title: Identification of a rare de novo three-way complex t(5;20;8)(q31;p11.2;p21) with microdeletions on 5q31.2, 5q31.3, and 8p23.2 in a patient with hearing loss and global developmental delay: case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Complex chromosome rearrangements (CCRs), which involve more than two breakpoints on two or more chromosomes, are uncommon occurrences. Although most CCRs appear balanced at the level of the light microscope, many demonstrate cryptic, submicroscopic imbalances at the translocation breakpoints.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We report a female with hearing loss and global developmental delay with a complex three-way unbalanced translocation (5;20;8)(q31;p11.2;p21) resulting in microdeletions on 5q31.2, 5q31.3, and 8p23.2 identified by karyotyping, microarray analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The microdeletion of bands 8p23.2 may be associated with the hearing impairment. Furthermore, the characterization of this patient's chromosomal abnormalities demonstrates the importance of integrated technologies within contemporary cytogenetics laboratories.
authors.affiliation: Signature Genomic Laboratories, Spokane, WA, USA. bejjani@signaturegenomics.com.
authors.forename: Roland
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Haj
authors.forename: Kelly
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jackson
authors.forename: Beth A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Torchia
authors.forename: Lisa G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Shaffer
authors.forename: Bassem A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Bejjani
authors.forename: Gordon C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Gowans
authors.forename: Michael W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Ruff