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Last updated:
September 11, 2017
Years published: 1993, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2009
NORD gratefully acknowledges Shashikant Kulkarni, PhD, Director of CytoGenomics and Molecular Pathology, Director of Clinical & Molecular Cytogenetics, Department of Pathology, Washington University School of Medicine, for assistance in the preparation of this report.
Chromosome 9 Ring is a rare disorder in which there is loss (deletion) of chromosomal material from both ends of the 9th chromosome and joining of the ends to form a ring. Associated symptoms and findings may vary, depending upon the amount and location of lost chromosomal material and other factors. Some affected individuals may have variable malformations of the skull and facial (craniofacial) region. However, in others with the chromosomal abnormality, such features may not be apparent. Chromosome 9 Ring may also be characterized by additional physical features in some cases, including growth retardation, heart defects, genital abnormalities, and/or other findings. In addition, many affected individuals have moderate to severe intellectual disability; however, in some instances, intelligence may be in the low normal range. Chromosome 9 Ring usually appears to result from spontaneous (de novo) errors very early in the development of the embryo that occur for unknown reasons (sporadically).
As noted above, Chromosome 9 Ring may be characterized by various craniofacial malformations; however, in some cases, such features may not be apparent. Craniofacial defects associated with Chromosome 9 Ring may include an abnormally small head (microcephaly) and/or premature fusion of the fibrous joint (suture) between bones forming the forehead (metopic suture), resulting in an unusually narrow, pointed, “triangular” or “keel-shaped” forehead (trigonocephaly) and closely spaced eyes (ocular hypotelorism). Some affected individuals may also have abnormally slanting eyelid folds (palpebral fissures), slight protrusion of the eyes (exophthalmos), an exaggerated arch to the eyebrows, a small jaw (micrognathia) and small chin, and/or a short neck.
In some cases, Chromosome 9 Ring may also be associated with growth retardation after birth; various structural malformations of the heart (congenital heart defects), such as an abnormal opening in the partition (septum) that normally separates the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart (ventricular septal defect); and/or variable skeletal abnormalities. Some affected males may also have genital abnormalities, including ambiguous genitalia or abnormal placement of the urinary opening (hypospadias), such as on the underside of the penis. Additional physical abnormalities have also been reported in association with Chromosome 9 Ring. These have included incomplete closure of the roof of the mouth (cleft palate); abnormal bending (clinodactyly) of certain fingers; a single crease across the palms of the hands; and/or a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux. The latter is characterized by abnormal backflow (reflux) of stomach acid into the esophagus, causing inflammation of and possible damage to the esophageal lining.
Chromosome 9 Ring is commonly characterized by moderate to severe intellectual disability. However, some affected individuals may have intelligence in the low normal range. Those with the disorder may also show variable delays in the acquisition of skills requiring the coordination of mental and physical activities (psychomotor retardation) and/or behavioral abnormalities, such as agitated or withdrawn, introverted behavior.
Chromosome 9 Ring is caused by deletion of chromosomal material from the end (distal) regions of the short arm (p) and long arm (q) of chromosome 9 and joining of the ends to form a ring. Chromosomes are found in the nucleus of all body cells. They carry the genetic characteristics of each individual. Pairs of human chromosomes are numbered from 1 through 22, with an unequal 23rd pair of X and Y chromosomes for males and two X chromosomes for females. Each chromosome has a short arm designated as “p”, a long arm identified by the letter “q” and a narrowed region at which the two arms are joined (centromere). Chromosomes are further subdivided into bands that are numbered outward from the centromere.
As noted above, in those with Chromosome 9 Ring, associated symptoms and findings may vary from case to case. Such clinical variability may depend upon the amount and specific location of material lost from the 9th chromosome, the stability of the ring chromosome during subsequent cellular divisions, and/or other factors. For example, in some cases, only a certain percentage of an affected individual’s cells may have Chromosome 9 Ring, while other cells may have a normal chromosomal makeup (a finding known as “chromosomal mosaicism”), affecting the variability of associated symptoms and physical features.
Chromosome 9 Ring usually appears to be caused by spontaneous (de novo) errors very early during embryonic development. In such instances, the parents of the affected child usually have normal chromosomes and a relatively low risk of having another child with the chromosomal abnormality. However, it is theoretically possible that a parent of an affected individual also has Chromosome 9 Ring in all or some cells with few apparent symptoms. In such instances, it is believed that Chromosome 9 Ring may have been inherited and that the chances are greater of having another child with the chromosomal abnormality.
Chromosomal analysis and genetic counseling are typically recommended for parents of an affected child to help confirm or exclude the presence of certain chromosomal abnormalities in one of the parents, such as Chromosome 9 Ring, mosaicism, or a balanced chromosomal rearrangement involving chromosome 9.
Chromosome 9 Ring is a rare chromosomal abnormality that is thought to affect males and females in relatively equal numbers. Since the disorder was originally described, more than 12 cases have been reported in the medical literature.
In some instances, Chromosome 9 Ring may be suggested before birth (prenatally) by specialized tests such as ultrasound, amniocentesis, and/or chorionic villus sampling (CVS). During fetal ultrasonography, reflected sound waves create an image of the developing fetus, potentially revealing certain findings that suggest a chromosomal disorder or other developmental abnormalities. With amniocentesis, a sample of fluid that surrounds the developing fetus is removed and analyzed, while CVS involves the removal of tissue samples from a portion of the placenta. Chromosomal analysis performed on such fluid or tissue samples may reveal the presence of Chromosome 9 Ring.
In most cases, Chromosome 9 Ring is diagnosed or confirmed after birth (postnatally) based upon a thorough clinical evaluation, characteristic physical findings, and chromosomal analysis. Various specialized tests may also be performed to help detect and/or characterize certain abnormalities that may be associated with the disorder. For example, a thorough cardiac evaluation may be advised to detect any heart abnormalities that may be present. Such evaluations may include a thorough clinical examination, evaluation of heart and lung sounds through use of a stethoscope, and specialized tests that enable physicians to evaluate the structure and function of the heart (e.g., x-ray studies, electrocardiography [EKG]), echocardiography).
Treatment
The treatment of Chromosome 9 Ring is directed toward the specific symptoms that are apparent in each individual. Such disease management may require the coordinated efforts of a team of medical professionals, such as pediatricians; physicians who diagnose and treat disorders of the skeleton, muscles, joints, and related tissues (orthopedists); heart specialists (cardiologists); and/or other health care professionals.
For some affected individuals, physicians may recommend surgical repair or correction of certain craniofacial, genital, and/or other malformations associated with the disorder. In addition, for those with congenital heart defects, treatment with certain medications, surgical intervention, and/or other measures may be required. The specific surgical procedures performed will depend upon the severity and location of the anatomical abnormalities, their associated symptoms, and other factors.
Early intervention may also be important in ensuring that affected children reach their potential. Special services that may be beneficial include special education, speech therapy, physical therapy, and/or other medical, social, and/or vocational services. Genetic counseling will also be of benefit for affected individuals and their families. Other treatment for this disorder is symptomatic and supportive.
Information on current clinical trials is posted on www.clinicaltrials.gov.
All studies receiving U.S. government funding, and some supported by private industry, are posted on this government web site.
For information about clinical trials being conducted at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD, contact the NIH Patient Recruitment Office:
Tollfree: (800) 411-1222
TTY: (866) 411-1010
Email: prpl@cc.nih.gov
Some current clinical trials also are posted on the following page on the NORD website:
https://rarediseases.org/living-with-a-rare-disease/find-clinical-trials/
For information about clinical trials sponsored by private sources, contact:
www.centerwatch.com
For information about clinical trials conducted in Europe, contact:
https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/
(Please note that some of these organizations may provide information concerning certain conditions potentially associated with this disorder [e.g., craniofacial abnormalities, congenital heart defects, intellectual disability, etc.].)
TEXTBOOKS
Jones KL. Smith’s Recognizable Patterns of Human Malformation. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Company; 1997:46-47.
Thoene JG, ed. Physicians’ Guide to Rare Diseases. Montvale, NJ: Dowden Publishing Company Inc; 1995:33.
Buyse ML, ed. Birth Defects Encyclopedia. Dover, MA: Blackwell Scientific Publications; For: The Center for Birth Defects Information Services Inc; 1990:354.
JOURNAL ARTICLES
Seghezzi L, et al. Ring chromosome 9 with a 9p22.3-p24.3 duplication. Eur J Pediatr. 1999;158:791-93.
Cavaliere ML, et al. Phenotypic variability in the chromosome 9 ring. Acta Biomed Ateneo Parmense. 1997;68(suppl 1):85-89.
Lanzi G, et al. Ring chromosome 9: an atypical case. Brain Dev. 1996;18:216-19.
Kontiokari T, et al. Ring chromosome 9. Duodecim. 1995;111:439-41.
Blennow E, et al. Characterization of supernumerary ring marker chromosomes by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Am J Hum Genet. 1993;53:433-42.
Manouvrier-Hanu S, et al. Another case of ring chromosome 9 associated with gastroesophageal reflux [letter]. Am J Med Genet. 1989;32:558.
Manouvrier-Hanu S, et al. Ring chromosome 9. Case report and review of the literature. Ann Genet. 1988;31:250-53.
Leung AK, et al. A case of ring (9)/del(9p) mosaicism associated with gastroesophageal reflux. Am J Med Genet. 1988;29:43-48.
Fryns JP, et al. Moderate mental retardation and nonspecific dysmorphic syndrome associated with ring chromosome 9. Hum Genet. 1979;50:29-32.
NORD strives to open new assistance programs as funding allows. If we don’t have a program for you now, please continue to check back with us.
NORD and MedicAlert Foundation have teamed up on a new program to provide protection to rare disease patients in emergency situations.
Learn more https://rarediseases.org/patient-assistance-programs/medicalert-assistance-program/Ensuring that patients and caregivers are armed with the tools they need to live their best lives while managing their rare condition is a vital part of NORD’s mission.
Learn more https://rarediseases.org/patient-assistance-programs/rare-disease-educational-support/This first-of-its-kind assistance program is designed for caregivers of a child or adult diagnosed with a rare disorder.
Learn more https://rarediseases.org/patient-assistance-programs/caregiver-respite/