Prenatal diagnosis of a translocation (X;Y) and genetic counseling

A cytogenetic prenatal diagnosis due to maternal age led us to find a male fetus with a (X;Y) translocation. This translocation is found in the mother, who presents no phenotypic abnormalities or mental retardation. The 22 cases described in the literature indicate that among male carriers of an (X;Y) translocation, half the cases present mental retardation and 2/3 phenotypic anomalies. These findings led us to give a genetic counselling of therapeutic abortion. Post mortem histological examination revealed no morphodysplasia.