title: Positive cell-free fetal DNA testing for trisomy 13 reveals confined placental mosaicism.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We report on a case in which cell-free fetal DNA was positive for trisomy 13 most likely due to confined placental mosaicism. Cell-free fetal DNA testing analyzes DNA derived from placental trophoblast cells and can lead to incorrect results that are not representative of the fetus.
  
  
  METHODS
  We sought to confirm commercial cell-free fetal DNA testing results by chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis. These results were followed up by postnatal chromosome analysis of cord blood and placental tissue.
  
  
  RESULTS
  First-trimester cell-free fetal DNA test results were positive for trisomy 13. Cytogenetic analysis of chorionic villus sampling yielded a mosaic karyotype of 47,XY,+13[10]/46,XY[12]. G-banded analysis of amniotic fluid was normal, 46,XY. Postnatal cytogenetic analysis of cord blood was normal. Karyotyping of tissues from four quadrants of the placenta demonstrated mosaicism for trisomy 13 in two of the quadrants and a normal karyotype in the other two.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our case illustrates several important aspects of this new testing methodology: that cell-free fetal DNA may not be representative of the fetal karyotype; that follow-up with diagnostic testing of chorionic villus sampling and/or amniotic fluid for abnormal test results should be performed; and that pretest counseling regarding the full benefits, limitations, and possible testing outcomes of cell-free fetal DNA screening is important.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. aprlhall@iupui.edu
authors.forename: April L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.forename: Holli M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Drendel
authors.forename: Jennifer L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Verbrugge
authors.forename: Angela M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Reese
authors.forename: Katherine L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Schumacher
authors.forename: Christopher B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Griffith
authors.forename: David D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Weaver
authors.forename: Mary P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Abernathy
authors.forename: Christian G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Litton
authors.forename: Gail H
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Vance
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000653:Amniotic Fluid; D002824:Chorionic Villi; D015193:Chorionic Villi Sampling; D025063:Chromosome Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics*; D002882:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 13 / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D059785:Karyotype; D008297:Male; D009030:Mosaicism; D010920:Placenta; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D014314:Trisomy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics*; D000073839:Trisomy 13 Syndrome; D014327:Trophoblasts