The Association of Ring Chromosome 13 and Duodenal Obstruction

Abstract

The antenatal diagnosis of ring chromosome 13 was made in a fetus at 30 weeks gestation. The pregnancy had progressed normally until this time, when polyhydramnios was suspected, and sonography demonstrated polyhydramnios, a growth delay of 4 weeks, and a double bubble sign, indicating duodenal obstruction or atresia. Cordocentesis was performed, and the karyotype was remarkable for a ring chromosome 13 in all fetal cells examined. Ring chromosome 13 is a rare chromosomal abnormality, usually associated with intrauterine growth delay and neural, cardiac, and renal malformations, but generally not associated with duodenal obstruction.

Key Words:

• Ring chromosome 13
• Congenital duodenal obstruction
• Prenatal diagnosis