Inheritance and genetic counselling
General information about how 22q11.2 deletion syndrome can arise or be inherited.
Only a clinical genetics team can explain what test results and recurrence risks mean for a particular family. The figures below are general estimates from NHS information.
How can the deletion occur?
In most people, the 22q11.2 deletion arises for the first time in that person. In around 1 in 10 cases, it is inherited from a parent who also has the deletion. The NHS describes these as approximate proportions; individual circumstances can differ.
What if a parent has the deletion?
If a parent has a 22q11.2 deletion, there is a 1 in 2 (50%) chance of passing it on in each pregnancy. The effects can vary considerably, including among members of the same family.
What if neither parent has the deletion?
When neither parent has the deletion, the NHS states that the chance of another child having DiGeorge syndrome is less than 1%. A clinical genetics service can explain how this general estimate applies to a family and whether any further testing or advice is appropriate.
Reliable sources
- NHS: DiGeorge syndrome — inheritance and family information.
- NHS Genomics Education: 22q11.2 deletion syndrome — clinical and genetic overview.
This page provides general educational information, not personal medical or reproductive advice. Please discuss individual questions with a qualified health professional or clinical genetics team. Reviewed October 2026.