Genetic Testing
Number: 0140
Policy
Aetna considers genetic testing medically necessary to establish a molecular diagnosis of an inheritable disease when all of the following are met:
- The member displays clinical features, or is at direct risk of inheriting the mutation in question (pre-symptomatic); and
- The result of the test will directly impact the treatment being delivered to the member; and
- After history, physical examination, pedigree analysis, genetic counseling, and completion of conventional diagnostic studies, a definitive diagnosis remains uncertain, and one of the following diagnoses is suspected (this list is not all-inclusive); and
- Disease-specific criteria met.
Note: reference to "see below" indicates additional criteria outlined in policy.
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Achondroplasia (FGFR3) |
Hypochondroplasia (FGFR3) |
Footnote1* Medically necessary if results of the adrenocortical profile following cosyntropin stimulation test are equivocal or for purposes of genetic counseling.
Footnote2** Electrophoresis is the appropriate initial laboratory test for individuals judged to be at-risk for a hemoglobin disorder.
In the absence of specific information regarding advances in the knowledge of mutation characteristics for a particular disorder, the current literature indicates that genetic tests for inherited disease need only be conducted once per lifetime of the member.
Note: Genetic testing of Aetna members is excluded from coverage under Aetna's benefit plans if the testing is performed primarily for the medical management of other family members who are not covered under an Aetna benefit plan. In these circumstances, the insurance carrier for the family members who are not covered by Aetna should be contacted regarding coverage of genetic testing. Occasionally, genetic testing of tissue samples from other family members who are not covered by Aetna may be required to provide the medical information necessary for the proper medical care of an Aetna member. Aetna covers genetic testing for heritable disorders in non-Aetna members when all of the following conditions are met:
- The information is needed to adequately assess risk in the Aetna member; and
- The information will be used in the immediate care plan of the Aetna member; and
- The non-Aetna member's benefit plan, if any, will not cover the test (a copy of the denial letter Footnote3*** from the non-Aetna member's benefit plan must be provided).
Footnote3*** Aetna may also request a copy of the certificate of coverage from the non-member's health insurance plan if:
- The denial letter from the non-member's insurance carrier fails to specify the basis for non-coverage;
- The denial is based on a specific plan exclusion; or
- The genetic test is denied by the non-member's insurance carrier as not medically necessary and the medical information provided to Aetna does not make clear why testing would not be of significant medical benefit to the non-member.
Medical Necessity Criteria for Specific Genetic Tests
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Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC)
Aetna considers adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) genetic testing medically necessary for either of the following indications:
- Members with greater than 10 colonic polyps; or
- Members with a desmoid tumor, hepatoblastoma, or cribriform-morular variant of papillary thyroid cancer; or
- Members with first-degree relatives (i.e., siblings, parents, and offspring) diagnosed with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or with a documented APC mutation. The specific APC mutation should be identified in the affected first-degree relative with FAP prior to testing the member, if feasible. Full sequence APC genetic testing is considered medically necessary only when it is not possible to determine the family mutation first.
Aetna considers APC genetic testing experimental and investigational for all other indications because its effectiveness for indications other than the ones listed above has not been established.
Aetna considers APC messenger RNA (mRNA) sequence analysis (CustomNext + RNA, Ambry Genetics) experimental and investigational because its clinical value has not been established. -
CADASIL
Aetna considers DNA testing for CADASIL medically necessary for either of the following indications:
- Pre-symptomatic individuals where there is a family history consistent with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance and there is a known mutation in an affected member of the family; or
- Symptomatic individuals who have a family history consistent with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance of this condition (clinical signs and symptoms of CADASIL include stroke, cognitive defects and/or dementia, migraine, and psychiatric disturbances).
Aetna considers CADASIL genetic testing experimental and investigational for all other indications because its effectiveness for indications other than the ones listed above has not been established.
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Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT)
Aetna considers genetic testing for CPVT medically necessary for the following indications:
- Persons with a first-degree relative (i.e., parent, full-sibling, child) with a defined CPVT mutation (Note: Test for known familial mutation); or
- Persons who display exercise-, catecholamine-, or emotion-induced PVT or ventricular fibrillation, occurring in a structurally normal heart (Note: A cardiac ion channelopathy genomic sequencing panel followed if negative by reflex duplication/deletion gene analysis panel is considered an equally acceptable alternative to serial single-gene testing for this indication).
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Cystic fibrosis
Aetna considers genetic carrier testing for cystic fibrosis medically necessary for members in any of the following groups:
- Couples seeking prenatal care; or
- Couples who are planning a pregnancy; or
- Persons with a family history of cystic fibrosis; or
- Persons with a first degree relative identified as a cystic fibrosis carrier; or
- Reproductive partners of persons with cystic fibrosis; or
- Positive newborn screen for CF, or signs and symptoms of CF are present, and sweat chloride test is positive, intermediate, inconclusive or cannot be performed (eg, infant is too young to produce adequate volumes of sweat).
Aetna considers genetic carrier testing for cystic fibrosis experimental and investigational for all other indications because its effectiveness for indications other than the ones listed above has not been established.
Aetna considers a core panel of 25 mutations that are recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) medically necessary for cystic fibrosis genetic testing. The standard CF transmembrane regulator (CFTR)mutation panel is as follows (Available at: American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics):
Standard CF Transmembrane Regulator (CFTR) Mutation Panel ΔF508 ΔI507 G542X G551D W1282X N1303K R553X 621+1G→ T R117H 1717-1G→ A A455E R560T R1162X G85E R334W R347P 711+1G→ T 1898+1G→ A 2184delA 1078delT 3849+10kbC→ T 2789+5G→ A 3659delC I148T 3120+1G→ A Aetna considers experimental and investigational screening for cystic fibrosis mutations that extend beyond the standard mutation panel recommended by the ACMG.
Aetna considers full gene sequencing for cystic fibrosis (CF) medically necessary only in members presenting with a positive newborn screen, symptoms of CF, or a positive family history for CF and sweat chloride values in the intermediate range (between 30 and 59 mmol/L) on 2 separate occasions.
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Factor V Leiden
Aetna considers Factor V Leiden genetic testing medically necessary for members with an abnormal activated protein C (APC) resistance assay result and any of the following indications:
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Asymptomatic female who is planning pregnancy or is currently pregnant and not taking anticoagulation therapy and either of the following:
- First-degree blood relative (ie, parent, full-sibling, child) with a history of high-risk thrombophilia (eg, antithrombin deficiency, double heterozygosity or homozygosity for FVL or prothrombin G20210A); or
- First-degree blood relative (ie, parent, full-sibling, child) with venous thromboembolism (VTE) before age 50 years; or
- First unprovoked (eg, from an unknown cause) VTE at any age (especially age less than 50 years); or
- Individual with a first VTE AND a first-degree blood family member (ie, parent, full-sibling, child) with a VTE occurring before age 50 years; or
- Individual with history of recurrent VTE; or
- Venous thrombosis at unusual sites (eg, cerebral, mesenteric, portal and hepatic veins); or
- VTE associated with the use of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy (HRT); or
- VTE during pregnancy or the puerperium.
Aetna considers Factor V Leiden genetic testing experimental and investigational for all other indications because its effectiveness for indications other than the ones listed above has not been established.
Aetna considers Factor V HR2 allele DNA mutation analysis experimental and investigational because its effectiveness has not been established.
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Prothrombin G20210A Thrombophilia (F2 Gene):
Aetna considers F2 gene testing for prothrombin G20210A thrombophilia when the following criteria are met:
- Asymptomatic female who is planning pregnancy or is currently pregnant and not taking anticoagulation therapy, and either of the following:
- First-degree blood relative (ie, parent, full-sibling, child) with a history of high-risk thrombophilia (eg, antithrombin deficiency, double heterozygosity or homozygosity for FVL or prothrombin G20210A); or
- First-degree blood relative (ie, parent, full-sibling, child) with VTE before age 50 years; or
- First unprovoked (eg, from an unknown cause) VTE at any age (especially age less than 50 years); or
- Individual with a first VTE and a first-degree blood family member (ie, parent, full-sibling, child) with a VTE occurring before age 50 years; or
- Individual with history of recurrent VTE; or
- Venous thrombosis at unusual sites (eg, cerebral, mesenteric, portal and hepatic veins); or
- VTE associated with the use of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy (HRT); or
- VTE during pregnancy or the puerperium.
Aetna considers F2 gene testing experimental and investigational for all other indications because its effectiveness for indications other than the ones listed above has not been established.
- Asymptomatic female who is planning pregnancy or is currently pregnant and not taking anticoagulation therapy, and either of the following:
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Familial nephrotic syndrome (NPHS1, NPHS2)
- Aetna considers genetic testing for an NPHS1 mutation medically necessary for children with congenital nephrotic syndrome (nephrotic syndrome appearing within the first month of life) who are of Finnish descent or who have a family history of congenital nephrotic syndrome. Genetic testing for NPHS1 mutations are considered experimental and investigational for screening other persons with nephrotic syndrome and for all other indications because its effectiveness for other indications other has not been established.
- Aetna considers genetic testing for an NPHS2 mutation medically necessary for children with steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) and for children who have a family history of SRNS. Genetic testing for NPHS2 is considered experimental and investigational for persons with steroid-responsive nephrotic syndrome and for all other indications because its effectiveness for indications other than the ones listed above has not been established.
Aetna considers genetic testing for familial nephrotic syndrome experimental and investigational for all other indications.
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Fragile X
Aetna considers genetic testing of the FMR1 gene medically necessary for members in any of the following risk categories where the results of the test will affect a member's clinical management or reproductive decisions:
- Individuals with developmental delay/intellectually disability, autism or primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) Footnote4† (also known as premature ovarian failure); or
- Individual with progressive cerebellar ataxia and intention tremor in individuals older than 50 years of age;
- Individuals planning a pregnancy who have either of the following:
- A family history of fragile X syndrome, or
- A family history of unexplained developmental delay/intellectually disability, autism or primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) Footnotes†; or
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Fetuses of known carrier mothers. Prenatal testing of a fetus by amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling is indicated following a positive Fragile X carrier test in the mother.
Footnote4† POI is defined as female younger than 40 years of age with FSH levels in the postmenopausal range and at least three months of amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea or dysfunctional uterine bleeding.
Aetna considers Fragile X DNA testing medically necessary for members with a negative cytogenetic test for fragile X if they have any physical or behavioral characteristics of fragile X syndrome and have a family history of fragile X syndrome or undiagnosed developmental delay/intellectually disability.
Aetna considers Fragile X DNA testing medically necessary for members with a phenotype that is not typical for fragile X syndrome who have a cytogenetic test that is positive for fragile X.
Aetna considers population-based fragile X syndrome screening of individuals who are not in any of the above-listed risk categories experimental and investigational because its effectiveness for indications other than the ones listed above has not been established.
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Hereditary hemoglobinopathies
Aetna considers genetic testing for hemoglobinopathies and thalassemias (includes, but not limited to: Sickle Cell Anemia [HBB Gene], Alpha Thalassemia [HBA1/HBA2 Genes] and Beta Thalassemia [HBB Gene]) for couples planning pregnancy or seeking prenatal care when the following criteria are met:
- Individual to be tested has a family history of a hemoglobinopathy; or
- Individual to be tested has an affected or carrier family member with a known mutation; or
- Individual to be tested is suspected to have a hemoglobinopathy based on results of a complete blood count (CBC) and hemoglobin analysis (by electrophoresis, high performance liquid chromatography [HPLC] or isoelectric focusing).
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Hereditary hemochromatosis
Aetna considers genetic testing for HFE gene mutations medically necessary for persons who meet all of the following criteria:
- Member who has symptoms consistent with iron overload and member who has 2 consecutive transferrin saturations of 45% or more or 2 consecutive or elevated ferritins (ie, >200 ng/mL in men; >150 ng/mL in women); or
- Member has a first degree blood relative (i.e., parent, full-sibling, child) diagnosed with hereditary hemochromatosis; or
- Member has a first degree blood relative with known HFE sequence variants consistent with HH.
Genetic testing for hereditary hemochromatosis is considered experimental and investigational for general population screening and for all other indications because its effectiveness for indications other than the ones listed above has not been established.
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Hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) / Lynch syndrome (LS)
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Aetna considers DNA sequence analysis for HNPCC (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, EPCAM sequence analysis) medically necessary for members who meet any one of the following criteria:
- Member meets Amsterdam II criteria or revised Bethesda guidelines (see appendix); or
- Member is diagnosed with endometrial cancer before age 50 years; or
- Member has a first- or second-degree relative with a disease confirmed to be caused by a HNPCC mutation (genes MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, EPCAM) upon testing of the first- or second-degree relative; or
- Member has ≥5% risk of LS on a validated mutation prediction model (eg, MMRpro, PREMM[ MMRpredict). The PREMM model can be used online at Lynch syndrome prediction model and the HNPCC predict model is available for online use at HNPCC predict model. MMRpro is available for free download at UTSouthwestern.
- Aetna considers microsatellite instability (MSI) testing or immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of tumors medically necessary as an initial test in persons with colorectal or endometrial cancer in order to identify those persons who should proceed with HNPCC mutation analysis.
- Aetna considers Lynch syndrome (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2) messenger RNA (mRNA) sequence analysis (CustomNext + RNA, Ambry Genetics) experimental and investigational because its clinical value has not been established.
See also CPB 0516 - Colorectal Cancer Screening.
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Hereditary pancreatitis (PRSS1)
Aetna considers genetic testing for hereditary pancreatitis (PRSS1 mutation) medically necessary in symptomatic persons with any of the following indications:
- A family history of pancreatitis in a first-degree (parent, sibling, child) or second-degree (aunt, uncle, grandparent) relative; or
- An unexplained episode of documented pancreatitis occurring in a child that has required hospitalization, and where there is significant concern that hereditary pancreatitis should be excluded; or
- Recurrent (2 or more separate, documented episodes with hyper-amylasemia) attacks of acute pancreatitis for which there is no explanation (anatomical anomalies, ampullary or main pancreatic strictures, trauma, viral infection, gallstones, alcohol, drugs, hyperlipidemia, etc.); or
- Unexplained (idiopathic) chronic pancreatitis.
This policy is based upon guidelines from the Consensus Committees of the European Registry of Hereditary Pancreatic Diseases, the Midwest Multi-Center Pancreatic Study Group and the International Association of Pancreatology (Ellis et al, 2001).
Aetna considers genetic testing for hereditary pancreatitis experimental and investigational for all other indications because its effectiveness for indications other than the ones listed above has not been established.
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Long QT syndrome
Aetna considers genetic testing for long QT syndrome medically necessary for either of the following:
- Persons with a prolonged QT interval on resting electrocardiogram (a corrected QT interval (QTc) of 470 msec or more in males and 480 msec or more in females) without an identifiable external cause for QTc prolongation (such as heart failure, bradycardia, electrolyte imbalances, certain medications and other medical conditions) (Note: A cardiac ion channelopathy genomic sequencing panel followed if negative by reflex duplication/deletion gene analysis panel is considered an equally acceptable alternative to serial single-gene testing for this indication); or
- Persons with first-degree blood relatives (full-siblings, parents, offspring) with a defined LQT mutation (Note: Test for known familial mutation).
Aetna considers a cardiac ion channelopathy genomic sequencing panel and duplication/deletion gene analysis panel medically necessary alternative to single gene testing. Aetna considers genetic testing for long QT syndrome experimental and investigational for all other indications because its effectiveness for indications other than the ones listed above has not been established.
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Malignant Hyperthermia Susceptibility
Aetna considers genetic testing for malignant hyperthermia susceptibility (MHS) medically necessary for either of the following indications:
- Screening clinically confirmed MHS persons for variants in the RYR1 gene that are considered causative for MH by the European Malignant Hyperthermia Group (EMHG) to facilitate predictive testing in at-risk relatives.
- Screening at-risk relatives of persons with clinically confirmed MHS for a known familial variant in the RYR1 gene that is considered causative for MH by the EMHG.
Aetna considers genetic testing for malignant hyperthermia susceptibility (MHS) experimental and investigational for all other indications.
Aetna considers genetic testing for central core disease (CCD) experimental and investigational because there is inadequate evidence in the peer-reviewed published literature regarding its effectiveness.
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MUTYH-associated polyposis
Aetna considers testing for MUTYH mutations medically necessary for the following indications:
- Members with greater than 10 colonic polyps; or
- Members meeting criteria for serrated polyposos syndrome (SPS) (see below) with at least some adenomas; or
- Members first-degree relatives (i.e., siblings, parents, and offspring) with a documented deleterious MUTYH mutation.
A clinical diagnosis of SPS is considered in an individual who meets at least one of the following empiric criteria:
- At least 5 serrated polyps proximal to the sigmoid colon with 2 or more of these being greater than 10 mm; or
- Any number of serrated polyps proximal to the sigmoid colon in an individual who has a first-degree relative with serrated polyposis; or
- Greater than 20 serrated polyps of any size, but distributed throughout the colon.
Aetna considers MUTYH mutations testing experimental and investigational for any other indications because its effectiveness for indications other than the ones listed above has not been established.
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Primary dystonia (DYT1)
Aetna considers genetic testing for DYT1 medically necessary for the following indications:
- Parents of children with an established DYT1 mutation, for purposes of family planning; or
- Persons with onset of primary dystonia other than focal cranial-cervical dystonia after age 30 years who have a affected relative with early onset (before 30 years); or
- Persons with primary dystonia with onset before age 30 years.
Aetna considers DYT-1 testing experimental and investigational for all other indications, including the following because its effectiveness for indications other than the ones listed above has not been established:
- Asymptomatic individuals (other than parents of affected children), including those with affected family members (genetic testing for dystonia (DYT-1) is not sufficient to make a diagnosis of dystonia unless clinical features show dystonia); or
- Persons with onset of symptoms after age 30 years who either have focal cranial-cervical dystonia; or
- Persons with onset of symptoms after age 30 years who have no affected relative with early onset dystonia.
This policy is adapted from guidelines from the European Federation of Neurological Societies.
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Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Aetna considers genetic testing for SMN1 and SMN2 medically necessary for the following indications:
- Carrier screening of couples seeking prenatal care or who are planning a pregnancy; or
- Individual to be tested exhibits symptoms of SMA (eg, symmetrical proximal muscle weakness, absent or markedly decreased deep tendon reflexes); or
- Carrier screening when the individual to be tested is asymptomatic and any of the following criteria are met:
- Individual has a family history of SMA or SMA-like diseaseFootnote5††; or
- Individual has an affected or carrier blood relative in whom a disease-causing SMA mutation has been identified. (Testing Strategy: Test for familial mutation); or
- Individual is the reproductive partner of an individual affected with or carrier of SMA or SMA-like disease; or
- The prenatal diagnosis or preimplantation genetic diagnosis of SMA in the pregnancy of two known carriers.
Footnote5†† Note: SMA includes arthrogryposis multiplex congenita-SMA (AMC-SMA), congenital axonal neuropathy (CAN), SMA0, SMA I (Werdnig-Hoffmann disease), SMA II, SMA III (Kugelberg-Welander disease) and SMA IV.
Aetna considers genetic testing for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) experimental and investigational for the identification of SMN1 deletion carriers in the general population and for all other indications because there is inadequate evidence in the published peer-reviewed clinical literature regarding its effectiveness.
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SHOX-related short stature
Aetna considers genetic testing for SHOX-related short stature medically necessary for children and adolescents with any of the following features:
- Above-average body mass index (BMI); or
- Cubitus valgus (increased carrying angle); or
- Dislocation of the ulna at the elbow; or
- Increased sitting height/height ratio; or
- Madelung deformity of the forearm; or
- Muscular hypertrophy; or
- Reduced arm span/height ratio; or
- Short or bowed forearm.
Aetna considers genetic testing for SHOX-related short stature experimental and investigational for all other indications because its effectiveness for indications other than the ones listed above has not been established.
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Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Aetna considers genetic testing for HCM medically necessary for individuals who meet the following criteria:
- Individual to be tested has been evaluated (eg, electrocardiogram [ECG], echocardiography) and exhibits no clinical evidence of HCM; and
- Individual has a first degree relative (i.e., parent, full-sibling, child) with a known pathogenic gene mutation. (Note: Test for known familial mutation.). Aetna considers genetic testing for HCM experimental and investigational for all other indications because its effectiveness for indications other than the one listed above has not been established.
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Thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections (TAAD)
Aetna considers genetic testing for thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections (TAAD) medically necessary for asymptomatic persons with an affected first-degree blood relative (i.e,. parent, full-sibling, child) with a known deleterious or suspected deleterious mutation in a gene known to cause familial TAAD. (Testing strategy: Test for known familial mutation.) Genetic testing for thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections (TAAD) is considered experimental and investigational for any other indication, including but not limited to persons clinically diagnosed with TAAD, with a positive family history of the disorder, and for whom a genetic syndrome has been excluded.
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Loeys-Dietz Syndrome (LDS)
Aetna considers TGFBR1 and TGFBR2 gene testing for LDS medically necessary when the following criteria are met:
- Asymptomatic individual who has an affected first-degree blood relative (ie, parent, full-sibling, child) with a known deleterious or suspected deleterious mutation (Testing strategy: Test for known familial mutation); or
- To confirm or establish a diagnosis of LDS in an individual with characteristics of LDS (eg, aortic/arterial aneurysms/tortuosity, arachnodactyly, bicuspid aortic valve and patent ductus arteriosus, blue sclerae, camptodactyly, cerebral, thoracic or abdominal arterial aneurysms and/or dissections, cleft palate/bifid uvula, club feet, craniosynostosis, easy bruising, joint hypermobility, ocular hypertelorism, pectus carinatum or pectus excavatum, scoliosis, talipes equinovarus, thin skin with atrophic scars, velvety and translucent skin, widely spaced eyes) (Testing strategy: Begin with sequence analysis of TGFBR2. If a mutation is not identified, proceed with sequence analysis of TGFBR1).
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Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia/Cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C)
Genetic testing for Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia/Cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C) is considered medically necessary for the following indications:
- Testing for sequence variants in the DSG2, DSP, and PKP2 genes in probands with ITF-confirmed ARVD/C to facilitate genetic screening for ARVD/C in at-risk relatives; or
- Testing for a known familial sequence variant in the DSG2, DSP, and PKP2 genes for at-risk relatives of probands with ITF-confirmed ARVD/C, who are either asymptomatic or have ARVD/C symptoms that fails to meet the ITF diagnostic criteria. Diagnosis of Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy/Dysplasia.
Genetic testing for ARVD/C is considered experimental and investigational for all other indications.
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Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI)
Genetic testing for COL1A1 and COL1A2 gene sequencing in the management of osteogenesis imperfecta types I to IV, is considered medically necessary for the following indications:
- Genetic testing for sequence variants in COL1A1/2 to confirm the presence of mosaicism in the asymptomatic parent of a child with OI caused by sequence variants in COL1A1/2 for reproductive decision making purposes; or
- Preimplantation genetic diagnosis or prenatal diagnosis for sequence variants in COL1A1/2 in couples in which 1 or both members have OI caused by sequence variants in COL1A1/2; or
- Genetic testing for sequence variants in COL1A1/2 for the diagnosis of OI when clinical and radiological examination and family history provide inadequate information for diagnosis of OI; or
- Genetic testing for sequence variants in COL1A1/2 in children diagnosed with OI to aid in reproductive planning for unaffected couples seeking to have additional children.
Genetic testing for COL1A1 and COL1A2 gene sequencing is considered experimental and investigational in any other circumstances, including, but not limited to:
- Testing for sequence variants in COL1A1/2 to confirm diagnosis of OI when clinical and radiological examination and family history provide adequate information for diagnosis of OI.
Genetic testing for COL1A1/2 is considered experimental and investigational for all other indications.
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Neurofibromatosis
Genetic testing for neurofibromatosis is considered medically necessary for persons who meet the following criteria:
- Displays a sign of or has clinical features of the NF; or
- Has a 50% risk of inheriting NF (pre-symptomatic); and
- A definitive diagnosis remains uncertain despite a complete family/personal history, physical examination and conventional diagnostic studies; and
- Confirmation of the diagnosis will impact treatment.
Genetic testing for neurofibromatosis is considered experimental and investigational for all other indications.
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Marfan syndrome
Aetna considers FBN1 gene testing for Marfan syndrome (MFS) medically necessary for the following indications:
- Marfan syndrome is suspected, but the clinical diagnostic criteria (refer to List 1) have not led to a confirmed diagnosis of Marfan syndrome, and both of the following criteria are met:
- No known FBN1 mutation in the family; and
- Presence of ectopia lentis with any aortic dilation or significant aortic dilation (Z score greater than or equal to two)/dissection only
Testing strategy: Begin with sequencing of FBN1 gene. Deletion/duplication analysis of FBN1 gene is considered medically necessary if a mutation is not identified by sequence analysis.
- Testing of an asymptomatic individual who has an affected first-degree blood relative (i.e,. parent, full-sibling, child) with a known deleterious or suspected deleterious mutation. (Testing strategy: Test for known familial mutation); or
- The prenatal diagnosis or PGD of Marfan syndrome in the offspring of parents with known disease-causing variants.
Genetic testing for Marfan syndrome (MFS) is considered experimental and investigational for any other indications, including but not limited to:
- The use of FBN1 gene testing in the diagnostic evaluation of Marfan syndrome in individuals exhibiting only minor features of the condition, according to the Ghent diagnostic criteria
- The use of TGFBR2 gene testing to facilitate the diagnosis of Marfan syndrome in individuals testing negative for FBN1 gene variants
- The use of TGFBR1 gene testing to facilitate the diagnosis of Marfan syndrome in individuals testing negative for FBN1 and TGFBR2 gene variants
- The use of Marfan syndrome gene testing in individuals fulfilling the Ghent diagnostic criteria who will not be using the information for reproductive decision making or facilitating the diagnosis of Marfan syndrome in at-risk relatives.
List 1: Clinical Diagnostic Criteria for Marfan Syndrome
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In the absence of family history of Marfan syndrome, the presence of any of the following is diagnostic for Marfan syndrome:
- Aortic criterion (aortic diameter Z greater than or equal to two or aortic root dissection and ectopia lentis Footnote6†††; or
- Aortic criterion (aortic diameter Z greater than or equal to two or aortic root dissection and a systemic score greater than or equal to seven Footnote6††† (refer to Table 2).
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In the presence of family history of Marfan syndrome, the presence of one of any of the following is diagnostic for Marfan syndrome:
- Aortic criterion (aortic diameter Z greater than or equal to two above 20 years old, Z greater than or equal to three below 20 years old or aortic root dissection) Footnote6†††; or
- Ectopia lentis; or
- Systemic score greater than or equal to seven points Footnote6††† (refer to Table 1)
Footnote6††† The diagnosis of Marfan syndrome can be made only in the absence of discriminating features of Shprintzen-Goldberg syndrome (SGS), LDS or vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS).
Table 1: Calculation of the Systemic Score for Marfan Syndrome
Feature Value Wrist and thumb sign 3 Wrist or thumb sign 1 Pectus carinatum deformity 2 Pectus excavatum or chest asymmetry 1 Hindfoot deformity 2 Plain flat foot (pes planus) 1 Pneumothorax 2 Ductal ectasia 2 Protrusio acetabula 2 Reduced upper segment/lower segment AND increased arm span/height ratios and no severe scoliosis 1 Scoliosis or thoracolumbar kyphosis 1 Reduced elbow extension 1 Three of five facial features 1 Skin striae 1 Myopia 1 Mitral valve prolapse 1
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- Marfan syndrome is suspected, but the clinical diagnostic criteria (refer to List 1) have not led to a confirmed diagnosis of Marfan syndrome, and both of the following criteria are met:
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Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Aetna considers sequence analysis Footnote7‡ of COL3A1 gene for EDS vascular type when the following criteria are met:
- Asymptomatic individuals with a first-degree blood relative (ie, parent, full-sibling, child) who has been diagnosed with EDS vascular type in whom the disease-causing mutation has been identified; or
- Symptomatic individuals to confirm a diagnosis of EDS vascular type when the following criteria are met:
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Presence or history of at least one of the following:
- Arterial rupture; or
- First-degree blood relative (ie, parent, full-sibling, child) diagnosed with EDS vascular type; or
- Intestinal rupture; or
- Uterine rupture during pregnancy; or
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Presence or history of at least two of the following:
- Acrogeria (aged appearance to extremities, particularly hands); or
- Arteriovenous carotid cavernous sinus fistula; or
- Characteristic facial appearance (thin lips and philtrum, small chin, thin nose, large eyes); or
- Chronic joint subluxations/dislocations; or
- Clubfoot; or
- Congenital dislocation of the hips; or
- Early-onset varicose veins; or
- Easy bruising (spontaneous or with minimal trauma); or
- Gingival recession; or
- Hypermobility of small joints; or
- Pneumothorax/pneumohemothorax; or
- Tendon/muscle rupture; or
- Thin, translucent skin (especially noticeable on chest/abdomen).
Footnote7‡Note: Testing begins with sequence analysis of COL3A1 gene. Biochemical (protein-based) testing may be considered for individuals with a negative sequencing result or when a sequence variant of unknown significance (VUS) is found.
Genetic testing for EDS is considered experimental and investigational for all other indications, including the following:
- An at-risk (unaffected) individual when an affected family member has been tested for mutations and received a result of VUS (also known as unclassified variant or variant of uncertain significance); or
- Deletion/duplication analysis of COL3A1 gene; or
- EDS, arthrochalasia (COL1A1, COL1A2 genes); or
- EDS, dermatosparaxis (ADAMTS2 gene); or
- EDS, hypermobility type (TNXB gene); or
- EDS, kyphoscoliotic type (PLOD1); or
- EDS, classic type (COL5A1 and COL5A2 genes); or
- General population screening.
-
-
Angelman syndrome
Aetna considers genetic testing medically necessary to confirm a diagnosis of AS when the following criteria are met:
- Presence of gait ataxia and/or tremulous movement of the limbs; and
- Presence of severe developmental delay or intellectual disability; and
- Presence of severe speech impairment; and
- Presence of unique behavior with inappropriate happy demeanor that includes frequent laughing, smiling and excitability.
AS Testing Strategy
- Testing begins with DNA methylation analysis chromosome 15 (15q11-q13)
- If DNA methylation analysis is normal, then proceed to UBE3A sequence analysis
- If DNA methylation analysis is abnormal, then proceed to deletion/duplication analysis/ FISH/CMA
- If deletion/duplication analysis/FISH/CMA is normal, then proceed to uniparental disomy (UPD) study
- If UPD is normal, then proceed to imprinting defect (ID) study.
-
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS)
Aetna considers genetic testing medically necessary to confirm a diagnosis of PWS when the following criteria are met:
- Individual is age birth to two years with hypotonia with poor suck; or
- Individual is age two to six years with the following characteristics:
- Hypotonia with history of poor suck; and
- Global developmental delay (GDD); or
-
Individual is age six to 12 years with the following characteristics:
- History of hypotonia with poor suck (hypotonia often persists); and
- GDD; and
- Excessive eating with central obesity if uncontrolled; or
-
Individual is age 13 years to adulthood with the following characteristics:
- Cognitive impairment, usually mild intellectual disability; and
- Excessive eating with central obesity if uncontrolled; and
- Hypothalamic hypogonadism.
PWS Testing Strategy:
- Testing begins with DNA methylation analysis
- If DNA methylation analysis is abnormal, then proceed to FISH/CMA
- If FISH/CMA is normal, then proceed to uniparental disomy (UPD) study
- If UPD is normal, then proceed to imprinting defect (ID) study.
-
von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL)
Aetna considers VHL gene testing medically necessary for VHL syndrome when the following criteria are met:
- Individual to be tested has a first- (ie, parent, full-sibling, child) or second-degree (ie, aunt, uncle, grandparent, grandchild, niece, nephew, half-sibling) blood relative with a known deleterious or suspected deleterious VHL gene mutation (Testing strategy: test for specific familial mutation); or
- Individual to be tested has a personal history of one or more of the following (Testing strategy: Testing begins with sequence analysis of the VHL gene. Deletion/ duplication analysis of the VHL gene may be considered for individuals with a negative sequencing analysis result):
- Clear cell renal cell carcinoma
- Endolymphatic sac tumor
- Epididymal or adnexal papillary cystadenoma
- Hemangioblastoma
- Multiple renal and/or pancreatic cysts
- Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
- Pancreatic serous cystadenomas
- Pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma
- Retinal angioma.
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Cadherin-1 for hereditary diffuse gastric cancer
Aetna considers genetic testing for cadherin-1 (e-cadherin, CDH1) mutations for hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (DGC) is considered medically necessary when any of the following criteria is met:
- 2 gastric cases in a family, 1 confirmed diffuse gastric cancer (DGC) diagnosed before age 50 years; or
- 3 confirmed cases of DGC in first- or second-degree relatives independent of age; or
- DGC diagnosed before age 40 years without a family history; or
- Personal or family history of DGC and lobular breast cancer, 1 diagnosed before age 50 years.
Cadherin 1 testing is considered experimental and investigational for confirming the clinical diagnosis of HDGC and for other indications because there is inadequate evidence in the peer-reviewed published clinical literature regarding its effectiveness.
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Tay-Sachs Disease
Aetna considers genetic testing of the HEXA gene Footnote8‡‡ medically necessary for carrier screening for Tay-Sachs disease for couples planning pregnancy or seeking prenatal care when any of the following criteria are met:
- Individual to be tested has an abnormal or inconclusive beta-hexosaminidase A enzyme activity; or
- Individual to be tested has an affected or carrier family member in whom a mutation has been identified; or
- Individual to be tested is of Ashkenazi Jewish descent or the reproductive partner of an individual of Ashkenazi Jewish descent; or
- Individual to be tested is the reproductive partner of an individual affected with or carrier of Tay-Sachs disease.
Footnote8‡‡ Note: Testing begins with a targeted mutation panel. If negative, sequence analysis may be considered.
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Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY)
Aetna considers genetic testing of glucokinase gene (GCK), hepatic nuclear factor 1-α (HNF1-α), and hepatic nuclear factor 4-α (HNF4-α) for maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) medically necessary for the diagnosis of MODY2 or MODY3 in persons with hyperglycemia or non-insulin-dependent diabetes who have a family history of abnormal glucose metabolism in at least 2 consecutive generations, with the individual or ≥ 1 family members diagnosed before age 25.
Aetna considers genetic testing for maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) experimental and investigational for all other indications.
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Huntington Disease
Aetna considers genetic testing for Huntington disease (HD) medically necessary for either of the following indications:
- Predictive testing for CAG repeat length in asymptomatic individuals from families in which there is a history of HD to define risk of transmission; or
- Prenatal testing for CAG repeat length in fetuses from families in which there is a history of HD.
Genetic testing for Huntington disease is considered experimental and investigational for indications other than those listed above.
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Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia
Aetna considers familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) medically necessary in any of the following:
- Atypical cases where no family members are available for testing; or
- Families with familial isolated hyperparathyroidism; or
- Infants or children under 10 years of age in whom neonatal hyperparathyroidism, neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism, and FHH are the commonest causes of parathyroid hormone-dependent hypercalcemia; or
- Individuals with overlap in the calcium/creatinine (Ca/Cr) clearance ratio, namely between 0.01 and 0.02; or
- Individuals with the phenotype of FHH whose parents are both normocalcemic (i.e., FHH possibly caused by a de novo CaSR mutation).
-
Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA)
Aetna considers genetic testing of SCA1 (ATXN1 gene), SCA2 (ATXN2 gene), SCA3 (ATXN3 gene), SCA6 (CACNA1A gene), SCA7 (ATXN7) and DRPLA (ATN1 gene) medically necessary to aid in the diagnosis of SCA when the following criteria are met:
- Individual to be tested exhibits signs and symptoms of SCA such as progressive gait and limb incoordination, imbalance, dysarthria and disturbances of eye movements; and
- Non-genetic causes of ataxia have been excluded (eg, alcoholism, multiple sclerosis, primary or metastatic tumors or paraneoplastic diseases associated with occult carcinoma of the ovary, breast or lung, vascular disease, vitamin deficiencies) Note: Initally, testing for SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, SCA6, SCA7 and DRPLA are considered medically necessary.
If results are normal, and a high index of suspicion remains for SCA based on clinical findings, testing for the following additional genes is considered medically necessary: SCA5 (SPTBN2); SCA8 (ATXN8/ATXN8OS); SCA10 (ATXN10); SCA12 (PPP2R2B); SCA13 (KCNC3); SCA14 (PRKCG); SCA17 (TBP); and SCA27 (FGF14).
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Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Becker Muscular Dystrophy
Aetna considers DMD gene testing medically necessary when the following criteria are met:
- Carrier screening when the individual to be tested is an asymptomatic female and has an affected blood relative in whom a disease-causing DMD or BMD mutation has been identified. (Testing Strategy: Test for known mutation); or
- Individual to be tested Footnote9‡‡‡ exhibits characteristic features of DMD or BMD (eg, progressive symmetric muscular weakness (proximal greater than distal) often with enlargement of calf muscles, wheelchair dependency before age 13 years for DMD and after age 16 years for BMD); and individual has elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) concentration. (Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different labs. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. In males with DMD, serum CK levels are >10 times normal and in BMD five times normal. Some female carriers of DMD or BMD have levels two to 10 times normal).
Footnote9‡‡‡ Note on Testing Strategy: Testing begins with deletion/duplication analysis of DMD gene. Sequence analysis of DMD gene is considered medically necessary for individuals with a negative deletion/duplication result.
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Myotonic dystrophy type 1 and type 2
Aetna considers genetic testing for myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) (DMPK gene) and myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2) (CNBP gene) when the following criteria are met:
- Individual to be tested exhibits characteristic features of DM1 or DM2 (eg, muscle weakness, muscle pain, myotonia). (Testing Strategy: Targeted mutation analysis of DMPK and/or CNBP gene. CNBP sequence analysis for DM2 is considered experimental and investigational); or
- Individual to be tested is asymptomatic; and
- At least 18 years old; and
- Has an affected first-degree blood relative (ie, parent, full-sibling, child) in whom a disease-causing DM1 or DM2 mutation has been identified. (Testing Strategy: Test for known familial mutation).
-
Individual is the reproductive partner of an individual affected with or carrier of DM1 or DM2.
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Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD)
Genetic testing for ADPKD (PKD1, PKD2) is considered medically necessary for adults with multiple cysts on appropriate imaging studies (ultrasound, CT or MRI) in persons who are at high risk for rapid progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) as determined by their treating nephrologist who are being considered for tolvaptan (Jynarque).
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Whole Exome Sequencing
Whole exome sequencing (WES) is considered medically necessary for the evaluation of unexplained congenital or neurodevelopmental disorder in children < 21 years of age when all of the following criteria are met:
- A genetic etiology is considered the most likely explanation for the phenotype, based on either of the following:
- Multiple congenital abnormalities affecting unrelated organ systems; or
- Two of the following criteria are met:
- Abnormality affecting at minimum a single organ system (e.g., brain),
- Significant developmental delay, intellectual disability (e.g., characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior), symptoms of a complex neurodevelopmental disorder (e.g., self-injurious behavior, reverse sleep-wake cycles, dystonia, hemiplegia, spasticity, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy), and/or severe neuropsychiatric condition (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Tourette syndrome),
- Family history strongly suggestive of a genetic etiology, including consanguinity,
- Period of unexplained developmental regression,
- Biochemical findings suggestive of an inborn error of metabolism, and
- The member and family history have been evaluated by a Board-Certified or Board-Eligible Medical Geneticist, and
- Member receives pre- and post-test counseling by an appropriate independent provider (not an employee of the genetics testing laboratory), such as an American Board of Medical Genetics or American Board of Genetic Counseling-certified Genetic Counselor, or an Advanced Practice Nurse in Genetics (APGN) credentialed by either the Genetic Nursing Credentialing Commission (GNCC) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and
- Alternate etiologies have been considered and ruled out when possible (e.g., environmental exposure, injury, infection), and
- Clinical presentation does not fit a well-described syndrome for which single-gene or targeted panel testing is available, and
- WES is more efficient than the separate single-gene tests or panels that would be recommended based on the differential diagnosis (e.g., genetic conditions that demonstrate a high degree of genetic heterogeneity), and
- A diagnosis cannot be made by standard clinical work-up, excluding invasive procedures such as muscle biopsy, and
- WES is predicted to have an impact on health outcomes, including:
-
Guiding prognosis and improving clinical decision-making, which can improve clinical outcome by:
- application of specific treatments as well as withholding of contraindicated treatments for certain rare genetic conditions,
- surveillance for later-onset comorbidities,
- initiation of palliative care,
- withdrawal of care; or
- Reducing diagnostic uncertainty (e.g., eliminating lower-yield testing and additional screening testing that may later be proven unnecessary once a diagnosis is achieved); or
- For persons planning a pregnancy, informing genetic counseling related to recurrence risk and prenatal diagnosis options; and
-
- Family trio testing (whole exome sequencing of the biologic parents or sibling of the affected child) is considered medically necessary when criteria for whole exome sequencing of the child are met.
- Re-analysis of whole exome sequencing is considered medically necessary where above listed medical necessity criteria for WES were met at the time the WES was performed.
Whole exome sequencing is considered experimental and investigational for evaluation of a fetus during pregnancy or a terminated fetus.
- A genetic etiology is considered the most likely explanation for the phenotype, based on either of the following:
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PTEN Gene Testing
Based upon guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Aetna considers PTEN gene testing medically necessary in individuals with a suspected or known clinical diagnosis of Cowden syndrome or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome (BRR), or a known family history of a PTEN mutation who meet any of the following criteria:
- A relative with a known deleterious PTEN gene mutation; or
- Personal history of any of the following:
- Bannayan RIley-Ruvalcaba syndrome; or
- Adult Lhermitte-Duclos disease (LDD); or
- Autism-spectrum disorder and macrocephaly; or
- At least 2 biopsy-proven trichilemmomas; or
- Macrocephaly plus one other major criteriaFootnote10+; or
- Three major criteriaFootnote10+ without macrocephaly; or
- One major and at least three minor criteriaFootnote10+; or
- Four or more minor criteriaFootnote10+.
- Family history of both of the following:
- At-risk relative (includes first-degree relative or more distant relatives if the first degree relative is unavailable or unwilling to be tested) with a clinical diagnosis of Cowden syndrome or BRR (no previous genetic testing); and
- One major or two minor criteriaFootnote10+ in the at-risk relative.
Footnote10+ Criteria for PTEN genetic testing purposes are:
Major
- Breast cancer
- Mucocutaneous lesions
- One biopsy-proven trichilemmoma
- Multiple palmoplantar keratoses
- Multi-focal or extensive oral mucosal papillomatosis
- Multiple cutaneous facial papules (often verrucous)
- Macular pigmentation of glans penis
- Macrocephaly (97th percentile or greater; 58 cm in adult women, 60 cm in adult men)
- Endometrial cancer
- Follicular thyroid cancer
- Multiple GI hamartomas or ganglioneuromas
Minor:
- Colon cancer
- Esophageal glycogenic acanthosis (3 or more areas)
- Papillary or follicular variant of papillary thyroid cancer
- Testicular lipomatosis
- Vascular anomalies (including multiple intracranial developmental venous anomalies).
- Other thyroid lesions (e.g., adenoma, nodule(s), goiter)
- Developmental delay/intellectually disability(IQ < 75)
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Single gastrointestinal hamartoma or ganglioneuroma
- Lipomas
- Renal cell carcinoma.
Note: Insufficient evidence exists in the literature to include fibrocystic disease of the breast, fibromas, and uterine fibroids as diagnostic criteria.
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Li-Fraumeni syndrome (TP53 gene)
Aetna considers TP53 gene testing medically necessary for individuals with a suspected or known clinical diagnosis of Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) or Li-Fraumeni-Like syndrome, or a known family history of a TP53 mutation. Testing is considered medically necessary in individuals whose medical and/or family history is consistent with any of these:
- A relative with a known deleterious TP53 gene mutation; or
- A diagnosis of classic Li-Fraumeni syndrome, defined by all of the following:
- Diagnosis of sarcoma before the age of 45 years; and
- A parent, child, or full sibling diagnosed with cancer before the age of 45 years; and
- An additional first- or second-degree relative in the same lineage with cancer diagnosed before age 45 years, or a sarcoma at any age; or
- Persons meeting Chompret criteria:
- Persons with a tumor from the LFS tumor spectrum (e.g., soft tissue sarcoma, osteosarcoma, brain tumor, breast cancer, adrenocortical carcinoma, leukemia, lung bronchoalveolar cancer) before age 46 years AND at least one first- or second-degree relative with any of the aforementioned cancers (other than breast cancer if the proband has breast cancer) before the age of 56 years or with multiple primaries at any age; or
- Persons with multiple tumors (except multiple breast tumors), two of which belong to the LFS tumor spectrum with the initial cancer occurring before the age of 46 years; or
- Individuals with adrenocortical carcinoma or choroid plexus carcinoma at any age of onset, regardless of family history; or
- A diagnosis of breast cancer before age 35 years with a negative BRCA1/2 test especially if there is a family history of sarcoma, brain tumor, or adrenocortical carcinoma.
**** Cancers associated with Li-Fraumeni syndrome include but are not limited to premenopausal breast cancer, bone and soft tissue sarcomas, acute leukemia, brain tumor, adrenocortical carcinoma, choroid plexus carcinoma, colon cancer, and early onset of other adenocarcinomas or other childhood cancers. Note that Ewing sarcoma is less likely to be related to Li-Fraumeni as compared to other sarcomas.
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Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
STK11 (LKB1) gene testing may be considered for individuals with a suspected or known clinical diagnosis of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, or a known family history of a STK11 (LKB1) mutation. Testing may be considered for individuals whose medical and/or family history is consistent with any of the following:
- A relative with a known deleterious STK11 (LKB1) gene mutation; or
- A clinical diagnosis of PJS based on at least 2 of the following features:
- At least 2 PJS-type hamartomatous polyps of the small intestine;
- Mucocutaneous hyperpigmentation of the mouth, lips, nose, eyes, genitalia, or fingers;
- A family history of PJS.
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Ashkenazi Jewish Testing Panel
Aetna considers medically necessary preconception or prenatal carrier screening for couples of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry with a panel of genetic tests recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG):
- Tay Sachs disease
- Canavan disease
- Cystic fibrosis
- Familial dysautonomia
- Familial hyperinsulinism
- Joubert syndrome
- Maple syrup urine disease
- Bloom syndrome
- Fanconi anemia
- Niemann-Pick disease
- Gaucher disease
- Glycogen storage disease type 1
- Mucolipidosis IV
- Nemaline myopathy
If only one partner is of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, then testing of that partner is considered medically necessary. Testing of the other partner is considered medically necessary only if the result of testing of the Ashkenazi Jewish partner is positive.
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Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome
Aetna considers genetic testing for juvenile polyposis syndrome (JPS) (BMPR1A and SMAD4) medically necessary for persons who meet any of the following criteria:
- More than five pathologically confirmed juvenile polyps of the colorectum; or
- Multiple pathologically confirmed juvenile polyps throughout the GI tract; or
- Any number of pathologically confirmed juvenile polyps and a family history of juvenile polyps.
Aetna considers genetic testing for SMAD4 medically necessary for infants with first degree relatives with JPS because of the risk of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.
-
Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Based upon a consensus statement on familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) from the European Atherosclerosis Society (Nordestgaard, et al., 2013), Aetna considers genetic testing for familial hypercholesterolemia medically necessary in persons who meet any of the following criteria:
- Persons with a definite or probable diagnosis of FH (DLCN > 5) Footnote11++; or
- First degree relative with a causative FH mutation Footnote11++; or
- Plasma total cholesterol ≥310 mg/dL (> 8 mmol/L) in an adult or adult family member(s) Footnote12+++ or >230 mg/dL (> 6 mmol/L) in a child or child family member(s) Footnote12+++); or
- Premature clinical CHD Footnote13§ in the subject or family member(s) Footnote12+++; or
- Tendon xanthomas in the subject or family member(s) Footnote12+++; or
- Sudden premature cardiac death in a family member. Footnote12+++
Note: Genetic testing for FH must begin with LDL-R mutations (approximately 75% of FH mutations), and if negative, reflex testing for Apo-B mutation (approximately 20%) and then to PCSK9 mutation (approximately 5%).Footnote11++ The European Atherosclerosis Society recommends using the DLCN criteria (available at European Heart Journal) to establish the clinical diagnosis of FH. Among individuals with a definite or probable diagnosis of FH (DLCN > 5), and particularly those with an obvious clinical diagnosis with xanthoma and/or high cholesterol plus a family history of premature CHD, molecular genetic testing is strongly recommended. When a causative mutation is found in the index case, a genetic test should be offered to all first-degree relatives
Footnote12+++ In cases of probable or definite FH, cascade screening using LDL cholesterol measurement in the family should be conducted and the subject referred for genetic testing if available, with subsequent cascade testing in the family if a causative mutation is found. Initial family members to be tested are biological first-degree relatives, namely parents, siblings, and children. Biological second-degree relatives including grandparents, grandchildren, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, and half-siblings should also be considered.
Footnote13§ Premature CHD signifies CHD before age 55 in males and before age 60 in female first-degree relatives, while in second-degree relatives, the corresponding ages are 50 and 55. Clinical CHD is defined by a history of an AMI, silent MI, unstable angina, coronary revascularization procedure (PCI or CABG)) or clinically significant atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease diagnosed by invasive or noninvasive testing (such as coronary angiography, stress test using treadmill, stress echocardiography, or nuclear imaging).
-
Menkes Disease
Aetna considers genetic testing medically necessary for the diagnosis of Menkes disease in children with low serum copper (0 to 55 µg/dL) and low serum ceruloplamin (10 to 160 mg/L) concentrations.
-
Noonan Syndrome
Aetna considers genetic testing of PTPN11, SOS1, or KRAS genes medically necessary for the diagnosis of Noonan syndrome in persons with characteristic features to assist in reproductive planning.
-
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)
Aetna considers genetic testing of SP-C and ABCA3 mutations medically necessary for interstitial lung disease (ILD) in infants presenting with acute respiratory failure in the absence of other explanations, or in older children with chronic presentation or family history of ILD, especially if the diagnostic imaging (radiographic patterns or bronchoscopic findings) is consistent with ILD.
-
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Aetna considers genetic testing of TSC1/ TSC2 medically necessary for confirmation of tuberous sclerosis complex.
-
Hypophosphatasia
Aetna considers genetic testing for a pathogenic variant in ALPL medically necessary for confirmation of the diagnosis of hypophosphatasia.
-
Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS)
Aetna considers AR (androgen receptor) gene sequence analysis for AIS as medically necessary for the following indications below. (Testing strategy: Begin with sequence analysis of AR. If pathogenic variant in AR is not identified, gene-targeted deletion/duplication analysis may be considered),
- Individual to be tested exhibits signs or symptoms of AIS (e.g., undermasculinization of the external genitalia, impaired spermatogenesis with otherwise normal testes, absent or rudimentary müllerian structures (i.e., fallopian tubes, uterus, and cervix) and results will directly impact clinical management; or
- Carrier screening of female reproductive partner planning a pregnancy and has family history of AIS consistent with X-linked inheritance (i.,e., affected 46,XY individuals, manifesting heterozygous females (46,XX)); or
- Prenatal testing in the offspring of the biological parent with confirmed AR mutation.
Aetna considers genetic testing for AIS experimental and investigational for the identification of AR carriers in the general population and for all other indications because there is inadequate evidence in the published peer-reviewed clinical literature regarding its effectiveness.
-
Kennedy Disease (Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy (SBMA))
Aetna considers AR (androgen receptor) CAG trinucleotide repeat gene testing for SBMA medically necessary for the following indications:
- Individual to be tested exhibits signs or symptoms of SBMA (e.g., gynecomastia, fasciculation of the tongue, lips or perioral region, dysarthria, dysphagia, muscle weakness of the limbs) and results will directly impact clinical management; or
- Carrier screening of female reproductive partner planning a pregnancy and has family history of SBMA; or
- Prenatal testing in the offspring of the biological parent with confirmed AR CAG trinucleotide repeat mutation.
Aetna considers genetic testing for SBMA experimental and investigational for the identification of AR carriers in the general population and for all other indications because there is inadequate evidence in the published peer-reviewed clinical literature regarding its effectiveness.
-
Unverricht-Lundborg Disease (EPM1)
Aetna considers CSTB (cystatin B) gene testing for EPM1 medically necessary for the following indications:
- Individual to be tested exhibits signs or symptoms of EPM1 (e.g., involuntary, stimulus-sensitive myoclonus, tonic-clonic epileptic seizures, abnormal EEG, marked photosensitivity, ataxia, dysarthria) and results will directly impact clinical management; or
- Carrier screening of couples planning a pregnancy and the following criteria are met:
- Individual has a family history of EPM1 or is a known carrier of a CSTB mutation; or
- Individual is the reproductive partner of an individual affected with EPM1 or is a known carrier of a CSTB mutation; and
- Results of genetic testing will affect member's reproductive decisions; or
- Prenatal testing in the offspring when both biological parents have confirmed CSTB mutations.
Aetna considers genetic testing for EPM1 experimental and investigational for the identification of CSTB carriers in the general population and for all other indications because there is inadequate evidence in the published peer-reviewed clinical literature regarding its effectiveness.
-
Corneal Dystrophy
Aetna considers genetic testing of the TGFBI (transforming growth factor, beta-induced) gene medically necessary for the following indications:
- Members have been evaluated by an ophthalmologist and corneal dystrophy is suspected; and
- Member has a parent affected with corneal dystrophy or is a known carrier of a TGFBI mutation; and
- Results of genetic testing will either:
- confirm diagnosis that may not be clear (e.g., granular corneal dystrophy type II (GCD2)) based on clinical findings (e.g., slit lamp exam) and results will directly impact clinical management; or
- affect member's reproductive decisions when individual is the reproductive partner of an individual affected with corneal dystrophy or is a known carrier of a TGFBI mutation.
Aetna considers genetic testing for corneal dystrophy experimental and investigational for the identification of TGFBI carriers in the general population and for all other indications because there is inadequate evidence in the published peer-reviewed clinical literature regarding its effectiveness.
-
Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy (OPMD)
Aetna considers PABPN1 gene testing for OPMD medically necessary for the following indications:
- Individual to be tested exhibits signs or symptoms of OPMD (e.g.,ptosis, dysphagia, tongue weakness, proximal weakness in the extremities) and results will directly impact clinical management; or
- Carrier screening of couples planning a pregnancy and the following criteria are met:
- Individual to be tested has a family history of OPMD or is a known carrier of a PABPN1 mutation; or
- Individual to be tested is the reproductive partner of an individual affected with OPMD or is a known carrier of a PABPN1 mutation; and
- Results of genetic testing will affect member's reproductive decisions.
Aetna considers genetic testing for OPMD experimental and investigational for the identification of PABPN1 carriers in the general population and for all other indications because there is inadequate evidence in the published peer-reviewed clinical literature regarding its effectiveness.
- Individual to be tested exhibits signs or symptoms of OPMD (e.g.,ptosis, dysphagia, tongue weakness, proximal weakness in the extremities) and results will directly impact clinical management; or
-
Experimental and Investigational Genetic Testing
Aetna considers genetic testing experimental and investigational for any of the following:
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Brugada syndrome
- Choroidal neovascularization (e.g., Retnagene)
- Congenital stationary night blindness
- Coronary artery disease (except testing for familial hypercholesterolemia)
- Costello syndrome (HRAS gene)
- Diamond-Blackfan anemia
- Dilated cardiomyopathy [CMD1A]
- Epidermolytic hyperkeratosis
- Essental tremor
- Familial Alzheimer disease
- Familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (C9orf72, FUS, SOD1, TARDBP mutations)
- Familial cold urticaria/familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome
- Familial partial lipodystrophy [FPLD2])
- Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD)
- Genetic testing panels for aortic dysfunction or dilation
- Glomerulopathy Gene Set
- Frizzled class receptor 6 (FZD6) gene sequencing for diagnosis of nail dystrophy
- Genetic testing CLCN1 for congenital myotonia
- Genetic testing panels for colon cancer syndromes
- Genetic testing for interstitial lung disease in adults
- Genetic testing of the titin gene for familial dilated cardiomyopathy
- Genetic testing panels for nonsyndromic hereditary hearing loss (e,g,, OtoScope, OtoGenome, OtoSeq)
- Genetic testing panels for X-linked intellectual disability
- Glioblastoma multiforme
- HADHB for breast cancer
- Hemiplegic migraine (HM)
- Hemophilia C (F11 (Factor XI))
- Heterotaxy
- Inherited cardiomyopathy genomic sequence analysis panel
- Klippel-Feil syndrome
- Lactose intolerance
- Left ventricle non compaction
- Legius syndrome (SPRED1 gene)
- Malignant melanoma (CDKN2A/p16) (e.g., Melaris)
- May-Hegglin anomaly
- Mccune-Albright syndrome
- Mowat-Wilson syndrome (ZEB2 gene)
- MTHFR testing for essential hypertension
- Multiple mitochondrial respiratory chain complex deficiencies
- Myoclonus-dystonia (epsilon-sarcoglycan gene (SCGE) deletion analysis)
- Migrainous vertigo
- Narcolepsy
- Next-generation sequencing for the diagnosis of learning disabilities in children
- Osteoporosis
- Parkinson disease
- Polycystic liver disease
- Seizure disorders other than Dravet syndrome (e.g., creatine transporter 1 sequencing for testing parents of individuals with seizures; GABRG2 mutations for infantile febrile seizures; Generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+))
- Short Multiply Aggregated Sequence Homologies (SMASH) (Marvel Genomics)
- Sleep-walking
- Townes-Brocks syndrome (SALL1 gene)
- Type 2 diabetes (other than MODY)
- Very long chain acylCoA dehydrogenase deficiency (VLCADD)
- von Willebrand factor gene testing.
- Genetic testing panels for the assessment and treatment of autism and other pervasive developmental disorders other than CGH.
-
Experimental and Investigational Tests
Aetna considers the following tests experimental and investigational:
- deCODE AF
- deCODE BreastCancer
- deCODE Glaucoma
- deCODE MI
- deCODE PrCa
- deCODE T2
- EpiSEEK test for epilepsy/seizures
- Genetic Addiction Risk Score (GARSPREDX™)
- Home genetic tests
- MTHFR genetic testing for risk assessment of hereditary thrombophilia
- Multigene panels to predict the risk of several inherited disorders (other than identified as medically necessary above), including but not limited to: hereditary cancer panels (e.g., BreastNext; CancerNext; CancerNext Expanded; ColoNext; Coloseq; Invitae Common Hereditary Cancers Panel; Invitae Gastric Cancer Panel; Invitae Hereditary Cancer Syndromes Panel; Invitae Hereditary Paraganglioma-Pheochromocytoma Panel; Invitae Melanoma Panel; Invitae Melanoma-Pancreatic Cancer Panel; Invitae Multi-Cancer Panel; Invitae Pancreatic Cancer Panel; Invitae Thyroid Cancer Panel; myRisk Hereditary Cancer Panel; OncoGeneDx Comprehensive Cancer Panel; OncoGeneDx Custom Panel; OncoGeneDx High/Moderate Risk Panel; OncoGeneDx Pancreatic Cancer Panel; OvaNext; PancNext; Panexia; VistaSeq Hereditary Cancer Panel) and expanded/pan-ethnic carrier screening panels (e.g., Preparent, GeneVu, CarrierMap)
- Nuclear encoded mitochondrial genomic sequencing panel
- Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) for inherited thrombophilia
- POLG1 for mitochondrial recessive ataxia syndrome
- Septo-optic Dysplasia Spectrum Sequencing Panel (HESX1 (3p14.3), OTX2 (14q22.3), PAX6 (11p13), PROP1 (5q35.3), SOX2 (3q26.33))
- Single nucleotide polymorphisms for breast cancer (Oncovue, Brevagen)
- SLCO1B1 testing for statin induced myopathy
- SLIT1 testing for Asperger syndrome
- Whole genome sequencing
- Whole mitochondrial genome sequencing.
- CPB 0189 - Genetic Counseling,
- CPB 0227 - BRCA Testing, Prophylactic Mastectomy, and Prophylactic Oophorectomy,
- CPB 0282 - Noninvasive Down Syndrome Screening,
- CPB 0348 - Recurrent Pregnancy Loss,
- CPB 0349 - Alzheimer's Disease: Experimental Tests,
- CPB 0464 - Serum and Urine Marker Screening for Fetal Aneuploidy,
- CPB 0648 - Autism Spectrum Disorders, and
- CPB 0715 - Pharmacogenetic and Pharmacodynamic Testing.
Background
Genetic tests are laboratory studies of human deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), chromosomes, genes or gene products to diagnose the presence of a genetic variation associated with a high risk of having or transmitting a specific genetic disorder.
According to the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG), an important issue in genetic testing is defining the scope of informed consent. The obligation to counsel and obtain consent is inherent in the clinician-patient and investigator-subject relationships. In the case of most genetic tests, the patient or subject should be informed that the test might yield information regarding a carrier or disease state that requires difficult choices regarding their current or future health, insurance coverage, career, marriage, or reproductive options. The objective of informed consent is to preserve the individual's right to decide whether to have a genetic test. This right includes the right of refusal should the individual decide the potential harm (stigmatization or undesired choices) outweighs the potential benefits.
DNA-based mutation analysis is not covered for routine carrier testing for the diagnosis of Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff disease. Under accepted guidelines, diagnosis is primarily accomplished through biochemical assessment of serum, leukocyte, or platelet hexosaminidase A and B levels. The literature states that mutation analysis is appropriate for individuals with persistently inconclusive enzyme-based results and to exclude pseudo-deficiency (non-disease related) mutations in carrier couples.
Testing of a member who is at substantial familial risk for being a heterozygote (carrier) for a particular detectable mutation that is recognized to be attributable to a specific genetic disorder is only covered for the purpose of prenatal counseling under plans with this benefit (see CPB 0189 - Genetic Counseling).
Confirmation by molecular analysis of inborn errors of metabolism by traditional screening methodologies (e.g., Guthrie microbiologic assays) is covered. Rigorous clinical evaluation should precede diagnostic molecular testing.
In many instances, reliable mutation analysis requires accurate determination of specific allelic variations in a proband (affected individual in a family) before subsequent carrier testing in other at-risk family members can be accurately performed. Coverage of testing for individuals who are not Aetna members is not provided, except under the limited circumstances outlined in the policy section above.
Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colon Cancer
Hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer ([HNPCC], Lynch syndrome) is one of the most common cancer predisposition syndromes affecting 1 in 200 individuals and accounting for 13 to 15 % of all colon cancer. HNPCC is defined clinically by early-onset colon carcinoma and by the presence of other cancers such as endometrial, gastric, urinary tract and ovarian found in at least 3 first-degree relatives. Two genes have been identified as being primary responsible for this syndrome: hMLH1 at chromosome band 3p21 accounts for 30 % of HNPCC2,3 and hMLH2 or FCC at chromosome band 2p22 which together with hMLH1 accounts for 90 % of HNPCC.
Unlike other genetic disorders that are easily diagnosed, the diagnosis of HNPCC relies on a very strongly positive family history of colon cancer. Specifically, several organizations have defined criteria that must be met to make the diagnosis of HNPCC.
Although HNPCC lacks strict clinical distinctions that can be used to make the diagnosis, and therefore diagnosis is based on the strong family history, genetic testing is now available to study patient's DNA for mutations to one of the mismatch repair genes. A mutation to one of these genes is a characteristic feature and confirms the diagnosis of HNPCC. Identifying individuals with this disease and performing screening colonoscopies on affected persons may help reduce colon cancer mortality.
Microsatellite instability (MSI) is found in the colorectal cancer DNA (but not in the adjacent normal colorectal mucosa) of most individuals with germline mismatch repair gene mutations. In combination with immunohistochemistry for MSH2 and MLH1, MSI testing using the Bethesda markers should be performed on the tumor tissue of individuals putatively affected with HNPCC. A result of MSI-high in tumor DNA usually leads to consideration of germline testing for mutations in the MSH2 and MLH1 genes. Individuals with MSI-low or microsatellite stable (MSS) results are unlikely to harbor mismatch repair gene mutations, and further genetic testing is usually not pursued.
HNPCC is caused by germline mutation of the DNA mismatch repair genes. Over 95 % of HNPCC patients have mutations in either MLH1 or MSH2. As a result, sequencing for mismatch repair gene mutations in suspected HNPCC families is usually limited to MLH1 and MSH2 and sometimes MSH6 and PMS2. In general, MSH6 and PMS2 sequence analysis is performed in persons meeting aforementioned criteria for genetic testing for HNPCC, and who do not have mutations in either the MLH1 or MSH2 genes. In addition, single site MSH6 or PMS2 testing may be appropriate for testing family members of persons with HNPCC with an identified MSH6 or PMS2 gene mutation.
HNPCC is a relatively rare disease, which makes screening the entire populace burdensome and ineffective. The incidence of this disease, even among the families of patients with colon cancer, is too small to make screening effective. (See also CPB 0189 - Genetic Counseling and CPB 0227 - BRCA Testing, Prophylactic Mastectomy, and Prophylactic Oophorectomy).
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is caused by mutation of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene. According to guidelines from the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA, 2001), adenomatous polyposis coli gene testing is indicated to confirm the diagnosis of familial adenomatous polyposis, provide pre-symptomatic testing for at-risk members (1st degree relatives 10 years or older of an affected patient), confirm the diagnosis of attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis in those with more than 20 adenomas, and test those 10 years or older at risk for attenuated FAP.
The AGA guidelines state that germline testing should first be performed on an affected member of the family to establish a detectable mutation in the pedigree. If a mutation is found in an affected family member, then genetic testing of at-risk members will provide true positive or negative results. The AGA guidelines state that, if a pedigree mutation is not identified, further testing of at-risk relatives should be suspended because the gene test will not be conclusive: a negative result could be a false negative because testing is not capable of detecting a mutation even if present. When an affected family member is not available for evaluation, starting the test process with at-risk family members can provide only positive or inconclusive results. In this circumstance, a true negative test result for an at-risk individual can only be obtained if another at-risk family member tests positive for a mutation.
MYH-Associated Polyposis
MYH is a DNA repair gene that corrects DNA base pair mismatch errors in the genetic code before replication. Mutation of the MYH gene may result in colon cancer. In this regard, the MYH gene has been found to be significantly involved in colon cancer, both in cases where there is a clear family history of the disease, as well as in cases without any sign of a hereditary cause.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)'s practice guidelines on colorectal cancer screening (2006) recommended testing for MYH mutations for individuals with personal history of adenomatous polyposis (more than 10 adenomas, or more than 15 cumulative adenomas in 10 years) either consistent with recessive inheritance or with adenomatous polyposis with negative adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) mutation testing. The guideline noted that when polyposis is present in a single person with negative family history, de novo APC mutation should be tested; if negative, testing for MYH should follow. When family history is positive only for a sibling, recessive inheritance should be considered and MYH testing should be done first. In a polyposis family with clear autosomal dominant inheritance, and absence of APC mutation, MYH testing is unlikely to be informative. Members in such family are treated according to the polyposis phenotype, including classical or attenuated FAP.
Inherited Thrombophilias
Thrombophilia is a disorder of blood coagulation that increases the risk for blood clots (thrombosis) in veins or arteries. Thrombophilia can be acquired or inherited. The most common acquired thrombophilias occur as a result of injury, surgery or a medical condition. The most common hereditary thrombophilias are factor V leiden (FVL), due to a mutation in the F5 gene and prothrombin G20210A, as a result of a mutation in the F2 gene.
Factor V Leiden mutation is the most common hereditary blood coagulation disorder in the United States. It is present in 5 % of the Caucasian population and 1.2 % of the African-American population. Factor V Leiden increases the risk of venous thrombosis 3 to 8 fold for heterozygous individuals and 30 to 140 fold for homozygous individuals. Factor V Leiden mutation has been associated with the following complications:
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Cerebrovascular accident and myocardial infarction
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Deep venous thrombosis
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Gallbladder dysfunction
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Preeclampsia and/or eclampsia
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Pulmonary embolism
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Unexplained miscarriage
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Venous thrombosis.
According to the American College of Medical Genetics, Factor V Leiden genetic testing is indicated in the following patients:
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Age less than 50, any venous thrombosis; or
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Myocardial infarction in female smokers under age 50; or
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Recurrent venous thrombosis; or
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Relatives of individuals with venous thrombosis under age 50; or
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Venous thrombosis and a strong family history of thrombotic disease; or
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Venous thrombosis in pregnant women or women taking oral contraceptives; or
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Venous thrombosis in unusual sites (such as hepatic, mesenteric, and cerebral veins).
The ACMG does not recommend random screening of the general population for factor V Leiden. Routine testing is also not recommended for patients with a personal or family history of arterial thrombotic disorders (e.g., acute coronary syndromes or stroke) except for the special situation of myocardial infarction in young female smokers. According to the ACMG, testing may be worthwhile for young patients (less than 50 years of age) who develop acute arterial thrombosis in the absence of other risk factors for atherosclerotic arterial occlusive disease. The ACMG does not recommend prenatal testing or routine newborn screening for factor V Leiden mutation.
The ACMG does not recommend general screening for factor V Leiden mutation before administration of oral contraceptives. The ACMG recommends targeted testing prior to oral contraceptive use in women with a personal or family history of venous thrombosis.
Factor V Leiden screening of asymptomatic individuals with other recognized environmental risk factors, such as surgery, trauma, paralysis, and malignancy is not necessary or recommended by the ACMG, since all such individuals should receive appropriate medical prophylaxis for thrombosis regardless of carrier status. When Factor V Leiden testing is indicated, the ACMG recommends either direct DNA-based genotyping or factor V Leiden-specific functional assay (e.g., activated protein C (APC) resistance). Patients who test positive by a functional assay should then be further studied with the DNA test for confirmation and to distinguish heterozygotes from homozygotes. According to the ACMG, patients testing positive for factor V Leiden or APC resistance should be considered for molecular genetic testing for prothrombin 20210A, the most common thrombophilia with overlapping phenotype for which testing is easily and readily available. The prothrombin 20210A mutation is the second most common inherited clotting abnormality, occurring in 2 % of the general population. It is only a mild risk factor for thrombosis, but may potentiate other risk factors (such as Factor V Leiden, oral contraceptives, surgery, trauma, etc.).
A factor V gene haplotype (HR2) defined by the R2 polymorphism (A4070G) may confer mild APC resistance and interact with the factor V Leiden mutation to produce a more severe APC resistance phenotype (Bernardi et al, 1997; de Visser et al, 2000; Mingozzi et al, 2003). In one study, co-inheritance of the HR2 haplotype increased the risk of venous thromboembolism associated with factor V Leiden by approximately 3-fold (Faioni et al, 1999). However, double heterozygosity for factor V Leiden and the R2 polymorphism was not associated with a significantly higher risk of early or late pregnancy loss than a heterozygous factor V Leiden mutation alone (Zammiti et al, 2006). Whether the HR2 haplotype alone is an independent thrombotic risk factor is still unclear. Several studies have suggested that the HR2 haplotype is associated with a 2-fold increase in risk of venous thromboembolism (Alhenc-Gelas et al, 1999; Jadaon and Dashti, 2005). In contrast, other studies (de Visser 2000; Luddington et al, 2000; Dindagur et al, 2006) found no significant increase in thrombotic risk (GeneTests, University of Washington, Seattle, 2007).
Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is an inhibitor of fibrinolysis, the clot dissolving portion of the coagulation process. PAI-1 is under investigation as a risk factor for conditions such as cardiovascular disease, thrombophilia and pregnancy-related complications. The PAI-1 test is an antibody-based enzyme assay.
CADASIL
CADASIL (cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy) is a rare, genetically inherited, congenital vascular disease of the brain that causes strokes, subcortical dementia, migraine-like headaches, and psychiatric disturbances. CADASIL is very debilitating and symptoms usually surface around the age of 45. Although CADASIL can be treated with surgery to repair the defective blood vessels, patients often die by the age of 65. The exact incidence of CADASIL in the United States is unknown.
DNA testing for CADASIL is appropriate for symptomatic patients who have a family history consistent with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance of this condition. Clinical signs and symptoms of CADASIL include stroke, cognitive defects and/or dementia, migraine, and psychiatric disturbances. DNA testing is also indicated for pre-symptomatic patients where there is a family history consistent with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance and there is a known mutation in an affected member of the family. This policy is consistent with guidelines on CADASIL genetic testing from the European Federation of Neurological Societies.
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is the most common potentially fatal autosomal recessive disease in the United States. CF is characterized by the production of abnormally viscous mucous produced by the affected glands and usually causes respiratory infections and impaired pancreatic functions. CF produces chronic progressive disease of the respiratory system, malabsorption due to pancreatic insufficiency, increased loss of sodium and chloride in sweat, and male infertility as a consequence of atresia of the vas deferens. Pulmonary disease is the most common cause of mortality and morbidity in individuals with CF. The incidence of this disease ranges from 1:500 in Amish (Ohio) to 1:90,000 in Hawaiian Orientals, and is estimated to be 1:2,500 newborns of European ancestry. It occurs less frequently in people with other ethnic and racial backgrounds. About 1:25 persons of European ancestry is a carrier (or heterozygote), possessing one normal and one abnormal CF gene. Because of recent advances in clinical management of CF, babies born today are expected to live well into middle age.
Currently, the most frequently employed test for CF is the quantitative pilocarpine iontophoresis sweat test. Sweat chloride is more reliable than sweat sodium for diagnostic purposes with a sensitivity of 98 % and a specificity of 83 %. However, this test can not detect CF carriers because the electrolyte content of sweat is normal in heterozygotes (Wallach, 1991).
Genetic testing is used to diagnose CF in individuals with signs and symptoms of the disease. It is also used for carrier screening of potential parents to identify genetic mutations for which they are at risk of passing along to their children. Carriers may be unaffected but are at risk for producing children who are affected. Preferably carrier screening takes place before pregnancy, but can take place during the early stages of pregnancy.
The gene for CF (cystic fibrosis trans-membrane conductance regulator, CFTR) was cloned, and the principal mutant gene in white people (DF508) was characterized in 1989. This mutation is due to a 3-base-pair deletion that results in the loss of a phenylalanine at position 508 from the 1,480-amino acid coding region (Riordan et al, 1989). This mutation is found in approximately 70 % of carriers of European ancestry, but the relative frequency varies from 30 % in Ashkenazi Jews to 88 % in Danes (Cutting et al, 1992). Available evidence indicates that CFTR functions as a chloride channel, although it may also serve other functions. Since then, more than 200 CF mutations have been described. Five of the most common mutations (DF508, G542X, F551D, R553X, N1303K) constitute approximately 85 % of the alleles in the United States (Elias et al, 1991). Thus, screening procedures that test for these 5 mutations will detect approximately 85 % of CF carriers. The genetic screening test for CF is usually based on mouthwash samples collected by agitating sucrose or saline in the mouth. The DNA of these cells are amplified, digested, and subjected to separation techniques that identify 3 to 5 common mutations.
A National Institutes of Health consensus panel (1997) recommended that genetic testing for CF should be offered to adults with a positive family history of CF, to partners of people with the disease, to couples currently planning a pregnancy, and to couples seeking prenatal testing. However, the panel did not recommend genetic testing of CF to the general public or to newborn infants.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2001) has issued similar recommendations on genetic carrier testing for CF. ACOG recommends that obstetricians should offer CF screening to:
- Couples in whom one or both members are white and who are planning a pregnancy or seeking prenatal care;
- Individuals with a family history of CF; and
- Reproductive partners of people who have CF.
ACOG also recommends that screening should be made available to couples in other racial and ethnic groups. To date, over 900 mutations in the CF gene have been identified. As it is impractical to test for every known mutation, the ACMG Accreditation of Genetic Services Committee has compiled a standard screening panel of 25 CF mutations, which represents the standard panel that ACMG recommends for screening in the U.S. population (Grody et al, 2001). This 25-mutation panel incorporates all CF-causing mutations with an allele frequency of greater than or equal to 0.1 % in the general U.S. population, including mutation subsets shown to be sufficiently predominant in certain ethnic groups, such as Ashkenazi Jews and African Americans. This standard panel of mutations is intended to provide the greatest pan-ethnic detectability that can practically be performed.
The ACOG's update on carrier screening for CF (2011) provided the following recommendations.
- If a patient has been screened previously, CF screening results should be documented but the test should not be repeated.
- Complete analysis of the CFTR gene by DNA sequencing is not appropriate for routine carrier screening.
ACOG guidelines (2017) state that "[c]ystic fibrosis carrier screening should be offered to all women who are considering pregnancy or are currently pregnant."
Farrell and colleagues (2017) noted that CF, caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, continues to present diagnostic challenges. Newborn screening and an evolving understanding of CF genetics have prompted a reconsideration of the diagnosis criteria. To improve diagnosis and achieve standardized definitions worldwide, the CF Foundation convened a committee of 32 experts in CF diagnosis from 9 countries to develop clear and actionable consensus guidelines on the diagnosis of CF and to clarify diagnostic criteria and terminology for other disorders associated with CFTR mutations. An a priori threshold of greater than or equal to 80 % affirmative votes was needed for acceptance of each recommendation statement. After reviewing relevant literature, the committee convened to review evidence and cases. Following the conference, consensus statements were developed by an executive subcommittee. The entire consensus committee voted and approved 27 of 28 statements, 7 of which needed revisions and a 2nd round of voting. It was recommended that diagnoses associated with CFTR mutations in all individuals, from newborn to adult, be established by evaluation of CFTR function with a sweat chloride test. The latest mutation classifications annotated in the Clinical and Functional Translation of CFTR project should be used to aid in diagnosis. Newborns with a high immunoreactive trypsinogen level and inconclusive CFTR functional and genetic testing may be designated CFTR-related metabolic syndrome or CF screen positive, inconclusive diagnosis; these terms are now merged; and equivalent, and CFTR-related metabolic syndrome/CF screen positive, inconclusive diagnosis may be used. International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision codes for use in diagnoses associated with CFTR mutations were included. One of the recommendations was that for individuals presenting with a positive newborn screen, symptoms of CF, or a positive family history, and sweat chloride values in the intermediate range (30 to 59 mmol/L) on 2 separate occasions may have CF. They should be considered for extended CFTR gene analysis and/or CFTR functional analysis (90 % vote; 0 abstain).
Edmondson and associates (2018) stated that newborn babies positively screened for CF (high serum immunoreactive trypsin (IRT) with DNA analysis) are referred for a diagnostic sweat test, which may be normal (sweat chloride less than 30 mmol/L). Unless 2 gene mutations are identified during newborn screening (NBS), the babies are discharged from follow-up. These investigators wished to check that none had subsequently developed symptoms suggestive of CF. They retrospectively reviewed patient notes and contacted general practitioners of all babies with a negative sweat test, conducted in 1 of the 4 pediatric specialist CF centers in London, over the first 6 years of screening in South East England. Of 511 babies referred, 95 (19 %) had a normal sweat test; 5 (5 %) had CF diagnosed genetically, 2 of them on extended genome sequencing after clinical suspicion; 11 (12 %) were designated as CF screen positive inconclusive diagnosis (CFSPID); 1 of the 5 CF children was originally designated as CFSPID; 79 (83 %) were assumed to be false-positive cases and discharged; follow-up data were available for 51/79 (65 %); 32/51 (63 %) had no health issues, 19/51 (37 %) had other significant non-CF pathology. These results were reassuring in that within the limitations of those lost to follow-up, CF symptoms have not emerged in the discharged children. The high non-CF morbidity in these children may relate to known causes of high IRT at birth. Clinicians need to be aware that a child can have CF despite a normal sweat test following NBS, and if symptoms suggest the diagnosis, further testing, including extended genome sequencing, is needed.
Furthermore, an UpToDate review on “Cystic fibrosis: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis” (Katkin, 2021) states that “Genetic screening panels -- Screening of newborn infants is typically performed with panels of CFTR gene mutations. The mutations included in the panel vary among states, depending on the ethnic diversity of their populations. Most states screen for at least 23 of the most common mutations, using a panel developed for population screening by the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG). The ACMG panel identifies approximately 90 % of CF-causing mutations in the general population (and 97 % of mutations in families of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry). However, the panel may be less sensitive for other ethnic groups that have genetic diversity and a wider range of CF-causing mutations; in one study, it detected only 68.5 % of CF-causing mutations in a Hispanic population. Several state screening programs have therefore expanded or modified the ACMG panel to suit multiethnic populations. For example, in the state of California, a panel of 40 mutations is employed to include CFTR gene mutations found to be more prevalent in non-European ethnicities”.
Fragile X Syndrome
Fragile X syndrome is the most common cause of inherited developmental delay/intellectually disability, seen in approximately one in 1,200 males and one in 2,500 females. Phenotypic abnormalities associated with Fragile X syndrome include developmental delay/intellectually disability, autistic behaviors, characteristic narrow face with large jaw, and speech and language disorders. Fragile X syndrome was originally thought to be transmitted in an X-linked recessive manner; however, the inheritance pattern of fragile X syndrome has been shown to be much more complex.
Standard chromosomal analysis does not consistently demonstrate the cytogenetic abnormality in patients with fragile X syndrome, and molecular diagnostic techniques (DNA testing) have become the diagnostic procedure of choice for fragile X syndrome.
Aetna's policy on coverage of fragile X genetic testing is based on guidelines fromm the ACMG (1994) and the ACOG (1995).
Lactose Intolerance
Lactase-phlorizin hydrolase, which hydrolyzes lactose, the major carbohydrate in milk, plays a critical role in the nutrition of the mammalian neonate (Montgomery et al, 1991). Lactose intolerance in adult humans is common, usually due to low levels of small intestinal lactase. Low lactase levels result from either intestinal injury or (in the majority of the world's adult population) alterations in the genetic expression of lactase. Although the mechanism of decreased lactase levels has been the subject of intensive investigation, no consensus has yet emerged.
The LactoTYPE Test (Prometheus Laboratories) is a blood test that is intended to identify patients with genetic-based lactose intolerance. According to the manufacturer, this test provides a more definitive diagnosis and scientific explanation for patients with persistent symptoms.
There is insufficient evidence that the assessment of the genetic etiology of lactose intolerance would affect the management of patients such that clinical outcomes are improved. Current guidelines on the management of lactose intolerance do not indicate that genetic testing is indicated (NHS, 2005; National Public Health Service for Wales, 2005).
Long QT Syndrome
Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is a disorder of the heart's electrical system that predisposes individuals to irregular heartbeats, fainting spells and sudden death. The irregular heartbeats are typically brought on by stress or vigorous activity. There are multiple genetic forms of LQTS including Anderson-Tawil syndrome, Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome, Romano-Ward syndrome and Timothy syndrome.
Voltage-gated sodium channels are transmembrane proteins that produce the ionic current responsible for the rising phase of the cardiac action potential and play an important role in the initiation, propagation, and maintenance of normal cardiac rhythm. Inherited mutations in the sodium channel alpha-subunit gene (SCN5A), the gene encoding the pore-forming subunit of the cardiac sodium channel, have been associated with distinct cardiac rhythm syndromes such as the congenital long QT3 syndrome (LQT3), Brugada syndrome, isolated conduction disease, sudden unexpected nocturnal death syndrome (SUNDS), and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Electrophysiological characterization of heterologously expressed mutant sodium channels have revealed gating defects that, in many cases, can explain the distinct phenotype associated with the rhythm disorder.
The long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a familial disease characterized by an abnormally prolonged QT interval and, usually, by stress-mediated life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias (Priori et al, 2001). Characteristically, the first clinical manifestations of LQTS tend to appear during childhood or in teenagers. Two variants of LQTS have been described: a rare recessive form with congenital deafness (Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome, J-LN), and a more frequent autosomal dominant form (Romano-Ward syndrome, RW). Five genes encoding subunits of cardiac ion channels have been associated to LQTS and genotype-phenotype correlation has been identified. Of the 5 genetic variants of LQTS currently identified, LQT1 and LQT2 subtypes involve 2 genes, KCNQ1 and HERG, which encode major potassium currents. LQT3 involves SCN5A, the gene encoding the cardiac sodium current. LQT5 and LQT6 are rare subtypes also involving the major potassium currents.
The principal diagnostic and phenotypic hallmark of LQTS is abnormal prolongation of ventricular repolarization, measured as lengthening of the QT interval on the 12-lead ECG (Maron et al, 1998). This is usually most easily identified in lead II or V1, V3, or V5, but all 12 leads should be examined and the longest QT interval used; care should also be taken to exclude the U wave from the QT measurement.
LQT3 appears to be the most malignant variant and may be the one less effectively managed by beta blockers. LQT1 and LQT2 have a higher frequency of syncopal events but their lethality is lower and the protection afforded by beta-blockers, particularly in LQT1, is much higher. The Jervell and Lange-Nielsen recessive variant is associated with very early clinical manifestations and a poorer prognosis than the Romano-Ward autosomal dominant form. The presence of syndactyly seems to represent a different genetic variant of LQTS also associated with a poor prognosis.
Guidelines on sudden cardiac death from the European College of Cardiology (Priori et al, 2001) state that identification of specific genetic variants of LQTS are useful in risk stratification. The clinical variants presenting association of the cardiac phenotype with syndactyly or with deafness (Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome) have a more severe prognosis. Genetic defects on the cardiac sodium channel gene (SCN5A) are also associated with higher risk of sudden cardiac death. In addition, identification of specific genetic variants may help in suggesting behavioral changes likely to reduce risk. LQT1 patients are at very high risk during exercise, particularly swimming. LQT2 patients are quite sensitive to loud noises, especially when they are asleep or resting.
Genetic testing for LQTS may be indicated in persons with close relatives that have a defined mutation. Genetic testing may also be indicated in individuals with a prolonged QT interval on resting electrocardiogram (a corrected QT interval (QTc) of 470 msec or more in males and 480 msec or more in females) without an identifiable external cause for QTc prolongation. Common external causes of QTc prolongation are listed below.
Common External Causes of Prolongation of QTc Interval
- Bradycardia
- Heart disease (heart failure, ischemia)
- Hypocalcemia
- Hypomagnesemia
- Hypokalemia
- Hypothyroidism
- Antiarrhythmic medications (quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, sotalol, and dofetilide)
- Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline)
- Erythromycin
- Cisapride
- Pimozide
- Thioridazine
Genetic testing for long QT syndrome has not been evaluated in patients who present with a borderline QT interval, suspicious symptoms (e.g., syncope), and no relevant family history (Roden, 2008). In these patients, the incidence of false positive and false negative results and their implications for management remain unknown.
Genetic testing may also be necessary in person with long QT syndrome in sudden death close relatives.
Brugada Syndrome
Brugada syndrome is an inherited condition comprising a specific EKG abnormality and an associated risk of ventricular fibrillation and sudden death in the setting of a structurally normal heart. Brugada syndrome is characterized by ST-segment abnormalities on EKG and a high risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death. Brugada syndrome presents primarily during adulthood but age at diagnosis ranges from 2 days to 85 years. Clinical presentations may also include sudden infant death syndrome and sudden unexpected nocturnal death syndrome, a typical presentation in individuals from Southeast Asia.
Brugada et al (2005) reported that Brugada syndrome and LQTS are both due to mutations in genes encoding ion channels and that the genetic abnormalities causing Brugada syndrome have been linked to mutations in the ion channel gene SCN5A. Brugada stated that the syndrome has been identified only recently but an analysis of data from published studies indicates that the disease is responsible for 4 to 12 % of unexpected sudden deaths, and up to 50 % of all sudden death in patients with an apparently normal heart. Brugada explained that Brugada syndrome is a clinical diagnosis based on syncopal or sudden death episodes in patients with a structurally normal heart and a characteristic ECG pattern. The ECG shows ST segment elevation in the primordial leads V1-V3, with a morphology of the QRS complex resembling a right bundle branch block; this pattern may also be caused by J point elevation. When ST elevation is the most prominent feature, the pattern is called "coved-type". When the most prominent feature is J point elevation, without ST elevation the pattern is called "saddle-type". Brugada pointed out that it is important to exclude other causes of ST segment elevation before making the diagnosis of Brugada syndrome. Brugada syndrome is inherited in an autonomic dominant manner with variable penetrance. Most individuals diagnosed with Brugada syndrome have an affected parent. The proportion of cases caused by de novo mutations is estimated at 1 %. Each child of an individual with Brugada syndrome has a 50 % chance of inheriting the mutation. According to Brugada, antiarrhythmic drugs do not prevent sudden death in symptomatic or asymptomatic individuals with Brugada syndrome and that implantation of an automatic cardioverter-defibrillator is the only currently proven effective therapy.
To date the great majority of identified disease-causing mutations have been located in the SCN5A gene encoding the a subunit of the human cardiac voltage-gated sodium channel but such mutations can be identified in, at most, 30 % of affected people. Moreover, a positive genetic test adds little or nothing to the clinical management of such a person (HRUK, 2007). The identification of an SCN5A mutation does, of course, allow screening of family members but the usefulness of genetic screening may be less than for other familial syndromes, however, given that the routine 12-lead EKG (with or without provocative drug testing) appears to be a relatively effective method of screening for the condition.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a disease of the myocardium in which a portion of the myocardium is hypertrophied without any obvious cause; it is among the most common genetically transmitted cardiovascular diseases. In HCM, the heart muscle is so strong that it does not relax enough to fill with the heart with blood and therefore has reduced pumping ability.
The genetic abnormalities that cause HCM are heterogeneous. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is most commonly due to a mutation in one of 9 genes that results in a mutated protein in the sarcomere. Some of the genes responsible for HCM have not yet been identified, and among those genes that have been identified, the spectrum of possible disease-causing mutations is incomplete. As a result, a thorough evaluation of known genes requires extensive DNA sequencing, which is onerous for routine clinical testing. Less rigorous methods (such as selective sequencing) reduces the likelihood of identifying the responsible mutation.
Population studies have demonstrated that some patients are compound heterozygotes (inheriting 2 different mutations within a single HCM gene), double heterozygotes (inheriting mutations in 2 HCM genes), or homozygotes (inheriting the same mutation from both parents). To be certain of detecting such genotypes, sequencing of candidate genes would need to continue in a given patient even after a single mutation was identified.
In many persons with HCM mutations, the disease can be mild and the symptoms absent or minimal. In addition, phenotypic expression of HCM can be influenced by factors other than the basic genetic defect, and the clinical consequences of the genetic defect can vary. There is sufficient heterogeneity in the clinical manifestations of a given gene mutation that, even when a patient's mutation is known, his or her clinical course can not be predicted with any degree of certainty.
In addition, the prognostic impact of a given mutation may relate to a particular family and not to the population at large. Many families have their own "private" mutations and thus knowledge of the gene abnormalities can not be linked to experience from other families.
Family members with echocardiography evidence of HCM should be managed like other patients with HCM. In general, genetically affected but phenotypically normal family members should not be subjected to the same activity restriction as patients with HCM.
Bos and colleagues (2009) stated that over the past 20 years, the pathogenic basis for HCM, the most common heritable cardiovascular disease, has been studied extensively. Affecting about 1 in 500 persons, HCM is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD) among young athletes. In recent years, genomic medicine has been moving from the bench to the bedside throughout all medical disciplines including cardiology. Now, genomic medicine has entered clinical practice as it pertains to the evaluation and management of patients with HCM. The continuous research and discoveries of new HCM susceptibility genes, the growing amount of data from genotype-phenotype correlation studies, and the introduction of commercially available genetic tests for HCM make it essential that cardiologists understand the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications of HCM genetic testing.
Hudecova et al (2009) noted that the clinical symptoms of HCM are partly dependent on mutations in affected sarcomere genes. Different mutations in the same gene can present as malign with a high-risk of SCD, while other mutations can be benign. The clinical symptomatology can also be influenced by other factors such as the presence of polymorphisms in other genes. Currently, the objective of intensive clinical research is to access the contribution of molecular genetic methods in HCM diagnostics as well as in risk stratification of SCD. It is expected that genetic analyses will have an important consequence in the screening of the relatives of HCM patients and also in the prenatal diagnostics and genetic counseling.
Shephard and Semsarian (2009) stated that genetic heart disorders are an important cause of SCD in the young. While pharmacotherapies have made some impact on the prevention of SCD, the introduction of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy has been the single major advance in the prevention of SCD in the young. In addition, the awareness that most causes of SCD in the young are inherited, means family screening of relatives of young SCD victims allows identification of previously unrecognised at-risk individuals, thereby enabling prevention of SCD in relatives. The role of genetic testing, both in living affected individuals as well as in the setting of a "molecular autopsy", is emerging as a key factor in early diagnosis of an underlying cardiovascular genetic disorder.
The Heart Failure Society of America's practice guideline on "Genetic evaluation of cardiomyopathy" (Hershberger et al, 2009) stated that genetic testing is primarily indicated for risk assessment in at-risk relatives who have little or no clinical evidence of cardiovascular disease. Genetic testing for HCM should be considered for the one most clearly affected person in a family to facilitate family screening and management. Specific genes available for testing for HCM include MYH7, MYBPC3, TNNT2, TNN13, TPM1, ACTC, MYL2, and MYL3. MYH7 and MYBPC each accounts for 30 % to 40 % of mutations; TNNT2 for 10 % to 20 %. Genetic cause can be identified in 35 % to 45 % overall; up to 60 % to 65 % when the family history is positive.
The BlueCross BlueShield Association Technology Evaluation Center (TEC)'s assessement on genetic testing for predisposition to inherited HCM (2010) concluded that the use of genetic testing for inherited HCM meets the TEC criteria for individuals who are at-risk for development of HCM, defined as having a close relative with established HCM, when there is a known pathogenic gene mutation present in an affected relative. In order to inform and direct genetic testing for at-risk individuals, genetic testing should be initially performed in at least 1 close relative with definite HCM (index case) if possible. This testing is intended to document whether a known pathologic mutation is present in the family, and optimize the predictive value of predisposition testing for at-risk relatives. Due to the complexity of genetic testing for HCM and the potential for misinterpretation of results, the decision to test and the interpretation of test results should be performed by, or in consultation with an expert in the area of medical genetics and/or HCM.
The TEC assessment also concluded that genetic testing for inherited HCM does not meet the TEC criteria for predisposition testing in individuals who are at-risk for development of HCM, defined as having a close relative with established HCM, when there is no known pathogenic gene mutation present in an affected relative. This includes: (i) patients with a family history of HCM, with unknown genetic status of affected relatives; and (ii) patients with a family history of HCM, when a pathogenic mutation has not been identified in affected relatives.
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia/Cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C)
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy is a condition characterized by progressive fibro-fatty replacement of the myocardium that predisposes individuals to ventricular tachycardia and sudden death. The prevalence of ARVD/C is estimated to be 1 case per 10,000 population. Familial occurrence with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance and variable penetrance has been demonstrated. Recessive variants have been reported. It is estimated that half of the individuals have a family history of ARVD/C and the remaining cases are new mutations.
Genetic testing has not been demonstrated to be necessary to establish the diagnosis of ARVD/C or determine its prognosis. Twelve-lead ECG and echocardiography can be used to identify affected relatives.
The genetic abnormalities that cause ARVD/C are heterogeneous. The genes frequently associated with ARVD/C are PKP2 (plakophilin-2), DSG2 (desmoglein-2), and DSP (desmoplakin). A significant proportion of ARVD/C cases have been reported with no linkage to known chromosomal loci; in one report, 50 % of families undergoing clinical and genetic screening did not show linkage with any known genetic loci (Corrado et al, 2000).
Most affected individuals live a normal lifestyle. Management of individuals with ARVD/C is complicated by incomplete information on the natural history of the disease and the variability of disease expression even within families. High-risk individuals with signs and symptoms of ARVD/C are treated with anti-arrhythmic medications and those at highest risk who have been resuscitated or who are unresponsive to or intolerant of anti-arrhythmic therapy may be considered for an ICD.
According to the Heart Failure Society of America's Practice Guideline on the genetic evaluation of cardiomyopathy (2009), the clinical utility for all genetic testing of cardiomyopathies remains to be defined. The guideline stated, "[b]ecause the genetic knowledge base of cardiomyopathy is still emerging, practitioners caring for patients and families with genetic cardiomyopathy are encouraged to consider research participation." The Multidisciplinary Study of Right Ventricular Dysplasia (North American registry) is a 5-year study funded by the National Institutes of Health to determine how the genes responsible for ARVD/C affect the onset, course, and severity of the disease. Enrollment in the study was completed in May 2008 and the study is currently in the follow-up period.
Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT)
Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a highly lethal form of inherited arrhythmogenic disease characterized by adrenergically mediated polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (Liu et al, 2007). Mutations in the cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) gene and the cardiac calsequestrin (CASQ2) gene are responsible for the autosomal dominant and recessive variants of CPVT, respectively. The clinical presentation encompasses exercise- or emotion-induced syncopal events and a distinctive pattern of reproducible, stress-related, bi-directional ventricular tachycardia in the absence of both structural heart disease and a prolonged QT interval.
CPVT typically begins in childhood or adolescence. The mortality rate in untreated individuals is 30 to 50 % by age 40 years. Clinical evaluation by exercise stress testing and Holter monitoring and genetic screening can facilitate early diagnosis. Beta-blockers are the most effective drugs for controlling arrhythmias in CPVT patients, yet about 30 % of patients with CPVT still experience cardiac arrhythmias on beta-blockers and eventually require an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Liu et al (2008) stated that molecular genetic screening of the genes encoding the cardiac RyR2 and CASQ2 is critical to confirm uncertain diagnosis of CPVT.
Katz et al (2009) noted that CPVT is a primary electrical myocardial disease characterized by exercise- and stress-related ventricular tachycardia manifested as syncope and sudden death. The disease has a heterogeneous genetic basis, with mutations in the cardiac RyR2 gene accounting for an autosomal-dominant form (CPVT1) in approximately 50 % and mutations in the cardiac CASQ2 gene accounting for an autosomal-recessive form (CPVT2) in up to 2 % of CPVT cases. Both RyR2 and calsequestrin are important participants in the cardiac cellular calcium homeostasis. These researchers reviewed the physiology of the cardiac calcium homeostasis, including the cardiac excitation contraction coupling and myocyte calcium cycling.
Although the clinical presentation of CPVT is similar in many respects to the LQTS, there are important differences that are relevant to genetic testing. CPVT appears to be a more malignant condition, as many people are asymptomatic before the index lethal event and the majority of cardiac events occur before 20 years of age. Affected people are advised to avoid exercise-related triggers and start prophylactic beta-blockers with dose titration guided by treadmill testing.
Genetic testing has been recommended in individuals with clinical features considered typical of CPVT following expert clinical assessment (HRUK, 2008). Clinically the condition is difficult to diagnose in asymptomatic family members as the ECG and echocardiogram are completely normal at rest. Exercise stress testing has been advised in family members in order to identify exercise-induced ventricular arrhythmias, but the sensitivity of this clinical test is unknown. Although the diagnostic yield from genetic testing is less than that for the LQTS (about 50 %) in patients with typical clinical features, a positive genetic test may be of value for the individual patient (given the prognostic implications) and for screening family members (given the difficulties in clinical screening methods) (HRUK, 2008). The RyR2 gene is large and a ‘‘targeted’’ approach is usually undertaken, in which only exons that have been previously implicated are examined.
The 2006 guidelines from the American College of Cardiology on management of patients with ventricular arrhythmias and the prevention of sudden cardiac death (Zipes et al, 2006) included the following recommendations for patients with CPVT:
- There is evidence and/or general agreement supporting the use of beta blockers for patients clinically diagnosed on the basis of spontaneous of documented stress-induced ventricular arrhythmias.
- There is evidence and/or general agreement supporting the use of an implantable ICD in combination with beta blockers for survivors of cardiac arrest who have a reasonable expectation of survival with a good functional capacity for more than 1 year.
- The weight of evidence and/or opinion supports the use of beta blockers in patients without clinical manifestations who are diagnosed in childhood based upon genetic analysis.
- The weight of evidence and/or opinion supports the use of an ICD in combination with beta blockers for patients with a history of syncope and/or sustained ventricular tachycardia while receiving beta blockers who have a reasonable expectation of survival with a good functional capacity for more than 1 year.
- The usefulness and/or efficacy of beta blockers is less well established in patients without clinical evidence of arrhythmias who are diagnosed in adulthood based upon genetic analysis.
Hereditary Hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis, a condition involving excess accumulation of iron, can lead to iron overload, which in turn can result in complications such as cirrhosis, diabetes, cardiomyopathy, and arthritis (Burke 1992; Hanson et al, 2001).
Hereditary hemochromatosis (HHC) is characterized by inappropriately increased iron absorption from the duodenum and upper intestine, with consequent deposition in various parenchymal organs, notably the liver, pancreas, joints, heart, pituitary gland and skin, with resultant end-organ damage (Limdi and Crampton, 2004). Clinical features may be non-specific and include lethargy and malaise, or reflect target organ damage and present with abnormal liver tests, cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus, arthropathy, cardiomyopathy, skin pigmentation and gonadal failure. Early recognition and treatment (phlebotomy) is essential to prevent irreversible complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
HHC is an autosomal recessive condition associated with mutations of the HFE gene. Two of the 37 allelic variants of the HFE gene, C282Y and H63D, are significantly correlated with HHC. C282Y is the more severe mutation, and homozygosity for the C282Y genotype accounts for the majority of clinically penetrant cases. Hanson et al (2001) reported that homozygosity for the C282Y mutation has been found in 52 to 100 % of previous studies on clinically diagnosed index cases. Five percent of HHC probands were found by Hanson et al to be compound heterozygotes (C282Y/H63D), and 1.5 % were homozygous for the H63D mutation; 3.6 % were C282Y heterozygotes, and 5.2 % were H63D heterozygotes. In 7 % of cases, C282Y and H63D mutations were not present. In the general population, the frequency of the C282Y/C282Y genotype is 0.4 %.
HHC is a very common genetic defect in the Caucasian population. C282Y heterozygosity ranges from 9.2 % in Europeans to nil in Asian, Indian subcontinent, African, Middle Eastern, Australian and Asian populations (Hanson et al, 2001). The H63D carrier frequency is 22 % in European populations.
Accurate data on the penetrance of the different HFE genotypes are not available. But current data suggest that clinical disease does not develop in a substantial proportion of people with this genotype. Available data suggest that up to 38 % to 50 % of C282Y homozygotes may develop iron overload, with up to 10 % to 33 % eventually developing hemochromatosis-associated morbidity (Whitlock et al, 2006). A pooled analysis found that patients with the HFE genotypes C282Y/H63D and H63D/H63D are also at increased risk for iron overload, yet overall, disease is likely to develop in fewer than 1 % of people with these genotypes (Burke, 1992). Thus, DNA-based tests for hemochromatosis identify a genetic risk rather than the disease itself.
Environmental factors such as diet and exposure to alcohol or other hepatotoxins may modify the clinical outcome in patients with hemochromatosis, and variations in other genes affecting iron metabolism may also be a factor. As a result, the clinical condition of iron overload is most reliably diagnosed on the basis of biochemical evidence of excess body iron (Burke, 1992).
Whether it is beneficial to screen asymptomatic people for a genetic risk of iron overload is a matter of debate. To date, population screening for HHC is not recommended because of uncertainties about optimal screening strategies, optimal care for susceptible persons, laboratory standardization, and the potential for stigmatization or discrimination (Hanson et al, 2001; Whitlock et al, 2006). A systematic evidence review prepared for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force concluded: "Research addressing genetic screening for hereditary hemochromatosis remains insufficient to confidently project the impact of, or estimate the benefit from, widespread or high-risk genetic screening for hereditary hemochromatosis" (Whitlock et al, 2006).
Familial Nephrotic Syndrome (NPHS1, NPHS2)
Nephrotic syndrome comes in 2 variants:- Those sensitive to treatment with immunosuppressants (steroid-sensitive), and
- those resistant to immunosuppressants (steroid-resistant).
Familial forms of nephrotic syndrome are steroid resistant (Niaudet, 2007). Mutations in two genes, NPHS1 and NPHS2, have been associated with a familial nephrotic syndrome. Mutations in the gene for podocin, called NPHS2, also known as familial focal glomerulosclerosis, are observed in patients with both familial and sporadic steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS). Identifying children with nephrotic syndrome due to NPHS2 mutations can avoid unnecessary exposure to immunosuppressive therapy, because immunosuppressive therapy has not been shown to be effective in treating these children (Niaudet, 2007). Thus, authorities have recommended testing for such mutations in those with a familial history of steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome and children with steroid-resistant disease.
Some have suggested that, to avoid unnecessary exposure to steroid therapy, all children with a first episode of the nephrotic syndrome should be screened for NPHS2 mutations (Niaudet, 2007). However, given that over 85 % of children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome are steroid-sensitive and only approximately 20 % of steroid-resistant patients have NPHS2 mutations, screening for abnormalities at this genetic locus would identify less than 5 % of all cases. However, screening a child with a first episode of the nephrotic syndrome with a familial history of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome has been recommended because they are at increased risk for having a NPHS2 gene mutation.
Mutations in the gene for nephrin, called NPHS1, cause the congenital nephrotic syndrome of Finnish type (CNF) (Niaudet, 2007). CNF is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait, with both sexes being involved equally. There are no manifestations of the disease in heterozygous individuals. Most infants with the CNF are born prematurely (35 to 38 weeks), with a low birth weight for gestational age. Edema is present at birth or appears during the first week of life in 50 % of cases. Severe nephrotic syndrome with marked ascites is always present by 3 months. End-stage renal failure usually occurs between 3 and 8 years of age. Prolonged survival is possible with aggressive supportive treatment, including dialysis and renal transplantation.
The nephrotic syndrome in CNF is always resistant to corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs, since this is not an immunologic disease (Niaudet, 2007). Furthermore these drugs may be harmful due to affected individuals' already high susceptibility to infection.
The CNF becomes manifest during early fetal life, beginning at the gestation age of 15 to 16 weeks. The initial symptom is fetal proteinuria, which leads to a more than 10-fold increase in the amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) concentration (Niaudet, 2007). A parallel, but less important increase in the maternal plasma AFP level is observed. These changes are not specific, but they may permit the antenatal diagnosis of CNF in high risk families in which termination of the pregnancy might be considered. However, false positive results do occur, often leading to abortion of healthy fetuses.
Genetic linkage and haplotype analyses may diminish the risk of false positive results in informative families (Niaudet, 2007). The 4 major haplotypes, which cover 90 % of the CNF alleles in Finland, have been identified, resulting in a test with up to 95 % accuracy.
Authorities do not recommend screening for NPHS1 mutations for all children with the first episode of nephrotic syndrome, for the reasons noted above regarding NPHS2 mutation screening. However, genetic testing may be indicated for infants with congenital nephrotic syndrome (i.e., appearing within the first months of life) who are of Finnish descent and/or who have a family history that suggests a familial cause of congenital nephrotic syndrome. The primary purpose of this testing is for pregnancy planning. Detection of an NPHS1 mutation also has therapeutic implications, as such nephrotic syndrome is steroid resistant.
Primary Dystonia (DYT-1)
Dystonia consists of repetitive, patterned, twisting, and sustained movements that may be either slow or rapid. Dystonic states are classified as primary, secondary, or psychogenic depending upon the cause (Jankovic, 2007). By definition, primary dystonia is associated with no other neurologic impairment, such as intellectual, pyramidal, cerebellar, or sensory deficits. Cerebral palsy is the most common cause of secondary dystonia.
Primary dystonia may be sporadic or inherited (Jankovic, 2007). Cases with onset in childhood usually are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. Many patients with hereditary dystonia have a mutation in the TOR1A (DYT1) gene that encodes the protein torsinA, an ATP-binding protein in the 9q34 locus. The role of torsinA in the pathogenesis of primary dystonia is unknown. DNA testing for the abnormal TOR1A gene can be performed on individuals with dystonia. The purpose of such testing is to help rule out secondary or psychogenic causes of dystonia, and for family planning purposes.
Malignant Melanoma
An estimated 8 to 12 % of persons with melanoma have a family history of the disease, but not all of these individuals have hereditary melanoma (Tsao and Haluska, 2007). In some cases, the apparent familial inheritance pattern may be due to clustering of sporadic cases in families with common heavy sun exposure and susceptible skin type.
Approximately 10 percent of melanomas are familial. 62 CDKN2A/p16 (also known as MTS1, INK4, MLM, p16INK4A) (eg, MELARIS) is the major gene associated with melanoma. A subset of CDKN2A mutations carrier families also displays an increased risk of pancreatic cancer; however, at this time, detecting a CDKN2A mutation does not affect the clinical management of an affected patient or at-risk family members. Other genes commonly associated with hereditary pancreatic cancer include BRCA2 and PALB2 (eg, PANEXIA). Regardless of the results of genetic testing, close dermatologic surveillance is recommended for individuals at risk for familial melanoma based due to family history, and the efficacy of screening for pancreatic cancer is uncertain.
A melanoma susceptibility locus has been identified on chromosome 9p21; this has been designated CDKN2A (also known as MTS1 (multiple tumor suppressor 1)) (Tsao and Haluska, 2007). There is a variable rate of CDKN2A mutations in patients with hereditary melanoma. The risk of CDKN2A mutation varies from approximately 10 % for families with at least 2 relatives having melanoma, to more than 40 % for families having multiple affected 1st degree relatives spanning several generations.
Persons at increased risk of melanoma are managed with close clinical surveillance and education in risk-reduction behavior (e.g., sun avoidance, sunscreen use). It is unclear how CDKN2A genetic test information would alter clinical recommendations (Tsao and Haluska, 2007). The negative predictive value of a negative test for a CDKN2A mutation is also not established since many familial cases occur in the absence of CDKN2A mutations. It is estimated that the prevalence of CDKN2A mutation carriers is less than 1 % in high incidence populations. Thus, no mutations will be identifiable in the majority of families presenting to clinical geneticists.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has issued a consensus report on the utility of genetic testing for cancer susceptibility (ASCO, 1996), and recommendations for the process of genetic testing were updated in 2003 (ASCO, 2003). The report notes that the sensitivity and specificity of the commercially available test for CDKN2A mutations are not fully known. Because of the difficulties with interpretation of the genetic tests, and because test results do not alter patient or family member management, ASCO recommends that CDKN2A testing be performed only in the context of a clinical trial.
The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN, 2003) protocols on management of cutaneous melanoma reached similar conclusions, stating that "[g]enetic testing in familial or sporadic melanoma is not appropriate in a routine clinical setting and should only be undertaken in the context of appropriate research studies."
The Melanoma Genetics Consortium recommends that genetic testing for melanoma susceptibility should not be offered outside of a research setting (Kefford et al, 2002). They state that “[u]ntil further data become available, however, clinical evaluation of risk remains the gold standard for preventing melanoma. First-degree relatives of individuals at high risk should be engaged in the same programmes of melanoma prevention and surveillance irrespective of the results of any genetic testing.”
Charcot-Marie Tooth Disease
Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) hereditary neuropathy refers to a group of disorders characterized by a chronic motor and sensory polyneuropathy, also known as hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy (HMSN). It is the most common inherited disorder that involves the peripheral nerves, affecting an estimated 150,000 people in the United States. It occurs in populations worldwide with a prevalence of about 1 in 3,300 individuals.The clinical manifestations can vary greatly in severity and age of onset. The clinical features may be so mild that they may be undetectable by patients, their families and physicians.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is usually diagnosed by an extensive physical examination. Symptoms include foot drop or clubfoot, paresthesia in legs, sloping gait, later weakness and atrophy of hands, then arms, absence or reduction of deep tendon reflexes, and occasionally mild sensory loss. The clinical diagnosis is then confirmed by electromyogram and nerve conduction velocity tests, and sometimes by biopsy of muscle and of sural cutaneous nerve. Genetic testing can aid in confirming the diagnosis after EMG. Since CMT is a hereditary disease, family history can also help to confirm the diagnosis and it may be appropriate to skip EMG and go directly to genetic testing in a patient with a strong family history of confirmed CMT, especially when a relative has a known mutation. Prenatal testing for pregnancies at increased risk is possible for some types of CMT if the disease-causing mutation in the family is already known.
CMT is genetically and clinically heterogeneous. It is usually inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, and occasionally in an autosomal recessive manner. The major categories of CMT are CMT types 1 through 7 as well as an X-linked category, CMTX. In the X-linked recessive patterns, only males develop the disease, although females who inherit the defective gene can pass the disease onto their sons. In the X-linked dominant pattern, an affected mother can pass on the disorder to both sons and daughters, while an affected father can only pass it onto his daughters. Within each type, a specific disease associated with a particular gene is assigned a letter (eg, CMT1A, CMT1B, etc). The majority of cases fall within type 1 (autosomal dominant inheritance, demyelinating physiology) and type 2 (autosomal dominant inheritance, axonal physiology), with an estimated prevalence of 40 per 100,000. Charcot Marie Tooth Type I disease is a demyelinating neuropathy with hypertrophic changes in peripheral nerves, and has its onset usually during late childhood. On the other hand, CMT Type II is an axonal (non-demyelinating) neuronal disorder without hypertrophic changes, and has its onset generally during adolescence. Both CMT Types I and II are characterized by a slow degeneration of peripheral nerves and roots, resulting in distal muscle atrophy commencing in the lower extremities, and affecting the upper extremities several years later.
More than 30 genes have been identified to date, with the vast majority of cases attributed to mutations in these four genes: PMP22, MPZ, GJB1, and MFN2. The association of different mutations within the same gene with various clinical phenotypes is a common finding in the HMSN/CMT group of peripheral neuropathies. This variability suggests that these disorders represent a spectrum of related phenotypes caused by an underlying defect in peripheral nervous system myelination and/or axonal function. The most common type of CMT1, CMT1A, is caused by a duplication of the PMP22 gene, accounting for 70 to 80 percent of CMT1 cases. This gene encodes a peripheral myelin protein with an apparent molecular weight of 22,000 or a DNA duplication of a specific region 5 megabases) including the PMP22 gene in the proximal short arm of chromosome 17 (band 17p11.2-p12). Thus, patients with CMT Type IA represent approximately 50 % of all CMT cases. Therefore, single-gene testing for PMP22 duplication/deletion is recommended as the first test for CMT.
Charcot Marie Tooth disease is not a fatal disorder. It does not shorten the normal life expectancy of patients, and it does not affect them mentally. As stated earlier, there is a wide range of variation in the clinical manifestations of CMT – the degree of severity can vary considerably from patient to patient, even among affected family members within the same generation. The condition can range from having no problems to having major difficulties in ambulation in early adult life, however, the latter is unusual. Most patients are able to ambulate and have gainful employment until old age. Currently, there is no specific disease-modifying treatment for this disease. Management of the majority of patients with CMT disease consists of supportive care with emphasis on proper bracing, foot care, physical therapy and occupational counseling. For example, the legs and shoes can be fitted with light braces and springs, respectively, to overcome foot drop. If foot drop is severe and the disease has become stationary, the ankle can be stabilized by arthrodeses.
In summary, the conventional means of diagnosis of CMT is through physical examination, family history, electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity studies. Thus, the value of genetic testing for CMT is to confirm the diagnosis and to distinguish this from other causes of neuropathy.
Familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (SOD1 Mutation)
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease involving both the upper motor neurons (UMN) and lower motor neurons (LMN). UMN signs include hyperreflexia, extensor plantar response, increased muscle tone, and weakness in a topographical representation. LMN signs include weakness, muscle wasting, hyporeflexia, muscle cramps, and fasciculations. In the early stage of the disease, the clinical aspects of ALS can vary. Affected individuals typically present with asymmetric focal weakness of the extremities (stumbling or poor handgrip) or bulbar findings (dysarthria, dysphagia). Other findings include muscle fasciculations, muscle cramps, and lability of affect but not necessarily mood. Regardless of initial symptoms, atrophy and weakness eventually affect other muscles. Approximately 5,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with AML each year.
Most people with ALS have a form of the condition that is described as sporadic or non-inherited. The cause of sporadic ALS is largely unknown but probably involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors. About 10 % of people with ALS have a familial form of the condition, which is caused by an inherited genetic mutation, usually as an autosomal dominant trait. The mean age of onset of ALS in individuals with no known family history is 56 years and in familial ALS it is 46 years.
The diagnosis of ALS is based on clinical features, electrodiagnostic testing (EMG), and exclusion of other health conditions with related symptoms. At present, genetic testing in ALS has no value in making the diagnosis. The only genetic test currently available detects the SOD1 mutation. Since only 20 % of familial ALS patients will test positively for an SOD1 mutation, this test has limited value in genetic counseling.
Migrainous Vertigo
Migrainous vertigo is a term used to describe episodic vertigo in patients with a history of migraines or with other clinical features of migraine. Approximately 20 to 33 % of migraine patients experience episodic vertigo. The underlying cause of migrainous vertigo is not very well understood. There are no confirmatory diagnostic tests or susceptible genes associated with migrainous vertigo. Other conditions, specifically Meniere's disease and structural and vascular brainstem disease, must be excluded (Black, 2006).
Prostate Cancer / UroSeq Hereditary Gene Panel
The UroSeq Hereditary Gene Panel is used for diagnosis, prognosis, recurrence/risk assessment, as well as therapeutic management of patients with prostate cancer. Of the 12 genes listed under the UroSeq Genetic Panel for prostate cancer, all but 2 (EPCAM and HOXB13) are listed under National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s Biomarkers Compendium (2020) menu of “Prostate cancer” (Category 2A).
Type 2 Diabetes
Available evidence has shown that screening for a panel of gene variants associated with type 2 diabetes does not substantially improve prediction of risk for the disease than an assessment based on traditional risk factors. Available evidence suggests that both genetic and environmental factors play a role in the development of type 2diabetes. Recent genetic studies have identified 18 gene variants that appear to increase the risk for type 2 diabetes.
A study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine evaluated the potential utility of genetic screening in predicting future risk of type 2 diabetes (Meigs et al, 2008). The investigators analyzed records from the Framingham Offspring Study, which follows a group of adult children of participants of the original Framingham Heart study, to evaluate risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease, including diabetes. Full genotype results for the 18 gene variants as well as clinical outcomes were available for 2,377 participants, 255 of whom developed type 2 diabetes during 28 years of follow-up. Each participant was assigned a genotype score, based on the number of risk-associated gene copies inherited. The investigators compared the predictive value of the genotype score to that of family history alone or of physiological risk factors. Overall, the genetic score was 17.7 among those who developed diabetes and 17.1 among those who did not. The investigators found that, while the genetic score did help predict who would develop diabetes, once other known risk factors were taken into consideration, it offered little additional predictive power. The investigators concluded that: "[t]he genotype score resulted in the appropriate risk reclassification of, at most, 4 % of the subjects, compared with risk estimates based on age, sex, blood lipids, body mass index, family history, and other standard risk factors." The investigators reported that "[o]ur findings underscore the view that identification of adverse phenotypic characteristics remains the cornerstone of approaches to predicting the risk of type 2 diabetes," the authors said.
A similar study among Swedish and Finnish patients, published in the same issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, also found only a small improvement in risk estimates when genetic factors were added to traditional risk factors (Lyssenko et al, 2008).
The OncoVue Breast Cancer Risk Test
The OncoVue breast cancer risk test (Intergenetics, Inc., Oklahoma City, OK) is a genetic-based breast cancer risk test that incorporates both individualized genetic-based single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and personal history measures to arrive at an estimate of a woman’s breast cancer risk at various stages in her life.
Cells that are collected from the inside of the cheek are analyzed using thousands of proprietary (Intergenetic, Inc.) combinations of multiple genes. The genetic information and the data from the medical history are combined to assign a numeric value that tells a woman's lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Her OncoVue risk test will tell her if she is standard, moderate or high risk for developing breast cancer during each stage of her life.
OncoVue is based on an un-published case-controlled associative study that examined common genetic polymorphisms and medical history variables. Currently, 117 common polymorphisms (mostly SNPs) located in over 87 genes believed to alter breast cancer risk are examined. Most result in amino acid changes in the proteins encoded by the genes in which they occur. The medical history variables include answers to questions concerning women’s reproductive histories, family histories of cancer and a few other questions related to general health.
There are no published controlled studies on the OncoVue breast cancer risk test in the peer-reviewed medical literature.
Gail (2009) evaluated the value of adding SNP genotypes to a breast cancer risk model. Criteria that are based on 4 clinical or public health applications were used to compare the National Cancer Institute's Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool (BCRAT) with BCRATplus7, which includes 7 SNPs previously associated with breast cancer. Criteria included number of expected life-threatening events for the decision to take tamoxifen, expected decision losses (in units of the loss from giving a mammogram to a woman without detectable breast cancer) for the decision to have a mammogram, rates of risk re-classification, and number of lives saved by risk-based allocation of screening mammography. For all calculations, the following assumptions were made: Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, linkage equilibrium across SNPs, additive effects of alleles at each locus, no interactions on the logistic scale among SNPs or with factors in BCRAT, and independence of SNPs from factors in BCRAT. Improvements in expected numbers of life-threatening events were only 0.07 % and 0.81 % for deciding whether to take tamoxifen to prevent breast cancer for women aged 50 to 59 and 40 to 49 years, respectively. For deciding whether to recommend screening mammograms to women aged 50 to 54 years, the reduction in expected losses was 0.86 % if the ideal breast cancer prevalence threshold for recommending mammography was that of women aged 50 to 54 years. Cross-classification of risks indicated that some women classified by BCRAT would have different classifications with BCRATplus7, which might be useful if BCRATplus7 was well calibrated. Improvements from BCRATplus7 were small for risk-based allocation of mammograms under costs constraints. The author reported that the gains from BCRATplus7 were small in the applications examined and that models with SNPs, such as BCRATplus7, have not been validated for calibration in independent cohort data. The author concluded that additional studies are needed to validate a model with SNPs and justify its use.
There is insufficient evidence on the effectiveness of the OncoVue breast cancer risk test in determining a woman’s breast cancer risk at various stages in her life.
The Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog (PTEN) Gene Test
Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) hamartoma tumor syndrome is an autosomal dominant group of disorders with significant clinical overlap, most notably predisposition to hamartomatous polyposis of the gastro-intestinal tract. Laurent-Puig et al (2009) stated that the occurrence of KRAS mutation is predictive of non-response and shorter survival in patients treated by anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) antibody for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), leading the European Medicine Agency to limit its use to patients with wild-type KRAS tumors. However, only 50 % of these patients will benefit from treatment, suggesting the need to identify additional biomarkers for cetuximab-based treatment efficacy. These investigators retrospectively collected tumors from 173 patients with mCRC. All but 1 patient received a cetuximab-based regimen as second-line or greater therapy. KRAS and BRAF status were assessed by allelic discrimination. EGFR amplification was assessed by chromogenic in situ hybridization and fluorescent in situ hybridization, and the expression of PTEN was assessed by immunochemistry. In patients with KRAS wild-type tumors (n = 116), BRAF mutations (n = 5) were weakly associated with lack of response (p = 0.063) but were strongly associated with shorter progression-free survival (p < 0.001) and shorter overall survival (OS; p < 0.001). A high EGFR polysomy or an EGFR amplification was found in 17.7 % of the patients and was associated with response (p = 0.015). PTEN null expression was found in 19.9 % of the patients and was associated with shorter OS (p = 0.013). In multi-variate analysis, BRAF mutation and PTEN expression status were associated with OS. The authors concluded that BRAF status, EGFR amplification, and cytoplasmic expression of PTEN were associated with outcome measures in KRAS wild-type patients treated with a cetuximab-based regimen. They stated that more studies in clinical trial cohorts are needed to confirm the clinical utility of these markers.
Siena et al (2009) noted that the monoclonal antibodies panitumumab and cetuximab that target the EGFR have expanded the range of treatment options for mCRC. Initial evaluation of these agents as monotherapy in patients with EGFR-expressing chemotherapy-refractory tumors yielded response rates of approximately 10 %. The realization that detection of positive EGFR expression by immunostaining does not reliably predict clinical outcome of EGFR-targeted treatment has led to an intense search for alternative predictive biomarkers. Oncogenic activation of signaling pathways downstream of the EGFR, such as mutation of KRAS, BRAF, or PIK3CA oncogenes, or inactivation of the PTEN tumor suppressor gene is central to the progression of colorectal cancer. Tumor KRAS mutations, which may be present in 35 % to 45 % of patients with colorectal cancer, have emerged as an important predictive marker of resistance to panitumumab or cetuximab treatment. In addition, among colorectal tumors carrying wild-type KRAS, mutation of BRAF or PIK3CA or loss of PTEN expression may be associated with resistance to EGFR-targeted monoclonal antibody treatment, although these additional biomarkers require further validation before incorporation into clinical practice. Additional knowledge of the molecular basis for sensitivity or resistance to EGFR-targeted monoclonal antibodies will allow the development of new treatment algorithms to identify patients who are most likely to respond to treatment and could also provide rationale for combining therapies to overcome primary resistance. The use of KRAS mutations as a selection biomarker for anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody (e.g., panitumumab or cetuximab) treatment is the first major step toward individualized treatment for patients with mCRC.
Epsilon-Sarcoglycan Gene (SCGE) Deletion Analysis
Myoclonus-dystonia (M-D), an autosomal dominant inherited movement disorder, has been associated with mutations in the epsilon-sarcoglycan gene (SCGE) on 7q21. Raymond et al (2008) noted that M-D due to SGCE mutations is characterized by early onset myoclonic jerks, often associated with dystonia. Penetrance is influenced by parental sex, but other sex effects have not been established. In 42 affected individuals from 11 families with identified mutations, these researchers found that sex was highly associated with age at onset regardless of mutation type; the median age onset for girls was 5 years versus 8 years for boys (p < 0.0097). Moreover, the authors found no association between mutation type and phenotype.
Ritz et al (2009) stated that various mutations within the SGCE gene have been associated with M-D, but mutations are detected in only about 30 % of patients. The lack of stringent clinical inclusion criteria and limitations of mutation screens by direct sequencing might explain this observation. Eighty-six M-D index patients from the Dutch national referral center for M-D underwent neurological examination and were classified according to previously published criteria into definite, probable and possible M-D. Sequence analysis of the SGCE gene and screening for copy number variations were performed. In addition, screening was carried out for the 3 bp deletion in exon 5 of the DYT1 gene. Based on clinical examination, 24 definite, 23 probable and 39 possible M-D patients were detected. Thirteen of the 86 M-D index patients carried a SGCE mutation: 7 nonsense mutations, 2 splice site mutations, 3 missense mutations (2 within 1 patient) and 1 multi-exonic deletion. In the definite M-D group, 50 % carried an SGCE mutation and 1 single patient in the probable group (4 %). One possible M-D patient showed a 4 bp deletion in the DYT1 gene (c.934_937delAGAG). The authors concluded that mutation carriers were mainly identified in the definite M-D group. However, in 50 % of definite M-D cases, no mutation could be identified.
Home Genetic Tests
Walker (2010) stated that according to an undercover investigation by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), home genetic tests often provide incomplete or misleading information to consumers. For the GAO investigation, investigators purchased 10 tests each from 4 different direct-to-consumer genetic tests companies: 23andMe, deCode Genetics, Navigenics, and Pathway Genomics. Five saliva donors each sent 2 DNA samples to each company. In one sample, the donor used his or her real personal and medical information, and for the second sample, they developed faux identifying and medical information. The results, according to the GAO, were far from precise. For example, a donor was told by a company that he had a "below average" risk of developing hypertension, but a second company rated his risk as "average", while a third company, using DNA from the same donor, said the sample revealed an "above average" risk for hypertension. In some cases, the results conflicted with the donor's real medical condition. None of the genetic tests currently offered to consumers has undergone FDA pre-market review.
Familial Cold Autoinflammatory Syndrome
Familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome (FCAS), also known as familial cold urticaria (FCU), is an autosomal dominant condition characterized by rash, conjunctivitis, fever/chills and arthralgias elicited by exposure to cold – sometimes temperatures below 22° C (72° F). It is rare and is estimated as having a prevalence of 1 per million people and mainly affects Americans and Europeans. Familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome is one of the cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS) caused by mutations in the CIAS1/NALP3 (also known as NLRP3) gene at location 1q44. Familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome shares symptoms, and should not be confused, with acquired cold urticaria, a more common condition mediated by different mechanisms that usually develop later in life and are rarely inherited. There is insufficient evidence to support the use of genetic testing in the management of patients with FCAS/FCU. UpToDate reviews on "Cold urticaria" (Maurer, 2011) and "Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes and related disorders" (Nigrovic, 2011) do not mention the use of genetic testing.
Santome Collazo et al (2010) noted that congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is not an infrequent genetic disorder for which mutation-based analysis for CYP21A2 gene is a useful tool. An UpToDate review on "Diagnosis of classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency" (Merke, 2011) states that "[g]enetic testing also can be used to evaluate borderline cases. Genetic testing detects approximately 95 percent of mutant alleles". Furthermore, the Endocrine Society's clinical practice guideline on congenital adrenal hyperplasia (Speiser et al, 2010) suggested genotyping only when results of the adrenocortical profile following cosyntropin stimulation test are equivocal or for purposes of genetic counseling. The Task Force recommends that genetic counseling be given to parents at birth of a CAH child, and to adolescents at the transition to adult care.
Malignant Hyperthermia
Wappler (2010) stated that malignant hyperthermia (MH)-susceptible patients have an increased risk during anesthesia. The aim of this review was to present current knowledge about pathophysiology and triggers of MH as well as concepts for safe anesthesiological management of these patients. Trigger substances and mechanisms have been well-defined to date. Anesthesia can be safely performed with i.v. anesthetics, nitrous oxide, non-depolarizing muscle relaxants, local anesthetics as well as xenon. Attention must be directed to the preparation of the anesthetic machine because modern work-stations need longer cleansing times than their predecessors. Alternatively, activated charcoal might be beneficial for elimination of volatile anesthetics. Day case surgery can be performed in MH-susceptible patients, if all safety aspects are regarded. Whether there is an association between MH susceptibility and other disorders is still a matter of debate. The authors concluded that the incidence of MH is low, but the prevalence can be estimated as up to 1: 3,000. Because MH is potentially lethal, it is relevant to establish management concepts for peri-operative care in susceptible patients. This includes pre-operative genetic and in-vitro muscle contracture test (IVCT), preparation of the anesthetic work-station, use of non-triggering anesthetics, adequate monitoring, availability of sufficient quantities of dantrolene and appropriate post-operative care. Taking these items into account, anesthesia can be safely performed in susceptible patients.
Moreover, an UpToDate review on "Susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia" (Litman, 2011) states that "the contracture test is performed at specific centers around the world (four in the United States). Following testing, the referring physician receives a report indicating whether testing was positive, negative, or equivocal. Positive or equivocal results should be followed-up with genetic testing. Referral information can be found on the Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States (MHAUS) website". Genetic testing for MH is indicated in the following groups:- patients with a positive or equivocal contracture test to determine the presence of a specific mutation,
- individuals with a positive genetic test for MH in a family member, and
- patients with a clinical history suspicious for MH (acute MH episode, masseter muscle rigidity, post-operative myoglobinuria, heat or exercise induce rhabdomyolysis) who are unable or unwilling to undergo contracture testing.
Sleep-Walking
Licis et al (2011) stated that sleep-walking is a common and highly heritable sleep disorder. However, inheritance patterns of sleep-walking are poorly understood and there have been no prior reports of genes or chromosomal localization of genes responsible for this disorder. These researchers described the inheritance pattern of sleep-walking in a 4-generation family and identified the chromosomal location of a gene responsible for sleep-walking in this family. A total of 9 affected and 13 unaffected family members of a single large family were interviewed and DNA samples collected. Parametric linkage analysis was performed. Sleep-walking was inherited as an autosomal dominant disorder with reduced penetrance in this family. Genome-wide multi-point parametric linkage analysis for sleep-walking revealed a maximum logarithm of the odds score of 3.44 at chromosome 20q12-q13.12 between 55.6 and 61.4 cM. The authors described the first genetic locus for sleep-walking at chromosome 20q12-q13.12; and concluded that sleep-walking may be transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait with reduced penetrance.
In an editorial that accompanied the afore-metnioned study, Dogu and Pressman (2011) noted that "[a]ccording to currently accepted evidence-based theories, the occurrence of sleepwalking requires genetic predisposition, priming factors such as severe sleep deprivation or stress, and, in addition, a proximal trigger factor such as noise or touch. These factors form the background for a “perfect storm,” all of which must occur before a sleepwalking episode will occur. Hereditary factors likely play an important role, with recessive and multifactorial inheritance patterns having been reported. A recent genetic study has shown that the HLADQB1*05 Ser74 variant is a major susceptibility factor for sleepwalking in familial cases, but this finding has yet to be replicated. Another study attempted to find a causal relationship between sleepwalking and sleep-disordered breathing in cosegregated families of both disorders. However, this study was limited by the absence of molecular data .... The current diagnosis of sleepwalking is based almost entirely on clinical history. There are no objective, independent means of confirming the diagnosis. Additionally, treatment of sleepwalking is symptomatic, aimed at suppressing arousal or reducing deep sleep. Identification of causative genes may eventually permit development of an independent test and treatments aimed at the underlying causes of this disorder".
Choroidal Neovascularization
RetnaGene AMD (Sequenom Center for Molecular Medicine) is a laboratory developed genetic test to assess the risk of developing choroidal neovascularization (CNV), the wet form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common eye disorder of the elderly that can lead to blindness. The test identifies at-risk Caucasians, age 60 and older. A report of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (Stone, et al., 2012) recommends avoidance of routine genetic testing for genetically complex disorders like age-related macular degeneration and late-onset primary open-angle glaucoma until specific treatment or surveillance strategies have been shown in one or more published clinical trials to be of benefit to individuals with specific disease-associated genotypes. The report recommends that, in the meantime, genotyping of such patients should be confined to research studies. The report stated that complex disorders (e.g., age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma) tend to be more common in the population than monogenic diseases, and the presence of any one of the disease-associated variants is not highly predictive of the development of disease. The report stated that, in many cases, standard clinical diagnostic methods like biomicroscopy, ophthalmoscopy, tonography, and perimetry will be more accurate for assessing a patient’s risk of vision loss from a complex disease than the assessment of a small number of genetic loci. The report said that genetic testing for complex diseases will become relevant to the routine practice of medicine as soon as clinical trials can demonstrate that patients with specific genotypes benefit from specific types of therapy or surveillance. The report concluded that, until such benefit can be demonstrated, the routine genetic testing of patients with complex eye diseases, or unaffected patients with a family history of such diseases, is not warranted.
Malignant Hyperthermia
Central core disease (CCD) also known as central core myopathy and Shy-Magee syndrome, is an inherited neuromuscular disorder characterized by central cores on muscle biopsy and clinical features of a congenital myopathy. Prevalence is unknown but the condition is probably more common than other congenital myopathies. CCD typically presents in infancy with hypotonia and motor developmental delay and is characterized by predominantly proximal weakness pronounced in the hip girdle; orthopedic complications are common and malignant hyperthermia susceptibility (MHS) is a frequent complication.
Malignant hyperthermia (MH) or malignant hyperpyrexia is a rare but severe pharmacogenetic disorder that occurs when patients undergoing anesthesia experience a hyperthermic reaction when exposed to certain anesthetic agents. Anesthetic agents that may trigger MH are desflurane, enflurane, halothane, isoflurane, sevoflurane, and suxamethonium chloride. MH usually occurs in the operating theater, but can occur at anytime during anesthesia and up to an hour after discontinuation.
CCD and MHS are allelic conditions both due to (predominantly dominant) mutations in the skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor (RYR1) gene, encoding the principal skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release channel (RyR1). Altered excitability and/or changes in calcium homeostasis within muscle cells due to mutation-induced conformational changes of the RyR protein are considered the main pathogenetic mechanism(s).
The diagnosis of CCD is based on the presence of suggestive clinical features and central cores on muscle biopsy; muscle MRI may show a characteristic pattern of selective muscle involvement and aid the diagnosis in cases with equivocal histopathological findings. Mutational analysis of the RYR1 gene may provide genetic confirmation of the diagnosis. Further evaluation of the underlying molecular mechanisms may provide the basis for future rational pharmacological treatment.
The reference standard test for establishing a clinical diagnosis of MHS is the caffeine halothane contracture test (CHCT) in the United States, and the in vitro contracture test (IVCT) in Europe and Australasia. The CHCT and IVCT are similar and measure the muscle contracture in the presence of the anesthetic halothane and caffeine. Both tests categorize patients as being MHS, MH equivocal (MHE), or MH negative (MHN). These tests are invasive and must be performed using a skeletal muscle biopsy that is < 5 hours old. Sequence variants in the ryanodine receptor 1 (skeletal) (RYR1) gene have been shown to be associated with MH susceptibility (MHS) and are found in up to 80% of patients with confirmed MH, usually with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. Although additional genetic loci have been associated with MH, the contribution of these other loci to MH is low.
Genetic testing for RYR1 sequence variants from commercial providers is performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by direct sequencing. Genetic tests for RYR1 sequence variants can be performed to either identify sequence variants in genetic hot spots of the RYR1 gene that cover all exons on which causative MH variants can be found, or for screening of sequence variants across the entire 106 exons of the RYR1 gene.
Examples of commercially available tests are: Malignant Hyperthermia/Central Core Disease (570-572) RYR1 Sequencing (Prevention Genetics); Malignant hyperthermia (RYR1 gene sequenced analysis, partial) (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Division of Molecular Diagnostics [UPMC Molecular Diagnostics]).
Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), also called Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, is an autosomal dominant trait disorder that results in the development of multiple abnormalities in the blood vessels. Some arterial vessels flow directly into veins rather than into the capillaries resulting in arteriovenous malformations. When they occur in vessels near the surface of the skin, where they are visible as red markings, they are known as telangiectases (the singular is telangiectasia). Nosebleeds are very common in people with HHT, and more serious problems may arise from hemorrhages in the brain, liver, lungs, or other organs. Forms of HHT include type 1, type 2, type 3, and juvenile polyposis/hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia syndrome. People with type 1 tend to develop symptoms earlier than those with type 2, and are more likely to have blood vessel malformations in the lungs and brain. Type 2 and type 3 may be associated with a higher risk of liver involvement. Women are more likely than men to develop blood vessel malformations in the lungs with type 1, and are also at higher risk of liver involvement with both type 1 and type 2. Individuals with any form of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, however, can have any of these problems.
Genetic testing utilizes a blood test to determine whether or not an at risk individual carries the genes responsible for the development of disease. Mutations in two genes, endoglin and ALK-1, have been shown to be responsible for pure HHT, with the disease subtypes designated HHT1 and HHT2. Mutations in Smad4 result in a juvenile polyposis-HHT overlap syndrome.
In 2010, Shah and group wrote that hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant disorder with age-dependent penetrance characterized by recurrent epistaxis, mucocutaneous telangiectasias, and visceral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). AVMs can occur in multiple organs, including brain, liver, and lungs, and are associated with a large portion of disease morbidity. Pulmonary AVMs (PAVMs) can be asymptomatic or manifest as dyspnea and hypoxemia secondary to shunting. The presence of untreated PAVMs can also lead to transient ischemic attacks, stroke, hemothorax, and systemic infection, including cerebral abscesses. Definitive diagnosis is made when three or more clinical findings are present, which include the features mentioned above and a first-degree relative diagnosed with HHT. Diagnosis is suspected when two findings are present. Genetic testing can help confirm diagnosis. Mutations in three genes are known to cause disease: ENG, ACVRL1, and SMAD4. Genetic testing involves sequence and duplication/deletion analysis and identifies a mutation in roughly 80% of patients with clinical disease.
The textbook Flint: Cummings Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery (2010) states that genetic testing is available for prenatal diagnosis of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. This is important, because catastrophic hemorrhage can occur in children with clinically silent disease, thus screening imaging for cerebral and pulmonary arteriomalformations is indicated in children who have a family history.
According to the textbook of Feldman: Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease (2010), genetic testing to detect mutations in the ENG, ALK-1, or MAHD4 genes may be helpful in selected cases. Patients suspected of having HHT should be screened for cerebral and pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and family members of the patient should consider genetic testing.
The textbook Cassidy: Management of Genetic Syndromes (2005), reports that, to date, mutation testing has not been widely used in the diagnosis of HHT. However, mutations in either ALK1 or endoglin have been demonstrated in over 70% of unrelated, affected individuals tested using direct gene sequencing of genomic DNA. Genetic testing for HHT will have an important role in both the testing of individuals for whom the diagnosis is uncertain and in presymptomatic testing of young adults at risk of HHT.
In 2006, Bossler and group describe the results of mutation analysis on a consecutive series of 200 individuals undergoing clinical genetic testing for HHT. The observed sensitivity of mutation detection was similar to that in other series with strict ascertainment criteria. A total of 127 probands were found, with sequence changes consisting of 103 unique alterations, 68 of which were novel. In addition, eight intragenic rearrangements in the ENG gene and two in the ACVRL1 gene were identified in a subset of coding sequence mutation-negative individuals. Most individuals tested could be categorized by the number of HHT diagnostic criteria present. Surprisingly, almost 50% of the cases with a single symptom were found to have a significant sequence alteration; three of these reported only nosebleeds. The authors concluded, “genetic testing can confirm the clinical diagnosis in individuals and identify presymptomatic mutation carriers. As many of the complications of HHT disease can be prevented, a confirmed molecular diagnosis provides an opportunity for early detection of AVMs and management of the disease.”
Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a group of inherited diseases that cause muscle damage and weakness, which get worse over time and eventually lead to death. The most severe form is SMA type I, also called Werdnig-Hoffman disease. Infants with SMA type II have less severe symptoms during early infancy, but become weaker with time. SMA type III is the least severe form of the disease. Rarely, SMA may begin in adulthood and is usually a milder form of the disease.
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), which has an estimated prevalence of 1 in 10,000, is characterized by proximal muscle weakness resulting from the degeneration of anterior horn cells in the spinal cord. SMA type I is typically diagnosed at birth or within the first 3 to 6 months of life; affected children are unable to sit unassisted and usually die from respiratory failure within 2 years. Those with SMA type II, which is diagnosed before 18 months of age, are unable to stand or walk unaided, although they may be able to sit and may survive beyond age 4. The clinical features of SMA types III and IV are milder and manifest after 18 months of age or in adulthood, respectively. SMA is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner and is caused by alterations in the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene located on chromosome 5 at band q12.2 to q13.3. Approximately 95% of SMA patients have the condition as a result of a homozygous deletion involving at least exon 7 of SMN1. Approximately 5% are compound heterozygotes, with a deletion in 1 allele of SMN1 and a subtle intragenic variation in the other. SMN2, a gene nearly identical in sequence to SMN1, is located in the same highly repetitive region on chromosome 5. Although it does not cause SMA, it has been shown to modify the phenotype of the condition; those with the milder SMA types II or III tend to have more copies of SMN2 than those with the severe type I.
SMN1 deletions are detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of exon 7 of the SMN genes, followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. Following amplification, exon 7 of SMN2 will be cut with the restriction enzyme DraI, while exon 7 of SMN1 will remain intact. SMA patients with homozygous SMN1 deletions will show an absence of the uncut SMN1 exon 7 PCR products. To detect heterozygous SMN1 deletions in SMA carriers or compound heterozygotes, quantitative PCR (qPCR) is performed. To identify subtle intragenic variations in SMA patients found to have only 1 copy of the deletion, the SMN1 gene is typically sequenced. Candidates for diagnostic testing include infants, children, and adults with generalized hypotonia and proximal muscle weakness of unknown etiology. Carrier testing may be offered to couples considering pregnancy, including those with a family history of SMA, and prenatal diagnosis should be made available to all identified carriers.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG, 2017) recommends that "[s]creening for spinal muscular atrophy should be offered to all women who are considering pregnancy or are currently pregnant. The guidelines state that, "in patients with a family history of spinal muscular atrophy, molecular testing reports of the affected individual and carrier testing of the related parent should be reviewed, if possible, before testing. If the reports are not available, SMN1 deletion testing should be recommended for the low-risk partner."
Heterotaxy
Bedard et al (2011) noted that patients with heterotaxy have characteristic cardiovascular malformations, abnormal arrangement of their visceral organs, and midline patterning defects that result from abnormal left-right patterning during embryogenesis. Loss of function of the transcription factor ZIC3 causes X-linked heterotaxy and isolated congenital heart malformations and represents one of the few known monogenic causes of congenital heart disease. The birth incidence of heterotaxy-spectrum malformations is significantly higher in males, but the authors’ previous work indicated that mutations within ZIC3 did not account for the male over-representation. Therefore, cross species comparative sequence alignment was used to identify a putative novel fourth exon, and the existence of a novel alternatively spliced transcript was confirmed by amplification from murine embryonic RNA and subsequent sequencing. This transcript, termed Zic3-B, encompasses exons 1, 2, and 4 whereas Zic3-A encompasses exons 1, 2, and 3. The resulting protein isoforms are 466 and 456 amino acid residues respectively, sharing the first 407 residues. Importantly, the last 2 amino acids in the 5th zinc finger DNA binding domain are altered in the Zic3-B isoform, indicating a potential functional difference that was further evaluated by expression, subcellular localization, and transactivation analyses. The temporo-spatial expression pattern of Zic3-B overlaps with Zic3-A in-vivo, and both isoforms are localized to the nucleus in-vitro. Both isoforms can transcriptionally activate a Gli binding site reporter, but only ZIC3-A synergistically activates upon co-transfection with Gli3, suggesting that the isoforms are functionally distinct. The authors concluded that screening 109 familial and sporadic male heterotaxy cases did not identify pathogenic mutations in the newly identified fourth exon and larger studies are necessary to establish the importance of the novel isoform in human disease.
Tariq et al (2011) heterotaxy-spectrum cardiovascular disorders are challenging for traditional genetic analyses because of clinical and genetic heterogeneity, variable expressivity, and non-penetrance. In this study, high-resolution single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) genotyping and exon-targeted array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) platforms were coupled to whole-exome sequencing to identify a novel disease candidate gene. SNP genotyping identified absence-of-heterozygosity regions in the heterotaxy proband on chromosomes 1, 4, 7, 13, 15, 18, consistent with parental consanguinity. Subsequently, whole-exome sequencing of the proband identified 26,065 coding variants, including 18 non-synonymous homozygous changes not present in dbSNP132 or 1000 Genomes. Of these 18, only 4 – 1 each in CXCL2, SHROOM3, CTSO, RXFP1 – were mapped to the absence-of-heterozygosity regions, each of which was flanked by more than 50 homozygous SNPs, confirming recessive segregation of mutant alleles. Sanger sequencing confirmed the SHROOM3 homozygous missense mutation and it was predicted as pathogenic by 4 bio-informatic tools. SHROOM3 has been identified as a central regulator of morphogenetic cell shape changes necessary for organogenesis and can physically bind ROCK2, a rho kinase protein required for left-right patterning. Screening 96 sporadic heterotaxy patients identified 4 additional patients with rare variants in SHROOM3. The authors concluded that using whole exome sequencing, the authors identify a recessive missense mutation in SHROOM3 associated with heterotaxy syndrome and identify rare variants in subsequent screening of a heterotaxy cohort, suggesting SHROOM3 as a novel target for the control of left-right patterning. This study revealed the value of SNP genotyping coupled with high-throughput sequencing for identification of high yield candidates for rare disorders with genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity.
Also, UpToDate reviews on “Clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, and diagnosis of atrioventricular (AV) canal defects” (Fleishman and Tugertimur, 2013) and “Congenital heart disease (CHD) in the newborn: Presentation and screening for critical CHD” (Altman, 2013) do not mention the use of genetic testing as a management tool.
Muscular Dystrophy
Genetic testing may be used to analyze DNA to detect gene mutations to assist in diagnosing a genetic disorder in individuals who exhibit disease signs and symptoms. It may also be used to determine if an asymptomatic individual may be at risk for developing a genetic disorder since an individual's risk might be higher if genes are inherited that cause or increase susceptibility to a disorder. Genetic testing for disease risk, also referred to as predictive, presymptomatic or predispositional genetic testing, may be offered to asymptomatic individuals with a family history of the genetic disorder or if a disease-causing, or pathogenic, mutation has been identified in an affected relative. Testing may be offered for conditions such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), myotonic dystrophy or spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD) is an inherited disorder that involves slowly progressing muscle weakness of the legs and pelvis. BMD is similar to DMD, though it is less common and progresses at a slower rate.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is the most severe form of muscular dystrophy, DMD usually affects young boys and causes progressive muscle weakness, usually beginning in the legs.
Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD) is a disorder characterized by muscle weakness and atrophy. The areas of the body most often affected include the muscles of the face, shoulder blades and upper arms.
Myotonic Dystrophy is an inherited neuromuscular disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness and wasting.
Spinocerebellar Ataxia
Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) is an inherited progressive neurodegenerative disease. It is characterized by dysfunction of the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls walking and balance and is manifested by progressive uncoordinated movements (ataxia). There are at least 25 different types of SCA conditions. Diagnostic genetic testing may be used for individuals with signs and symptoms of SCA. Genetic testing has also been proposed for at-risk individuals with a family history of SCA.
Mitochondrial Recessive Ataxia Syndrome
Lee et al (2007) stated that spino-cerebellar ataxia (SCA) is a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders with common features of adult-onset cerebellar ataxia. Many patients with clinically suspected SCA are subsequently diagnosed with common SCA gene mutations. Previous reports suggested some common mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) point mutations and mitochondrial DNA polymerase gene (POLG1) mutations might be additional underlying genetic causes of cerebellar ataxia. These researchers tested whether mtDNA point mutations A3243G, A8344G, T8993G, and T8993C, or POLG1 mutations W748S and A467T are found in patients with adult-onset ataxia who did not have common SCA mutations. A total of 476 unrelated patients with suspected SCA underwent genetic testing for SCA 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 17, and DRPLA gene mutations. After excluding these SCA mutations and patients with paternal transmission history, 265 patients were tested for mtDNA mutations A3243G, A8344G, T8993G, T8993C, and POLG1 W748S and A467T mutations. No mtDNA A3243G, A8344G, T8993G, T8993C, or POLG1 W748S and A467T mutation was detected in any of the 265 ataxia patients, suggesting that the upper limit of the 95 % confidence interval (CI) for the prevalence of these mitochondrial mutations in Chinese patients with adult-onset non-SCA ataxia is no higher than 1.1 %. The authors concluded that the mtDNA mutations A3243G, A8344G, T8993G, T8993C, or POLG1 W748S and A467T are very rare causes of adult-onset ataxia in Taiwan. Routine screening for these mutations in ataxia patients with Chinese origin is of limited clinical value.
Gramstad et al (2009) noted that mutations in the catalytic subunit of polymerase gamma (POLG1) produce a wide variety of neurological disorders including a progressive ataxic syndrome with epilepsy: mitochondrial SCA and epilepsy (MSCAE). The authors’ earlier studies of patients with this syndrome raised the possibility of more prominent right than left hemisphere dysfunction. To investigate this in more detail, 8 patients (6 women, 2 men; mean age of 22.3 years) were studied. All completed an intelligence test (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale; WAIS), and 4 were also given memory tests and a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery. Patients with MSCAE showed significant cognitive dysfunction. Mean Verbal IQ (84.3) was significantly better than Performance IQ (71.8) (t = 5.23, p = 0.001), but memory testing and neuropsychological testing failed to detect a consistent unilateral dysfunction. The authors concluded that further studies are needed to define the profile and development of cognitive symptoms in this disorder.
Isohanni et al (2011) stated that mitochondrial DNA polymerase γ (POLG1) mutations in children often manifest as Alpers syndrome, whereas in adults, a common manifestation is mitochondrial recessive ataxia syndrome (MIRAS) with severe epilepsy. Because some patients with MIRAS have presented with ataxia or epilepsy already in childhood, these investigators searched for POLG1 mutations in neurologic manifestations in childhood. They investigated POLG1 in 136 children, all clinically suspected to have mitochondrial disease, with one or more of the following: ataxia, axonal neuropathy, severe epilepsy without known epilepsy syndrome, epileptic encephalopathy, encephalohepatopathy, or neuropathologically verified Alpers syndrome. A total of 7 patients had POLG1 mutations, and all of them had severe encephalopathy with intractable epilepsy. Four patients had died after exposure to sodium valproate. Brain MRI showed parieto-occipital or thalamic hyper-intense lesions, white matter abnormality, and atrophy. Muscle histology and mitochondrial biochemistry results were normal in all. The authors concluded that POLG1 analysis should belong to the first-line DNA diagnostic tests for children with an encephalitis-like presentation evolving into epileptic encephalopathy with liver involvement (Alpers syndrome), even if brain MRI and morphology, respiratory chain activities, and the amount of mitochondrial DNA in the skeletal muscle are normal. POLG1 analysis should precede valproate therapy in pediatric patients with a typical phenotype. However, POLG1 is not a common cause of isolated epilepsy or ataxia in childhood.
Tang et al (2012) determined the prevalence of MNGIE-like phenotype in patients with recessive POLG1 mutations. Mutations in the POLG1 gene, which encodes for the catalytic subunit of the mitochondrial DNA polymerase gamma essential for mitochondrial DNA replication, cause a wide spectrum of mitochondrial disorders. Common phenotypes associated with POLG1 mutations include Alpers syndrome, ataxia-neuropathy syndrome, and progressive external ophthalmoplegia (PEO). Mitochondrial neuro-gastro-intestinal encephalomyopathy (MNGIE) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by severe gastrointestinal dysmotility, cachexia, PEO and/or ptosis, peripheral neuropathy, and leukoencephalopathy. MNGIE is caused by TYMP mutations. Rare cases of MNGIE-like phenotype have been linked to RRM2B mutations. Recently, POLG1 mutations were identified in a family with clinical features of MNGIE but no leukoencephalopathy. The coding regions and exon-intron boundaries of POLG1 were sequence analyzed in patients suspected of POLG1-related disorders. Clinical features of 92 unrelated patients with 2 pathogenic POLG1 alleles were carefully reviewed. Three patients, accounting for 3.3 % of all patients with 2 pathogenic POLG1 mutations, were found to have clinical features consistent with MNGIE but no leukoencephalopathy. Patient 1 carries p.W748S and p.R953C; patient 2 is homozygous for p.W748S, and patient 3 is homozygous for p.A467T. In addition, patient 2 has a similarly affected sibling with the same POLG1 genotype. POLG1 mutations may cause MNGIE-like syndrome, but the lack of leukoencephalopathy and the normal plasma thymidine favor POLG1 mutations as responsible molecular defect.
Furthermore, UpToDate reviews on “Overview of the hereditary ataxias” (Opal and Zoghbi, 2013a) and “The spinocerebellar ataxias” (Opal and Zoghbi, 2013b) do not mention the use of POLG1 genetic testing.
Myelodysplastic Syndromes
National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on “Myelodysplastic syndromes” (2014) stated that further evaluations are necessary to establish the role of these genetic lesions on risk stratification systems in myelodysplastic syndrome. The guidelines stated that mutations in TET2 are among the most common mutations reported in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (about 20 % of cases). Mutations in SF3B1 are one of several common molecular abnormalities involving the RNA splicing machinery, occurring in 14.5 to 16.0 % of MDS cases.
Whole Genome/Exome Sequencing and Genome-Wide Association Studies
Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is a laboratory test utilized to determine the arrangement (sequence) of an individual’s entire genome at a single time. WGS allows the identification of mutations in the genome without having to target a gene or chromosome region based upon an individual’s personal or family history. WGS may also be referred to as full genome sequencing, complete genome sequencing or entire genome sequencing.
Exome sequencing, also referred to as whole exome sequencing or WES, is an alternative to WGS. It is a laboratory test used to determine the sequence of the protein coding regions of the genome. The exome is the part of the genome that encodes protein, where roughly 85% of variants are known to contribute to diseases in humans. Exome sequencing has been proposed as a diagnostic method to identify these genetic variants in patients not diagnosed by traditional diagnostic and genetic testing approaches.
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS), also referred to as genome-wide analysis, is a method to identify genes involved in human disease by comparing the genome of individuals who have a disease or condition to the genome of individuals without the disease or condition. GWAS are performed using microarrays to search the genome for small variations, called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs, pronounced "snips"), that occur more often in individuals with a specific disorder than in those who do not have a disorder.
A special report on “Exome sequencing for clinical diagnosis of patients with suspected genetic disorders” by the BCBSA’s Technology Evaluation Center (2013) stated that “Exome sequencing has the capacity to determine in a single assay an individual’s exomic variation profile, limited to most of the protein coding sequence of an individual (approximately 85 %), composed of about 20,000 genes, 180,000 exons (protein-coding segments of a gene), and constituting approximately 1 % of the whole genome. It is believed that the exome contains about 85 % of heritable disease-causing mutations …. Exome sequencing, relying on next-generation sequencing technologies, is not without challenges and limitations …. Detailed guidance from regulatory or professional organizations is under development, and the variability contributed by the different platforms and procedures used by clinical laboratories offering exome sequencing as a clinical service is unknown …. Currently, the diagnostic yield for single-gene disorders appears to be no greater than 50 % and possibly less, depending on the patient population and provider expertise. Medical management options may be available for only a subset of those diagnosed”.
May-Hegglin Anomaly
Strasser et al (2012) stated that Alport syndrome (ATS) is a type-IV collagen inherited disorder, caused by mutations in COL4A3 and COL4A4 (autosomal recessive) or COL4A5 (X-linked). Clinical symptoms include progressive renal disease, eye abnormalities and high-tone sensori-neural deafness. A renal histology very similar to ATS is observed in a subset of patients affected by mutations in MYH9, encoding non-muscle-myosin Type IIa – a cytoskeletal contractile protein. MYH9-associated disorders (May-Hegglin anomaly, Epstein and Fechtner syndrome, and others) are inherited in an autosomal dominant manner and characterized by defects in different organs (including eyes, ears, kidneys and thrombocytes). These researchers described here a 6-year old girl with hematuria, proteinuria, and early sensori-neural hearing loss. The father of the patient is affected by ATS, the mother by isolated inner ear deafness. Genetic testing revealed a pathogenic mutation in COL4A5 (c.2605G>A) in the girl and her father and a heterozygous mutation in MYH9 (c.4952T>G) in the girl and her mother. The paternal COL4A5 mutation seems to account for the complete phenotype of ATS in the father and the maternal mutation in MYH9 for the inner ear deafness in the mother. It has been discussed that the interaction of both mutations could be responsible for both the unexpected severity of ATS symptoms and the very early onset of inner ear deafness in the girl.
An UpToDate review on “Congenital and acquired disorders of platelet function” (Coutre, 2013) states that “Giant platelet disorders – Inherited platelet disorders with giant platelets are quite rare (picture 2 and algorithm 1 and table 4). These include platelet glycoprotein abnormalities (e.g., Bernard-Soulier syndrome), deficiency of platelet alpha granules (e.g., gray platelet syndrome), the May-Hegglin anomaly, which also involves the presence of abnormal neutrophil inclusions (i.e., Dohle-like bodies), and some kindreds with type 2B von Willebrand disease (the Montreal platelet syndrome)”. This review does not mention the use of genetic testing as a management tool for giant platelet disorders.
UpToDate reviews on “Inborn errors of metabolism: Epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical features” (Sutton, 2013a) and “Inborn errors of metabolism: Classification” (Sutton, 2013b) do not mention the use of genetic testing as a management tool.
Very Long Chain AcylCoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency (VLCADD)
An UpToDate review on “Newborn screening” (Sielski, 2013) states that “MS-MS [tandem mass spectrometry] detects more cases of inborn errors of metabolism than clinical diagnosis. In a study from New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, Australia, the prevalence of 31 inborn errors of metabolism affecting the urea cycle, amino acids (excluding PKU), organic acids, and fatty acid oxidation detected by MS-MS in 1998 to 2002 was 15.7 per 100,000 births, compared to 8.6 to 9.5 per 100,000 births in the four four-year cohorts preceding expanded screening. The increased rate of diagnosis was most apparent for the medium-chain and short-chain acyl-Co-A dehydrogenase deficiencies. Whether all children with disorders detected by MS-MS would have become symptomatic is uncertain …. The American Academy of Pediatrics has developed newborn screening fact sheets for 12 disorders, biotinidase deficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, congenital hearing loss, congenital hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis, galactosemia, homocystinuria, maple syrup urine disease, medium-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency, PKU, sickle cell disease and other hemoglobinopathies, and tyrosinemia …. With the use of tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS), the prevalence of a confirmed metabolic disorder detected by newborn screening is 1:4000 live births (about 12,500 diagnoses each year) in the United States. The most commonly diagnosed conditions are hearing loss, primary congenital hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, and medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency”. This review does not mention very long chain acylCoA dehydrogenase deficiency.
Congenital Stationary Night Blindness
According to Orphanet (a portal for rare diseases and orphan drugs), congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) is an inherited retinal disorder that predominates on rods. It is a rare disease; and 3 types of transmission can be found:- utosomal dominant,
- recessive, and
- X-linked recessive.
The affection is heterogeneous. The only symptom is hemeralopia with a moderate loss of visual acuity. Both the funduscopy and visual field are normal. In recessive forms, the “b” wave on the electroretinogram/electroretinography (ERG) is not found in the scotoscopic study, while the “a” wave is normal and increases with light intensity. In dominant forms, the “b” wave is seen. Levels of rhodopsine are normal and regenerate normally. Signal transmission may be the affected function. There is no specific treatment for CSNB.
According to Genetic Home Reference, X-linked CSNB is a disorder of the retina. People with this condition typically have difficulty seeing in low light (night blindness). They also have other vision problems, including reduced acuity, high myopia, nystagmus, and strabismus. Color vision is typically not affected by this disorder. The visual problems associated with this condition are congenital. They tend to remain stable (stationary) over time. Researchers have identified 2 major types of X-linked CSNB:- the complete form, and
- the incomplete form.
The types have very similar signs and symptoms. However, everyone with the complete form has night blindness, while not all people with the incomplete form have night blindness. The types are distinguished by their genetic cause and by the results of ERG.
In general, the diagnosis of X-linked CSNB can be made by ophthalmologic examination (including ERG) and family history consistent with X-linked inheritance (Boycott et al, 2012).
According to a Medscape review on “The Genetics of Hereditary Retinopathies and Optic Neuropathies” (Iannaccone, 2005), CSNB can be inherited according to all Mendelian inheritance patterns; 2 X-linked and 2 autosomal dominant genes have been cloned. In all types of CSNB, night vision is congenitally but non-progressively impaired and the retinal examination is normal. Most CSNB patients also have congenital nystagmus as the presenting sign, which can create a differential diagnostic challenge with Leber congenital amaurosis. Typically, patients with complete X-linked CSNB are also moderate-to-high myopes. The X-linked CSNB forms, which are the most common ones, all share an electronegative electroretinogram response similar to that seen in X-linked retinoschisis, and are distinguished in CSNB type 1 (also known as complete CSNB) and CSNB type 2 (incomplete CSNB) based on additional electroretinogram features, a distinction that has been confirmed at the genetic level".
Price et al (1988) reported that 7 of 8 patients presented initially or were followed for decreased acuity and nystagmus without complaints of night blindness. The diagnosis of CSNB was established with ERG and dark adaptation testing. They stated that careful electrodiagnostic testing is needed to provide accurate genetic counseling. Two patients showed pupillary constriction to darkness, which is a sign of retinal disease in young patients.
Lorenz et al (1996) presented the clinical data of 2 families with X-linked incomplete CSNB previously undiagnosed; ERG recordings in both families were suggestive of CSNB. The ERG of the obligate carrier was normal. In an attempt to distinguish between the complete and the incomplete type, and to identify further carrier signs, scotopic perimetry and dark adaptation were performed in both affected males and carriers. Scotopic perimetry tested the rod-mediated visual pathway in its spatial distribution. In affected males with non-recordable ERGs, scotopic perimetry and dark adaptation disclosed residual rod function indicating an incomplete type. In carriers, there was a sensitivity loss at 600 nm, which may be a new carrier sign. The authors concluded that correct diagnosis of the different forms of CSNB together with the identification of carriers is important for- genetic counseling, and
- linkage studies to identify the gene(s) for CSNB.
Kim et al (2012) evaluated the frequency of negative waveform ERGs in a tertiary referral center. All patients who had an ERG performed at the electrophysiology clinic at Emory University from January 1999 through March 2008 were included in the study. Patients with b-wave amplitude less than or equal to a-wave amplitude during the dark-adapted bright flash recording, in at least 1 eye, were identified as having a "negative ERG". Clinical information, such as age, gender, symptoms, best corrected visual acuity, and diagnoses were recorded for these patients when available. A total of 1,837 patients underwent ERG testing during the study period. Of those, 73 patients had a negative ERG, for a frequency of 4.0 %. Within the adult (greater than or equal to 18 years of age) and pediatric populations, the frequencies of a negative ERG were 2.5 and 7.2 %, respectively. Among the 73 cases, negative ERGs were more common among male than female patients, 6.7 % versus 1.8 % (p < 0.0001). Negative ERGs were most common among male children and least common among female adults, 9.6 % versus 1.1 %, respectively, (p < 0.0001). Overall in this group of patients, the most common diagnoses associated with a negative ERG were CSNB (n = 29) and X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS, n = 7). The authors concluded that the overall frequency of negative ERGs in this large retrospective review was 4.0 %. Negative ERGs were most common among male children and least common among female adults. Despite the growing number of new diagnoses associated with negative ERGs, CSNB, and XLRS appear to be the most likely diagnoses for a pediatric patient who presents with a negative ERG.
It is also interesting to note that in a recently completed clinical trial (last verified June 2012) of “Treatment of Congenital Stationary Night Blindness with an Alga Containing High Dose of Beta Carotene”, the selection criteria for participants of this trial do not include genetic testing. They included the following:- isolated rod response markedly reduced (less than 20 % of normal) after 20 mins dark adaptation and improved by 50 % after 2 hrs,
- negative maximal response (“a” wave to “b” wave ratio less than 2), and
- retinal mid-peripheral white dots (more than 3,000 dots).
Kumar et al (2009) noted that many independent prognostic markers have been identified for predicting survival and helping in the management of lung cancer cases. p53 protein over-expression and mutation have been the topic of numerous such publications. However, little is known about the role of anti-p53 antibodies as a prognostic marker in lung cancer. These investigators searched the MEDLINE database and the bibliographies of the retrieved manuscripts and reviews. The retrieved studies are grouped according to the cohort studied. Out of 179 citations retrieved, 17 met selection criteria. A total of 7 studies used only non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC); 4 studies used only small-cell lung cancer; and 6 studies used the mixed cohort of both types of lung cancer. The studies varied in the concept design, cohort studied and the methodology. The prognostic role of anti-p53 antibodies in lung cancer remained contradictory and as some studies showed an association with poor prognosis, others showed a favorable association and still others showing no association what so ever. The frequency of detection of anti-p53 antibody was very low, highly specific with result being independent of the cohort studied. The authors concluded that adequate clinical trials, with optimized cohort, antigen and assay validation, are needed to address patients and physician's concerns regarding these associations.
Ciancio et al (2011) stated that over-expression of the tumor suppressor gene p53 and the marker for cellular proliferation Ki67 in open lung biopsies are indicated as predictor factors of survival of patients with lung cancer. However, the prognostic value of p53 and Ki67 in fiberoptic bronchial biopsies (FBB) has not been fully investigated. These researchers evaluated p53 and Ki67 immunostaining in FBB from 19 with NSCLC (12 adenocarcinomas, 5 squamous cell carcinomas and 2 NSCLC-NOS). Fiberoptic bronchial biopsy specimens were fixed in formalin, embedded in paraffin, and immunostained using anti-p53 and anti-Ki67 antibodies. Slides were reviewed by 2 independent observers and classified as positive (+ve) when the number of cells with stained nuclei exceeded 15 % for p53 or when greater than 25 % positive cells were observed throughout each section for Ki67. Positive (+ve) immunostaining was found in 9 patients for p53 (47.37 %) and 8 patients for Ki67 (42.10 %). These investigators examined overall survival (OS) curves of the patients with Mantel's log-rank test, both p53 -ve and Ki67 -ve patients had significantly higher survival rates than p53 + ve (p < 0.005) and Ki67 + ve (p < 0,0001), respectively. The authors concluded that the findings of this study suggested that negative immunostaining of fiberoptic bronchial biopsies for p53 and Ki67 could represent a better prognostic factor for patients with NSCLC.
Mattioni et al (2013) noted that TP53 gene mutations can lead to the expression of a dysfunctional protein that in turn may enable genetically unstable cells to survive and change into malignant cells. Mutant p53 accumulates early in cells and can precociously induce circulating anti-p53 antibodies (p53Abs); in fact, p53 over-expression has been observed in pre-neoplastic lesions, such as bronchial dysplasia, and p53Abs have been found in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, before the diagnosis of lung and other tobacco-related tumors. These researchers performed a large prospective study, enrolling non-smokers, ex-smokers and smokers with or without the impairment of lung function, to analyze the incidence of serum p53Abs and the correlation with clinicopathologic features, in particular smoking habits and impairment of lung function, in order to investigate their possible role as early markers of the onset of lung cancer or other cancers. The p53Ab levels were evaluated by a specific ELISA in 675 subjects. Data showed that significant levels of serum p53Abs were present in 35 subjects (5.2 %); no difference was observed in the presence of p53Abs with regard to age and gender, while p53Abs correlated with the number of cigarettes smoked per day and packs-year. Furthermore, serum p53Abs were associated with the worst lung function impairment. The median p53Ab level in positive subjects was 3.5 units/ml (range of 1.2 to 65.3 units/ml). Only 15 positive subjects participated in the follow-up, again resulting positive for serum p53Abs, and no evidence of cancer was found in these patients. The authors concluded that the presence of serum p53Abs was found to be associated with smoking level and lung function impairment, both risk factors of cancer development. However, in this study these researchers did not observe the occurrence of lung cancer or other cancers in the follow-up of positive subjects, therefore they cannot directly correlate the presence of serum p53Abs with cancer risk.
Lei et al (2013) stated that the diagnosis of lung cancer remains a clinical challenge. Many studies have assessed the diagnostic potential of anti-p53 antibody in lung cancer patients but with controversial results. These researchers summarized the overall diagnostic performance of anti-p53 antibody in lung cancer. Based on a comprehensive search of the PubMed and Embase, these investigators identified outcome data from all articles estimating diagnostic accuracy of anti-p53 antibody for lung cancer. A summary estimation for sensitivity, specificity, and other diagnostic indexes were pooled using a bivariate model. The overall measure of accuracy was calculated using summary receiver operating characteristic curve and the area under curve (AUC) was calculated. According to the inclusion criteria, a total of 16 studies with 4,414 subjects (2,249 lung cancers, 2,165 controls) were included. The summary estimates were: sensitivity 0.20 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.15 to 0.27), specificity 0.97 (95 % CI: 0.95 to 0.98), positive likelihood ratio 6.64 (95 % CI: 4.34 to 10.17), negative likelihood ratio 0.83 (95 % CI: 0.77 to 0.89), diagnostic odds ratio 8.04 (95 % CI: 5.05 to 12.79), the AUC was 0.84. Subgroup analysis suggested that anti-p53 antibody had a better diagnostic performance for small cell lung cancer than non-small cell lung cancer. The authors concluded that anti-p53 antibody can be an assistant marker in diagnosing lung cancer, but the low sensitivity limits its use as a screening tool for lung cancer. Moreover, they stated that further studies should be performed to confirm these findings.
UpToDate reviews on “Overview of the initial evaluation, treatment and prognosis of lung cancer” (Midthun, 2014a) and “Overview of the risk factors, pathology, and clinical manifestations of lung cancer” (Midthun, 2014b) do not mention anti-p53 and anti-MAPKAPK3 as biomarkers.
Also, an UpToDate review on “Screening for lung cancer” (Deffebach and, Humphrey, 2014) does not mention anti-MAPKAPK3 as a biomarker. Moreover, it lists “Immunostaining or molecular analysis of sputum for tumor markers. As examples, p16 ink4a promoter hypermethylation and p53 mutations have been shown to occur in chronic smokers before there is clinical evidence of neoplasia” as one of the technologies under investigation.
Furthermore, National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on “Non-small cell lung cancer” (Version 4.2014) does not mention anti-p53 and anti-MAPKAPK3 as biomarkers.
SLCO1B1 testing has been proposed to predict risk of statin-induced myopathy. Talameh and, Kitzmiller (2014) noted that statins are the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States and are extremely effective in reducing major cardiovascular events in the millions of Americans with hyperlipidemia. However, many patients (up to 25 %) cannot tolerate or discontinue statin therapy due to statin-induced myopathy (SIM). Patients will continue to experience SIM at unacceptably high rates or experience unnecessary cardiovascular events (as a result of discontinuing or decreasing their statin therapy) until strategies for predicting or mitigating SIM are identified. A promising strategy for predicting or mitigating SIM is pharmacogenetic testing, particularly of pharmacokinetic genetic variants as SIM is related to statin exposure. Data are emerging on the association between pharmacokinetic genetic variants and SIM. A current, critical evaluation of the literature on pharmacokinetic genetic variants and SIM for potential translation to clinical practice is lacking. This review focused specifically on pharmacokinetic genetic variants and their association with SIM clinical outcomes. These investigators also discussed future directions, specific to the research on pharmacokinetic genetic variants, which could speed the translation into clinical practice. For simvastatin, these researchers did not find sufficient evidence to support the clinical translation of pharmacokinetic genetic variants other than SLCO1B1. However, SLCO1B1 may also be clinically relevant for pravastatin- and pitavastatin-induced myopathy, but additional studies assessing SIM clinical outcome are needed. CYP2D6*4 may be clinically relevant for atorvastatin-induced myopathy, but mechanistic studies are needed. The authors concluded that future research efforts need to incorporate statin-specific analyses, multi-variant analyses, and a standard definition of SIM. As the use of statins is extremely common and SIM continues to occur in a significant number of patients, future research investments in pharmacokinetic genetic variants have the potential to make a profound impact on public health.
Kuhlenbaumer and colleagues (2014) provided a comprehensive meta-analysis and review of the clinical and molecular genetics of essential tremor (ET). Studies were reviewed from the literature. Linkage studies were analyzed applying criteria used for monogenic disorders. For association studies, allele counts were extracted and allelic association calculated whenever possible. A meta-analysis was performed for genetic markers investigated in more than 3 studies. Linkage studies have shown conclusive results in a single family only for the locus ETM2 (essential tremor monogenetic locus 2, logarithm of odds score [lod] greater than 3.3). None of the 3 ETM loci had been confirmed independently with a lod score greater than 2.0 in a single family. A mutation in the FUS gene (fused in sarcoma) was found in one ET family by exome sequencing. Two genome-wide association studies demonstrated association between variants in the LINGO1 gene (leucine-rich repeat and Ig domain containing 1) and the SLC1A2 gene (solute carrier family 1 member 2) and ET, respectively. This meta-analysis confirmed the association of rs9652490 in LINGO1 with ET. Candidate gene mutation analysis and association studies have not identified reproducible associations. The authors concluded that problems of genetic studies of ET are caused by the lack of stringent diagnostic criteria, small sample sizes, lack of biomarkers, a high phenocopy rate, evidence for non-Mendelian inheritance, and high locus heterogeneity in presumably monogenic ET. They stated that these issues could be resolved by better worldwide cooperation and the use of novel genetic techniques.
Taylor et al (2014) noted that mitochondrial disorders have emerged as a common cause of inherited disease, but their diagnosis remains challenging. Multiple respiratory chain complex defects are particularly difficult to diagnose at the molecular level because of the massive number of nuclear genes potentially involved in intra-mitochondrial protein synthesis, with many not yet linked to human disease. These researchers determine the molecular basis of multiple respiratory chain complex deficiencies. They studied 53 patients referred to 2 national centers in the United Kingdom and Germany between 2005 and 2012. All had biochemical evidence of multiple respiratory chain complex defects but no primary pathogenic mitochondrial DNA mutation. Whole-exome sequencing was performed using 62-Mb exome enrichment, followed by variant prioritization using bioinformatic prediction tools, variant validation by Sanger sequencing, and segregation of the variant with the disease phenotype in the family. Presumptive causal variants were identified in 28 patients (53 %; 95 % CI: 39 % to 67 %) and possible causal variants were identified in 4 (8 %; 95 % CI: 2 % to 18 %). Together these accounted for 32 patients (60 % 95 % CI: 46 % to 74 %) and involved 18 different genes. These included recurrent mutations in RMND1, AARS2, and MTO1, each on a haplotype background consistent with a shared founder allele, and potential novel mutations in 4 possible mitochondrial disease genes (VARS2, GARS, FLAD1, and PTCD1). Distinguishing clinical features included deafness and renal involvement associated with RMND1 and cardiomyopathy with AARS2 and MTO1. However, atypical clinical features were present in some patients, including normal liver function and Leigh syndrome (subacute necrotizing encephalomyelopathy) seen in association with TRMU mutations and no cardiomyopathy with founder SCO2 mutations. It was not possible to confidently identify the underlying genetic basis in 21 patients (40 %; 95 % CI: 26 % to 54 %). The authors concluded that exome sequencing enhanced the ability to identify potential nuclear gene mutations in patients with biochemically defined defects affecting multiple mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes. Moreover, they stated that additional study is needed in independent patient populations to determine the utility of this approach in comparison with traditional diagnostic methods.
UpToDate reviews on "Diagnostic evaluation of women with suspected breast cancer" (Esserman and Joe, 2014a), "Clinical features, diagnosis, and staging of newly diagnosed breast cancer" (Esserman and Joe, 2014b), and "Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of a palpable breast mass" (Sabel, 2014) do not mention RAD51C gene testing.
Furthermore, NCCN’s clinical practice guidelines on "Breast cancer" (Version 3.2014) and "Ovarian cancer including fallopian tube cancer and primary peritoneal cancer" (Version 3.2014) do not mention RAD51C gene testing.
Yang et al (2103) stated that osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD), a highly heritable trait that is determined, in part, by the actions and interactions of multiple genes. Although an increasing number of genes have been identified to have independent effects on BMD, few studies have been performed to identify genes that interact with one another to affect BMD.
Kim et al (2013) noted that BMD loci were reported in Caucasian genome-wide association studies (GWAS). These researchers investigated the association between 59 known BMD loci (+200 suggestive SNPs) and DXA-derived BMD in East Asian population with respect to sex and site specificity. They also identified 4 novel BMD candidate loci from the suggestive SNPs. A total of 2,729 unrelated Korean individuals from a population-based cohort were analyzed. The authors selected 747 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). These markers included 547 SNPs from 59 loci with genome-wide significance (GWS, p value less than 5 × 10(-8)) levels and 200 suggestive SNPs that showed weaker BMD association with p value less than 5 × 10(-5). After quality control, 535 GWS SNPs and 182 suggestive SNPs were included in the replication analysis. Of the 535 GWS SNPs, 276 from 25 loci were replicated (p < 0.05) in the Korean population with 51.6 % replication rate. Of the 182 suggestive variants, 16 were replicated (p < 0.05, 8.8 % of replication rate), and 5 reached a significant combined p value (less than 7.0 × 10(-5), 0.05/717 SNPs, corrected for multiple testing). Two markers (rs11711157, rs3732477) are for the same signal near the gene CPN2 (carboxypeptidase N, polypeptide 2). The other variants, rs6436440 and rs2291296, were located in the genes AP1S3 (adaptor-related protein complex 1, sigma 3 subunit) and RARB (retinoic acid receptor, beta). The authors concluded that these results illustrated ethnic differences in BMD susceptibility genes and underscored the need for further genetic studies in each ethnic group. The authors were also able to replicate some SNPs with suggestive associations. These SNPs may be BMD-related genetic markers and should be further investigated.
The Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement’s clinical guideline on “Diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis” (Florence et al, 2013) did not mention the use of genetic testing.
Furthermore, an UpToDate review on “Pathogenesis of osteoporosis” (Manolagas, 2104) states that “Genetics – A portion of the variation in BMD among humans has a genetic basis. Genome-wide association studies have so far identified approximately 80 genetic loci that influence BMD. A remarkable number of these loci are involved in some aspect of Wnt/ of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling, the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK)/RANK ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) axis, or in mesenchymal cell differentiation. The contribution of individual genetic variants, however, is small, and of the total variance in BMD only a small percentage is explained by variants of genes identified. To date, there are no genome-wide association studies on fracture or BMD loss. Therefore, it remains unclear whether the same genes that determine BMD also affect the rate of bone loss with advancing age or the risk of fractures”.
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections
A number of conditions are associated with aortic dysfunction and dilation, including Marfan syndrome, Loeys Dietz syndrome, Ehler Danlos syndrome type IV, Turner syndrome, and arterial tortuosity syndrome.
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited disorders affecting the connective tissues. Common characteristics of EDS include easy bruising, skin hyperelasticity or laxity, joint hypermobility and tissue weakness. EDS is categorized by type: Classic (EDS types I and II); Hypermobility (EDS type III); Vascular (EDS type IV); kyphoscoliosis (EDS type VI); Arthrochalasia (EDS types VIIA & B); Dermatosparaxis (EDS type VIIC).
Classic, hypermobility and vascular type occur more frequently than the other types. Other more rare forms include spondylocheirodysplasia EDS and musculocontractural EDS; additional rare variants of EDS have also been described.
Acrogeria refers to looseness and wrinkling of the skin of the hands and feet that is caused by loss of subcutaneous fat and collagen and gives the appearance of premature aging.
Dermatosparaxis is an inherited defect in collagen synthesis caused by a deficiency of procollagen peptidase. Results in fragility, hyperelasticity and laxity of the skin.
Musculocontractural is a rare form of EDS with the following characteristics: distinctive craniofacial dysmorphism, congenital contractures of thumbs and fingers, clubfeet, severe kyphoscoliosis, muscular hypotonia, hyperextensible thin skin with easy bruisability and atrophic scarring, wrinkled palms, joint hypermobility and ocular involvement.
Spondylocheirodysplasia is a rare form of EDS with the following clinical features: postnatal growth retardation, moderate short stature, protuberant eyes with bluish sclerae, hands with finely wrinkled palms, atrophy of the thenar muscles and tapering fingers.
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV (EDS type IV) is characterized by thin, translucent skin; easy bruising; characteristic facial appearance; and arterial, intestinal, and/or uterine fragility (Pepin & Byers, 2011). The diagnosis of EDS type IV is based on clinical findings and confirmed by identification of a causative mutation in COL3A1. EDS type IV is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner.
Arterial tortuosity syndrome (ATS) is characterized by severe and widespread arterial tortuosity of the aorta and middle-sized arteries (with an increased risk of aneurysms and dissections) and focal and widespread stenosis which can involve the aorta and/or pulmonary arteries (Callewaert, et al., 2014). The diagnosis of ATS is established in a proband with generalized arterial tortuosity and biallelic (homozygous or compound heterozygous) pathogenic variants in SLC2A10. ATS is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.
Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is an inherited connective tissue disorder characterized by aortic aneurysms and other blood vessel abnormalities. Mutations in either the TGFBR1 or TGFBR2 gene can cause LDS. LDS is characterized by vascular findings (cerebral, thoracic, and abdominal arterial aneurysms and/or dissections) and skeletal manifestations (pectus excavatum or pectus carinatum, scoliosis, joint laxity, arachnodactyly, talipes equinovarus) (Loeys & Dietz, 2014). The diagnosis of LDS is based on characteristic clinical findings in the proband and family members and molecular genetic testing of TGFBR1, TGFBR2, SMAD3, and TGFB2. LDS is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner.
Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder in which the body’s connective tissue is abnormal. The disorder affects many parts of the body; primarily, the connective tissue of the heart, blood vessels, eyes, bones, lungs and covering of the spinal cord. Marfan syndrome diagnosis relies on a set of strict major and minor criteria known as the Ghent nosology, a scoring system developed to aid in the clinical diagnosis of Marfan syndrome. Two fundamental features of the Ghent nosology are aortic root aneurysm and ectopia lentis. In the absence of a family history of Marfan syndrome, the presence of aortic root aneurysm and ectopia lentis are sufficient to diagnose Marfan syndrome. Without these two conditions, or a combination of systemic features described in the Ghent nosology, genetic testing may be required to confirm a diagnosis. Even with the availability of genetic testing, establishing a diagnosis of Marfan syndrome depends heavily upon significant clinical findings.
Marfan syndrome is a systemic disorder of connective tissue with a high degree of clinical variability (Dietz, 2014). Cardinal manifestations involve the ocular, skeletal, and cardiovascular systems. Cardiovascular manifestations include dilatation of the aorta at the level of the sinuses of Valsalva, a predisposition for aortic tear and rupture, mitral valve prolapse with or without regurgitation, tricuspid valve prolapse, and enlargement of the proximal pulmonary artery. Marfan syndrome is a clinical diagnosis based on family history and the observation of characteristic findings in multiple organ systems. Marfan syndrome is caused by mutation of FBN1. The sensitivity of molecular genetic testing of FBN1 is substantial yet incomplete for unknown reasons; it may be explained by atypical location or character of FBN1 pathogenic variants in some individuals (e.g., large deletions or promoter mutations) or to locus heterogeneity. Marfan syndrome is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner.
A variety of conditions including, but not limited to, Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) and familial thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD) have overlapping clinical manifestations of Marfan syndrome and should be distinguished from Marfan syndrome with documentation of discriminating features, biochemical and/or genetic testing, when indicated.
Familial TAAD is an inherited disorder that causes the aorta to weaken and stretch. Mutations in any of several genes are associated with familial TAAD.
Predictive genetic testing for LDS, Marfan syndrome and TAAD may be sought for at-risk asymptomatic or presymptomatic family members to detect mutations in the genes known to cause these disorders to determine if the individual will develop the condition.
Several labs offer multigene panels, often using next-generation sequencing (NGS) for familial TAAD, LDS and Marfan syndrome that include not only the FBN1 gene but also a number of other genes associated with disorders featuring aortic aneurysms and dissections. With the introduction of NGS, laboratories can simultaneously analyze numerous genes reportedly associated with Marfan syndrome and related conditions. Examples include: Marfan Syndrome and Aortic Aneurysms (Marfan/AA) Test; Marfan Syndrome/Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection (TAAD) and Related Disorders Test; and TAADNEXT.
Guidelines from the American College of Cardiology (Hiratzka, et al., 2010) state, if a mutant gene (FBN1, TGFBR1, TGFBR2, COL3A1, ACTA2, MYH11) associated with aortic aneurysm and/or dissection is identified in a patient, first-degree relatives should undergo counseling andtesting. Then, only the relatives with the genetic mutation should undergo aortic imaging.
Clinical laboratories may offer a multi-gene Marfan syndrome/Loeys-Dietz syndrome/familial thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections panel that includes FBN1 as well as a number of other genes associated with disorders that include aortic aneurysms and dissections (Dietz, 2014). These panels vary by methods used and genes included; thus, the ability of a panel to detect a pathogenic variant or pathogenic variants in any given individual also varies. In most circumstances a comprehensive clinical evaluation and imaging studies will point to a specific diagnosis (or subset of diagnoses) that has the highest probability, and thus should be pursued first for molecular confirmation. In the absence of such hypothesis-driven testing, there is an increased risk of erroneous interpretation of variants of uncertain significance when multi-gene panels are applied, especially if the physician requesting testing is not familiar with the specific diagnoses and/or genes under consideration.
Mitochondrial Genome Sequencing
Mitochondria are tiny organelles housed in nearly every cell in the body and are responsible for creating cellular energy. Mitochondrial disorders are chronic, genetic conditions that can be inherited and occur when mitochondria fail to produce sufficient energy for the body to function. Mitochondrial disorders can be caused by mutations in DNA (nuclear DNA) or in DNA contained in the mitochondria (mitochondrial DNA [mtDNA]).
Mitochondrial diseases are a clinically heterogeneous group of disorders that arise as a result of dysfunction of the mitochondrial respiratory chain (Chinnery, 2014). They can be caused by mutation of genes encoded by either nuclear DNA or mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Mitochondrial disorders may be caused by mutation of an mtDNA gene or mutation of a nuclear gene. Mitochondrial DNA variants are transmitted by maternal inheritance (mitochondrial inheritance). Nuclear gene variants may be inherited in an autosomal recessive, autosomal dominant, or X-linked manner.
Mitochondrial disorders can occur at any age. Symptoms can involve one or more organs with varying degrees of severity. Some individuals display features that fall into distinct syndromes such as chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO), Kearns‐Sayre syndrome (KSS), Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), Leigh syndrome (LS), mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke‐like episodes (MELAS), myoclonic epilepsy with ragged‐red fibers (MERRF) and neurogenic weakness with ataxia and retinitis pigmentosa (NARP). Individuals may also present with overlapping range of disease, such as mitochondrial recessive ataxia syndrome (MIRAS). Often affected individuals do not fit into a specific category. Common symptoms include ataxia, cardiomyopathy, diabetes mellitus, exercise intolerance, external ophthalmoplegia, fluctuating encephalopathy, myopathy, optic atrophy, pigmentary retinopathy, ptosis, seizures, sensorineural deafness and spasticity. Treatment of mitochondrial disorders is largely supportive.
Molecular genetic testing may be carried out on genomic DNA extracted from blood (suspected nuclear DNA mutations and some mtDNA mutations) or on genomic DNA extracted from muscle (suspected mtDNA mutations) (Chinnery, 2014). Studies for mtDNA mutations are usually carried out on skeletal muscle DNA because a pathogenic mtDNA variant may not be detected in DNA extracted from blood.
Genetic testing panels have been proposed to aid in the diagnosis of individuals with suspected mitochondrial disorders and may involve point mutations analysis, Approaches to molecular genetic testing of a proband to consider are serial testing of single genes, deletion/duplication analysis, multi-gene panel testing (simultaneous testing of multiple genes), and genomic testing (e.g., sequencing the entire mitochondrial genome; whole-exome sequencing or whole-genome sequencing to identify mutation of a nuclear gene) (Chinnery, 2014) (eg, Combined Mito Genome Plus Mito Nuclear Gene Panel, Comprehensive Mitochondrial Nuclear Gene Panel, MitoMet Plus aCGH Analysis).
In contrast to genomic testing, serial testing of single genes and multi-gene panel testing rely on the clinician developing a hypothesis about which specific gene or set of genes to test (Chinnery, 2014). Hypotheses may be based on- mode of inheritance,
- distinguishing clinical features, and/or
- other discriminating features.
The potential role of genomic testing is where single-gene testing (and/or use of a multi-gene panel) has not confirmed a diagnosis in an individual with features of a mitochondrial disorder. Such testing includes whole-exome sequencing, whole-genome sequencing, and whole mitochondrial sequencing. False negative rates vary by genomic region; therefore, genomic testing may not be as accurate as targeted single gene testing or multi-gene molecular genetic testing panels (Chinnery, 2014). Most laboratories confirm positive results using a second, well-established method. Certain DNA variants may not be detectible through genomic testing, such as large deletions or duplications (>8-10 bp in length), triplet repeat expansions, and epigenetic alterations.
Exome sequencing has shown promise in defining the genetic basis of mitochondrial disorders caused by mutation of nuclear genes. To determine the molecular basis of multiple respiratory chain complex deficiencies, Taylor, et al. (2014) studied 53 patients referred to 2 national centers in the United Kingdom and Germany between 2005 and 2012. All subjects had evidence of histochemical and/or biochemical diagnosis of mitochondrial disease in a clinically affected tissue (skeletal muscle, liver, or heart) confirming decreased activities of multiple respiratory chain complexes based on published criteria. Subjects had no large-scale mtDNA rearrangements, mtDNA depletion, and mtDNA point mutations, in persons in whom decreased levels of mtDNA were confirmed in muscle (mtDNA depletion). In those with congenital structural abnormalities, major nuclear gene rearrangements were excluded by comparative genomic hybridization arrays. Whole-exome sequencing was performed using 62-Mb exome enrichment, followed by variant prioritization using bioinformatics prediction tools, variant validation by Sanger sequencing, and segregation of the variant with the disease phenotype in the family. Presumptive causal variants were identified in 28 patients (53%; 95% CI, 39%-67%) and possible causal variants were identified in 4 (8%; 95% CI, 2%-18%). Together these accounted for 32 patients (60% 95% CI, 46%-74%) and involved 18 different genes. These included recurrent mutations in RMND1, AARS2, and MTO1, each on a haplotype background consistent with a shared founder allele, and potential novel mutations in 4 possible mitochondrial disease genes (VARS2, GARS, FLAD1, and PTCD1). Distinguishing clinical features included deafness and renal involvement associated with RMND1 and cardiomyopathy with AARS2 and MTO1. However, atypical clinical features were present in some patients, including normal liver function and Leigh syndrome (subacute necrotizing encephalomyelopathy) seen in association with TRMU mutations and no cardiomyopathy with founder SCO2 mutations. It was not possible to confidently identify the underlying genetic basis in 21 patients (40%; 95% CI, 26%-54%). The authors stated that additional study is required in independent patient populations to determine the utility of this approach in comparison with traditional diagnostic methods.
Genetic Test Panels for Nonsyndromic Hereditary Hearing Loss
There is limited published evidence for the clinical validity and clinical utility of specific genetic test panels for non-syndromic hearing loss. A number of test panels are currently available commercially (e.g., OtoScope, OtoGenome, OtoSeq. The genes included in these test panels differ significantly, and there is limited published information on their clinical utility and clinical validity.
Hearing loss may be classified as either syndromic or nonsyndromic. Nonsyndromic hearing loss is defined by the absence of malformations of the external ear or other medical problems in the affected individual. With the syndromic hearing loss, malformations of the external ear and/or other medical problems are present. Approximately 50% of nonsyndromic hearing loss can be attributed to a genetic cause, and may be inherited in an autosomal recessive (70% of patients), autosomal dominant (20% of patients), with mitochondrial, X-linked and other genetic causes making up the remainder of patients.
Sequence variants in approximately 60 genes and some micro-RNAs have been associated with causing nonsyndromic hearing loss. Micro-RNAs are post-transcriptional regulators that consist of 20-25 nucleotides. Usher and Pendred syndromes are the most common forms of the approximately 400 forms of syndromic hearing loss. Both have autosomal recessive inheritance. Usher syndrome is characterized by sensorineural hearing loss and later development of retinitis pigmentosa. Usher syndrome has three forms that vary by the profundity of hearing loss and whether vestibular dysfunction is present. The three types of Usher syndrome have been associated with sequence variants in 9 different genes. Pendred syndrome is characterized by congenital hearing loss and euthyroid goiter that develops in the second or third decade of life. Pendred syndrome is associated with sequence variants in the SLC26A4 gene. Some of the genes associated with Usher and Pendred syndromes may also be associated with nonsyndromic hearing loss.
The OtoSCOPE test has been developed to make use of next generation sequencing capabilities, to simultaneously test for sequence variants in 66 genes associated with nonsyndromic hearing loss as well as both Usher and Pendred syndromes. The claimed advantage of the OtoScope test is that simultaneous analysis of the 66 genes included in the test may reduce the time and cost compared with genetic testing of individual genes. The OtoSCOPE genetic testing for hereditary hearing loss is considered investigational/experimental because there is inadequate evidence in the peer-reviewed published clinical literature regarding its effectiveness.
The OtoGenome Test is a next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay that covers all 73 known genes for non-syndromic hearing loss. There is insufficient evidence of the performance and clinical utility of this test panel.
Published evidence for the OtoSeq test panel includes an epidemiological study of the use of a component of the OtoSeq panel in identifying certain hearing loss genes in 34 Pakistani families (Shahzad et al, 2013). In addition, there is a preliminary study of the performance of the OtoSeq in 8 individuals with hearing loss, comparing the results of Next Generation Sequencing with Sanger Sequencing (Sivakumaran et al, 2013). There is insufficient published information about the performance and clinical utility of this test panel.
X-Linked Intellectual Disability Panels
Intellectual disability (ID, formerly called mental retardation) is a developmental brain disorder commonly defined by an IQ below 70 and limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior (Piton et al, 2013). ID can originate from environmental causes or genetic anomalies, and its incidence in children is estimated to be of 1 % to 2 %.
ID is more common in males than females in the population (the male-to-female ratio is 1.3–1.4 to 1), assumed to be due to mutations on the X chromosome. Impaired mental functioning occurs as an isolated feature or as part of many X-linked syndromes (McKusick et al, 2010). ID that is not associated with other distinguishing features is referred to as 'nonspecific' or ‘nonsyndromic.’
X-linked intellectual disability (XLID) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder with more than 100 genes known to date (Tzchach et al, 2015). Fragile X syndrome remains the most common XLMR gene discovered so far (Raymond, 2006). FMR1 is a target of the unstable expansion mutation responsible for fragile X syndrome and accounts for about 1 % to 2 % of all ID cases.
Half of the known genes carrying mutations responsible for XLID are associated with syndromic forms (i.e., ID associated with defined clinical or metabolic manifestations), which facilitates the identification of causative mutations in the same gene because unrelated probands with comparable phenotypes can be more easily matched. The other half of known genes carrying mutations responsible for XLID appear to be associated with nonsyndromic or paucisyndromic forms.
Next-generation sequencing panels have been developed to identify mutations associated with XLID. However, little has been published on their analytic validity, clinical validity and clinical utility.
Tzschach et al (2015) performed targeted enrichment and next-generation sequencing of 107 XLID genes in a cohort of 150 male patients. One hundred patients had sporadic intellectual disability, and 50 patients had a family history suggestive of XLID. The investigators also analyzed a sporadic female patient with severe ID and epilepsy because she had strongly skewed X-inactivation. Target enrichment and high parallel sequencing allowed a diagnostic coverage of >10 reads for approximately 96% of all coding bases of the XLID genes at a mean coverage of 124 reads. The investigators reported finding 18 pathogenic variants in 13 XLID genes (AP1S2, ATRX, CUL4B, DLG3, IQSEC2, KDM5C, MED12, OPHN1, SLC9A6, SMC1A, UBE2A, UPF3B and ZDHHC9) among the 150 male patients. Thirteen pathogenic variants were present in the group of 50 familial patients (26%), and 5 pathogenic variants among the 100 sporadic patients (5%). Systematic gene dosage analysis for low coverage exons detected one pathogenic hemizygous deletion. An IQSEC2 nonsense variant was detected in the female ID patient, providing further evidence for a role of this gene in encephalopathy in females. The investigators noted that skewed X-inactivation was more frequently observed in mothers with pathogenic variants compared with those without known X-linked defects. The investigators concluded that the mutation rate in the cohort of sporadic patients corroborates previous estimates of 5-10% for X-chromosomal defects in male ID patients.
Piton et al (2013) used data from a large-scale sequencing project to question the implication of XLID in several of the genes proposed to be involved in XLID. The authors stated that mutations causing monogenic XLID have now been reported in over 100 genes, most of which are commonly included in XLID diagnostic gene panels. Nonetheless, the boundary between true mutations and rare non-disease-causing variants often remains elusive. The authors stated that sequencing of a large number of control X chromosomes, required for avoiding false-positive results, was not systematically possible in the past. Such information is now available thanks to large-scale sequencing projects such as the National Heart, Lung, and Blood (NHLBI) Exome Sequencing Project, which provides variation information on 10,563 X chromosomes from the general population. The authors used this NHLBI cohort to systematically reassess the implication of 106 genes proposed to be involved in monogenic forms of XLID. Based on this reassessment, the authors particularly questioned the implication in XLID of ten of them (AGTR2, MAGT1, ZNF674, SRPX2, ATP6AP2, ARHGEF6, NXF5, ZCCHC12, ZNF41, and ZNF81), in which truncating variants or previously published mutations are observed at a relatively high frequency within this cohort. The authors also highlighted 15 other genes (CCDC22, CLIC2, CNKSR2, FRMPD4, HCFC1, IGBP1, KIAA2022, KLF8, MAOA, NAA10, NLGN3, RPL10, SHROOM4, ZDHHC15, and ZNF261) for which replication studies are warranted. The authors proposed that similar reassessment of reported mutations (and genes) with the use of data from large-scale human exome sequencing would be relevant for a wide range of other genetic diseases.
Angelman and Prader-Willi syndromes
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurogenic disorder characterized by developmental delay, lack of speech, seizures and walking and balance disorders. Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder characterized by short stature, intellectual delay, weak muscle tone (hypotonia), hypogonadism and an uncontrolled appetite that leads to life-threatening obesity.
The diagnosis of AS or PWS can be established through a variety of biochemical and genetic tests including DNA methylation analysis, deletion/duplication analysis, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), chromosomal microarray (CMA), uniparental disomy (UPD) and imprinting defect (ID) studies.
DNA Methylation is a biochemical process in which a strand of DNA is modified after it is replicated. Deletion/Duplication Analysis is laboratory testing that identifies an absence of a segment of DNA (deletion) and/or the presence of an extra segment of DNA (duplication) in a coding region.
Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization (FISH) is a laboratory technique used to detect small deletions or rearrangements in chromosomes. FISH may be used in the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer and it is also utilized for the evaluation of microdeletion syndromes, such as Angelman syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome and velocardiofacial syndrome.
Uniparental Disomy (UPD) refers to the situation in which both members of a chromosome pair or segments of a chromosome pair are inherited from one parent and neither is inherited from the other parent. UPD can result in an abnormal phenotype in some cases.
Menkes Disease
Kaler (2010) stated that for children with low serum copper (0 to 55 µg/dL) and low serum ceruloplamin (10 to 160 mg/L) concentrations, direct sequence analysis of the ATP7A coding region and flanking intron sequences detects about 80 % of mutations, and deletion/duplication analysis can be used to detect deletion of an ATP7A exon, multiple exons, or the whole gene in about 15 % of affected patients.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an immune disorder in which an individual is unable to tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley and sometimes in products such as vitamin supplements and some medications. The diagnosis of celiac disease is based on the biopsy and histopathologic examination of the small intestine. Blood tests may be used to choose individuals for biopsy and to aid in diagnosis. Genetic testing, which may also be referred to as human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing for celiac disease, may be ordered if results from these tests are inconclusive.
CDH1 Mutations
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on “Gastric cancer” (Version 3.2015) states the following:
Genetic testing for CDH1 mutations should be considered when any of the following criteria is met:
- 2 gastric cases in a family, 1 confirmed diffuse gastric cancer (DGC) diagnosed before age 50 years; or
- 3 confirmed cases of DGC in 1st- or 2nd-degree relatives independent of age; or
- DGC diagnosed before age 40 years without a family history; or
- Personal or family history of DGC and lobular breast cancer, 1 diagnosed before age 50 years.
Left Ventricle Non-Compaction
An UpToDate review on “Isolated left ventricular noncompaction” (Connolly and Attenhofer-Jost, 2015) states that “Although the 2009 HFSA guideline suggests genetic testing for the one most clearly affected person in a family to facilitate family screening and management, we do not routinely recommend genetic studies in patients and families with LVNC”.
Polycystic Liver Disease
In a review on “Diagnosis and management of polycystic liver disease”, Gevers and Drenth (2013) stated that “[m]utation analysis for PCLD (PRKCSH and SEC63) is rarely performed in routine clinical practice, as it is not needed for clinical decision-making for these patients”.
Cnossen et al (2016) stated that isolated autosomal dominant polycystic liver disease (ADPLD) is a Mendelian disorder. Heterozygous PRKCSH (where PRKCSH is protein kinase C substrate 80K-H (80 kDa protein, heavy chain; MIM*177060) mutations are the most frequent cause. Routine molecular testing using Sanger sequencing identifies pathogenic variants in the PRKCSH (15 %) and SEC63 (where SEC63 is Saccharomyces cerevisiae homolog 63 (MIM*608648); 6 %) genes, but about approximately 80 % of patients meeting the clinical ADPLD criteria carry no PRKCSH or SEC63 mutation. Cyst tissue often shows somatic deletions with loss of heterozygosity that was recently recognized as a general mechanism in ADPLD. These researchers hypothesized that germline deletions in the PRKCSH gene may be responsible for hepatic cystogenesis in a significant number of mutation-negative ADPLD patients. In this study, these investigators designed a multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) assay to screen for deletions of PRKCSH exons. Genomic DNA from 60 patients with an ADPLD phenotype was included; MLPA analysis detected no exon deletions in mutation-negative ADPLD patients. The authors concluded that large copy number variations on germline level were not present in patients with a clinical diagnosis of ADPLD. They stated that MLPA analysis of the PRKCSH gene should not be considered as a diagnostic method to explain hepatic cystogenesis.
Furthermore, an UpToDate review on “Diagnosis and management of cystic lesions of the liver” (Regev and Reddy, 2015) does not mention genetic testing as a management tool.
MTHFR Genetic Testing for Risk Assessment of Hereditary Thrombophilia
Variations in the MTHFR gene have been studied as risk factors for numerous conditions, including cardiovascular disease, thrombophilia, stroke, hypertension and pregnancy-related complications; however, its role remains unclear.
Coriu and colleagues (2014) noted that pregnancy is a normal physiological state that predisposes to thrombosis, determined by hormonal changes in the body. These changes occur in the blood flow (venous stasis), changes in the vascular wall (hypotonia, endothelial lesion) and changes in the coagulation factors (increased levels of factor VII, factor VIII, factor X, von Willebrand factor) and decreased activity levels of natural anti-coagulants (protein C, protein S). In this retrospective study, these researchers examined a possible association between thrombosis and inherited thrombophilia in pregnant women. A total of 151 pregnant women with a history of complicated pregnancy: maternal thrombosis and placental vascular pathology (intra-uterine growth restriction, pre-eclampsia, recurrent pregnancy loss), who were admitted in the authors’ hospital during the period January 2010 to July 2014 were included in this study. These investigators performed genetic analyses to detect the factor V Leiden mutation, the G20210A mutation in the prothrombin gene, the C677T mutation and the A1298C mutation in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene. The risk of thrombosis in patients with factor V Leiden is 2.66 times higher than the patients negative for this mutation (odds ratio [OR] 2.66 95 % CI: 0.96 to 7.37 p = 0.059). The authors did not find any statistical association with mutations in the MTHFR gene. Pregnant women with a family history of thrombosis presented a 2.18-fold higher risk of thrombosis (OR 2.18, CI: 0.9 to 5.26 p = 0.085). Of 151 pregnant women, thrombotic events occurred in 24 patients: deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and ischemic stroke. The occurrence of thrombotic events was identified in the last trimester of pregnancy, but especially post-partum.
An UpToDate review on “Screening for inherited thrombophilia in asymptomatic individuals” (Bauer, 2015) states that “Homocysteine and the MTHFR variant – There is no clinical rationale for measurement of fasting plasma homocysteine levels or for assaying for presence of the MTHFR 677C→T variant in asymptomatic individuals, and we never order this testing to evaluate venous or arterial thrombosis”.
An UpToDate review on “Screening for inherited thrombophilia in children” (Raffini, 2015) states that “The strength of the association between each IT and the development of VTE varies, and they are often classified into “weak” or “strong” risk factors. Although there are numerous other inherited defects that have been described, none have gained widespread acceptance. Testing for polymorphisms in the methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene is not indicated, because these extremely common polymorphisms do not frequently cause hyperhomocysteinemia, and they are not, by themselves, associated with VTE”.
Furthermore, he American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (2015) noted the following:
“Don’t order MTHFR genetic testing for the risk assessment of hereditary thrombophilia. The common MTHFR gene variants, 677C>T and 1298A>G, are prevalent in the general population. Recent meta-analyses have disproven an association between the presence of these variants and venous thromboembolism”.
Next-Generation Sequencing for the Diagnosis of Learning Disabilities in Children
Beale and colleagues (2015) stated that learning disability (LD) is a serious and lifelong condition characterized by the impairment of cognitive and adaptive skills. Some cases of LD with unidentified causes may be linked to genetic factors. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques are new approaches to genetic testing that are expected to increase diagnostic yield. These investigators described current pathways that involve the use of genetic testing; collected stakeholder views on the changes in service provision that would need to be put in place before NGS could be used in clinical practice; described the new systems and safeguards that would need to be put in place before NGS could be used in clinical practice; and explored the cost-effectiveness of using NGS compared with conventional genetic testing. A research advisory group was established. This group provided ongoing support by e-mail and telephone through the lifetime of the study and also contributed face-to-face through a workshop. A detailed review of published studies and reports was undertaken. In addition, information was collected through 33 semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders. Next-generation sequencing techniques consist of targeted gene sequencing, whole-exome sequencing (WES) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Targeted gene panels, which are the least complex, are in their infancy in clinical settings. Some interviewees thought that during the next 3 to 5 years targeted gene panels would be superseded by WES. If NGS technologies were to be fully introduced into clinical practice in the future a number of factors would need to be overcome. The main resource-related issues pertaining to service provision are the need for additional computing capacity, more bioinformaticians, more genetic counsellors and also genetics-related training for the public and a wide range of staff. It is also considered that, as the number of children undergoing genetic testing increases, there will be an increase in demand for information and support for families. The main issues relating to systems and safeguards are giving informed consent, sharing unanticipated findings, developing ethical and other frameworks, equity of access, data protection, data storage and data sharing. There is little published evidence on the cost-effectiveness of NGS technologies. The major barriers to determining cost-effectiveness are the uncertainty around diagnostic yield, the heterogeneity of diagnostic pathways and the lack of information on the impact of a diagnosis on health care, social care, educational support needs and the wider family. Furthermore, as NGS techniques are currently being used only in research, costs and benefits to the National Health Services (NHS) are unclear. The authors concluded that NGS technologies are at an early stage of development and it is too soon to say whether they can offer value for money to the NHS as part of the LD diagnostic process. They stated that substantial organizational changes, as well as new systems and safeguards, would be needed if NGS technologies were to be introduced into NHS clinical practice; and considerable further research is needed to establish whether using NGS technologies to diagnose learning disabilities is clinically effective and cost-effective.
The Genetic Addiction Risk Score (GARSPREDX™)
Blum and associates (2015) noted that the Brain Reward Cascade (BRC) is an interaction of neurotransmitters and their respective genes to control the amount of dopamine released within the brain. Any variations within this pathway, whether genetic or environmental (epigenetic), may result in addictive behaviors or reward deficiency syndrome (RDS), which was coined to define addictive behaviors and their genetic components. These investigators searched a number of important databases including: Filtered: Cochrane Systematic reviews; DARE; PubMed Central Clinical Quaries; National Guideline Clearinghouse and unfiltered resources: PsychINFO; ACP PIER; PsychSage; PubMed/Medline. The major search terms included: dopamine agonist therapy for addiction; dopamine agonist therapy for reward dependence; dopamine antagonistic therapy for addiction; dopamine antagonistic therapy for reward dependence and neurogenetics of RDS. While there are many studies claiming a genetic association with RDS behavior, not all are scientifically accurate. The authors concluded that albeit their bias, this Clinical Pearl discussed the facts and fictions behind molecular genetic testing in RDS and the significance behind the development of the Genetic Addiction Risk Score (GARSPREDX™), the first test to accurately predict one's genetic risk for RDS. The clinical value of the Genetic Addiction Risk Score (GARSPREDX™) has yet to be determined.
Selected Ciliopathies
Simms et al (2011) wrote that nephronophthisis (NPHP) is an autosomal recessive cystic kidney disease and a leading genetic cause of established renal failure in children and young adults; early presenting symptoms in children with NPHP include polyuria, nocturia, or secondary enuresis, pointing to a urinary concentrating defect. The authors further note that NPHP is associated with extra renal manifestations in 10-15% of patients. The most frequent extrarenal association is retinal degeneration, leading to blindness. Increasingly, molecular genetic testing is being utilised to diagnose NPHP and avoid the need for a renal biopsy.
Barisic et al (2015) stated that Meckel-Gruber syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive lethal ciliopathy characterized by the triad of cystic renal dysplasia, occipital encephalocele and postaxial polydactyly. The authors conducted the largest population-based epidemiological study to date using data provided by the European Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies network using a study population of 191 cases identified between January 1990 and December 2011 in 34 European registries. The mean prevalence was 2.6 per 100,000 births in a subset of registries. The investigators found that there were 145 (75.9%) terminations of pregnancy after prenatal diagnosis, 13 (6.8%) fetal deaths, and 33 (17.3%) live births. In addition to cystic kidneys (97.7%), encephalocele (83.8%) and polydactyly (87.3%), frequent features include other central nervous system anomalies (51.4%), fibrotic/cystic changes of the liver (65.5% of cases with post mortem examination) and orofacial clefts (31.8%). Most cases (90.2%) are diagnosed prenatally at 14.3 ± 2.6 (range 11-36) gestational weeks and pregnancies are mainly terminated, reducing the number of live births to one-fifth of the total prevalence rate. Barisic et al concluded that early diagnosis is important for timely counseling of affected couples regarding the option of pregnancy termination and prenatal genetic testing in future pregnancies.
Ece Solmaz et al (2015) stated that Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is characterized by obesity, rod-cone dystrophy, postaxial polydactyly, renal abnormalities, genital abnormalities and learning difficulties; mutations in 21 different genes have been described as being responsible for BBS. Recently, sequential gene sequencing has been replaced by NGS applications. The investigators conducted a study in which 15 patients with clinically diagnosed BBS were investigated using an NGS panel including 17 known BBS causing genes (BBS1, BBS2, ARL6, BBS4, BBS5, MKKS, BBS7, TTC8, BBS9, BBS10, TRIM32, BBS12, MKS1, NPHP6, WDPCP, SDCCAG8, NPHP1). A genetic diagnosis was achieved in 13 patients (86.6%) and involved 9 novel and 3 previously described pathogenic variants in 6 of 17 BBS causing genes; also, three of the 13 patients had an affected sibling. The authors concluded that although limited association between certain genes and phenotypic features was observed in this study, additional studies are needed to better characterize the genotype-phenotype correlation of BBS. Nevertheless, the results demonstrate that NGS panels are a feasible and effective method for providing high diagnostic yields in the diseases caused by multiple genes such as BBS.
Roosing et al (2015) reported that effective primary ciliogenesis or cilium stability forms the basis of human ciliopathies, including Joubert syndrome (JS). They evaluated patients with defective cerebellar vermis development and performed a high-content genome-wide small interfering RNA screen to identify genes regulating ciliogenesis as candidates for JS. The investigators identified 591 likely candidates; intersection of this data with whole exome results from 145 individuals with unexplained JS identified six families with predominantly compound heterozygous mutations in KIAA0586. A c.428del base deletion in 0.1% of the general population was found with a second mutation in an additional set of 9 of 163 unexplained JS patients. Thus, the investigators concluded that KIAA0586 is an orthologue of chick Talpid3, required for ciliogenesis and sonic hedgehog signaling, uncovering a relatively high frequency cause for JS and contributing a list of candidates for future gene discoveries in ciliopathies.
Suspitsin et al (2015) stated that at least 19 genes have been shown to be associated with BBS, and therefore, genetic testing is highly complicated. The authors used an Illumina MiSeq platform for WES analysis of a family with strong clinical features of BBS and found a homozygous c.1967_1968delTAinsC (p.Leu656fsX673; RefSeq NM_176824.2) mutation in BBS7 in both affected children, while their healthy sibling and the non-consanguineous parents were heterozygous for this allele. Therefore, genotyping of 2,832 DNA samples obtained from Russian blood donors revealed 2 additional heterozygous subjects (0.07%) with the c.1967_1968delTAinsC mutation.
Wheway et al (2015) identified 112 candidate ciliogenesis and ciliopathy genes, including 44 components of the ubiquitin-proteasome system, 12 G-protein-coupled receptors, and 3 pre-mRNA processing factors (PRPF6, PRPF8 and PRPF31) mutated in autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa. Combining the screen with exome sequencing data identified recessive mutations in PIBF1, also known as CEP90, and C21orf2, also known as LRRC76, as causes of the ciliopathies Joubert and Jeune syndromes. The authors’ approaches provide insights into ciliogenesis complexity and identify roles for unanticipated pathways in human genetic disease.
Suspitsin et al.(2016) stated that BBS is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder, characterized by heterogeneous clinical manifestations including primary features of the disease such as rod-cone dystrophy, polydactyly, obesity, genital abnormalities, renal defects, learning difficulties and secondary BBS characteristics such as developmental delay, speech deficit, brachydactyly or syndactyly, dental defects, ataxia or poor coordination, olfactory deficit, diabetes mellitus, and congenital heart disease. A minimum of 20 BBS genes have already been identified, and all of them are involved in primary cilia functioning. Genetic diagnosis of BBS is complicated due to lack of gene-specific disease symptoms, but is gradually becoming more accessible with the invention of multigene sequencing technologies. Progress in DNA testing technologies is likely to rapidly resolve all limitations in BBS diagnosis; however, much slower improvement is expected with regard to BBS treatment.
CancerNext
CancerNext™ (Ambry Genetics) utilizes next generation sequencing to offer a comprehensive testing panel for hereditary colon cancer and targets detection of mutations in 22 genes (APC, BMPR1A, CDH1, CHEK2, EPCAM, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, MUTYH, PMS2, PTEN, SMAD4, STK11, and TP53) (Raman, et al., 2013). Gross deletion/duplication analysis is performed for all 22 genes. CancerNext™ is a next-generation cancer panel that simultaneously analyzes selected genes associated with a wide range of cancers. While mutations in each gene on this panel may be individually rare, they may collectively account for a significant amount of hereditary cancer susceptibility.
OvaNext
OvaNext (Ambry Genetics) is a next generation (next-gen) sequencing panel that simultaneously analyses 19 genes that contribute to increased risk for breast, ovarian, and/or uterine cancers (Raman, et al., 2013). The test is intended to determine if a woman has an increase chance of developing breast, ovarian, and/or uterus cancer.
BreastNext
BreastNext utilizes next generation sequencing to offer a comprehensive testing panel for hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer and targets detection of mutations in 14 genes (ATM, BARD1, BRIP1, CDH1, CHEK2,MRE11A, MUTYH, NBN, PALB2, PTEN, RAD50, RAD51C, STK11 and TP53), excluding BRCA1 and BRCA2 (Raman, et al., 2013). Gross deletion/duplication analysis is performed for all 14 genes. Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 explain hereditary breast cancer occurrence ~25–50% of the time, additional genes associated with hereditary breast cancer are emerging. Studies suggest that mutations in the genes on the BreastNext™ panel may confer an estimated 25–70% lifetime risk for breast cancer.
An assessment prepared for the Australian Health Policy Advisory Committee on Technology (HealthPACT) (Mundy, 2013) noted that many of the genes included in BreastNext are not just associated with breast cancer and therefore a mutation in one of these genes may indicate an elevated risk of a number of different cancers, making a specific management and surveillance strategy difficult. Several of the genes included in the BreastNext panel are involved in DNA repair: CHEK2, ATM, BRIP1 and PALB2. These genes are associated with an estimated two-fold risk of breast cancer in women and have been shown by numerous studies to be rare in the population. The assessment noted that there appears to be a reluctance by Australian clinicians to use this technology due to potential difficulties in interpreting the significance of mutations in some of the genes included in the panel.
The assessment noted that mutations detected in some of the genes included in the BreastNext panel may be considered amorphous in that they represent an increased risk, but there is little that may be done about that risk. In addition, the risk is not specific to one cancer, for example, a mutation in the Tp53 gene may represent an increased risk of cancer of the breast, colorectum or brain, making surveillance difficult. A positive test may therefore result in undue worry and stress on the patient.
The review identified no peer-reviewed studies in the literature that describes the use of the BreastNext panel in women considered to have a predisposition to breast cancer. Ambry Genetics have a .number of conference proceedings published on their website, The first 400 BRCA1 and BRCA2-negative women to receive testing with BreastNext were reported to the 2013 conference of the U.S. National Consortium of Breast Centers (NCBC). The NCBC is an "organisation of breast professionals, breast centres, providers of service to care providers, and corporations that supply equipment and pharmaceuticals to care providers." Of the 400 women, 41 (10%) were found to have a mutation in the following genes: PALB2 (n=9), ATM (n=9), CHEK2 (n=8), MUTYH (n=4), BARD1 (n=3), RAD50 (n=3) and one each in pTEN, RAD51C, Tp53, MRE11A and NBN (level IV diagnostic evidence). However, the significance of these results and the implications for patients of these positive results were not discussed. The HealthPACT assessment noted that positive tests may be difficult to interpret if the genetic variant is not the known founder mutation. In addition, mutations may occur in genes of known importance, but whether these mutations result in functional changes resulting in consequences for the health of the individual may remain unknown.
The HealthPACT assessment of BreastNext found that 21-gene and 14-gene panels detected a number of mutations in candidate genes, which may be of significance in women considered to be at a genetic predisposition to breast or ovarian cancer. The impact of these findings on patient outcomes was not discussed in any of the included papers. It may be assumed that these women and their first-degree relatives would then enter a surveillance programme. The HealthPACT assessment noted that, in Australia, first-degree relatives would be eligible to enter into such a programme even if testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 was negative, therefore it is difficult to gauge the usefulness of tests such as BreastNext and OvaNext.
The HealthPACT assessment concluded that, although some of the genes included in the BreastNext panel may be associated with breast cancer, there is a paucity of evidence linking all of the included mutations with the disease. There were no peer-reviewed studies identified that could demonstrate the clinical utility of this product and therefore the impact this product may have on clinical decision making cannot be determined. Of concern is that these tests may be accessed by women who may not require testing, and that this may have consequences for the public health system. Therefore it is recommended that no further research on behalf of HealthPACT is warranted at this time.
ColoNext
ColoNext™ (Ambry Genetics) utilizes next generation sequencing to offer a comprehensive testing panel for hereditary colon cancer and targets detection of mutations in 14 genes (APC, BMPR1A, CDH1, CHEK2, EPCAM, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, MUTYH, PMS2, PTEN, SMAD4, STK11, and TP53) (Raman, et al., 2013). Gross deletion/duplication analysis is performed for all 14 genes. ColoNext™ is a next-generation cancer panel that simultaneously analyzes selected genes associated with a wide range of cancers. While mutations in each gene on this panel may be individually rare, they may collectively account for a significant amount of hereditary cancer susceptibility.
Coloseq
ColoSeq™ (University of Washington Laboratory Medicine Genetics Lab) is a comprehensive genetic test for hereditary colon cancer that uses next-generation sequencing to detect mutations in multiple genes associated with Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, HNPCC), familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP), hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC), Cowden syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Muir-Torre syndrome, Turcot syndrome, and Juvenile Polyposis syndrome (Raman, et al., 2013). The assay sequences all exons, introns, and flanking sequences of the 13 genes. Large deletions, duplications, and mosaicism are also detected by the assay and reported.
Panexia
PANEXIA® (Myriad Genetics) detects mutations in genes that result in an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, offering insight about the risk of future hereditary cancers for patients and their families (Raman, et al., 2013). PANEXIA, via a blood test, analyzes the PALB2 and BRCA2 genes, the two genes most commonly identified in families with hereditary pancreatic cancer. The PANEXIA test results provide information for patients and their family members about the inherited risks of pancreatic cancer as well as breast, ovarian, and other cancers. This knowledge may allow at-risk family members the opportunity to lower their risks for some of these cancers through surveillance, preventative options, or lifestyle choices. The test is intended to determine if a person has an increase risk of developing pancreatic and/or breast cancer. The test determines the presence of the PALB2 and BRCA2 genes. The results of the test are intended to enable the development of a patient-specific medical management plan to reduce the risk of cancer.
Interstitial Lung Disease
Devine and Garcia (2012) stated that the interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), or diffuse parenchymal lung diseases, are a heterogeneous collection of more than 100 different pulmonary disorders that affect the tissue and spaces surrounding the alveoli. Patients affected by ILD usually present with shortness of breath or cough; for many, there is evidence of pulmonary restriction, decreased diffusion capacity, and radiographical appearance of alveolar and/or reticulo-nodular infiltrates. The authors reviewed the inherited ILDs, with a focus on the diseases that may be seen by pulmonologists caring for adult patients. They concluded by briefly discussing the utility of genetic testing in this population.
Kitazawa et al (2013) stated that mutations in genes critical for surfactant metabolism, including surfactant protein C (SP-C) and ABCA3, are well-recognized causes of ILD. Recessive mutations in ABCA3 were first attributed to fatal respiratory failure in full-term neonates, but they are also increasingly being recognized as a cause of respiratory disorders with less severe phenotypes in older children and also adults. These investigators reported the case of a 20-month old boy with ILD caused by 2 distinct ABCA3 mutations. Initial treatment with methylprednisolone was unsuccessful, but the additional administration of hydroxychloroquine was effective. The family history revealed that the patient's older brother had died of idiopathic ILD at 6 months of age, suggesting a genetic etiology of the disease. Sequence analyses of SP-C and ABCA3 genes were performed using DNA samples from the patient himself, his parents, and his brother. These analyses revealed novel compound heterozygous mutations in the coding exons of ABCA3 in both the patient and his brother: c.2741A > G, of paternal origin, and c.3715_3716insGGGGGG, of maternal origin. The authors concluded that since ABCA3 mutations appeared to be a heterogeneous entity with various phenotypes, they recommended genetic testing for mutations in SP-C and ABCA3 genes to be considered in children with unexplained ILD.
Campo et al (2014) noted that ILD occurring in children is a condition characterized by high frequency of cases due to genetic aberrations of pulmonary surfactant homeostasis, that are also believed to be responsible of a fraction of familial pulmonary fibrosis. To the authors’ knowledge, ABCA3 gene was not previously reported as causative agent of fibrosis affecting both children and adults in the same kindred. These researchers investigated a large kindred in which 2 members, a girl whose ILD was first recognized at age of 13, and an adult, showed a diffuse pulmonary fibrosis with marked differences in terms of morphology and imaging. An additional, asymptomatic family member was detected by genetic analysis. Surfactant abnormalities were investigated at biochemical, and genetic level, as well as by cell transfection experiments. Broncho-alveolar lavage fluid analysis of the patients revealed absence of surfactant protein C, whereas the gene sequence was normal. By contrast, sequence of the ABCA3 gene showed a novel homozygous G > A transition at nucleotide 2891, localized within exon 21, resulting in a glycine to aspartic acid change at codon 964. Interestingly, the lung specimens from the girl displayed a morphologic usual interstitial pneumonitis-like pattern, whereas the specimens from 1 of the 2 adult patients showed rather a non-specific interstitial pneumonitis-like pattern. The authors concluded that they had detected a large kindred with a novel ABCA3 mutation likely causing interstitial lung fibrosis affecting either young and adult family members. They suggested that ABCA3 gene should be considered in genetic testing in the occurrence of familial pulmonary fibrosis.
An UpToDate review on “Approach to the adult with interstitial lung disease: Clinical evaluation” (King, 2016a) states that “An autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance has been reported for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), tuberous sclerosis, and neurofibromatosis. In a study of 111 families with 2 or more cases of pulmonary fibrosis, 20 pedigrees demonstrated vertical transmission, consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance, and 45 demonstrated phenotypic heterogeneity. Having ever smoked cigarettes was strongly associated with the development of pulmonary fibrosis, suggesting that an interaction between environmental exposure and gene or gene(s) may contribute to the pathogenesis of this disease”. Furthermore, an UpToDate review on “Approach to the adult with interstitial lung disease: Diagnostic testing” (King, 2016b) does not mention genetic testing.
On the other hand, an UpToDate review on “Approach to the infant and child with interstitial lung disease” (Young, 2016) states that “Diagnostic Approach – The overall approach to the diagnostic evaluation is guided by an assessment of the clinical context and disease severity, taking into consideration factors such as the presence of hypoxemia, pulmonary hypertension, failure to thrive, immunocompetence, family history, and trend toward worsening or improvement. Diagnostic studies are used to evaluate for predisposing disorders, to assess the extent and severity of disease, and to identify the primary ILD disease, if possible. The most useful approach to diagnosis is obtaining a history and physical examination, followed by non-invasive tests and invasive studies if needed. Genetic testing may obviate the need for more invasive studies such as lung biopsy, and thus should be considered early in the evaluation in the appropriate clinical context …. Genetic testing – Analysis of blood can identify the common genetic mutations that cause surfactant dysfunction and thus avoid the need for more invasive evaluations such as lung biopsy. This testing is suggested for infants presenting with acute respiratory failure in the absence of other explanations, or in older children with chronic presentation or family history of ILD, especially if the diagnostic imaging is consistent with ILD ”. The authors recommended genetic testing for selected patients (e.g., neonates presenting with respiratory failure, or children with symptoms of ILD and a family history of a similarly affected sibling, or based on radiographic patterns or bronchoscopic findings).
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Northrop and colleagues (2015) noted that tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) involves abnormalities of the skin (hypo-melanotic macules, facial angiofibromas, shagreen patches, cephalic plaques, ungual fibromas); brain (cortical dysplasias, sub-ependymal nodules and sub-ependymal giant cell astrocytomas [SEGAs], seizures, intellectual disability/developmental delay, psychiatric illness); kidney (angiomyolipomas, cysts, renal cell carcinomas); heart (rhabdomyomas, arrhythmias); and lungs (lymphangioleiomyomatosis [LAM]). Tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality; renal disease is the 2nd leading cause of early death. The diagnosis of TSC is based on clinical findings. Heterozygous pathogenic variants can be identified in 75 % to 90 % of individuals who meet the clinical diagnostic criteria for TSC. Among those in whom a pathogenic variant can be identified, pathogenic variants in TSC1 are found in 31 % and pathogenic variants in TSC2 in 69 %. Treatment of manifestations: For enlarging SEGAs: mTOR inhibitors; neurosurgery when size causes life-threatening neurologic symptoms. For seizures: Vigabatrin and other anti-epileptic drugs, and on occasion, epilepsy surgery. For renal angiomyolipomas greater than 4 cm, or greater than 3 cm and growing rapidly: mTOR inhibitors are the recommended 1st line of therapy with secondary therapy options being embolization or renal sparing surgery. For LAM: mTOR inhibitors. For facial angiofibromas: Topical mTOR inhibitors. For symptomatic cardiac rhabdomyomas: Surgical intervention or consideration of mTOR inhibitor therapy.
Noonan Syndrome
Noonan is diagnosed on clinical grounds by observation of key features.
Congenital Myotonia
Monteagudo et al (2015) stated that congenital myotonia (CM) is characterized by a delay in muscular relaxation after sudden contractions. In a recent outbreak of ovine CM affecting 1 % of new-born lambs in a Spanish flock of Rasa Aragonesa sheep, a comparative pathology approach was taken: because a mutation in the muscle chloride channel gene (CLCN1) was identified as responsible for CM in goats, the same gene was sequenced in the affected lambs. A non-synonymous single nucleotide variation (SNV) in the second exon of CLCN1 was associated with this pathology. Rams carrying this SNV heterozygously were thereafter identified and replaced by wild-type homozygous young males. No additional CM cases were detected in subsequent lambing seasons.
Miryounesi et al (2016) noted that congenital recessive myotonia is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in CLCN1, which codes for the main skeletal muscle chloride channel ClC-1. More than 120 mutations have been found in this gene. The main feature of this disorder is muscle membrane hyper-excitability. These investigators reported the case of a 59-year old male patient suffering from CM. He had transient generalized myotonia, which started in early childhood. These investigators analyzed CLCN1 sequence in this patient and other members of his family. They found a new missense mutation in CLCN1 gene (c.1886T>C, p.Leu629Pro). Co-segregation of this mutation with the disease was demonstrated by direct sequencing of the fragment in affected as well as unaffected members of this family. In addition, in silico analyses predicted that this nucleotide change would impair the protein function. The authors concluded that this new nucleotide variation can be used for prenatal diagnosis in this family.
An UpToDate review on “Myotonic dystrophy: Etiology, clinical features, and diagnosis” (Darras and Chad, 2016) states the following:
“Current understanding of the pathophysiology of this disease posits what is known as a "trans" effect, in which the repeat expansions exert a dominant toxic effect on other genes not localized to either the DM1 or DM2 loci. This effect is mediated by two RNA-binding protein families:- Muscleblind-like (MBNL), and
- CUG-BP- and ETR-3-like-factors (CELF).
According to this theory, for which there is some experimental support, the CUG and CCUG RNA expansions fold into a hairpin structure, and these mutant RNAs accumulate in the nucleus. In DM1, the mutant CUG repeat containing RNA sequesters MBNL1 and leads to loss of its function. The mutant RNAs alter RNA binding protein activity, which in turn results in aberrant splicing and abnormal function of several genes, including the bridging integrator 1 gene (BIN1), the skeletal muscle chloride channel, the insulin receptor, and cardiac troponin T. Muscle weakness may result from sequestration of MBNL1 by expanded CUG or CCUG repeats, leading to alternative splicing of BIN1 and skipping of muscle-specific exon 11 of BIN1 messenger RNA, which in turn causes disorganized T tubules and impairs excitation-contraction coupling. Skeletal muscle chloride channel dysfunction is responsible for the myotonia and is related to increased inclusion of exon 7A during misregulated alternative splicing of the CLCN1 gene. Mutant RNA appears to induce expression of the cardiac transcription factor NKX2-5, which may account for the cardiac conduction disturbances associated with DM1. Dysregulation of alpha-dystrobrevin splicing may also play a role in the muscle weakness and wasting found with DM1”.
Cardiomyopathy
Roncarati et al (2013) stated that familial dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a heterogeneous disease; although 30 disease genes have been discovered, they explain only no more than 50 % of all cases; in addition, the causes of intra-familial variability in DCM have remained largely unknown. These researchers exploited the use of whole-exome sequencing (WES) to investigate the causes of clinical variability in an extended family with 14 affected subjects, 4 of whom showed particular severe manifestations of cardiomyopathy requiring heart transplantation in early adulthood. This analysis, followed by confirmative conventional sequencing, identified the mutation p.K219T in the lamin A/C gene in all 14 affected patients. An additional variant in the gene for titin (TTN), p.L4855F, was identified in the severely affected patients. The age for heart transplantation was substantially less for LMNA:p.K219T/TTN:p.L4855F double heterozygotes than that for LMNA:p.K219T single heterozygotes. Myocardial specimens of doubly heterozygote individuals showed increased nuclear length, sarcomeric disorganization, and myonuclear clustering compared with samples from single heterozygotes. The authors concluded that these findings showed that WES can be used for the identification of causal and modifier variants in families with variable manifestations of DCM. In addition, they not only indicated that LMNA and TTN mutational status may be useful in this family for risk stratification in individuals at risk for DCM, but also suggested TTN as a modifier for DCM.
Begay and colleagues (2015) noted that the TTN encodes the largest human protein, which plays a central role in sarcomere organization and passive myocyte stiffness; and TTN truncating mutations cause DCM. However, the role of TTN missense variants in DCM has been difficult to elucidate because of the presence of background TTN variation. A cohort of 147 DCM index subjects underwent DNA sequencing for 313 TTN exons covering the N2B and N2BA cardiac isoforms of TTN. Of the 348 missense variants, these researchers identified 44 "severe" rare variants by using a bioinformatic filtering process in 37 probands. Of these, 5 probands were double heterozygotes (additional variant in another DCM gene) and 7 were compound heterozygotes (2 TTN "severe" variants). Segregation analysis allowed the classification of the "severe" variants into 5 "likely" (co-segregating), 5 "unlikely" (non-co-segregating), and 34 "possibly" (where family structure precluded segregation analysis) disease-causing variants. Patients with DCM carrying "likely" or "possibly" pathogenic TTN "severe" variants did not show a different outcome compared with "unlikely" and non-carriers of a "severe" TTN variant. However, the "likely" and "possibly" disease-causing variants were over-represented in the C-zone of the A-band region of the sarcomere. The authors concluded that TTN missense variants are common and present a challenge for bioinformatic classification, especially when informative families are not available. The authors concluded that although DCM patients carrying bioinformatically "severe" TTN variants do not appear to have a worse clinical course than non-carriers, the non-random distribution of "likely" and "possibly" disease-causing variants suggested a potential biological role for some TTN missense variants.
UpToDate reviews on “Familial dilated cardiomyopathy: Prevalence, diagnosis and treatment” (Hershberger, 2016a), “Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and evaluation” (Maron, 2016), and “Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy” (McKenna, 2016) do not mention genetic testing of titin (TTN) as a management tool.
Furthermore, an UpToDate review on “Genetics of dilated cardiomyopathy” (Hershberger, 2016b) states that “Mutations in the TTN gene encoding titin, the largest human protein and a key component of sarcomeric force generation, are the most common known cause of DCM. In a study restricted to identification of TTN truncating mutations (mostly nonsense or “stop” mutations, or other mutations that plausibly caused the interruption of production the full titin protein), such mutations were observed in approximately 20 % of referred populations of idiopathic DCM (25 % of familial cases and 18 % of sporadic cases). No unique clinical characteristics have been identified for these truncating mutations but adverse events may occur earlier in men than in women. The role of missense mutations, common among all patient groups, was not addressed in the study. Furthermore, approximately 3 % of control DNAs also carried TTN truncating variants, raising the question of pathogenicity of even truncating variants”.
Furthermore, the results of the genetic test, whether positive or negative, does not help an individual affected with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Given that phenotypic expression of familial HCM is heterogenous, a positive genetic test does not determine prognosis of HCM and it does not determine treatment of HCM. A negative test in a person with HCM with a family history does not rule out the possibility of a genetic etiology because many of the genes involved in familial HCM are not known.
Genetic Testing of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Stone (2015) stated that age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is a very common condition that is caused by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. It is likely that, in the future, genetic testing will allow physicians to achieve better clinical outcomes by administering specific treatments to patients based on their genotypes. However, improved outcomes for genotyped patients have not yet been shown in a prospective clinical trial, and as a result, the costs and risks of routine genetic testing currently out-weigh the benefits for patients with ARMD.
Seddon and colleagues (2016) stated that the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) reported the beneficial impact of antioxidant and zinc supplements on the risk of progression to advanced stages of ARMD. These researchers evaluated the role of genetic variants in modifying the relationship between supplementation and progression to advanced ARMD. The authors concluded that the effectiveness of antioxidant and zinc supplementation appeared to differ by genotype. They stated that further study is needed to determine the biological basis for this interaction.
Hong et al (2016) examined if the complement factor H (CFH) polymorphism rs1061170/Y402H is associated with responsiveness to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents in ARMD. These investigators reviewed the English literature to examine the association between the polymorphism rs1061170/Y402H of the CFH gene and responsiveness to treatment with anti-VEGF drugs in AMD patients. A meta-analysis of eligible studies was also performed. Pooled ORs and 95 % CIs were estimated using Stata V.12.0. Statistical heterogeneity was measured using Q-statistic testing. A total of 14 relevant studies including a total of 2,963 ARMD patients were eligible. In ARMD patients without a treatment history, individuals carrying the rs1061170/Y402H TT genotype were more likely to achieve a better outcome (OR = 1.932, 95 % CI: 1.125 to 3.317, p = 0.017) than those carrying the CC genotype. The authors concluded that the polymorphism rs1061170/Y402H might be a genetic predictor of treatment response to anti-VEGF therapy in ARMD patients. They stated that further prospective research including a larger number of patients is needed to validate this finding.
An UpToDate review on “Age-related macular degeneration: Clinical presentation, etiology, and diagnosis” (Arroyo, 2017) states that “Genetic factors – Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has become the paradigm for a condition in which specific genotypic polymorphisms predispose to disease, and interact with modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Genetic polymorphisms in several genes have been identified that could account for more than half of all cases of AMD. While the strongest association is with genes involved in complement pathways, other associated genetic factors are involved in immune processes, lipid metabolism, collagen and extracellular matrix mechanisms, and angiogenesis pathways. Genetic factors influence the onset and progression of AMD, as well as differential response to treatment options … The genetic basis for AMD may have implications for treatment. As an example, there is preliminary evidence that treatment response to vitamin and zinc supplementation may be influenced by the presence of a specific CFH genotype, although this will need further confirmation. Treatment response to VEGF inhibitors may also be related to the presence of identified polymorphisms in the CFH and other AMD-associated genes”.
Chew (2017) noted that the AREDS and AREDS2 provided evidence for treating persons with ARMD with anti-oxidant vitamins and minerals to reduce the risk of development of late ARMD. The AREDS2 data suggested that the beta-carotene in the original AREDS supplements be replaced by lutein and zeaxanthin, providing a safer drug for those who are smokers or former smokers. Even though consuming fish reduced the risk of ARMD in observational studies, the AREDS2 results showed that omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (docosahexaenoic acid/eicosapentaenoic acid) had no beneficial effect on ARMD. Despite the major progress in the discovery of gene variants associated with ARMD, the use of genetic testing to predict disease has not been clinically useful. The author concluded that the use of genetic testing prior to ARMD therapies such as administering AREDS supplements is not recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and other organizations.
Genetic Testing for Familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Vajda and colleagues (2017) determined the degree of consensus among clinicians on the clinical use of genetic testing in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and the factors that determine decision-making. In this survey, ALS researchers worldwide were invited to participate in a detailed online survey to determine their attitudes and practices relating to genetic testing. Responses from 167 clinicians from 21 different countries were analyzed. The majority of respondents (73.3 %) do not consider that there is a consensus definition of familial ALS (FALS); 57 % consider a family history of fronto-temporal dementia and 48.5 % the presence of a known ALS genetic mutation as sufficient for a diagnosis of FALS. Most respondents (90.2 %) offered genetic testing to patients they define as having FALS and 49.4 % to patients with sporadic ALS; 4 main genes (SOD1, C9orf72, TARDBP, and FUS) were commonly tested. A total of 55.2 % of respondents would seek genetic testing if they had personally received a diagnosis of ALS; 42 % never offered pre-symptomatic testing to family members of patients with FALS. Responses varied between ALS specialists and non-specialists and based on the number of new patients seen per year. The authors concluded that there is a lack of consensus among clinicians as to the definition of FALS. Substantial variation exists in attitude and practices related to genetic testing of patients and pre-symptomatic testing of their relatives across geographic regions and between experienced specialists in ALS and non-specialists. These investigators stated that these data suggested that the clinical application of genetic testing in symptomatic patients is not always evidence-based, and that genetic counseling of patients and their families does not occur routinely as a standard of care in all instances. Pre-symptomatic testing may sometimes occur with limited recognition of the presence of genetic pleiotropy and oligogenic inheritance. They noted that these findings suggested the need for evidence-based and consensus guidelines as to the most appropriate utilization of diagnostic and pre-symptomatic genetic testing in routine clinical management of patients with ALS and their extended families.
Genetic Testing of HADHB for Breast Cancer
Zhou et al (2012a) stated that it is known that estrogen receptors (ERs) can function as nuclear receptors and transcription factors in the nucleus and as signaling molecules in the plasma membrane. In addition, the localization of the receptors in mitochondria suggested that they may play important roles in mitochondria. In order to identify novel proteins that are involved in ER-alpha (ERα)-mediated actions of estrogens, these researchers used a proteomic method that integrated affinity purification, 2-D gel electrophoresis, and mass spectrometry to isolate and identify cellular proteins that interact with ERα. One of the proteins identified was tri-functional protein β-subunit (HADHB), a mitochondrial protein that is required for β-oxidation of fatty acids in mitochondria. These investigators have verified the interaction between ERα and HADHB by co-immuno-precipitation and established that ERα directly binds to HADHB by performing an in-vitro binding assay. In addition, these researchers have shown that ERα co-localized with HADHB in the mitochondria by confocal microscopy, and the 2 proteins interact with each other within mitochondria by performing co-immuno-precipitation using purified mitochondria as starting materials. These investigators had demonstrated that the expression of ERα affects HADHB activity, and a combination of 17β-estrodiol and tamoxifen affects the activity of HADHB prepared from human breast cancer cells that express ERα but not from the cells that are ERα deficient. Furthermore, these researchers had demonstrated that 17β-estrodiol plus tamoxifen affects the association of ERα with HADHB in human cell extract. The authors concluded that these findings suggested that HADHB is a functional molecular target of ERα in the mitochondria, and the interaction may play an important role in the estrogen-mediated lipid metabolism in animals and humans.
Zhou et al (2012b) noted that ERs are localized in mitochondria, but their functions in this organelle remain unclear. These researchers previously found that ERα interacted with mitochondrial protein HADHB and affected the thiolytic cleavage activity of HADHB in β-oxidation. It is known that ER-beta (ERβ) binds to ERα. In addition, ERβ is predominately located in mitochondria. These facts led these researchers to speculate that ERβ may also be associated with HADHB in mitochondria. In order to test this hypothesis, these investigators performed co-immuno-precipitation and confocal microscopy analyses with human breast cancer MCF7 cells. The results demonstrated that ERβ was indeed associated and co-localized with HADHB within mitochondria. Interestingly, in contrast to the stimulatory effect of ERα on HADHB enzyme activity observed in the previous study, silencing of ERβ enhanced the enzyme activity of HADHB in the present study, suggesting that ERβ plays an inhibitory role in HADHB enzyme activity in the breast cancer cells. The authors concluded that these findings implied that ERα and ERβ may differentially affect cellular oxidative stress through influencing the rate of β-oxidation of fatty acids in breast cancer cells.
UpToDate reviews on “Screening for breast cancer: Strategies and recommendations” (Elmore, 2017) and “Genetic counseling and testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer” (Peshkin and Isaacs, 2017) do not mention HADHB.
Furthermore, National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on “Breast cancer” (Version 3.2017) does not mention HADHB.
MTHFR Testing for Essential Hypertension
Natekar et al (2014) provided an updated review on current genetic aspects possibly affecting essential hypertension (EH), and further elucidated their role in EH. These investigators searched for genetic and epigenetic factors in major studies associated with EH between Jan 2008 to Oct 2013 using PubMed. They limited their search to reviews that discussed mostly human studies, and were accessible through the university online resource. They found 11 genome wide association studies (GWAS), as well as 5 methylation and 3 miRNA studies that fit the search criteria. A distinction was not made between genes with protective effects or negative effects, as this article was only meant to be a summary of genes associated with any aspect of EH. These researchers found 130 genes from the studies that met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Of note, genes with multiple study references included: STK39, CYP17A1, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR)-NPPA, MTHFR-NPPB, ATP2B1, CSK, ZNF652, UMOD, CACNB2, PLEKHA7, SH2B3, TBX3-TBX5, ULK4, CSK-ULK3, CYP1A2, NT5C2, CYP171A, PLCD3, SH2B3, ATXN2, CACNB2, PLEKHA7, SH2B3, TBX3-TBX5, ULK4, and HFE. The following genes overlapped between the genetic studies and epigenetic studies: WNK4 and BDKRB2. Several of the identified genes were found to have functions associated with EH. Many epigenetic factors were also correlated with EH. Of the epigenetic factors, there were no articles discussing siRNA and its effects on EH that met the search criteria, thus the topic was not included in this review. Among the miRNA targets found to be associated with EH, many of the genes involved were also identified in the GWAS studies. The authors concluded that genetic hypertension risk algorithms could be developed in the future but may be of limited benefit due to the multi-factorial nature of EH. With emerging technologies, like next-generation sequencing, more direct causal relationships between genetic and epigenetic factors affecting EH will likely be discovered creating a tremendous potential for personalized medicine using pharmacogenomics.
Yang et al (2014) stated that the MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism has been suggested to be associated with the risk of EH, however, results remain inconclusive. To investigate this association, the present meta-analysis of 27 studies including 5,418 cases and 4,997 controls was performed. The pooled odds ratio (OR) and its corresponding 95 % confidence interval (CI) were calculated using the random-effects model. A significant association between the MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism and EH was found under the allelic (OR, 1.32; 95 % CI: 1.20 to 1.45; p = 0.000), dominant (OR, 1.39; 95 % CI: 1.25 to 1.55; p = 0.000), recessive (OR, 1.38; 95 % CI: 1.18 to 1.62; p = 0.000), homozygote (OR, 1.59; 95 % CI: 1.32 to 1.92; p = 0.000), and heterozygote (OR, 1.32; 95 % CI: 1.20 to 1.45; p = 0.000) genetic models. A strong association was also revealed in subgroups, including Asian, Caucasian and Chinese. The Japanese subgroup did not show any significant association under all models. Meta-regression analyses suggested that the study design was a potential source of heterogeneity, whereas the subgroup analysis additionally indicated that the population origin may also be an explanation. Another subgroup analysis revealed that hospital-based studies have a stronger association than population-based studies, however, the former suffered a greater heterogeneity. Funnel plot and Egger's test manifested no evidence of publication bias. The authors concluded that the present study supported the evidence for the association between the MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism and EH in the whole population, as well as in subgroups, such as Asian, Caucasian and Chinese. The carriers of the 677T allele are susceptible to EH.
Wu et al (2014) stated that many studies have investigated the role of 5,10- MTHFR C677T/A1298C polymorphisms in EH, but results are inconclusive. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to clarify the effects of MTHFR C677T/A1298C polymorphisms on the risk of EH. Electronic databases were searched to identify relevant studies published until January 2014. Data were extracted by 2 independent authors; ORs with 95 % CIs were used to assess the association between MTHFR C677T/A1298C polymorphisms and the risk of EH using random effect models or fixed effect models. A total of 30 studies with 5,207 cases and 5,383 controls were included for C677T polymorphism and 6 studies with 1,009 cases and 994 controls were included for A1298C polymorphism. Meta-analysis results indicated that MTHFR C677T polymorphism contributed to an increased risk of EH (for T versus C: OR = 1.30, 95 % CI: 1.18 to 1.43; for TT+CT versus CC: OR = 1.34, 95 % CI: 1.24 to 1.46; for TT versus CC: OR = 1.62, 95 % CI: 1.32 to 1.99; for TT versus CT+CC: OR = 1.41, 95 % CI: 1.26 to 1.59). However, no significant association was detected between MTHFR A1298C polymorphism and the risk of EH. The authors concluded that the findings of this meta-analysis supported that MTHFR C677T polymorphism plays a role in developing EH. MTHFR A1298C polymorphism may not be associated with an increased risk of EH. Moreover, they stated that further large and well-designed studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Perez-Razo et al (2015) stated that MTHFR have been associated with diastolic blood pressure, hypertension, and other cardiovascular diseases; however, results of these studies are still controversial. In this study, these researchers examined if 2 functional variants (rs1801133 and rs13306560) within the MTHFR are associated with hypertension in Mexican-Mestizos. They performed a case-control study with 1,214 subjects including adults and children to test for the association of both single nucleotide polymorphisms with essential hypertension. The adult group included 764 participants (372 patients and 391 controls) and the group of children included 418 participants (209 patients and 209 controls). rs13306560 was associated with essential hypertension in adults (OR, 4.281; 95 % CI: 1.841 to 9.955; p = 0.0003) with a statistical power greater than 0.8. In children, none of the polymorphisms was associated with EH. In addition, these investigators assessed the effect of the rs13306560 polymorphism on the MTHFR promoter region by means of luciferase reporter gene assays using human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Cells transfected with the pMTHFRaLUC construct showed an approximately 25 % reduction in luciferase activity (p = 0.003). Furthermore, the promoter activity was reduced considerably by in-vitro methylation of CpG sequences. The authors concluded that these findings suggested that the rs13306560 polymorphism of the MTHFR may be part of the observed hypertension process in Mexican-Mestizo populations, but further studies are needed.
Amrani-Midoun et al (2016) stated that many studies have investigated the role of 5,10- MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism in EH, but with conflicting results. These researchers determined the eventual association between 5,10- MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism and hypertension in a sample of Algerian population from the Oran city. A case-control study has been performed in 154 subjects including 82 hypertensives defined as subjects with elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) greater than or equal to 140 mmHg and or sustained diastolic blood pressure (DBP) greater than or equal to 90mmHg, and 72 normotensive subjects. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with restrictive fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) was used to detect the MTHFR C677T variant. The authors observed no significant differences between allelic and genotypic frequencies between cases and controls for C677T polymorphism (OR = 1.51, 95 % CI: 0.89 to 2.56, p = 0.13). Analyses adjusted for age, sex and body mass index improved the association level, though the association was still not significant (30 % versus 22 %, OR = 1.75, 95 % CI: 0.95 to 3.24, p = 0.07). The authors concluded that the findings of this study showed that genetic polymorphism related to the MTHFR gene (C677T) is not associated with the risk of hypertension in this sample of Algerian population. Moreover, they stated that larger case-control samples are needed to clearly assess the role of this genetic variant in EH.
Hypophosphatasia
Mornet and Nunes (2016) noted that “hypophosphatasia is characterized by defective mineralization of bone and/or teeth in the presence of low activity of serum and bone alkaline phosphatase. Clinical features range from still-birth without mineralized bone at the severe end to pathologic fractures of the lower extremities in later adulthood at the mild end. Although the disease spectrum is a continuum, 6 clinical forms are usually recognized based on age at diagnosis and severity of features … Except in prenatal context where genetic diagnosis is essential, hypophosphatasia can be often diagnosed by routine clinical, biochemical, and radiographic means. The diagnosis is confirmed in a proband with identification of bi-allelic pathogenic variants or a heterozygous pathogenic variant in ALPL on molecular genetic testing”.
Frizzled Class Receptor 6 (FZD6) Gene Sequencing for Nail Dystrophy
Nail dystrophy, specifically nonsyndromic congenital nail-10 (NDNC10), is a condition that affects the fingernails and toenails. NDNC10 is characterized by onychauxis (thick nails), hyponychia (missing part of the nail), onycholysis (nail separation), and/or claw-shaped fingernails (in some individuals). NDNC10 is an autosomal recessive disorder that can be caused by homozygous mutation in the FZD6 gene. Individuals with nonsyndromic congenital nail disorder 10 do not have any other health problems related to the condition (NIH, 2017).
There is no data demonstrating thta identifying this causative mutation in persons with nail dystrophy influences clinical managment. Furthermore, an UpToDate review on “Overview of nail disorders” (Rich, 2018) does not mention “FZD6” or “Frizzled class receptor 6“.
Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS)
Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is an inherited X-linked condition that is characterized by evidence of feminization (i.e., undermasculization) of the external genitalia at birth, abnormal secondary sexual development in puberty, and infertility in individuals with a 46,XY karyotype. AIS is caused by mutations in the AR (androgen receptor) gene which cause partial or complete inability of the cell to respond to androgens. Individuals with this condition are genetically male, with one X chromosome and one Y chromosome in each cell; however, because their bodies are unable to respond to the male sex hormones, androgens, individuals may exhibit female external sex characteristics or signs of both male and female sexual development. Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome affects 2 to 5 per 100,000 people who are genetically male. Partial androgen insensitivity is at least as common as complete androgen insensitivity; however, mild androgen insensitivity has been found to be much less common (Gottlieb and Trifiro, 2017; Genetics Home Reference, 2019).
The diagnosis of AIS is established in persons with a 46,XY karyotype who have signs/symptoms (i.e., undermasculinization of the external genitalia, impaired spermatogenesis with otherwise normal testes, absent or rudimentary müllerian structures), have evidence of normal or increased synthesis of testosterone and its normal conversion to dihydrotestosterone, normal or increased luteinizing hormone (LH) production by the pituitary gland and/or by the identification of a hemizygous pathogenic variant in AR (Gottlieb and Trifiro, 2017).
Kennedy Disease (Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy (SBMA))
Kennedy disease, or SBMA, is a rare X-linked slowly progressive neuromuscluar condition that affects mainly males and typically occurs in adulthood between the ages of 20 and 50 years old. SBMA is caused by a mutation in the AR (androgen receptor) gene which encodes androgen receptor on the X chromosome. SBMA is characterized by degeneration of lower motor neurons which result in muscle weakness, muscle atrophy, and fasciculations. In addition, affected individuals often show gynecomastia, testicular atrophy, and reduced fertility as a result of mild androgen insensitivity. Kennedy disease affects fewer than 1 in 350,000 males. Males who inherit this condition will be affected; however, females that inherit it will be carriers and will typically not be affected because they are protected by their low levels of circulating testosterone (NORD, 2018; Spada, 2017).
Diagnosis of SBMA can be confirmed by molecular genetic testing on a blood sample for CAG trinucleotide repeat expansion in the AR gene. Individuals with greater than 36 CAG trinucleotide repeats in the AR gene are diagnosed with the condition (NORD, 2018; Spada, 2017).
Treatment is symptomatic and supportive, and life expectancy is normal; however, a approximately 10% succumb to the disease in their 60’s or 70’s due to aspiration pneumonia or asphyxiation resulting from the bulbar weakness (NORD, 2018).
Unverricht-Lundborg Disease (EPM1)
Unverricht-Lundborg disease (EPM1) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder characterized by stimulus-sensitive myoclonus, and tonic-clonic epileptic seizures, which has typical onset from 6 to 15 years of age and worsens over time. Episodes of myoclonus may be brought on by exercise, stress, light, or other stimuli. Symptoms that occur, typically years after the onset, include ataxia, incoordination, intentional tremor, and dysarthria. Individuals with EPM1 are mentally alert but show emotional lability, depression, and mild decline in intellectual performance over time (Lehesjoki and Kalviainen, 2014; NIH/GARD, 2018).
Unverricht-Lundborg disease (EPM1) is an autosomal recessive condition caused by mutations in the CSTB gene. The diagnosis can be confirmed by identifying the common dodecamer repeat expansion or other pathogenic variants in CSTB. Carrier testing for at-risk relatives and prenatal testing for pregnancies at increased risk are possible if both CSTB pathogenic variants in a family are known. Pharmacologic and rehabilitative management, including psychosocial support, are the mainstay of care. Lifelong clinical follow up includes evaluation of drug treatment and rehabilitation (Lehesjoki and Kalviainen, 2014; NIH/GARD, 2018).
Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy (OPMD)
Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) is a rare genetic muscle disorder that is characterized by slowly progressive myopathy which include ptosis and swallowing difficulties. The onset usually occurs during adulthood between 40 and 60 years old, with the mean age of onset of ptsosis around 48 years old, and dysphagia, 50 years old. Swallowing difficulties determine prognosis, and increase the risk for potentially life-threatening aspiration pneumonia and poor nutrition. Other signs/symptoms include tongue weakness, proximal lower and upper extremity weakness, pooling of saliva, facial muscle weakness, and limitation of upward gaze. Some individuals with severe involvement may eventually need a wheelchair (NORD, 2012; Trollet et al., 2014).
OPMD is inherited in either an autosomal dominant or an autosomal recessive manner. Diagnosis is suspected based on clinical evaluation, detailed patient history and characteristic findings. Diagnosis is confirmed by molecular genetics testing of PABPN1. Confirmatory diagnosis depends on detection of an expansion of a GCN trinucleotide repeat in the first exon of PABPN1. Normal alleles contain ten GCN trinucleotide repeats. Autosomal dominant alleles range in size from 12 to 17 GCN repeats; autosomal recessive alleles comprise 11 GCN repeats. Muscle biopsy is warranted only in individuals with suspected OPMD who have two normal PABPN1 alleles (Trollet et al., 2014).
The treatment of OPMD is directed toward the specific symptoms that are apparent in each individual. Ptosis may be treated cautiously with plastic surgery on the eyelids (blepharoptosis repair). In cases severe dysphagia, a surgical procedure known as cricopharyngeal myotomy may be used. Orthopedic devices such as canes, leg braces, or walkers can assist individuals who have difficulty walking. Other treatment is symptomatic and supportive (NORD, 2012; Trollet et al., 2014).
Corneal Dystrophy
Corneal dystrophies are a group of genetic eye disorders in which abnormal material builds up in the cornea. There are more than 20 different types of corneal dystrophies which are typically grouped into three categories (anterior, stromal and posterior), Symptoms can vary depending on the type of corneal dystrophy. Some individuals are asymptomatic, whereas some will experience blurred vision or vision loss. Most corneal dystrophies affect both eyes and progress slowly; however, some forms are progressive and may cause significant vision impairment. Signs and symptoms can appear at any age, and men are equally affected as women, except for Fuchs' dystrophy which affects women about four times as often as men (Boyd, 2018; Corneal Dystrophy Foundation, 2019).
Most cases of corneal dystrophy are inherited as an autosomal dominant trait with variable expressivity. Investigators have determined that several corneal dystrophies occur due to mutations of the transforming growth factor beta-induced (TGFB1) gene located on the long arm (q) of chromosome 5 (5q31). Diagnosis may be confirmed by a thorough clinical evaluation, patient history and testing, such as a slit lamp examination. Some specific corneal dystrophies can be diagnosed with molecular genetic tests. Because some individuals do not have symptoms, determining the true frequency of these disorders in the general population is difficult.The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Task Force state that all genetic testing should be done under the direction of a physician or genetic counselor through a CLIA certified lab (Boyd, 2018; Corneal Dystrophy Foundation, 2019).
The clinical utility of genetic testing for corneal dystrophy may "assist physicians to diagnose corneal dystrophies that may not be clear and present on slip lamp examination and guide decision making. (Corcoran Consulting Group, 2019). It is suggested that "refractory surgery candidates, for example, should have genetic testing when the clinical findings, personal medical history, and family medical history indicate an increased risk of [granular corneal dystrophy type II] GCD2", since "laser in situ keratomileusis, photorefractive keratectomy, and laser assisted in situ epithelial keratomileusis are strongly contraindicated in this dystrophy" (Corcoran Consulting Group, 2019; Weiss, et al., 2015).
Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY)
In a review on “Personalized medicine in diabetes mellitus”, Kleinberger and Pollin (2015) stated that “… there are some 40 genes implicated in the complex etiology of type 1 diabetes, with currently unknown practical clinical implications … MODY3 is the most common form of MODY, comprising 52 % of cases in the well-characterized United Kingdom, though prevalence varies by ethnicity and geographic region. It is caused by a mutation in HNF1A, which encodes the transcription factor hepatic nuclear factor 1-α (HNF1-α), which promotes transcription of multiple genes related to glucose metabolism, insulin secretion, and insulin production. HNF1-α has 55 % amino acid similarity with hepatic nuclear factor 4-α (HNF4-α), which is mutated in MODY1. MODY1 makes up about 10 % of MODY cases in the United Kingdom … The most well-established treatment changes that can result from a genetic diagnosis are high-dose sulfonylureas rather than insulin for KCNJ11/ABCC8-related diabetes (usually neonatal), low-dose sulfonylureas rather than insulin (especially at early stages) for MODY1 (HNF4A) and MODY3 (HNF1A), and no treatment for MODY2 (GCK)”.
Furthermore, an UpToDate review on “Classification of diabetes mellitus and genetic diabetic syndromes” (McCulloch, 2019) notes the glucokinase gene (GCK) (frequency 15 % to 31 %), hepatic nuclear factor 1-α (HNF1-α) (frequency 52 % to 65 %), and hepatic nuclear factor 4-α (HNF4-α) (frequency less than 10 %) as commonly identified gene mutations in MODY.
mRNA Sequence Analysis
Karam and colleagues (2019) noted that performing DNA genetic testing (DGT) for hereditary cancer genes is now a well-accepted clinical practice; however, the interpretation of DNA variation remains a challenge for laboratories and clinicians. Adding RNA genetic testing (RGT) enhances DGT by clarifying the clinical actionability of hereditary cancer gene variants, thus improving clinicians' ability to accurately apply strategies for cancer risk reduction and treatment. These researchers examined if RGT is associated with improvement in the diagnostic outcome of DGT and in the delivery of personalized cancer risk management for patients with hereditary cancer predisposition. Diagnostic study in which patients and/or families with inconclusive variants detected by DGT in genes associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, Lynch syndrome, and hereditary diffuse gastric cancer sent blood samples for RGT from March 2016 to April 2018. Clinicians who ordered genetic testing and received a re-classification report for these variants were surveyed to examine if RGT-related variant re-classifications changed clinical management of these patients. To quantify the potential number of tested individuals who could benefit from RGT, a cohort of 307,812 patients who underwent DGT for hereditary cancer were separately queried to identify variants predicted to affect splicing. Data analysis was conducted from March 2016 and September 2018. Main outcome measures included variant re-classification outcomes following RGT, clinical management changes associated with RGT-related variant re-classifications, and the proportion of patients who would likely be affected by a concurrent DGT and RGT multi-gene panel testing approach. In total, 93 of 909 eligible families (10.2 %) submitted samples for RGT. Evidence from RGT clarified the interpretation of 49 of 56 inconclusive cases (88 %) studied; 26 (47 %) were re-classified as clinically actionable and 23 (41 %) were clarified as benign. Variant re-classifications based on RGT results changed clinical management recommendations for 8 of 18 patients (44 %) and 14 of 18 families (78 %), based on responses from 18 of 45 clinicians (40 %) surveyed. A total of 7,265 of 307,812 patients who underwent DGT had likely pathogenic variants or variants of uncertain significance potentially affecting splicing, indicating that approximately 1 in 43 (2.3 %) individuals could benefit from RGT. The authors concluded that in this diagnostic study, conducting RNA testing resolved a substantial proportion of variants of uncertain significance in a cohort of individuals previously tested for cancer predisposition by DGT. Performing RGT might change the diagnostic outcome of at least 1 in 43 (2.3 %) patients if performed in all individuals undergoing genetic evaluation for hereditary cancer.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. First, the selection of variants in this study was limited by patient availability to submit an additional blood sample for RGT. Therefore, studies designed to include RGT concurrently with DNA analysis are needed to fully assess the impact of RGT if available to all patients. Medical management data were also limited because of survey participation; however, based on current practice guidelines, these investigators would expect results to remain consistent across the remaining cases. Results from this study may have also under-estimated the clinical impact of variant re-classification, which extend well beyond the index family. More than 400 patients received amended reports as a result of re-classifications occurring in this study alone. Because these variants will continue to be observed in future patients tested, these re-classifications have a down-stream impact as well. Further, as part of routine data sharing with ClinVar, these results would be expected to also affect patients with the same variants identified through other clinical laboratories, also not quantified in this study. It is clear that RGT contributes to a decrease in VUS rates; however, there are substantial limitations to performing RGT after DGT has been conducted. The process of re-contacting patients retrospectively places a significant time burden on clinicians and laboratory staff. In addition, RGT requires an additional blood sample, which can be logistically challenging to obtain after the fact. As shown in this study, samples were received for only 10 % of index cases recruited for RGT. Performing RGT after DGT also imposed an inherent delay in the re-classification of VUS, which limited the clinical utility of the DGT results. Based on the frequency of splicing alterations in this multi-gene DGT cohort, these researchers expected that RGT results could potentially lead to variant re-classifications for at least 1 of 43 (2.3 %) patients undergoing genetic testing. As a comparator, gross deletion and/or duplication analysis, which is routinely included as a component of DGT, identified pathogenic variants in 1 of 142 patients tested. Thus, if RGT were routinely performed alongside DGT, the potential consequences would exceed that of gross deletion and/or duplication analysis. This estimation also under-estimates the overall number of individuals, since RGT may also detect intronic splicing variants outside the analytical range of clinical DGT that are currently not accounted for. It will be important to evaluate the use of concurrent DGT and RGT in a prospective cohort to assess the ability of RNA analysis to decrease VUS rates and increase the identification of clinically actionable variants in an un-biased fashion.
Copy Number Variation Detection Tools (e.g., SMASH [Short Multiply Aggregated Sequence Homologie], Marvel Genomics)
Short Multiply Aggregated Sequence Homologies (SMASH) is being advocated to have the potential to provide a drastic improvement in detection of copy number variants (CNV) with much greater resolution than current detection methods at a much lower cost than currently available technologies. The SMASH technology has the potential to be applied in other research areas including cancer, schizophrenia and other neuro-psychiatric disorders.
Wang and colleagues (2016) stated that CNVs underlie a significant amount of genetic diversity and disease. CNVs can be detected by a number of means, including chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS), but these approaches suffer from either limited resolution (CMA) or are highly expensive for routine screening (both CMA and WGS). As an alternative, these researchers developed a NGS-based method for CNV analysis termed SMASH, for short multiply aggregated sequence homologies. SMASH utilizes random fragmentation of input genomic DNA to create chimeric sequence reads, from which multiple mappable tags can be parsed using maximal almost-unique matches (MAMs). The SMASH tags are then binned and segmented, generating a profile of genomic copy number at the desired resolution. Because fewer reads are needed relative to WGS to give accurate CNV data, SMASH libraries can be highly multiplexed, allowing large numbers of individuals to be analyzed at low cost. Increased genomic resolution can be achieved by sequencing to higher depth.
Zare and associates (2017) noted that CNV has gained considerable interest as a type of genomic/genetic variation that plays an important role in disease susceptibility. Advances in sequencing technology have created an opportunity for detecting CNVs more accurately. Recently whole exome sequencing (WES) has become primary strategy for sequencing patient samples and study their genomics aberrations. However, compared to WGS, WES introduces more biases and noise that make CNV detection very challenging. Additionally, tumors' complexity makes the detection of cancer specific CNVs even more difficult. Although many CNV detection tools have been developed since introducing NGS data, there are few tools for somatic CNV detection for WES data in cancer. These researchers examined the performance of the most recent and commonly used CNV detection tools for WES data in cancer to address their limitations and provide guidelines for developing new ones. They focused on the tools that have been designed or have the ability to detect cancer somatic aberrations. These investigators compared the performance of the tools in terms of sensitivity and false discovery rate (FDR) using real data and simulated data. Comparative analysis of the results of the tools showed that there is a low consensus among the tools in calling CNVs. Using real data, tools showed moderate sensitivity (approximately [~] 50 % - ~ 80 %), fair specificity (~ 70 % - ~ 94 %) and poor FDRs (~ 27 % to ~ 60 %). Also, using simulated data these researchers observed that increasing the coverage more than 10× in exonic regions did not improve the detection power of the tools significantly. The authors concluded that the limited performance of the current CNV detection tools for WES data in cancer indicated the need for developing more efficient and precise CNV detection methods. Due to the complexity of tumors and high level of noise and biases in WES data, employing advanced novel segmentation, normalization and de-noising techniques that are designed specifically for cancer data is needed. Furthermore, CNV detection development suffered from the lack of a gold standard for performance evaluation. Finally, developing tools with user-friendly user interfaces and visualization features could enhance CNV studies for a broader range of users.Whole Exome Sequencing for Evaluation of a Fetus During Pregnancy
An UpToDate review on “Prenatal genetic evaluation of the fetus with anomalies or soft markers” (Vora and Harris, 2020) states that “Whole exome sequencing -- WES uses NGS to sequence the exome (regions of the genome that are known to encode proteins). The exome includes approximately 1 % of the genome but is thought to contain 85 % of disease-causing mutations. WES platforms vary in their depth of sequencing (i.e., the number of times a specific nucleotide is sequenced). The greater the depth, the higher the likelihood that an identified sequence alteration is truly present and the lower the risk that true sequence changes will be missed. WES does not sequence the remainder of the DNA (99 %); for this reason, some sequence abnormalities, such as those occurring in promotor regions, would not be detected by WES … While these results are promising for the use of this technology in the genetic evaluation of the anomalous fetus, many challenges remain for the routine clinical use of exome sequencing. Interpreting results from exome sequencing is a very lengthy process, and results may not be available quickly enough for patients who are making decisions about pregnancy termination. Additionally, much of the phenotypic data for specific sequence changes is incomplete, which makes interpretation of identified variants more difficult. Both of these challenges will likely lessen with time as the turnaround time decreases and our understanding of genetic variants improves. Many counseling and ethical issues related to prenatal WES also need to be addressed. Important issues include the need for appropriate consent, determining when to report secondary or incidental findings, the ongoing need for reanalysis of results, and the challenges of interpreting results in meaningful ways for patients. An additional issue is that the cost of WES can be substantial, and insurance coverage is limited”. Whole exome sequencing (WES) is not mentioned in the “Summary and Recommendations” section of this review.
Appendix
Amsterdam II criteria
At least 3 relatives must have an HNPCC-related cancer Footnotes*, and all of the following criteria must be present:
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At least 1 of the relatives with cancer associated with HNPC should be diagnosed before age 50 years; and
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At least 2 successive generations must be affected; and
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FAP should be excluded in the colorectal cancer cases (if any); and
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One must be a 1st-degree relative of the other two; and
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Tumors should be verified whenever possible.
Revised Bethesda criteria
Member must meet 1 or more of the following criteria:
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Colorectal cancer is diagnosed in a member with 1 or more 1st-degree relatives with an HNPCC-related cancer Footnotes*, with one of the cancers diagnosed under age 50 years; or
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Colorectal cancer is diagnosed in a member with 2 or more 1st- or 2nd-degree relatives with an HNPCC-related cancer Footnotes*, regardless of age; or
-
Member has colorectal cancer diagnosed before age 50 years; or
-
Member has colorectal cancer with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) histology, where cancer is diagnosed before age 60 years; or
-
Member has synchronous or metachronous HNPCC-related cancers Footnotes*, regardless of age.
Footnotes* Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC)-related cancers include colorectal, endometrial, gastric, ovarian, pancreas, ureter and renal pelvis, brain (usually glioblastoma as seen in Turcot syndrome), and small intestinal cancers, as well as sebaceous gland adenomas and keratoacanthomas in Muir-Torre syndrome.
| Code | Code Description |
|---|---|
Information in the [brackets] below has been added for clarification purposes. Codes requiring a 7th character are represented by "+": |
|
CPT codes covered if selection criteria are met: |
|
Genetic testing for dominant polycystic kidney disease (PKD1 and PKD2), Dravet syndrome (SCN1A and SCN2A) - no specific code: |
|
| 0214U | Rare diseases (constitutional/heritable disorders), whole exome and mitochondrial DNA sequence analysis, including small sequence changes, deletions, duplications, short tandem repeat gene expansions, and variants in non-uniquely mappable regions, blood or saliva, identification and categorization of genetic variants, proband |
| 0215U | Rare diseases (constitutional/heritable disorders), whole exome and mitochondrial DNA sequence analysis, including small sequence changes, deletions, duplications, short tandem repeat gene expansions, and variants in non-uniquely mappable regions, blood or saliva, identification and categorization of genetic variants, proband |
| 0218U | Neurology (muscular dystrophy), DMD gene sequence analysis, including small sequence changes, deletions, duplications, and variants in non-uniquely mappable regions, blood or saliva, identification and characterization of genetic variants |
| 0231U | CACNA1A (calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha 1A) (eg, spinocerebellar ataxia), full gene analysis, including small sequence changes in exonic and intronic regions, deletions, duplications, short tandem repeat (STR) gene expansions, mobile element insertions, and variants in non-uniquely mappable regions |
| 0233U | FXN (frataxin) (eg, Friedreich ataxia), gene analysis, including small sequence changes in exonic and intronic regions, deletions, duplications, short tandem repeat (STR) expansions, mobile element insertions, and variants in non-uniquely mappable regions |
| 0234U | MECP2 (methyl CpG binding protein 2) (eg, Rett syndrome), full gene analysis, including small sequence changes in exonic and intronic regions, deletions, duplications, mobile element insertions, and variants in non-uniquely mappable regions |
| 0235U | PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) (eg, Cowden syndrome, PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome), full gene analysis, including small sequence changes in exonic and intronic regions, deletions, duplications, mobile element insertions, and variants in non-uniquely mappable regions |
| 0236U | SMN1 (survival of motor neuron 1, telomeric) and SMN2 (survival of motor neuron 2, centromeric) (eg, spinal muscular atrophy) full gene analysis, including small sequence changes in exonic and intronic regions, duplications and deletions, and mobile element insertions |
| 0238U | Oncology (Lynch syndrome), genomic DNA sequence analysis of MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, and EPCAM, including small sequence changes in exonic and intronic regions, deletions, duplications, mobile element insertions, and variants in non-uniquely mappable regions |
| 81161 | DMD (dystrophin) (eg, duchenne/becker muscular dystrophy) deletion analysis, and duplication analysis, if performed |
| 81177 | ATN1 (atrophin 1) (eg, dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy) gene analysis, evaluation to detect abnormal (eg, expanded) alleles |
| 81178 | ATXN1 (ataxin 1) (eg, spinocerebellar ataxia) gene analysis, evaluation to detect abnormal (eg, expanded) alleles |
| 81179 | ATXN2 (ataxin 2) (eg, spinocerebellar ataxia) gene analysis, evaluation to detect abnormal (eg, expanded) alleles |
| 81180 | ATXN3 (ataxin 3) (eg, spinocerebellar ataxia, Machado- Joseph disease) gene analysis, evaluation to detect abnormal (eg, expanded) alleles |
| 81181 | ATXN7 (ataxin 7) (eg, spinocerebellar ataxia) gene analysis, evaluation to detect abnormal (eg, expanded) alleles |
| 81182 | ATXN8OS (ATXN8 opposite strand [non-protein coding]) (eg, spinocerebellar ataxia) gene analysis, evaluation to detect abnormal (eg, expanded) alleles |
| 81183 | ATXN10 (ataxin 10) (eg, spinocerebellar ataxia) gene analysis, evaluation to detect abnormal (eg, expanded) alleles |
| 81184 | CACNA1A (calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha1 A) (eg, spinocerebellar ataxia) gene analysis evaluation to detect abnormal (eg, expanded) alleles |
| 81185 | CACNA1A (calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha1 A) (eg, spinocerebellar ataxia) gene analysis; full gene sequence |
| 81186 | CACNA1A (calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha1 A) (eg, spinocerebellar ataxia) gene analysis; known familial variant |
| 81187 | CNBP (CCHC-type zinc finger nucleic acid binding protein) (eg, myotonic dystrophy type 2) gene analysis, evaluation to detect abnormal (eg, expanded) alleles |
| 81200 | ASPA (aspartoacylase)(eg, Canavan disease) gene analysis, common variants (eg, E285A, Y231X) |
| 81201 - 81203 | APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) (eg, familial adenomatosis polyposis [FAP], attenuated [FAP] gene analysis; full gene sequence, known familial variants, duplication/deletio variants |
| 81205 | BCKDHB (branched-chain keto acid dehydrogenase E1, beta polypeptide) (eg, Maple syrup urine disease) gene analysis, common variants (eg, R183P, G278S, E422X) |
| 81209 | BLM (Bloom syndrome, RecQ helicase-like) (eg, Bloom syndrome) gene analysis, 2281del6ins7 variant |
| 81220 - 81221 | CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) (eg, cystic fibrosis) gene analysis; common variants (eg, ACMG/ACOG guidelines) and with known familial variants |
| 81223 | CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) (eg, cystic fibrosis) gene analysis; full gene sequence |
| 81238 | F9 (coagulation factor IX) (eg, hemophilia B), full gene sequence |
| 81240 | F2 (prothrombin, coagulation factor II) (eg, hereditary hypercoagulability) gene analysis, 20210G>A variant |
| 81242 | FANCC (Fanconi anemia, complementation group C) (eg, Fanconi anemia, type C) gene analysis, common variant (eg, IVS4+4A>T) |
| 81243 | FMR1 (Fragile X mental retardation 1) (eg, fragile X mental retardation) gene analysis; evaluation to detect abnormal (eg, expanded) alleles |
| 81244 | FMR1 (fragile X mental retardation 1) (eg, fragile X mental retardation) gene analysis; characterization of alleles (eg, expanded size and methylation status) |
| 81250 | G6PC (glucose-6-phosphatase, catalytic subunit) (eg, Glycogen storage disease, Type 1a, von Gierke disease) gene analysis, common variants (eg, R83C, Q347X) |
| 81251 | GBA (glucosidase, beta, acid) (eg, Gaucher disease) gene analysis, common variants (eg, N370S, 84GG, L444P, IVS2+1G>A) |
| 81252 - 81253 | GJB2 (gap junction protein, beta 2, 26kDa; connexin 26) (eg, nonsyndromic hearing loss) gene analysis; full gene sequence |
| 81255 | HEXA (hexosaminidase A [alpha polypeptide]) (eg, Tay-Sachs disease) gene analysis, common variants (eg, 1278insTATC, 1421+1G>C, G269S) |
| 81256 | HFE (hemochromatosis) (eg, hereditary hemochromatosis) gene analysis, common variants (eg, C282Y, H63D) |
| 81257 | HBA1/HBA2 (alpha globin 1 and alpha globin 2 (eg, alpha thalassemia, Hb Bart hydrops fetalis syndrome, HbH disease), gene analysis, for common deletions or variant (eg, Southeast Asian, Thai, Filipino, Mediterranean, alpha3.7, alpha4.2, alpha20.5, and Constant Spring) |
| 81258 - 81259 | HBA1/HBA2 (alpha globin 1 and alpha globin 2) (eg, alpha thalassemia, Hb Bart hydrops fetalis syndrome, HbH disease), gene analysis |
| 81260 | IKBKAP (inhibitor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells, kinase complex-associated protein) (eg, familial dysautonomia) gene analysis, common variants (eg, 2507+6T>C, R696P) |
| 81269 | HBA1/HBA2 (alpha globin 1 and alpha globin 2) (eg, alpha thalassemia, Hb Bart hydrops fetalis syndrome, HbH disease), gene analysis; duplication/deletion variants |
| 81271 | HTT (huntingtin) (eg, Huntington disease) gene analysis; evaluation to detect abnormal (eg, expanded) alleles |
| 81274 | HTT (huntingtin) (eg, Huntington disease) gene analysis; characterization of alleles (eg, expanded size) |
| 81284 | FXN (frataxin) (eg, Friedreich ataxia) gene analysis; evaluation to detect abnormal (expanded) alleles |
| 81285 | FXN (frataxin) (eg, Friedreich ataxia) gene analysis evaluation; characterization of alleles (eg, expanded size) |
| 81286 | FXN (frataxin) (eg, Friedreich ataxia) gene analysis; full gene sequence |
| 81288 | MLH1 (mutL homolog 1, colon cancer, nonpolyposis type 2) (eg, hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, Lynch syndrome) gene analysis; promoter methylation analysis |
| 81289 | FXN (frataxin) (eg, Friedreich ataxia) gene analysis evaluation; known familial variant(s) |
| 81290 | MCOLN1 (mucolipin 1)(eg, Mucolipidosis, type IV) gene analysis, common variants (eg, IVS3-2A>G, del6, 4kb) |
| 81292 - 81294 | MLH1 (mutL homolog 1, colon cancer, nonpolyposis type 2) (eg, hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, Lynch syndrome) gene analysis; full sequence analysis or known familial variants or duplication/deletion variants |
| 81295 - 81297 | MSH2 (mutS homolog 2, colon cancer, nonpolyposis type 1) (eg, hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, Lynch syndrome) gene analysis; full sequence analysis or known familial variants or duplication/deletion variants |
| 81298 - 81300 | MSH6 (mutS homolog 6 [E. Coli]) )eg. jeredotaru mpm-polyposis colorectal cancer, Lynch syndrome) gene analysis; full sequence analysis or known familial variants or duplication/deletion variants |
| 81301 | Microsatellite instability analysis (eg, hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, Lynch syndrome) of markers for mismatch repair deficiency (eg, BAT25, BAT26), includes comparison of neoplastic and normal tissue, if performed |
| 81302 | MECP2 (methyl CpG binding protein 2) (eg, Rett syndrome) gene analysis; full sequence analysis |
| 81310 | NPM1 (nucleophosmin) (eg, acute myeloid leukemia) gene analysis, exon 12 variants |
| 81317 | PMS2 (postmeiotic segregation increased 2 [S. cerevisiae]) (eg, hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, Lynch syndrome) gene analysis; full sequence analysisor known familial variants or duplication/deletion variants |
| 81318 | PMS2 (postmeiotic segregation increased 2 [S. cerevisiae]) (eg, hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, Lynch syndrome) gene analysis; known familial variants |
| 81321 - 81323 | PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) (eg, Cowden syndrome, PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome) gene analysis; full sequence analysis, known familial variant, duplication/deletion variant |
| 81324 - 81326 | PMP22 (peripheral myelin protein 22) (eg, Charcot-Marie-Tooth, hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies) gene analysis; duplication/deletion analysis, full sequence analysis, known familial variant |
| 81329 | SMN1 (survival of motor neuron 1, telomeric) (eg, spinal muscular atrophy) gene analysis; dosage/deletion analysis (eg, carrier testing), includes SMN2 (survival of motor neuron 2, centromeric) analysis, if performed |
| 81330 | SMPD1 (sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 1, acid lysosomal) (eg, Niemann-Pick disease, Type A) gene analysis, common variants (eg, R496L, L302P, fsP330) |
| 81331 | SNRPN/UBE3A (small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptide N and ubiquitin protein ligase E3A)(eg, Prader-Willi syndrome and/or Angelman syndrome), methylation analysis |
| 81332 | SERPINA1 (serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade A, alpha-1 antiproteinase, antitrypsin, member 1) (eg, alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency), gene analysis, common variants (eg, *S and *Z) |
| 81336 | SMN1 (survival of motor neuron 1, telomeric) (eg, spinal muscular atrophy) gene analysis; full gene sequence |
| 81337 | SMN1 (survival of motor neuron 1, telomeric) (eg, spinal muscular atrophy) gene analysis; known familial sequence variant(s |
| 81343 | PPP2R2B (protein phosphatase 2 regulatory subunit Bbeta) (eg, spinocerebellar ataxia) gene analysis, evaluation to detect abnormal (eg, expanded) alleles |
| 81344 | TBP (TATA box binding protein) (eg, spinocerebellar ataxia) gene analysis, evaluation to detect abnormal (eg, expanded) alleles |
| 81353 | TP53 (tumor protein 53) (eg, Li-Fraumeni syndrome) gene analysis; known familial variant |
| 81361 - 81364 | HBB (hemoglobin, subunit beta) (eg, sickle cell anemia, beta thalassemia, hemoglobinopathy) |
| 81401 | Molecular pathology procedure, Level 2 (eg, 2-10 SNPs, 1 methylated variant, or 1 somatic variant [typically using nonsequencing target variant analysis], or detection of a dynamic mutation disorder/triplet repeat) |
| 81404 | Molecular pathology procedure, Level 5 (eg, analysis of 2-5 exons by DNA sequence analysis, mutation scanning or duplication/deletion variants of 6-10 exons, or characterization of a dynamic mutation disorder/triplet repeat by Southern blot analysis) [covered for glucokinase gene (GCK), hepatic nuclear factor 1-α (HNF1-α), and hepatic nuclear factor 4-α (HNF4-α) for maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY)] |
| 81405 | Molecular pathology procedure, Level 6 (eg, analysis of 6-10 exons by DNA sequence analysis, mutation scanning or duplication/deletion variants of 11-25 exons, regionally targeted cytogenomic array analysis) [covered for glucokinase gene (GCK), hepatic nuclear factor 1-α (HNF1-α), and hepatic nuclear factor 4-α (HNF4-α) for maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY)] |
| 81406 | Molecular pathology procedure, Level 7 (eg, analysis of 11-25 exons by DNA sequence analysis, mutation scanning or duplication/deletion variants of 26-50 exons, cytogenomic array analysis for neoplasia [covered for glucokinase gene (GCK), hepatic nuclear factor 1-α (HNF1-α), and hepatic nuclear factor 4-α (HNF4-α) for maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY)] |
| 81408 | Molecular pathology procedure, Level 9 (eg, analysis of >50 exons in a single gene by DNA sequence analysis) ABCA4 (ATP-binding cassette, sub-family A [ABC1], member 4) (eg, Stargardt disease, age-related macular degeneration), full gene sequence ATM (ataxia telangiectasia mutated) (eg, ataxia telangiectasia), full gene sequence CDH23 (cadherin-related 23 [FBN1 sequencing] |
| 81412 | Ashkenazi Jewish associated disorders (eg, Bloom syndrome, Canavan disease, cystic fibrosis, familial dysautonomia, Fanconi anemia group C, Gaucher disease, Tay-Sachs disease), genomic sequence analysis panel, must include sequencing of at least 9 genes, including ASPA, BLM, CFTR, FANCC, GBA, HEXA, IKBKAP, MCOLN1, and SMPD1 |
| 81434 | Hereditary retinal disorders (eg, retinitis pigmentosa, Leber congenital amaurosis, cone-rod dystrophy), genomic sequence analysis panel, must include sequencing of at least 15 genes, including ABCA4, CNGA1, CRB1, EYS, PDE6A, PDE6B, PRPF31, PRPH2, RDH12, RHO, RP1, RP2, RPE65, RPGR, and USH2A |
| 81442 | Noonan spectrum disorders (eg, Noonan syndrome, cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome, Costello syndrome, LEOPARD syndrome, Noonan-like syndrome), genomic sequence analysis panel, must include sequencing of at least 12 genes, including BRAF, CBL, HRAS, KRAS, MAP2K1, MAP2K2, NRAS, PTPN11, RAF1, RIT1, SHOC2, and SOS1 |
| 81448 | Hereditary peripheral neuropathies (eg, Charcot-Marie-Tooth, spastic paraplegia), genomic sequence analysis panel, must include sequencing of at least 5 peripheral neuropathy-related genes (eg, BSCL2, GJB1, MFN2, MPZ, REEP1, SPAST, SPG11, SPTLC1) |
| 83080 | b-Hexosaminidase, each assay |
| 88245 - 88269 | Chromosome analysis |
| 88271 - 88275 | Molecular cytogenetics |
| 88323 | Consultation and report on referred material requiring preparation of slides |
| 88341 | Immunohistochemistry or immunocytochemistry, per specimen; each additional single antibody stain procedure (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
| 88342 | initial single antibody stain procedure |
| 88344 | each multiplex antibody stain procedure |
| 88360 - 88361 | Morphometric analysis, tumor immunohistochemistry (eg, Her-2/neu, estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor), quantitative or semiquantitative, each antibody; manual or using computer-assisted technology |
CPT codes not covered for indications listed in the CPB: |
|
Frizzled class receptor 6 (FZD6) gene sequencing, Glomerulopathy gene set - no specific code: |
|
| 0012U | Germline disorders, gene rearrangement detection by whole genome next-generation sequencing, DNA, whole blood, report of specific gene rearrangement(s) |
| 0094U | Genome (eg, unexplained constitutional or heritable disorder or syndrome), rapid sequence analysis |
| 0101U | Hereditary colon cancer disorders (eg, Lynch syndrome, PTEN hamartoma syndrome, Cowden syndrome, familial adenomatosis polyposis), genomic sequence analysis panel utilizing a combination of NGS, Sanger, MLPA, and array CGH, with mRNA analytics to resolve variants of unknown significance when indicated (15 genes [sequencing and deletion/duplication], EPCAM and GREM1 [deletion/duplication only]) |
| 0102U | Hereditary breast cancer-related disorders (eg, hereditary breast cancer, hereditary ovarian cancer, hereditary endometrial cancer), genomic sequence analysis panel utilizing a combination of NGS, Sanger, MLPA, and array CGH, with mRNA analytics to resolve variants of unknown significance when indicated (17 genes [sequencing and deletion/duplication]) |
| 0103U | Hereditary ovarian cancer (eg, hereditary ovarian cancer, hereditary endometrial cancer), genomic sequence analysis panel utilizing a combination of NGS, Sanger, MLPA, and array CGH, with mRNA analytics to resolve variants of unknown significance when indicated (24 genes [sequencing and deletion/duplication], EPCAM [deletion/duplication only]) |
| +0130U | Hereditary colon cancer disorders (eg, Lynch syndrome, PTEN hamartoma syndrome, Cowden syndrome, familial adenomatosis polyposis), targeted mRNA sequence analysis panel (APC, CDH1, CHEK2, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, MUTYH, PMS2, PTEN, and TP53) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
| +0136U | ATM (ataxia telangiectasia mutated) (eg, ataxia telangiectasia) mRNA sequence analysis (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
| +0137U | PALB2 (partner and localizer of BRCA2) (eg, breast and pancreatic cancer) mRNA sequence analysis (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
| 0156U | Copy number (eg, intellectual disability, dysmorphology), sequence analysis [Short Multiply Aggregated Sequence Homologies (SMASH) (Marvel Genomics)] |
| +0157U | APC (APC regulator of WNT signaling pathway) (eg, familial adenomatosis polyposis [FAP]) mRNA sequence analysis[Short Multiply Aggregated Sequence Homologies (SMASH) (Marvel Genomics)] |
| +0162U | Hereditary colon cancer (Lynch syndrome), targeted mRNA sequence analysis panel (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) [Short Multiply Aggregated Sequence Homologies (SMASH) (Marvel Genomics)] |
| 0209U | Cytogenomic constitutional (genome-wide) analysis, interrogation of genomic regions for copy number, structural changes and areas of homozygosity for chromosomal abnormalities |
| 0212U | Rare diseases (constitutional/heritable disorders), whole genome and mitochondrial DNA sequence analysis, including small sequence changes, deletions, duplications, short tandem repeat gene expansions, and variants in non-uniquely mappable regions, blood or saliva, identification and categorization of genetic variants, proband |
| 0213U | Rare diseases (constitutional/heritable disorders), whole genome and mitochondrial DNA sequence analysis, including small sequence changes, deletions, duplications, short tandem repeat gene expansions, and variants in non-uniquely mappable regions, blood or saliva, identification and categorization of genetic variants, each comparator genome (eg, parent, sibling) |
| 81222 | CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) (eg, cystic fibrosis) gene analysis; duplication/deletion variants |
| 81291 | MTHFR (5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) (eg, hereditary hypercoagulability) gene analysis, common variants (eg, 677T, 1298C) |
| 81312 | PABPN1 (poly[A] binding protein nuclear 1) (eg, oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy) gene analysis, evaluation to detect abnormal (eg, expanded) alleles |
| 81377 | HLA Class II typing, low resolution (eg, antigen equivalents); one antigen equivalent, each |
| 81383 | HLA Class II typing, high resolution (ie, alleles or allele groups); one allele or allele group (eg, HLA-DQB1*06:02P), each |
| 81410 | Aortic dysfunction or dilation (eg, Marfan syndrome, Loeys Dietz syndrome, Ehler Danlos syndrome type IV, arterial tortuosity syndrome); genomic sequence analysis panel, must include sequencing of at least 9 genes, including FBN1, TGFBR1, TGFBR2, COL3A1, MYH11, ACTA2, SLC2A10, SMAD3, and MYLK |
| 81411 | duplication/deletion analysis panel, must include analyses for TGFBR1, TGFBR2, MYH11, and COL3A1 |
| 81419 | Epilepsy genomic sequence analysis panel, must include analyses for ALDH7A1, CACNA1A, CDKL5, CHD2, GABRG2, GRIN2A, KCNQ2, MECP2, PCDH19, POLG, PRRT2, SCN1A, SCN1B, SCN2A, SCN8A, SLC2A1, SLC9A6, STXBP1, SYNGAP1, TCF4, TPP1, TSC1, TSC2, and ZEB2 |
| 81425 | Genome (eg, unexplained constitutional or heritable disorder or syndrome); sequence analysis |
| +81426 | Genome (eg, unexplained constitutional or heritable disorder or syndrome); sequence analysis, each comparator genome (eg, parents, siblings) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
| 81427 | Genome (eg, unexplained constitutional or heritable disorder or syndrome); re-evaluation of previously obtained genome sequence (eg, updated knowledge or unrelated condition/syndrome) |
| 81430 | Hearing loss (eg, nonsyndromic hearing loss, Usher syndrome, Pendred syndrome); genomic sequence analysis panel, must include sequencing of at least 60 genes, including CDH23, CLRN1, GJB2, GPR98, MTRNR1, MYO7A, MYO15A, PCDH15, OTOF, SLC26A4, TMC1, TMPRSS3, USH1C, USH1G, USH2A, and WFS1 |
| 81431 | duplication/deletion analysis panel, must include copy number analyses for STRC and DFNB1 deletions in GJB2 and GJB6 genes |
| 81435 | Hereditary colon cancer disorders (eg, Lynch syndrome, PTEN hamartoma syndrome, Cowden syndrome, familial adenomatosis polyposis); genomic sequence analysis panel, must include sequencing of at least 10 genes, including APC, BMPR1A, CDH1, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, MUTYH, PTEN, SMAD4, and STK11 |
| 81436 | duplication/deletion analysis panel, must include analysis of at least 5 genes, including MLH1, MSH2, EPCAM, SMAD4, and STK11 |
| 81440 | Nuclear encoded mitochondrial genes (eg, neurologic or myopathic phenotypes), genomic sequence panel, must include analysis of at least 100 genes, including BCS1L, C10orf2, COQ2, COX10, DGUOK, MPV17, OPA1, PDSS2, POLG, POLG2, RRM2B, SCO1, SCO2, SLC25A4, SUCLA2, SUCLG1, TAZ, TK2, and TYMP |
| 81443 | Genetic testing for severe inherited conditions (eg, cystic fibrosis, Ashkenazi Jewish-associated disorders [eg, Bloom syndrome, Canavan disease, Fanconi anemia type C, mucolipidosis type VI, Gaucher disease, Tay-Sachs disease], beta hemoglobinopathies, phenylketonuria, galactosemia), genomic sequence analysis panel, must include sequencing of at least 15 genes (eg, ACADM, ARSA, ASPA, ATP7B, BCKDHA, BCKDHB, BLM, CFTR, DHCR7, FANCC, G6PC, GAA, GALT, GBA, GBE1, HBB, HEXA, IKBKAP, MCOLN1, PAH |
| 81460 | Whole mitochondrial genome (eg, Leigh syndrome, mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes [MELAS], myoclonic epilepsy with ragged-red fibers [MERFF], neuropathy, ataxia, and retinitis pigmentosa [NARP], Leber hereditary optic neuropathy [LHON]), genomic sequence, must include sequence analysis of entire mitochondrial genome with heteroplasmy detection |
| 81465 | Whole mitochondrial genome large deletion analysis panel (eg, Kearns-Sayre syndrome, chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia), including heteroplasmy detection, if performed |
| 81470 | X-linked intellectual disability (XLID) (eg, syndromic and non-syndromic XLID); genomic sequence analysis panel, must include sequencing of at least 60 genes, including ARX, ATRX, CDKL5, FGD1, FMR1, HUWE1, IL1RAPL, KDM5C, L1CAM, MECP2, MED12, MID1, OCRL, RPS6KA3, and SLC16A2 |
| 81471 | duplication/deletion gene analysis, must include analysis of at least 60 genes, including ARX, ATRX, CDKL5, FGD1, FMR1, HUWE1, IL1RAPL, KDM5C, L1CAM, MECP2, MED12, MID1, OCRL, RPS6KA3, and SLC16A2 |
Other CPT codes related to the CPB: |
|
| 81400 - 81408 | Molecular pathology procedures |
| 96040 | Medical genetics and genetic counseling services, each 30 minutes face-to-face with patient/family |
HCPCS codes covered if selection criteria are met: |
|
| S3840 | DNA analysis for germline mutations of the RET proto-oncogene for susceptibility to multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 |
| S3841 | Genetic testing for retinoblastoma |
| S3842 | Genetic testing for von Hippel-Lindau disease |
| S3844 | DNA analysis of the connexin 26 gene (GJB2) for susceptibility to congenital, profound deafness |
| S3845 | Genetic testing for alpha-thalassemia |
| S3846 | Genetic testing for hemoglobin E beta-thalassemia |
| S3850 | Genetic testing for sickle cell anemia |
| S3853 | Genetic testing for myotonic muscular dystrophy |
| S3866 | Genetic analysis for a specific gene mutation for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in an individual with a known HCM mutation in the family |
HCPCS codes not covered for indications listed in the CPB: |
|
| S3861 | Genetic testing, sodium channel, voltage-gated, type V, alpha subunit (SCN5A) and variants for suspected Brugada syndrome |
| S3865 | Comprehensive gene sequence analysis for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy |
Other HCPCS codes related to the CPB: |
|
| G0461 | Immunohistochemistry or immunocytochemistry, per specimen; first single or multiplex antibody stain |
| G0462 | each additional single or multiplex antibody stain (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
| S0265 | Genetic counseling, under physician supervision, each 15 minutes |
ICD-10 codes covered if selection criteria are met: |
|
| C16.0 - C16.9 | Malignant neoplasm of stomach [with 2 HNPCC-related cancers] |
| C17.0 - C17.9 | Malignant neoplasm of small intestine [with 2 HNPCC-related cancers] |
| C18.0 - C21.8 | Malignant neoplasm of colon [hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) (MLH1, MSH2)] [persons with serrated polyposis syndrome with at least some adenomas] |
| C22.0 - C22.9 | Malignant neoplasm of liver and intrahepatic bile ducts [with 2 HNPCC cancers] |
| C34.00 - C34.92 | Malignant neoplasm of bronchus and lung |
| C40.00 - C41.9 | Malignant neoplasm of bone and articular cartilage [osteosarcoma] |
| C49.0 - C49.9 | Malignant neoplasm of other connective and soft tissue [soft tissue sarcoma] |
| C50.011 - C50.929 | Malignant neoplasm of breast |
| C54.0 - C54.9 | Malignant neoplasm of corpus uteri |
| C56.1 - C56.9 | Malignant neoplasm of ovary [with 2 HNPCC cancers] |
| C64.1 - C64.9 | Malignant neoplasm of kidney, except pelvis [renal cell cancer syndrome] |
| C65.1 - C65.9 | Malignant neoplasm of renal pelvis [transitional cell for microsatellite instability (MSI) testing and MLH1 and MLH2 sequence analysis for HNPCC] |
| C66.1 - C66.9 | Malignant neoplasm of ureter [transitional cell for microsatellite instability (MSI) testing and MLH1 and MLH2 sequence analysis for HNPCC] |
| C67.0 - C67.9 | Malignant neoplasm of bladder [transitional cell for microsatellite instability (MSI) testing and MLH1 and MLH2 sequence analysis for HNPCC] |
| C69.20 - C69.22 | Malignant neoplasm of retina [retinoblastoma] |
| C71.0 - C71.9 | Malignant neoplasm of brain [except glioblastoma multiforme] |
| C73 | Malignant neoplasm of thyroid gland [medullary thyroid carcinoma] [cribriform-morular variant of papillary thyroid cancer] |
| C74.00 - C74.92 | Malignant neoplasm of adrenal gland [adrenocortical carcinoma] |
| C91.00 - C95.92 | Leukemias |
| D02.3 | Carcinoma in situ of other parts of respiratory system [hereditary leiomyomatosis] |
| D12.2 - D12.9 | Benign neoplasm of colon [hereditary polyposis coli (APC)] [persons with serrated polyposis syndrome with at least some adenomas] |
| D12.7 - D12.9 | Benign neoplasm of rectosigmoid junctn, rectum, anus and anal canal |
| D35.00 - D35.02 | Benign neoplasm of adrenal gland [hereditary paraganglioma (SDHS, SDHB)] |
| D55.21 - D55.29 | Anemia due to disorders of glycolytic enzymes [pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency anemia] |
| D57.3 | Sickle-cell trait [hemoglobin S] |
| D57.40 - D57.419 | Sickle-cell thalassemia [alpha globin/beta globin/hemoglobin E] |
| D58.2 | Other hemoglobinopathies [hb-C disease] |
| D66 | Hereditary factor VIII deficiency [hemophilia A/VWF] |
| D67 | Hereditary factor IX deficiency [hemophilia B] |
| D68.2 | Hereditary deficiency of other clotting factors [deficiency of factor II (prothrombin), 20210A mutation] |
| D69.42 | Congenital and hereditary thrombocytopenia purpura [amegakaryocytic] |
| D70.0 | Congenital agranulocytosis [congenital neutropenia] [cyclic] |
| D70.4 | Cyclic neutropenia [congenital] |
| E11.00 - E11.9 | Type 2 diabetes mellitus [covered for maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY)] |
| E23.0 | Hypopituitarism [Kallman's syndrome] (FGFR1) |
| E25.0 | Congenital adrenal hyperplasia |
| E31.21 | Multiple endocrine neoplasia [MEN] type I |
| E70.0 | Classical phenylketonuria |
| E70.30 - E70.39 | Albinism |
| E71.0 | Maple syrup urine disease |
| E71.311 | Medium chain acyl CoA dehydrogenase deficiency [MCAD] |
| E74.04 | McArdle's disease |
| E74.20 - E74.29 | Disorders of galactose metabolism |
| E75.02 | Tay-Sachs disease |
| E75.21 - E75.22, E75.240 - E75.249 | Other sphingolipidosis [Fabry (-Anderson, Gaucher, Niemann-Pick disease (sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase)] |
| E75.29 | Other sphingolipidosis [Canavan's disease (aspartoacylase A)] |
| E76.01 - E76.03 | Mucopolysaccharidosis, type I [(MPS-1)] |
| E78.01 | Familial hypercholesterolemia |
| E83.110 | Hereditary hemochromatosis |
| E83.40 - E83.49 | Disorders of magnesium metabolism [Gitelman's syndrome] |
| E83.52 | Hypercalcemia (familial hypocalciuric) |
| E84.0 - E84.9 | Cystic fibrosis [CTFR] |
| E85.2 | Heredofamilial amyloidosis, unspecified [hereditary amyloidosis (TTR variants)] |
| E88.01 | Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency |
| E88.41 | MELAS syndrome [mitochondrial encephalopathy (MTTL1, tRNAleu)] |
| F70 - F79 | Intellectual disabilities |
| F84.0 | Autistic disorder |
| F84.2 | Rett's syndrome [MECP2] |
| G10 | Huntington's disease |
| G11.1 | Early-onset cerebellar ataxia [Friedreich's ataxia] [frataxin] |
| G11.3 | Cerebellar ataxia with defective DNA repair |
| G11.4 | Hereditary spastic paraplegia [hereditary spastic paraplegia 3 (SPG3A) and 4 (SPG4, SPAST)] |
| G11.8 | Other hereditary ataxias [spinocerebellar ataxia (ataxin, CACNA1A)] |
| G11.9 | Hereditary ataxia, unspecified [hereditary cerebellar ataxia NOS] [spinocerebellar ataxia (ataxin, CACNA1A)] [SCA types 8, 10, 17 and DRPLA)] |
| G12.1, G12.8 - G12.9 | Spinal muscular atrophy [Kennedy disease (SBMA) (SMN)] |
| G24.1 | Genetic torsion dystonia [primary TOR1A (DYT1)] |
| G31.82 | Leigh's disease |
| G40.301 - G40.319 | Generalized idiopathic epilepsy and epileptic syndromes [nonspecific myoclonic epileptic seizures (MERRF) (MTTK) (tRNAlys)] |
| G40.401 - G40.419 | Other generalized epilepsy and epileptic syndromes, not intractable [Dravet syndrome] |
| G47.35 | Congenital central alveolar hypoventilation syndrome |
| G60.0 | Hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy [Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease] |
| G71.0 - G71.09, G71.2 | Muscular dystrophy and congenital myopathies [benign (Becker) muscular dystrophy] [limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD1, LGMD2)] [not covered for oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD)] [severe (Duchenne) muscular dystrophy] |
| G71.11 - G71.19 | Myotonic disorders [myotonic dystrophy (CMPK, ZNF-9)] |
| G72.89 | Other specified myopathies [dysferlin] |
| G90.1 | Familial dysautonomia [Riley-Day] |
| H35.50 | Unspecified hereditary retinal dystrophy. [bi-allelic RPE65 mutation-associated retinal dystrophy] |
| H35.52 | Pigmentary retinal dystrophy [retinitis pigmentosa] |
| H47.22 | Hereditary optic atrophy [Leber's optic atrophy (LHON)] |
| H90.0 - H91.93 | Hearing loss [hereditary (Connexin-26, GJB2)] |
| I11.0 - I11.9 | Hypertensive heart disease [premature CHD] |
| I20.0 | Unstable angina [premature CHD] |
| I20.1 - I20.9 | Angina pectoris [premature CHD] |
| I21.01 - I21.9 | ST elevation (STEMI) and non-ST elevation (NSTEMI) myocardial infarction [premature CHD] |
| I21.A1 | Myocardial infarction type 2 |
| I21.A9 | Other myocardial infarction type |
| I24.0 - I24.9 | Other acute ischemic heart diseases [premature CHD] |
| I25.110 - I25.119 | Atherosclerotic heart disease of native coronary artery with angina pectoris [premature CHD] |
| I25.2 | Old myocardial infarction [premature CHD] |
| I25.3 | Aneurysm of heart [premature CHD] |
| I25.41 - I25.42 | Coronary artery aneurysm and dissection [premature CHD] |
| I25.5 | Ischemic cardiomyopathy [premature CHD] |
| I25.6 | Silent myocardial ischemia [premature CHD] |
| I25.700 - I25.799 | Atherosclerosis of coronary artery bypass graft(s) and coronary artery of transplanted heart with angina pectoris [premature CHD] |
| I25.810 - I25.9 | Other forms of chronic ischemic heart disease[premature CHD] |
| I42.1 - I42.2 | Obstructive hypertrophic and other hypertrophic cardiomyopathy |
| I42.8 | Other cardiomyopathies [arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C)] [not covered for left ventricle non compaction genetic testing] |
| I47.2 | Ventricular tachycardia [persons that display exercise- or emotion-induced polymorphic ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, occurring in a structurally normal heart] [catecholaminergic polymorphic] |
| I49.01 | Ventricular fibrillation |
| I71.01 | Dissection of thoracic aorta |
| I78.0 | Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia |
| K62.0 - K62.1 | Anal and rectal polyp |
| K85.00 - K85.92 | Acute pancreatitis [unexplained episode in a child requiring hospitalization with significant concern that hereditary pancreatitis (PRSS1) should be excluded] |
| K86.1 | Other chronic pancreatitis [unexplained (idiopathic) for hereditary pancreatitis (PRSS1)] |
| L60.3 | Nail dystrophy |
| N04.0 - N04.9 | Nephrotic syndrome [congenital (NPHS1, NPHS2)] |
| Q04.3 | Other reduction deformities of brain [lissencephaly (classical)] [Joubert syndrome] |
| Q61.11 - Q61.3 | Polycystic kidney |
| Q61.5 | Medullary cystic kidney [nephronophthisis] |
| Q61.9 | Cystic kidney disease, unspecified [Meckel-Gruber syndrome] |
| Q75.0 - Q75.1 | Other congenital malformations of skull and face bones [craniosynostosis] [Crouzon's disease (CTFR), Saethre-Chotzen syndrome (TWIST, FGFR2)] |
| Q77.1 | Thanatophoric short stature |
| Q77.4 | Achondroplasia |
| Q78.0 | Osteogenesis imperfecta |
| Q79.6 | Ehlers-Danlos syndrome |
| Q79.8 | Other congenital malformations of musculoskeletal system [Jackson-Weiss syndrome] [Muencke syndrome (FGFR2)] |
| Q82.8 | Other specified congenital malformations of skin [Bloom syndrome] |
| Q85.01 | Neurofibromatosis, type 1 [von Recklinghausen's disease] [neurofibromin] [not covered for Legius syndrome] |
| Q85.02 | Neurofibromatosis, type 2 [acoustic neurofibromatosis] [Merlin] |
| Q85.8 | Other phakomatoses, not elsewhere classified [von Hippel Lindau syndrome (VHL)] [Cowden syndrome] |
| Q87.0 | Congenital malformation syndrome predominantly affecting facial appearance [acrocephalosyndactyly] [Pfeiffer syndrome (FGFR1)] |
| Q87.1 | Congenital malformation syndromes predominantly associated with short stature [Prader-Willi syndrome] [GABRA, SNRPN] [Noonan syndrome] |
| Q87.40 - Q87.43 | Marfan's syndrome |
| Q93.51 | Angelman syndrome |
| Q93.81 | Velo-cardio-facial syndrome [22q11 deletion syndrome (CATCH-22)] |
| Q99.2 | Fragile X chromosome [Fragile X syndrome] |
| R62.52 | Short stature (child) [SHOX-related] |
| R74.8 | Abnormal levels of other serum enzymes [abnormal level of amylase] [hyper-amylasemia] |
| T88.3xx+ | Malignant hyperthermia due to anesthesia |
| Z13.228 | Encounter for screening for other metabolic disorders [phenylketonuria, galactosemia] and other inborn errors of metabolism |
| Z13.29 | Encounter for screening for other suspected endocrine disorder [thyroid] |
| Z13.5 | Encounter for screening for eye and ear disorders |
| Z14.01 | Asymptomatic hemophilia A carrier |
| Z14.02 | Symptomatic hemophilia A carrier |
| Z14.1 | Cystic fibrosis carrier |
| Z14.8 | Genetic carrier of other disease |
| Z15.01 | Genetic susceptibility to malignant neoplasm of breast [Li-Fraumeni syndrome] [covered for Li-Fraumeni syndrome testing other than OncoVue] |
| Z31.430 | Encounter of female for testing for genetic disease carrier status for procreative management |
| Z31.440 | Encounter of male for testing for genetic disease carrier status for procreative management |
| Z80.0 | Family history of malignant neoplasm of digestive organs |
| Z81.0 | Family history of intellectual disabilities |
| Z82.0 | Family history of epilepsy and other diseases of the nervous system |
| Z82.41 | Family history of sudden cardiac death (SCD) |
| Z82.49 | Family history of ischemic heart disease and other diseases of the circulatory system [premature CHD] |
| Z82.79 | Family history of other congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities |
| Z83.49 | Family history of other endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases [first degree relative with a causative FH mutation] |
| Z83.71 | Family history of colonic polyps [members with first-degree relatives (i.e., siblings, parents, and offspring) diagnosed with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or with a documented APC mutation] [persons with first-degree relatives with a documented deleterious MUTYH mutation] |
| Z83.79 | Family history of other diseases of the digestive system [pancreatitis] |
| Z84.81 | Family history of genetic disease carrier |
| Z85.030 - Z85.038 | Personal history of malignant neoplasm of large intestine [with HNPCC related cancers] |
| Z85.040 - Z85.048 | Personal history of malignant neoplasm of rectum, rectosigmoid junction, and anus |
| Z95.1 | Presence of aortocoronary bypass graft [premature CHD] |
| Z95.5 | Presence of coronary angioplasty implant and graft [premature CHD] |
| Z98.61 | Coronary angioplasty status [premature CHD] |
ICD-10 codes not covered for indications listed in the CPB: |
|
| C43.0 - C43.9 | Malignant melanoma of skin |
| C61 | Malignant neoplasm of prostate |
| D37.1 - D37.5 | Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of stomach, intestines, colon and rectum [desmoid tumor] |
| D61.01 | Constitutional (pure) red blood cell aplasia |
| D68.0 | Von Willebrand's disease |
| D68.1 | Congenital factor XI deficiency [hemophilia C] |
| D72.0 | Genetic anomalies of leukocytes |
| E71.310 | Long chain/very long chain acyl CoA dehydrogenase deficiency |
| E73.0 - E73.9 | Lactose intolerance |
| E88.1 | Lipodystrophy [familial partial lipodystrophy] |
| E88.89 | Other specified metabolic disorders [multiple mitochondrial respiratory chain complex deficiencies] |
| F51.3 | Sleepwalking [somnambulation] |
| G12.21 | Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [familial (SOD1 mutation)] |
| G20 - G21.9 | Parkinson's disease |
| G25.0 | Essential tremor [benign] |
| G25.3 | Myoclonus [dystonia] |
| G43.401 - G43.419 | Hemiplegic migraine |
| G47.411 - G47.429 | Narcolepsy and cataplexy |
| H35.051 - H35.059 | Retinal neovascularization |
| H35.30 - H35.33 | Degeneration of macula |
| H53.63 | Congenital night blindness |
| H90.0- H91.93 | Hearing loss |
| I20.0 - I20.8 | Angina pectoris |
| I21.01 - I21.4 | ST elevation (STEMI) and non-ST evevation (NSTEMI) myocardial infarction |
| I24.0 - I25.9 | Other acute and chronic forms of ischemic heart disease |
| I25.10 - I25.9 | Chronic ischemic heart disease |
| M81.0 - M81.8 | Osteoporosis without current pathological fracture |
| Q24.8 | Other specified congenital malformations of heart [Brugada syndrome] |
| Q44.6 | Cystic disease of liver |
| Q61.11 - Q61.3 | Polycystic kidney |
| Q76.1 | Klippel-Feil syndrome |
| Q78.1 | Polyostotic fibrous dysplasia [Mccune-Albright syndrome] |
| Q80.0 - Q80.9 | Congenital ichthyosis [epidemolytic hyperkatosis] |
| Q89.9 | Congenital malformation, unspecified [heterotaxy] |
| R42 | Dizziness and giddiness [migrainous vertigo] |
| R56.00 - R56.01 | Febrile convulsions |
| Z13.6 | Encounter for screening for cardiovascular disorders |
| Z80.3 | Family history of malignant neoplasm of breast |
Whole exome sequencing (WES): |
|
CPT codes covered if selection criteria are met: |
|
| 81415 | Exome (eg, unexplained constitutional or heritable disorder or syndrome); sequence analysis |
| 81416 | sequence analysis, each comparator exome (eg, parents, siblings) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
| 81417 | re-evaluation of previously obtained exome sequence (eg, updated knowledge or unrelated condition/syndrome) |
ICD-10 codes not covered for indications listed in the CPB (not all-inclusive): |
|
| O00.00- O9A.519 | Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium |
Factor V Leiden: |
|
CPT codes covered if selection criteria are met: |
|
| 81241 | F5 (coagulation Factor V) (eg, hereditary hypercoagulability) gene analysis, 20210G>A variant |
ICD-10 codes covered if selection criteria are met: |
|
| I21.01 - I22.9 | Myocardial infarction |
| I26.01 - I26.99 | Pulmonary embolism |
| O22.20 - O22.33 | Superficial thrombophlebitis and deep phlebothrombosis in pregnancy |
| Z82.49 | Family history of ischemic heart disease and other diseases of the circulatory |
| Z86.711 -Z86.72 | Personal history of venous thombosis and embolism |
SP-C/ABCA3 mutation - no specific code: |
|
ICD-10 codes covered if selection criteria are met [for infants and children]: |
|
| J84.841 - J84.848 | Other interstitial lung diseases of childhood |
| Z83.6 | Family history of other diseases of the respiratory system |
ICD-10 codes not covered for indications listed in the CPB (not all-inclusive) [for adults]: |
|
| J84.10 - J84.83, J84.89 - J84.9 | Other interstitial pulmonary diseases |
TSC1/TSC2 - no specific code: |
|
ICD-10 codes covered if selection criteria are met: |
|
| Q85.1 | Tuberous sclerosis |
CLCN1 genetic testing - no specific code: |
|
ICD-10 codes not covered for indications listed in the CPB (not all-inclusive): |
|
| G71.12 | Myotonia congenital |
Inherited cardiomyopathy genomic sequence analysis panel: |
|
CPT codes not covered for indications listed in the CPB: |
|
| 81439 | Inherited cardiomyopathy (eg, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy) genomic sequence analysis panel, must include sequencing of at least 5 genes, including DSG2, MYBPC3, MYH7, PKP2, and TTN |
ICD-10 codes not covered for indications listed in the CPB (not all-inclusive): |
|
| I42.0 - I42.9 | Cardiomyopathy |
| I43 | Cardiomyopathy in diseases classified elsewhere |
EpiSEEK: |
|
| No specific code | |
ICD-10 codes not covered for indications listed in the CPB: |
|
| G40.001 - G40.919 | Epilepsy and recurrent seizures |
POLG1: |
|
| No specific code | |
ICD-10 codes not covered for indications listed in the CPB: |
|
| G11.8 | Other hereditary ataxias [mitochondrial recessive ataxia syndrome] |
SF3B1 and TET2: |
|
| No specific code | |
ICD-10 codes not covered for indications listed in the CPB: |
|
| D46.0 - D46.9 | Myelodysplastic syndromes |
C9orf72 genetic testing - no specific code: |
|
ICD-10 codes not covered for indications listed in the CPB (not all-inclusive): |
|
| G12.21 | Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis |
TARDB: |
|
CPT codes not covered for indications listed in the CPB: |
|
| 81405 | Molecular pathology procedure, Level 6 (eg, analysis of 6-10 exons by DNA sequence analysis, mutation scanning or duplication/deletion variants of 11-25 exons, regionally targeted cytogenomic array analysis) |
ICD-10 codes not covered for indications listed in the CPB (not all-inclusive): |
|
| G12.21 | Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis |
FUS: |
|
CPT codes not covered for indications listed in the CPB: |
|
| 81406 | Molecular pathology procedure, Level 7 (eg, analysis of 11-25 exons by DNA sequence analysis, mutation scanning or duplication/deletion variants of 26-50 exons, cytogenomic array analysis for neoplasia |
ICD-10 codes not covered for indications listed in the CPB (not all-inclusive): |
|
| G12.21 | Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis |
HADHB: |
|
CPT codes not covered for indications listed in the CPB: |
|
| 81406 | Molecular pathology procedure, Level 7 (eg, analysis of 11-25 exons by DNA sequence analysis, mutation scanning or duplication/deletion variants of 26-50 exons, cytogenomic array analysis for neoplasia |
ICD-10 codes not covered for indications listed in the CPB (not all-inclusive): |
|
| C50.011 - C50.929 | Malignant neoplasm of breast |
MTHFR: |
|
CPT codes not covered for indications listed in the CPB: |
|
| 81291 | MTHFR (5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) (eg, hereditary hypercoagulability) gene analysis, common variants (eg, 677T, 1298C). |
ICD-10 codes not covered for indications listed in the CPB (not all-inclusive): |
|
| I10 | Essential (primary) hypertension. |
Coloseq: |
|
| 81435 | Hereditary colon cancer disorders (eg, Lynch syndrome, PTEN hamartoma syndrome, Cowden syndrome, familial adenomatosis polyposis); genomic sequence analysis panel, must include sequencing of at least 10 genes, including APC, BMPR1A, CDH1, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, MUTYH, PTEN, SMAD4, and STK11 [Not covered for Coloseq] |
| 81436 | Hereditary colon cancer disorders (eg, Lynch syndrome, PTEN hamartoma syndrome, Cowden syndrome, familial adenomatosis polyposis); duplication/deletion analysis panel, must include analysis of at least 5 genes, including MLH1, MSH2, EPCAM, SMAD4, and STK11 [Not covered for Coloseq] |
| 88381 | Microdissection (ie, sample preparation of microscopically identified target); manual [Not covered for Coloseq] |
Panexia: |
|
| 81216 | BRCA2 (breast cancer 2) (eg, hereditary breast and ovarian cancer) gene analysis; full sequence analysis [Not covered for Panexia] |
| 81217 | BRCA2 (breast cancer 2) (eg, hereditary breast and ovarian cancer) gene analysis; known familial variant [Not covered for Panexia] |
| 81406 | Molecular pathology procedure, Level 7 (eg, analysis of 11-25 exons by DNA sequence analysis, mutation scanning or duplication/deletion variants of 26-50 exons, cytogenomic array analysis for neoplasia) [Not covered for Panexia] |
There are no specific codes for the genetic testing listed : |
|
| Exome Sequencing, BrevaGen, Septo-optic Dysplasia Spectrum Sequencing Panel (HESX1 (3p14.3), OTX2 (14q22.3), PAX6 (11p13), PROP1 (5q35.3), SOX2 (3q26.33) | |
Long QT Testing: |
|
CPT codes covered if selection criteria are met: |
|
| 0237U | Cardiac ion channelopathies (eg, Brugada syndrome, long QT syndrome, short QT syndrome, catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia), genomic sequence analysis panel including ANK2, CASQ2, CAV3, KCNE1, KCNE2, KCNH2, KCNJ2, KCNQ1, RYR2, and SCN5A, including small sequence changes in exonic and intronic regions, deletions, duplications, mobile element insertions, and variants in non-uniquely mappable regions |
| 81413 | Cardiac ion channelopathies (eg, Brugada syndrome, long QT syndrome, short QT syndrome, catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia); genomic sequence analysis panel, must include sequencing of at least 10 genes, including ANK2, CASQ2, CAV3, KCNE1, KCNE2, KCNH2, KCNJ2, KCNQ1, RYR2, and SCN5A |
| 81414 | Cardiac ion channelopathies (eg, Brugada syndrome, long QT syndrome, short QT syndrome, catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia); duplication/deletion gene analysis panel, must include analysis of at least 2 genes, including KCNH2 and KCNQ1 |
ICD-10 codes covered if selection criteria are met: |
|
| I45.81 | Long QT syndrome |
| I46.9 | Cardiac arrest, cause unspecified |
| I47.2 | Ventricular tachycardia |
| I49.01 | Ventricular fibrillation |
| R94.31 | Abnormal electrocardiogram [ECG] [EKG] |
| Z82.41 | Family history of sudden cardiac death |
| Z82.49 | Family history of ischemic heart disease and other diseases of the circulatory system |
SLCO1B1: |
|
CPT codes not covered for indications listed in the CPB: |
|
| 81328 | SLCO1B1 (solute carrier organic anion transporter family, member 1B1) (eg, adverse drug reaction), gene analysis, common variant(s) (eg, *5) |
ICD-10 codes not covered for indications listed in the CPB: |
|
| G72.0 | Drug-induced myopathy [statin] |
ALPL: |
|
CPT codes covered for indications listed in the CPB: |
|
Pathogenic variant in ALPL - no specific code: |
|
ICD-10 codes covered if selection criteria are met: |
|
| E83.30 - E83.39 | Disorders of phosphorus metabolism and phosphatases [hypophosphatasia] |
Androgen receptor (AR) mutation: |
|
CPT codes covered for indications listed in the CPB: |
|
| 0230U | AR (androgen receptor) (eg, spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, Kennedy disease, X chromosome inactivation), full sequence analysis, including small sequence changes in exonic and intronic regions, deletions, duplications, short tandem repeat (STR) expansions, mobile element insertions, and variants in non-uniquely mappable regions |
| 81405 | Molecular pathology procedure, Level 6 (eg, analysis of 6-10 exons by DNA sequence analysis, mutation scanning or duplication/deletion variants of 11-25 exons, regionally targeted cytogenomic array analysis) |
ICD-10 codes covered if selection criteria are met: |
|
| E34.50 - E34.52 | Androgen insensitivity syndrome |
| G12.0 - G12.9 | Spinal muscular atrophy and related syndromes [Kennedy disease] |
CSTB mutation: |
|
CPT codes covered for indications listed in the CPB: |
|
| 0232U | CSTB (cystatin B) (eg, progressive myoclonic epilepsy type 1A, Unverricht-Lundborg disease), full gene analysis, including small sequence changes in exonic and intronic regions, deletions, duplications, short tandem repeat (STR) expansions, mobile element insertions, and variants in non-uniquely mappable regions |
| 81188 | CSTB (cystatin B) (eg, Unverricht-Lundborg disease) gene analysis; evaluation to detect abnormal (eg, expanded) alleles |
| 81189 | CSTB (cystatin B) (eg, Unverricht-Lundborg disease) gene analysis; full gene sequence |
| 81190 | CSTB (cystatin B) (eg, Unverricht-Lundborg disease) gene analysis; known familial variant(s) |
ICD-10 codes covered if selection criteria are met: |
|
| G40.301 - G40.319 | Generalized idiopathic epilepsy and epileptic syndromes [Unverricht-Lundborg disease] |
TGFBI mutation: |
|
CPT codes covered for indications listed in the CPB: |
|
| 83520 | Immunoassay for analyte other than infectious agent antibody or infectious agent antigen; quantitative, not otherwise specified [for TGFBI mutation] |
ICD-10 codes covered if selection criteria are met: |
|
| H18.50 - H18.59 | Hereditary corneal dystrophies |
PABPN1 mutation for oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD): |
|
CPT codes covered for indications listed in the CPB: |
|
| 81312 | PABPN1 (poly[A] binding protein nuclear 1) (eg, oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy) gene analysis, evaluation to detect abnormal (eg, expanded) alleles |
ICD-10 codes covered if selection criteria are met: |
|
| G71.09 | Other specified muscular dystrophies [oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD)] |
COL1A1/COL1A2: |
|
CPT codes covered for indications listed in the CPB: |
|
| 81408 | Molecular pathology procedure, Level 9 (eg, analysis of >50 exons in a single gene by DNA sequence analysis) |
ICD-10 codes covered if selection criteria are met: |
|
| Q78.0 | Osteogenesis imperfecta |
The above policy is based on the following references:
- Aceto GM, Fantini F, De Iure S, et al. Correlation between mutations and mRNA expression of APC and MUTYH genes: New insight into hereditary colorectal polyposis predisposition. J Exp Clin Cancer Res. 2015;34:131.
- Adelaide Health Technology Assessment (AHTA). Genetic testing for long QT syndrome; Horizon scanning prioritising summary - volume 13. Adelaide, SA: Adelaide Health Technology Assessment (AHTA) on behalf of National Horizon Scanning Unit (HealthPACT and MSAC); June 2006.
- Alford RL, Arnos KS, Fox M, et al.; ACMG Working Group on Update of Genetics Evaluation Guidelines for the Etiologic Diagnosis of Congenital Hearing Loss; Professional Practice and Guidelines Committee. American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guideline for the clinical evaluation and etiologic diagnosis of hearing loss. Genet Med. 2014;16(4):347-355.
- Alhenc-Gelas M, Arnaud E, Nicaud V, et al. Venous thromboembolic disease and the prothrombin, methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase and factor V genes. Thromb Haemost. 1999;81(4):506-510.
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