OBJECTIVE: We present prenatal diagnosis and perinatal findings of 17q12 microdeletion encompassing HNF1B in a fetus with bilateral hyperechogenic kidneys on fetal ultrasound and mild renal abnormality after birth, and a review of the literature.
METHODS: A 36-year-old, primigravid woman underwent amniocentesis at 17 weeks of gestation because of advanced maternal age. Simultaneous array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis on the DNA extracted from uncultured amniocytes showed a de novo 1.38-Mb 17q12 microdeletion encompassing LHX1 and HNF1B. The parents did not have such a microdeletion. Prenatal ultrasound showed bilateral hyperechogenic kidneys with normal corticomedullary (CM) differentiation. The parents elected to continue the pregnancy, and a grossly normal 3180-g male baby was delivered at 39 weeks of gestation. aCGH analysis on the cord blood DNA revealed arr [GRCh37 (hg19)] 17q12 (34,856,055-36,248,918) × 1.0 with a 1.393-Mb microdeletion encompassing the genes of MYO19, PIGW, GGNBP2, DHRS11, MRM1, LHX1, AATF, ACACA, TADA2A, DUSP14, SYNRG, DDX52 and HNF1B. When follow-up at age 2 years and 4 months, the renal ultrasound revealed bilateral increased renal echogenicity with normal CM differentiation and small left renal cysts. The blood test revealed BUN = 28 mg/dL (normal: 5-18 mg/dL) and creatinine = 0.5 mg/dL (normal: 0.2-0.4 mg/dL).
CONCLUSIONS: 17q12 microdeletion encompassing LHX1 and HNF1B at prenatal diagnosis may present variable clinical spectrum with bilateral hyperechogenic kidneys on fetal ultrasound and mild renal abnormality after birth. Prenatal diagnosis of fetal hyperechogenic kidneys should raise a suspicion of 17q12 microdeletion syndrome.

Birk-Landau-Perez syndrome (BILAPES) is an autosomal recessive cerebro-renal syndrome associated with genetic defects in the SLC30A9 gene, initially reported in 2017 in six individuals belonging to a large Bedouin kindred. The SLC30A9 gene encodes a putative mitochondrial zinc transporter with ubiquitous expression, the highest found in the brain, kidney, and skeletal muscle. Since the first report, only one additional affected patient has been described, but there were some inconsistencies, such as hearing loss, failure to thrive, and neuroimaging findings between the clinical presentation of the disease in the Bedouin family and the second patient. Here, we present two more patients from a consanguineous Middle Eastern family with features of chronic kidney disease, neurodevelopmental regression, ataxia, hearing loss, and eye abnormalities, which were largely consistent with BILAPES. Whole-exome sequencing detected a homozygous in-frame deletion c.1049_1051delCAG (p.Ala350del) in the SLC30A9 gene, which was the same variant detected in the patients from the primary literature report and the variant segregated with disease in the family. However, in the patients described here, brain MRI showed cerebellar atrophy, which was not a cardinal feature of the syndrome from the primary report. Our findings provide further evidence for SLC30A9-associated BILAPES and contribute to defining the clinical spectrum.

UNASSIGNED: HNF1B-associated diseases are a group of genetic conditions that affect the kidney as well as other organ systems. Kidney anomalies are the most common symptoms. Other defects may include early-onset diabetes, genital abnormalities, and abnormalities of pancreas and liver function. Renal involvement has emerged as the earliest finding in HNF1B disease, even in prenatal life, with the most common feature being hyperechogenic kidneys.
UNASSIGNED: In this study, we present 3 fetuses with bilateral renal hyperechogenicity identified by ultrasound in the second trimester. No pathogenic copy number variations were revealed by amniocentesis with chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA). Heterozygous variants in HNF1B were detected in all 3 fetuses by further investigation with exome sequencing (ES). Two pregnancies were terminated, and one was continued to term.
UNASSIGNED: Because of the known high frequency of HNF1B aberrations in fetal hyperechogenic kidneys, HNF1B screening should be an integral part of prenatal diagnosis for such fetuses. ES should be recommended following or concurrently with CMA for rapid prenatal detection. The ES results would improve the diagnostic yield and are beneficial in guiding counseling and management.

Report on the diagnosis of prenatally detected fetal kidneys with bilateral polycystic appearance in a single center between 1999 and 2020 with special focus on renal morphology and biometry, amniotic fluid and extrarenal findings and proposal for an diagnostic algorithm.
Retrospective observational study including pregnancies with prenatally detected kidneys with bilateral polycystic appearance (n = 98). Cases and outcomes were compared according to prenatal findings with special focus on renal morphology, amount of amniotic fluid, and presence of extrarenal abnormalities.
Most frequent diagnoses were autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD, 53.1%), Meckel-Gruber syndrome (MKS, 17.3%) and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD, 8.2%). Other diagnoses included: Joubert-, Jeune-, McKusick-Kaufman- and Bardet-Biedl syndrome, overgrowth syndromes, Mainzer-Saldino syndrome and renal tubular dysgenesis. Renal abnormalities most frequently observed were hyperechogenic parenchyma, kidney enlargement, changes of corticomedullary differentiation and cystic changes of various degree. Oligo- and anhydramnios were mainly seen in ARPKD, RTD and second-trimester MKS. Extrarenal findings included skeletal (35.7%) and cardiac (34.7%) abnormalities as well as abnormalities of the central nervous system (27.6%).
Gestational age at manifestation, kidney size, visibility of cysts, echogenicity, amniotic fluid volume, and the presence of associated extrarenal malformations allow to differentiate between the most frequent underlying diseases presenting with bilateral polycystic kidneys on prenatal ultrasound by following a diagnostic algorithm.

OBJECTIVE: The 17q12 microdeletion syndrome is a type of syndrome caused by a deletion of 1.4 to 1.8 Mb in the 17q12 region of the chromosome. The main clinical features of the syndrome are structural or functional abnormalities in the kidney and urethra, type 5 diabetes, and neurodevelopmental or neuropsychiatric disorders. The diverse range of phenotypes associated with 17q12 microdeletion limited clinical recognition and diagnosis. In addition, the phenotypic description of this microdeletion is mainly about postpartum. Due to the rarity of the 17q12 microdeletion itself, studies on the prenatal phenotype of the 17q12 microdeletion are limited. This study aims to analyze the prenatal ultrasound features of 17q12 microdeletion, and to investigate the possibility of genotype-phenotype relationship for providing evidence for genetic counseling in such pregnancies.
METHODS: A total of 3 320 pregnant women and their fetuses were collected for the detection of chromosome copy number variation sequencing (CNV-Seq) due to different ultrasound anomalies in Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. The clinical data of pregnant women and their fetuses who were found to harbor 17q12 microdeletion were reviewed, including maternal age, fetus ultrasound findings, gestational week of the invasive procedure, CNV-Seq results, and the pregnancy outcome. CNV-Seq was tested in the parents to verify whether the abnormality was de novo or inherited. The prenatal ultrasound features and CNV-Seq test results of these 12 fetuses were analyzed and their pregnancy outcomes were followed up.
RESULTS: Approximately 0.36% (12/3 320) of fetuses were detected to have 17q12 microdeletion, all characterized as renal abnormalities, accounting for 4.2% (12/288) of all prenatal ultrasound with renal abnormalities, accounting for 48% (12/25) of prenatal ultrasound with renal abnormalities and pathogenic chromosomal abnormalities. The sizes of 17q12 deletion ranged from 1.4 to 1.7 Mb, and all of them included the HNF1B gene. Nine cases were de novo, 2 inherited from the mother, and 1 inherited from father. Among 12 fetuses with 17q12 deletion, 11 cases of prenatal ultrasound suggested bilateral hyperechogenic kidneys and 1 case only showed renal cyst, in which 3 fetuses with enlarged kidneys, 1 with clubfeet, and 1 with subependymal cyst. Pregnancy outcomes were available for 11 of the 12 fetuses. Of them, the parents of 9 fetuses with de novo deletion chose to terminate the pregnancy, and 2 live birth babies inherited from their mother with normal renal function had persistent renal echogenicity enhancement after birth.
CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral hyperechogenic kidneys show strikingly correlation with 17q12 microdeletion, suggesting the necessity of chromosome copy numbers detection for fetuses with hyperechogenic kidneys.
目的: 17q12微缺失综合征是17号染色体长臂1区2带区域缺失1.4~1.8 Mb引起的一类综合征，主要临床特征为肾和尿道的结构或功能异常、5型糖尿病、神经发育异常及神经精神疾病。表型的多样性限制了临床的识别和诊断，目前对该微缺失表型的描述多是关于出生后的，并且因17q12微缺失本身的罕见性，对产前17q12微缺失表型的研究是有限的。本研究通过分析胎儿染色体17q12微缺失综合征的产前超声特征，探讨其产前超声表型与遗传学的相关性，为临床遗传咨询提供依据。方法: 回顾性分析因产前超声异常在中南大学湘雅医院行基因组拷贝数变异测序(copy number variation sequencing，CNV-Seq)检测的3 320例孕妇及胎儿资料，分析被诊断为染色体17q12微缺失综合征胎儿及其母亲的临床资料，包括孕妇年龄、胎儿超声检查结果、羊水穿刺的孕周、CNV-Seq检测结果和妊娠结局，并对胎儿的父母进行CNV-Seq检测以明确变异来源；分析胎儿的产前超声特征和CNV-Seq检测结果，并进行追踪随访。结果: 3 320例胎儿中有12例(0.36%)被检测出存在染色体17q12微缺失，均表现为肾异常，占所有产前超声提示肾异常胎儿的4.2%(12/288)，占产前超声提示肾异常且CNV-Seq结果为致病性染色体异常胎儿的48% (12/25)。12例17q12微缺失综合征胎儿缺失片段为1.4~1.7 Mb，其区域均涉及HNF1B基因，其中9例为新发突变，2例遗传自母亲，1例遗传自父亲。在12例17q12微缺失综合征的胎儿中，11例产前超声提示双肾回声增强，1例仅有肾囊肿；3例合并肾增大，1例合并足内翻，1例合并室管膜下囊肿。12例胎儿中获得11例胎儿的妊娠结局，其中9例新发突变的胎儿父母选择终止妊娠，2例遗传自母亲的胎儿出生后肾回声增强持续存在，肾功能正常。结论: 胎儿肾回声增强与染色体17q12微缺失有着高度的相关性，对肾回声增强的胎儿有必要进行染色体拷贝数检测。.

BACKGROUND: HNF1B deletion/intragenic mutations are the most commonly identified genetic cause of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) suggested by fetal ultrasound findings such as: parenchymal hyperechogenicity, overt cystic changes or gross morphological urinary system (UT) abnormalities. The postnatal evolution of these 17q12 deletions encompassing the HNF1B gene-associated findings has not been assessed in depth.
METHODS: In this observational study, we present postnatal follow-up findings in 5 of 6 cases (one pregnancy was terminated on parental request) of fetal-onset cystic/hyperechogenic kidneys eventually diagnosed with 17q12 microdeletion encompassing the HNF1B gene between 2009 and 2017.
RESULTS: Complete normalization of kidney parenchymal abnormalities and of depressed neonatal renal function was observed in 4/5 and 5/5 patients within 2-4.9 years and 1.5-8 months, respectively. All 5 patients had preserved normal renal function at 3-11 years of follow-up. The evolving later-onset renal features included: hypomagnesemia, hyperuricemia, urinary tract infection (UTI), and bilateral grade 3-4 vesicoureteral reflux and bladder diverticula in 3, 3, 2, and 1 patient, respectively. HNF1B gene deletion-associated extra-renal manifestations with delayed presentation were global developmental delay/autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), rolandic-type seizures, overweight, and borderline fasting hyperglycemia observed in 1-2 patients each. Family history was positive for small-size or asymptomatic cystic kidneys with normal function, diabetes mellitus, seizures, and mental/psychiatric problems in 3/6 cases.
CONCLUSIONS: Fetal-onset HNF1B deletion-associated kidneys\' parenchymal abnormalities confirmed postnatally with initially depressed renal function might undergo complete resolution within several years and few months, respectively. However, later-onset urinary tract, metabolic, and neurodevelopmental features of this mutation might appear over years. Therefore, genetic molecular evaluation/diagnosis and continuous follow-up for evolving features are mandatory in affected children.

Mutations in hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 beta (HNF1B) are the most commonly identified genetic cause of renal malformations. Heterozygous mutations are associated with renal cysts and diabetes syndrome. Various renal developmental abnormalities and maturity-onset diabetes of the young could be the presenting factors of these mutations. A 10-year-old boy who was evaluated for bilateral cystic kidneys and chronic kidney disease from the newborn period was diagnosed with HNF1B-related glomerulocystic disease by DNA sequencing. The differential diagnosis of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease was a diagnostic pitfall. The genetic screening of the family revealed his mother, sister, and brother to have the same mutation. Therefore, genetic diagnosis and counseling are important for cystic kidney diseases not only for formulating the diagnosis and early management plan but also for the diagnosis of potential asymptomatic cases in the family.
Hepatosit nükleer faktör 1B’yi kodlayan (HNF1B) genindeki mutasyonlar, renal malformasyonların en sık genetik nedenlerinden biridir. Bu gendeki heterozigot mutasyonlar renal kist ve diyabet sendromu ile ilişkilidir. Hastalar; farklı renal gelişimsel anomaliler ve gençlerde görülen erişkin tip diyabet ile başvurabilirler. Bu olgu sunumunda, yenidoğan döneminden itibaren her iki böbrekte kistlerin olması ve kronik böbrek hastalığı nedeniyle takip edilen ve DNA sekanslama yöntemi ile HNF1B ilişkili glomerülokistik hastalık tanısı alan on yaşında erkek hasta anlatılmıştır. Ayırıcı tanıda yer alan otozomal dominant polikistik böbrek hastalığı, genetik analiz ile dışlanmıştır. Aile taramasında annenin, kız kardeş ve erkek kardeşin aynı mutasyona sahip olduğu gösterilmiştir. Kistik böbrek hastalıklarında genetik inceleme ve danışmanlık, sadece erken tanı ve tedavi için değil, ayrıca ailedeki asemptomatik olguların da tanısı için önemlidir.

OBJECTIVE: Report on the diagnosis of prenatally suspected multisystem ciliopathies in a single center between 2002 and 2020.
METHODS: Retrospective observational single-center study including pregnancies with prenatal ultrasound features of multisystem ciliopathies, such as hyperechogenic kidneys together with polydactyly and/or other skeletal and extraskeletal findings. Cases were compared according to their prenatal findings and outcomes.
RESULTS: 36 cases of multisystem ciliopathies were diagnosed. Meckel-Gruber syndrome (MKS) was the most common ciliopathy (n = 19/36, 52.8%), followed by disorders that belong to the group of short-rib thoracic dysplasia (SRTD, n = 10/36, 27.8%) McKusick-Kaufmann syndrome (MKKS, n = 4/36, 11.1%), Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS, n = 2/36, 5.5%) and Joubert syndrome (n = 1/36, 2.8%). All cases showed abnormalities of the kidneys, most often hyperechogenic parenchyma (n = 26/36, 72.2%), cystic dysplasia (n = 24/36, 66.7%), and/or bilateral kidney enlargement (n = 22/36, 61.1%). Oligohydramnios was mainly present in fetuses with MKS. Polydactyly (n = 18/36), abnormalities of the CNS (n = 25/36), and heart defects (n = 10/36) were associated in 50%, 69.4%, and 27.8%, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal detection of renal abnormalities associated with skeletal or brain abnormalities should raise the suspicion for multisystem ciliopathies. Prenatal ultrasound can help to differentiate between different diseases and pave the way for subsequent targeted genetic testing.

Hyperechogenic kidneys are a relatively rare antenatal finding, which can generate significant parental anxiety due to uncertain prognosis. We report on the perinatal and infant outcomes of a large cohort of fetuses with antenatally diagnosed hyperechogenic kidneys.
This was a retrospective analysis of all cases diagnosed prenatally with hyperechogenic kidneys between 2002 and 2017 in a large tertiary fetal medicine unit. Hyperechogenicity was defined as kidney parenchyma with greater echogenicity than that of the liver. Pregnancy, pathological and postnatal outcomes were collected from hospital and general practitioner records up to 1 year of age. Abnormal renal outcome was defined as elevated creatinine beyond 6 months of age, hypertension requiring medication or major kidney surgery, such as nephrectomy. Severe abnormal renal outcome was defined as the need for dialysis or kidney transplant at any stage.
Three-hundred and sixteen fetuses with hyperechogenic kidneys were identified at a mean gestational age of 21 (range, 13-37) weeks. The majority of cases (97%) had bilateral hyperechogenic kidneys. In the 265 cases with available follow-up data, other associated renal tract abnormalities were identified prenatally in 36%, concomitant extrarenal structural abnormalities in 39% and abnormal karyotype in 15% of cases. Of the 316 included cases, 139 did not survive, including 105 terminations of pregnancy, five intrauterine deaths and 29 early neonatal deaths. Only 4.3% (6/139) of these fetuses had isolated hyperechogenic kidneys while 28.1% (39/139) had associated multiple renal tract abnormalities alongside hyperechogenic kidneys and over two-thirds (67.6%; 94/139) had concomitant extrarenal abnormalities. Of the 177 cases that survived beyond 1 month of age, outcome data were available in 126. Of these, based on the antenatal findings, 60 (47.6%) cases had isolated hyperechogenic kidneys, 56 (44.4%) had associated renal structural abnormalities and 10 (7.9%) had additional extrarenal abnormalities. Considering renal outcome alone, kidney function was abnormal in 13 (21.7%), 10 (17.9%) and 0 (0%) infants in these three groups, respectively, although concurrent pathology clearly affected global outcome in the more complex cases. Neonatal mortality of 1.6% was observed in the isolated renal hyperechogenicity group. The presence of oligohydramnios or abnormal renal volume was not associated significantly with abnormal renal function (odds ratio (OR), 2.32 (99% CI, 0.54-10.02) and OR, 0.74 (99% CI, 0.21-2.59), respectively) in this group.
Hyperechogenic kidneys are often complicated by associated renal tract and extrarenal abnormalities, aberrant karyotype and genetic disease, and these factors have a greater effect on overall outcome than does kidney echogenicity. The renal outcome of fetuses with isolated hyperechogenic kidneys is good generally, with over 70% of cases having normal renal function postpartum. Importantly, for prognostic counseling, all of the fetuses in this non-selected series with isolated hyperechogenic kidneys and normal amniotic fluid levels had normal renal outcome in infancy. © 2020 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a ciliopathy that is responsible for multiple visceral abnormalities. This disorder is defined by a combination of clinical signs, many of which appear after several years of development. BBS may be suspected antenatally based on routine ultrasound findings of enlarged hyperechogenic kidneys and postaxial polydactyly.