Diagnostics of Hereditary Connective Tissue Disorders by Genetic Next-Generation Sequencing

Aims: This quality study was designed to review the indications, reports, and clinical consequences of 438 diagnostic next-generation sequencing (NGS) gene panel analyses for hereditary connective tissue disorders (HCTD). Methods: Molecular analyses were retrieved from laboratory databases and patient records and compared to the clinical information in the requisition and classified according to the Human Phenotype Ontology. Results: In 123 of 438 NGS analyses, 156 sequence variants were reported in 33 of 54 genes analyzed. NGS analyses and, in some cases, postanalytic assessment resulted in identification of pathogenic variants in 40 (9%) of patients, and variants of uncertain significance were identified in 83 (19%) of cases analyzed. While cardiovascular abnormalities were the most common phenotype noted in the requisitions, no specific organ system could be identified in which the reported symptoms provided an actionable indication for the analysis. Certain health issues recorded in the patients' records were found to be frequently left out of requisitions. Conclusions: The interpretation of genetic sequence variants continues to be a significant challenge in HCTD. Although not associated with the highest diagnostic yield, cardiovascular disease and family history may be suitable indications for NGS due to the clinical consequences of the identification of a causative sequence variant for a vascular HCTD in patients and relatives.