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Syndromes Associated With Lymphatic Dysplasia

(This page has been updated, for the most current information please see our new Wiki page.)
There are many, rare syndromes associated with lymphatic dysplasia where in the patient will present with lymphedema.  Therefore it is useful to include them in the website.  

I especially want to express my deep appreciation to Dr. Bruno Chikly for his very kind permission in allowing us to use and reproduce information from his book Silent Waves Theory And Practice Of Lymph Drainage Therapy.   His books and works have brought hope and much needed information to countless thousands throughout the world coping with lymphedema and lymphatic disorders.

Also, I want to acknowledge other sources of information.  

I have included many entry articles from OMIM, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man provided by Johns Hopkins University.  As a person who has done extensive research and search, I have come to a great respect and admiration for their unending work in presenting top quality information to both professionals and lay people alike.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=OMIM

Much information has been gathered as well from Pub Med, a section of the National Library of Medicine.  A special note of thanks is due them as well for their service to the public.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi

Another excellant source of medical information provided by the government is Medline Plus.  This is a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/

Finally, we must also mention the National Organizations of Rare Disorders.  They provide valuable and hard to find information on a vast compendium of rare and little understood diseases and conditions.

http://www.rarediseases.org/

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Syndromes Associated With Lymphatic Dysplasia  

1- Aagenaes (lymphedema-cholestasis) syndrome

2- Distichiasis (lymphedema-distichiasis) syndrome

3- Dahlberg (lymphedema-hypoparathyroidism syndrome)

4- Fabry's disease

5- Gorham-Stout-Haferkamp syndrome

6- Hennekam’s syndrome

7- Klinefelter syndrome

8- Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome

9- Maffucci’s syndrome:

10- Melkersson - Rosenthal - Miescher syndrome

11- Noonan syndrome

12- Trisomy 10

13- Trisomy 13

14- Trisomy 18

15- Trisomy 21

16- Trisomy 22

17- Turner syndrome

18- Von Recklinghausen’s fibromatosis

19- Yellow nail syndrome

20- Other syndromes associated with lymphatic dysplasia  

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Aagenaes (Lymphedema-cholestasis) syndrome

First description: Aagenaes and associates (Norway), 1968.  

OMIM (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database) reference number: 214900  

Synonyms: Cholestasis-lymphedema-syndrome (CHLS), Lymphedema-cholestasis syndrome (LCS or LCS1), Cholestasis Aagenaes, Cholestasis hereditary Norwegian type.  

Genetics: Chromosome 15q. Autosomal recessive inheritance. 

Localization: About 2/3 of the cases reported are in Norway.  

Onset: usually puberty.  

Clinical description:  

1- Hepatologic manifestations

Chronic recurrent cholestasis (bile flow obstruction)

Postnatal icterus (jaundice)  

The liver may be enlarged; intrahepatic obstructive liver disease and capillary hemangiomata may also occur. The disease may slowly evolve to hepatic cirrhosis and giant-cell hepatitis with fibrosis.  

2- Lymphologic manifestations  

Lymphedema develops during childhood as a result of lymphatic hypoplasia. This occurs most frequently in the lower extremities, but the condition infrequently affects upper extremities, and rarely the face or lungs.  

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Distichiasis (a.k.a. Lymphedema-Distichiasis) syndrome

Distichiasis is defined as a double row of eyelashes (from the Greek distichia, meaning double line).  

First description: 1954, University of Houston, Texas.  

OMIM (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database) reference number: 153400  

Genetics: Chromosome 16q24.3. Mutation of the gene FOXC2 (MFH1). 

Onset: usually at puberty.  

Clinical description:  

1- Ophthalmologic manifestations  

Distichiasis: the double row of eyelashes may be difficult to identify clinically.

It may be discovered because of an irritation of the cornea, corneal abrasion or in some cases corneal ulceration

Ptosis of the eyelids

Photophobia.

Partial ectropion (eversion of part of an eyelid) of the lateral third of the eyelashes.  

2- Lymphologic manifestations  

pterygium colli (Webbing of the neck)

Primary lymphedema, often appearing at puberty

Thoracic duct abnormalities

Chylothorax  

3. Osteoarticular manifestations 

Vertebral segmentation abnormalities: irregularities of end plates, spinal extradural cysts, etc.

Amelogenesis imperfecta (defective dental enamel)

4. Cardiologic manifestations

Congenital heart disease, e.g. tetralogy of Fallot or atrioventricular block Capillary hemangiomata  

D- Other associated symptoms:  

Cleft palate

Low hairline    

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Dahlberg (Lymphedema-Hypoparathyroidism) Syndrome  

First description: Dahlberg P.J., 1983.  

OMIM (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database) reference number: 247410  

Synonyms: Dahlberg newcomer syndrome.  

Genetics: autosomal recessive and X-linked recessive type.  

Clinical description:  

This syndrome consists mainly of primary lymphopathy of extremities or lungs, progressive renal failure, mitral valve prolapse, brachydactyly (abnormal shortness of toes or fingers) and hypoparathyroidism.  

1- Lymphologic manifestations  

Primary lymphedema of upper or lower extremities that can develop soon after birth

Pulmonary lymphangiectasia (dilatation of lymph vessels)    

2- Nephrologic manifestations  

Progressive renal failure that may require kidney transplantation  

3- Ophthalmologic manifestations  

Cataracts (bilateral)

Ptosis

Telecanthus (increased distance between the inner aspect of the eyelids) 

4- Other associated Symptoms 

Mitral valve prolapse

Brachydactyly (brachytelephalangy)

Hypoparathyroidism

Hypocalcemia

Hypothyroidism

Broad nasal bridge and lateral displacement of the inner canthi.

Thick skin

Increased body hair

Short stature/dwarfism

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Fabry's disease  

First description: Independently described in 1898 by the dermatologist Jonathan Fabry ("purpura haemorrhagica nodularis") and the surgeon William Anderson ("multiple capillary angiectasis").  

OMIM (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database) reference number: 301500  

Synonyms:

Anderson-Fabry Disease, alpha - galactosidase A deficiency, angiokeratoma corporis diffusum (universale), cardiovasorenal syndrome, ceramide lactoside lipidosis, ceramide trihexosidase deficiency, GLA deficiency, glyosphingolipidosis, hereditary dystopic lipidosis, lactosyl ceramidosis, Ruiter-Pompen syndrome, Sweeley-Klionsky disease, thesaurismosis hereditaria, thesaurismosis lipoidica, trihexosidase deficiency disease.  

Genetics: X-linked lysosomal disorder.

Defect of the gene alpha-galactosidase A (enzyme involved in the biodegradation of lipids) located on the long arm of the X chromosome (Xq22).

Some cases of mutation are likely.  

Incidence: 1 case per 117, 000-40,000  

Mortality/morbidity: The average age at death is 41 years.

Sex: Fabry’s disease most often affects hemizygous males, but is sometimes found in heterozygous females, who do not display as severe symptoms, or as complete a set.  

Age of onset: Generally from childhood to adolescence.  

Clinical description:  

This disorder leads to a progressive accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) and related glycosphingolipids (GSLs) in vascular endothelial lysosomes of the skin, kidneys, heart, nervous system, and blood vessels.  

1- Dermatologic manifestations:

            Cutaneous angiokeratoma: maculopapular skin lesions consisting of reddish to dark purple pin-head size spots (dilated capillaries). They could be located anywhere in the body but they are usually located in regions where skin folds and stretching occur.

            Hypohidrosis, anhidrosis: decreased or absent sweating

            Teleangiectasia (enlargement of small blood vessels)

            Rash  

2- Lymphologic manifestation

            Lymphedema in the lower extremities; the etiology is unknown.  

3- Musculoskeletal manifestation

            Acroparesthesia (crises of severe pain, burning, and/or itching in the extremities, associated with fever)  

4- Ophthalmologic manifestations

            Corneal dystrophy

            Corneal opacities

            Cataracts  

5- Cardiovascular manifestations

            Angina

            Coronary artery disease

            Myocardial ischemia

            Congestive heart failure

            Left ventricular hypertrophy

            Mitral insufficiency

            Mitral valve prolapse

            Conduction abnormalities  

6- Neuropsychiatric manifestations

            Stroke

            Aneurysm

            Seizures

            Hemiplegia

            Hemianesthesia (loss of sense of touch in the right or left half of the body)

            Aphasia

            Cerebral hemorrhage.

            Psychotic behavior  

7- Renal manifestations

            Chronic renal insufficiency

            Kidney failure  

8- Gastrointestinal manifestations

            Episodes of abdominal or flank pain, diarrhea, or   vomiting

            Jejunal diverticula

            Peritonitis  

9- Endocrine manifestations

             Abnromal  growth

            Delayed onset of puberty.  

10- Other manifestations

            Chronic bronchitis

            Anemia    

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Gorham-Stout-Haferkamp syndrome (lymphangiomatosis)  

First description: 1955, Gorham and associates.  

Synonyms: Acro-osteolysis syndromes, diffuse cystic angiomatosis of bone, disseminated lymphangiomatosis, thoracic lymphangiomatosis, Gorham-Stout syndrome, Gorham's vanishing bone disease, Hajdu-Cheney syndrome, idiopathic massive osteolysis, idiopathic multicentric osteolysis, massive Gorham osteolysis, phantom bone disease, osteolysis of Martorell, Trinquoste syndrome.  

Clinical description:  

Studies of about 200 cases have been published in scientific literature.  

Osteolysis (bone loss) created by angiomatous tissue (abnormal blood or lymphatic vessel growth)  

1- Osteoarticular manifestations  

Abnormal vessel growth (angioma = “vessel tumor”) produces areas of osteolysis which may be associated with pathological fractures.  

Almost any part of the skeleton can be affected but it is most often found in the cranium (parietal area), upper jaw, maxilla, zygoma and extremities.

2- Lymphologic manifestations  

Lymphodysplasia (intraosseous lymphodysplasia or lymphovenous dysplasia)  

3- Visceral manifestations  

Lymphangiomas of the spleen, or liver, lungs, mediastinum.

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Hennekam’s Syndrome  

First description: 1989, Hennekam and associates.  

OMIM (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database) reference number: 235510  

Synonym: Intestinal lymphangiectasia-lymphedema-mental retardation syndrome.  

Genetics: Autosomal recessive inheritance.  

Sex ratio: Equal sex ratio.  

Clinical description:  

About 25 cases have been published in scientific literature.  

1- Lymphologic manifestations

            -- mainly due to abnormal lymphangiogenesis  

Lymphedema:

            - Peripheral 100%

            - Face: 86%

            - Genital 71%  

Lymphangiectasia

            - Intestines 82%

            - Lung 39%

            - Heart 22%

            - Other: kidneys, thyroid (rare)  

2- Facial features  

Flat face: 100%

Metopic ridge: 31%

Craniostosis (congenital ossification of cranial sutures)

Craniosynostosis (premature ossification of cranial sutures)

Hypertelorism (widely-spaced eyes)

Epicanthal folds

Small mouth

Small ears  

3- Cardiovascular manifestations  

Congenital heart defects 20%

Blood vessel abnormalities 40%  

4- Neuropsychiatric manifestations:  

Mental retardation (inconsistent)

Seizures

Convulsions  

5- Other associated symptoms  

Glaucoma

Dental anomalies

Gingival hypertrophy

Hearing loss

Renal anomalies

Syndactyly (fusion of fingers or toes)

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Klinefelter Syndrome  

First descriptions: 1895 Richard Altmann, 1934 Walther Berblinger and 1942  Harry Fitch Klinefelter.  

Synonyms: Klinefelter-Reifenstein-Albright syndrome, Reifenstein-Albright XXY syndrome, aspermatogenesis-gynecomastia syndrome, chromosome XXY syndrome, medullary gonadal dysgenesis, primary microörchidism, puberal, seminiferous tubule failure, sclerosing tubular degeneration.  

Genetics:  

1- 47,XXY: approximately 80%-90%.

2- Mosaic patterns: 46,XY/47,XXY, 46,XY/48,XXXY, and 47,XXY/48,XXXY: approximately 10%.

2- Structurally abnormal additional X: about 1%.  

Incidence: approximately 1 in 500-700 male births.  

Sex ratio: males only.  

Clinical description:  

1- Endocrine manifestations  

A- Growth  

Tall stature

Usually disproportionately long in upper and lower extremities (excessive growth in the long bones); the trunk is short in comparison  

B- Sexual characteristics  

Male hypogonadism (microörchidism - small testes), gynecomastia and sterility (azoöspermia or oligospermia)  

Lack secondary sexual characteristics (low androgen production):  

Gynecomastia (abnormally large breasts in a male) at late puberty  

Testicular dysgenesis: small and firm testicles with low sperm production.

(Penile size is usually normal.)  

Infertility/azoöspermia may be present, caused by extensive hyalinization leading to atrophy of the seminiferous tubules.  

2- Neuropsychiatric manifestations:  

A majority of patients display some minor developmental and learning disabilities.  

Language impairment

Behavioral problems

Immaturity

Shyness

Lack of common sense/judgment

Poor self-esteem  

Patients’ IQ score is reduced by about15 points for each additional X chromosome, on average.  

3- Cardiac and circulatory manifestations  

Mitral valve prolapse 55%

Varicose veins 20-40%  

4- Odontologic manifestations  

Taurodontism (enlargement and deepening of the pulp chambers of the molar teeth): 40% of patients.  

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Klippel-Trenaunay (K-T) Syndrome and Kasabach-Merritt syndrome  

Synonyms: Angio-osteohypertrophy syndrome, hyperoxemiating arterio-venous angiomatosis osteohypertrophy.  

Genetics: Gene may be located on 5q or p11.  

Sex ratio: Females are affected approximately twice as often as males.  

Clinical description:  

K-T can be characterized by a triad of symptoms (Gloviczki et al., 1991):  

Hemangioma (port-wine stain): 95%

Hypertrophy of bones and soft tissues: 93% (limb hypertrophy: 67%)

Varicose veins 76%  

Approximately 65% of patients have all 3 symptoms (according to a Mayo Clinic study of 252 patients, with KTS between January 1956 and January 1995)  

1- Vascular manifestations  

Vascular dysplasia: port-wine stains, cavernous hemangioma, varicose veins, arteriovenous malformations, lymphedema and lymphangiomata.  

A- Hemangiomata  

Port-wine stain or "birthmark" (cutaneous capillary malformations) often in the lateral aspect of the limb present with a well demarcated linear border. These cutaneous capillary malformations usually do not spontaneously regress or enlarge. 

B- Varicose veins and venous dysplasia  

Venous varicosities developed in 79% of cases (Muluk et al., 1995)

Typically a large lateral superficial vein seen at birth.

Varicosities may be quite extensive. Generally sparing the saphenous distribution, they more usually affect the popliteal or femoral veins, and sometimes both.  

Associated deep venous abnormalities can lead to serious complications, and may include aneurysmal dilatation, hypoplasia, aplasia and absent or incompetent valves.  

C- Arteriovenous fistulae, the main feature distinguishing Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome from Parkes-Weber (see below), are rarely found in the affected extremity of K-T patients.  

D- Lymphodysplasia:  

Lymphodysplasia and resulting primary lymphedema of the extremities (most commonly the legs) is seen in K-T

These can be either aplasia, dysplasia or hyperplasia / lymphangiectasia of the lymph vessels; they can be treated like any other primary lymphedema.

Lymphangioma occurs in about 8% of these patients.

2- Osteoarticular manifestations  

Soft tissue and bony hypertrophy

It usually evolves during the first years of life and manifests commonly in one lower extremity or the other (71%). It occurs less frequently bilaterally (20%) or in the upper extremity (25%) [Gloviczki et al., 1991].

It can lead to complications such as postural abnormalities or vertebral scoliosis.  

Differential diagnosis:  

It is often difficult to distinguish between K-T syndrome and K-T-W or Parkes Weber syndrome. The absence of arteriovenous fistulae and the presence of low-velocity venous malformations inclines the physician to a diagnosis of Klippel-Trenaunay rather than Parkes Weber.  

Complications of K-T:  

The can include ulcerations, bleeding, cellulitis, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

Involvement of viscera (e.g. lungs, liver, kidneys or large intestine) can produce specific complications such as spontaneous rupture of hemangioma and internal bleeding.    

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 Kasabach-Merritt syndrome: consumptive coagulopathy:  

            The Kasabach-Merritt syndrome is a medical emergency in K-T patients. It  involves thrombocytopenia, caused by the trapping of platelets in an  expanding cavernous hemangioma, and occasionally excessive      consumption of clotting factors, resulting in internal bleeding (e.g. in     internal organs, the head and neck area, or the extremities).

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Maffucci’s syndrome  

First description: Angelo Maffucci, 1881, Naples, Italy.  

Synonyms: Achondromatosis with hemangiomata, chondrodysplasia angiomatosis syndrome, chondrodystrophy and vascular hamartoma syndrome, chondrodystrophy with angiomatosis, cutaneous dyschondroplasia-dyschromia syndrome, dyschondroplasia-angiomatosis syndrome, dyschondrodysplasia-haemangiomas syndrome; Kast’s disease, Maffucci-Kast syndrome, multiple enchondromatosis syndrome.

Genetics: inheritance unknown.  

Sex ratio: Both sexes affected but males more frequently.  

Clinical description:  

Benign tumors of cartilage (enchondromas), associated with multiple cavernous hemangiomata.  

1- Osteoarticular manifestations  

Nodular tumors usually develop before puberty and continue to evolve later. They can lead to fracture, unequal length of the extremities and disharmonious segmental hypertrophy of the body.

Dyschondroplasia of the hands is common (89%) in Maffucci’s syndrome, but they can be found in almost any bone.  

2- Vascular manifestations  

Hemangiomata in the skin of the limbs and in the viscera: eyes, pharynx, tongue, meninges, and intestines.

Lymphangiomata and lymphangiosarcomata

Phlebangiectasia (venous dilatatons)  

3- Dermatologic manifestations  

Vitiligo

Pigmented nevi

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Melkersson-Rosenthal or Melkerson-Rosenthal-Miescher Syndrome  

First descriptions: Lothar von Frankl-Hochwart in 1891. Described by Melkersson in 1928. Rosenthal described the plicated tongue in 1931.  

Synonyms: Rosenthal's syndrome II, Melkersson-Rosenthal-Schuermann syndrome, Rossolimo’s syndrome, Miescher’s cheilitis, Melkersson’s syndrome.  

Genetics: May be related to chromosome 9 (9p11).

Autosomal dominant inheritance with variable expressivity.  

Sex ratio: Affects men and women equally.  

Clinical description:  

1- Classical manifestations  

Chronic edema of the lips (granulomatous edema, also called cheilitis granulomatosa, cheilitis glandularis, cheilitis granulomatosis, essential granulomatous macrocheilitis) and other part of the face (chin, eyelids)

Peripheral recurrent facial paralysis

Hypertrophic plicated tongue (lingua plicata, “scrotal tongue”)  

2- Other manifestations:  

Mild lymphatic hyperplasia (usually with very little fibrosis)

Headaches / migraines

Ptosis of the eyelids

Optic neuritis.

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Noonan Syndrome (NS)  

First descriptions: First reported by Kolinski in 1883. In 1930 Ullrich described this disorder, followed by Henry Turner 8 years later.

In 1971 this syndrome was completely described by Jacqueline Noonan, MD, Professor of Pediatrics in Kentucky, and the syndrome was officially named “Noonan syndrome”.  

OMIM (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database) reference number: 163950

Synonyms: Male Turner syndrome, female pseudo-Turner syndrome, pseudo Ullrich-Turner syndrome, Turner's phenotype with normal karotype, Ullrich-Noonan syndrome, XX Turner phenotype syndrome.  

Genetics: Autosomal dominant disorder with variable expression.

In 33-50% of cases Noonan syndrome is caused by a mutation of the gene PTPN11 (which encodes the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2) located on chromosome 12 (12q 24).  

Sex ratio: Both sexes are affected equally  

Incidence: approximately 1 in 1,000 to 2,500 births.  

Clinical description:  

Noonan syndrome (NS) is clinically similar to Turner syndrome but with a normal number of chromosomes.

1. Craniofacial manifestations  

Triangular face

Down-slanting upper eyelids (95%)

Thickened helix (90%)

Low posterior hairline (55%)

High arched palate (45%),

Micrognathia (small jaw) in 25%,

Low-set, posteriorly-rotated ears

Hypertelorism (widely-spaced eyes)

Webbed neck (pterygium colli)  

2. Endocrine manifestations:  

Growth retardation

Short stature or dwarfism

Sexual development:

            A. Males

                        Cryptorchidism (undescended testicles) (60%)

                        Small testes.

            B. Females

                        Normal fertility  

3. Musculoskeletal manifestations  

Cubitus valgus (50%)

Superior pectus carinatum (90-95%) (“pigeon breast”)

Inferior pectus excavatum (concave chest, “funnel breast”)

Vertebral/sternal anomalies

low-set widespaced nipples

Dental malocclusion (35%)

Short curved fingers with blunt fingertips (30%),

Scoliosis (10%)

Joint hyperextensibility and hypotony  

4. Cardiovascular manifestations  

Pulmonary valve stenosis (50%)

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (20-30%)

Atrial septal defects (10-20%)

Asymmetric septal hypertrophy (10%)

Ventral septal defects (5-15%)

Persistent ductus arteriosus (3%).

Tetralogy of Fallot  

5.  Lymphologic manifestations (20%)  

Distal chronic lymphedema of dorsal surface of the feet. This can be the first clinical symptom of NS.

Genital lymphedema

Intestinal lymphangiectasia

Pulmonary lymphangiectasia

Cervical cystic hygroma (benign lymphatic tumors of the neck)

Hydrops fetalis (fetal edema)

6. Neurobehavioral manifestations  

Mild-moderate mental retardation (33%)

Gross motor developmental delay (25%)

Speech and language developmental delay (20-30%)

Verbal performance discrepancy (15%)

Seizures (13%)  

7. Hematologic manifestations  

Coagulation defects (33%)

            - Partial deficiency of factor XI:C, XII:C, and VIII:C

            - Thrombocytopenia

            - Von Willebrand disease  

Splenomegaly (50%)

Hepatosplenomegaly (25%)  

8. Ophthalmologic manifestations  

Strabismus (about 55%)

Myopia

Amblyopia

Nystagmus.  

9. Dermatologic manifestations  

Large finger pads (67%)

Neurofibromatosis.    

10. Otologic manifestations  

Mild hearing loss or deafness (12%)

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trisomy 10  

Genetics: presence of an additional chromosome 10.  

Incidence: 1.8% of all spontaneous abortions  

Clinical description:  

All cases of trisomy 10 are mosaic, i.e., the defect is not present in all cells.  Babies born live with the condition have usually a very short life expectancy.

Clinical manifestations include: mental and growth retardation, cryptorchidism (undescended testicles), hypertelorism (increased distance between the eyes), marked plantar and palmar furrows and congenital heart defects.

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Trisomy 13  

First described by: Klaus Patau, 1960.  

Synonyms: Chromosome 13 trisomy syndrome, trisomy 13, Patau syndrome  

Bartholin-Patau syndrome, trisomy 13-15, trisomy D.  

Genetics: presence of an additional chromosome 13.  

Incidence: approximately 1 in 4,000-10,000 birth.

Mosaic trisomy 13 about 5% of cases.  

Clinical description:  

Most usually do not survive the first 3-6 months of life.  

Severe mental retardation is common

Holoprosencephaly (forebrain defect), sloping forehead

Microcephaly

Wide sagittal suture and fontanelles

Cleft lip/palate

Cardiac defects (atrial or ventricular septal defects, dextroposition of the heart)

Kidneys defects (hydronephrosis, hydroureter)

Polydactyly; clinodactyly (condition in which the little finger is curved toward the           ring finger)

Hypertelorism

Deformed ears

Single umbilical artery

Deafness

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Trisomy 18  

First description: John Edwards, 1960.  

Synonyms: Edwards syndrome, trisomy E, trisomy 16-18.  

Genetics: Presence of an additional 18th chromosome.

In 95% of the cases it is a pure trisomy, in 3% it is mosaic and 2% of translocations. (rearrangements of chromosomal material.)  

Incidence: Approximately 1 in 3,000-8,000 births.

About ninety percent of these patients do not survive the first year.  

Clinical description:  

1. Craniofacial manifestations  

Microcephaly

Low set malformed ears

Micrognathia (small jaw)

Hypertelorism

Cleft lip/palate

Webbed neck

Cystic hygroma or nuchal edema/thickening

Choroid plexus cysts

Large cisterna magna (increased intracranial space outside the posterior brain)

Cerebellar hypoplasia

Seizures  

2. Other manifestations  

Cardiac abnormalities (90%): ventricular septal defect, trial septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus

Lung abnormalities

Kidney and ureter abnormalities

Hypertension

Spina bifida

Scoliosis

Eye abnormalites

Hearing loss

Omphalocele (herniation of abdominal contents in the umbilical area)

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Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)  

First descriptions: 1838, Jean Etienne Esquirol. John Down, 1866.  

Synonyms: Trisomy 21, mongolism, congenital acromicria syndrome. mongoloid idiocy, mongolism, trisomy G, Langdon-Down syndrome, Langdon Down disease, morbus Down.  

Genetics: presence of an additional chromosome 21.  

Incidence: approximately 1 in 700 births.

Risk increases with the age of the mother.  

Clinical description:  

1. Craniofacial and neurologic manifestations  

Mental retardation is present almost 100 % of the time in these individuals, ranging from very mild to severe

Microcephaly, short head

Sloping forehead

Flat nasal bridge, flattened nose

Protruding, enlarged, fissured tongue

Upward slanting eyes

Epicanthal fold (rounded fold of skin at the inner corners of the eyes)

Low-set ears

Small ear canals

Short neck

Nuchal edema/thickening

Webbed neck  

2. Musculoskeletal manifestations  

Hands:

            - Short and broad hands with short fingers

            - abnormal palmar creases (“simian crease”)

            - shortening of the middle phalanx of the fifth digit resulting in clinodactyly  

Atlanto-axial subluxation  

3. Cardiologic manifestations   

Occurrence: in 50% to 85% of Down syndrome individuals.  

Endocardial cushion abnormalities, ventricular septal defects, mitral valve abnormalities.  

4. Gastrointestinal manifestations  

Esophageal atresia (obstruction of the esophagus)

Duodenal atresia (obstruction of the duodenum)

Anorectal malformations (imperforate anus)

Hirschsprung’s disease  

5. Nephrologic manifestations  

Renal pyelectasis (dilation of the renal pelvis) (25%)  

6. Other manifestations  

Premature aging,

Alzheimer’s disease

Acute myeloid leukemia.

Delayed puberty, early menopause

Hypotonia

Lymphedema

Cystic hygroma

Omphalocele

Hydrothorax

Imperforate anus

Short umbilical cord

Short stature

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Trisomy 22  

Synonyms and related Syndromes: Cat Eye, Cayler cardiofacial syndrome, charge association, DiGeorge syndrome, Shprintzen syndrome, velocardiofacial syndrome.  

Genetics: presence of an additional chromosome 22.

Deletion usually affects chromosome 22q11.  

Incidence: 3-5% of all spontaneous abortions.  

Clinical description:  

1. Craniofacial and neurologic manifestations:  

Microcephaly

Long fingers

Hypertelorism

Low set ears

Cleft palate/lip

Flat nasal bridge

Epicanthal folds

Nuchal edema/thickening

Webbed neck

Facial edema  

Mental retardation  

2. Other manifestations  

Growth retardation

Hypotonia

Cardiac abnormalities

Kidney abnormalities

Gastrointestinal abnormalities

Anal stenosis

Seizures

Hearing loss

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Turner Syndrome  

First descriptions: Giovanni Morgagni, 1768. Henry Turner, 1938.  

Synonyms: Monosomy X, Turner-Varny Syndrome; Bonnevie-Ulrich syndrome; Morgagni-Turner-Albright syndrome, chromosome XO syndrome, genital dwarfism, gonadal dysgenesis (45,X); ovarian dwarfism, ovarian aplasia, pterygolymphangiectasia; Schereshevkii-Turner syndrome.  

Genetics: absence (total or partial) or alteration of X chromosome (Xp11.2-p22.1).  

Possible chromosomal anomalies:

- 45, XO karyotype: 55%.

- 46, XX karyotype: 25% with defective X chromosomes (deletion, duplication etc.).

- Mosaics: 15%.  

Incidence: