members.
Specimen and Container Info

Non-Prenatal Specimens

Preferred/Alternate

Specimen Type

Containers

Volume

Preferred Specimen Type

Whole Blood

Lavender Top (EDTA)

3 mL

Alternate Specimen Type

Genomic DNA

1.5 mL Tube

3 µg (at a concentration of at least 30 ng/µl), preferably in TE solution.

Alternate Specimen Type

Fibroblasts

T-25 Flasks

2 confluent T-25 flasks, filled to capacity

Alternate Specimen Type

Saliva (Whole blood is recommended for CNV)

DNA Self-Collection Kit or Oragene Saliva Collection Kit for Young Children

Follow kit instructions (www.dnagenotek.com)

Prenatal Specimens

Either specimen type below is acceptable.

Specimen Type

Containers

Volume

Cultured cells

T-25 Flasks

2 confluent T-25 flasks derived from amnio or CVS samples.

Genomic DNA

1.5 mL Tube

3 µg (at a concentration of at least 30 ng/µl), preferably in TE solution.

NOTE: For specimens from outside of North America, the preferred specimen type is Genomic DNA. HNL Genomics does not recommend shipping whole blood or cultured cells from any location other than the United States, Canada, or Mexico.

Transport Instructions
  • Transport at room temperature within 24 hours.
  • If the specimen cannot be transported to the lab within 24 hours, refrigerate for up to 72 hours.
  • Do not freeze or expose to extreme temperatures, refrigerate for up to 72 hours if cannot be transported to lab within 24 hours. 
Stability Requirements

Room Temperature

24 hours

Refrigerated

72 hours

Causes for Rejection
  • Improperly labeled specimen (minimum of two patient identifiers)
  • Inappropriate specimen type
  • Incomplete or incorrect test request form
  • Insufficient volume
  • Specimen has leaked in transit
  • Specimen without a test order
Methodology
Next Generation Sequencing and Copy Number Variation Analysis
Performing Location
Genomics - Snowdrift
Alternate Names
SCS
Description

Saethre-Chotzen syndrome (SCS; MIM 101400) is an autosomal dominant disorder. SCS is mainly caused by loss of function mutations in the TWIST1 gene, or a specific gain-of-function mutation in the FGFR3 gene. TWIST1 encodes a helix-loop-helix transcription factor (Twist-related protein 1) whose downstream targets include fibroblast growth factor receptors, RUNX2 and osteoblast marker genes. The findings are variable and may include craniosynostosis involving the coronal (frequent), lambdoid and metopic sutures. Other findings may included asymmetry of the orbits, low-set and abnormally shaped ears, a long thin and pointed or beaked nose, syndactyly of the fingers and toes, bifid terminal phalanges of digits 2 and 3, congenital heart defects and cleft palate. The FGFR3 mutation, Pro250Arg, is the same mutation that causes Muenke syndrome (MNKES; MIM 602849). Features that help distinguish SCS from Muenke syndrome include a low-set frontal hairline, gross ptosis of the eyelids, small ears with various abnormalities, syndactyly, a dilated parietal foramen, broad great toes, bifid distal phalanges, increased intracranial hypertension and normal mental development, except in the case of patients with large TWIST1 deletions who have been associated with learning disability. In contrast, mental delay and sensorineural hearing loss are typically associated with Muenke syndrome. Robinow-Sorauf syndrome (MIM 180750) is also caused by mutations in the TWIST1 gene and clinical findings are similar to SCS. Robinow-Sorauf syndrome may not be a distinct disorder, but may belong to the phenotypic spectrum of SCS. Saethre-Chotzen syndrome with eyelid abnormalities is another variant caused by TWIST1 mutations. Patients have moderate to severe ptosis and eyelid malformations but may not have craniosynostosis. The incidence of the Saethre-Chotzen syndrome is estimated to be 1:25,000 to 1:50,000.

Testing Schedule
Monday-Friday
Genes
FGFR3, TWIST1
MIM
101400
Disease Group
Craniosynostosis and Craniofacial Disorders