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INDICE
Chromosomal
1q21.1 recurrent microdelection
3q29 recurrent delection
7q11.23 duplication syndrome
15q13.3 microdelection
16p11.2 recurrent delection
16p11.2 recurrent delection
17 q12 recurrent duplication
17q12 recurrent delection syndrome
21-hydroxylase-deficient congenital adrenal hyperplasia
22q11.2 dlection syndrome
A
ACTG2 Visceral Myopathy
ADAMTSL4-Related Eye Disorders
ADCY5 Dyskinesia
ADNP-Related Disorder
AIP Familial Isolated Pituitary Adenomas
ALK-Related Neuroblastic Tumor Susceptibility
ALS2-Related Disorder
ANKRD17-Related Neurodevelopmental Syndrome
ANKRD26-Related Thrombocytopenia
ANO5 Muscle Disease
AP-4-Associated Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia
APC-Associated Polyposis Conditions
APOB-Related Familial Hypobetalipoproteinemia
ARID1B-Related Disorder
ARSACS
ASAH1-Related Disorders
ASPM Primary Microcephaly
ASXL3-Related Disorder
ATN1-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder
ATP1A3-Related Neurologic Disorders
ATP6V0A2-Related Cutis Laxa
ATP7A-Related Copper Transport Disorders
ATP8B1 Deficiency
Abetalipoproteinemia
Aceruloplasminemia
Achondrogenesis Type 1B
Achondroplasia
Achromatopsia
Acid Sphingomyelinase Deficiency
Acute Intermittent Porphyria
Adenine Phosphoribosyltransferase Deficiency
Adenosine Deaminase 2 Deficiency
Adenosine Deaminase Deficiency
Adult Refsum Disease
Aicardi Syndrome
Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome
Alagille Syndrome
Alexander Disease
Alkaptonuria
Allan-Herndon-Dudley Syndrome
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
Alpha-Mannosidosis
Alpha-Thalassemia X-Linked Intellectual Disability Syndrome
Alpha-Thalassemia
Alport Syndrome
Alström Syndrome
Alzheimer Disease Overview
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Overview
Andersen-Tawil Syndrome
Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome
Angelman Syndrome
Apert Syndrome
Arginase Deficiency
Argininosuccinate Lyase Deficiency
Aromatic L-Amino Acid Decarboxylase Deficiency
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy Overview
Arterial Tortuosity Syndrome
Arylsulfatase A Deficiency
Asparagine Synthetase Deficiency
Ataxia with Oculomotor Apraxia Type 1
Ataxia with Oculomotor Apraxia Type 2
Ataxia with Vitamin E Deficiency
Ataxia-Telangiectasia
Au-Kline Syndrome
Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome
Autosomal Dominant Epilepsy with Auditory Features
Autosomal Dominant Robinow Syndrome
Autosomal Dominant Sleep-Related Hypermotor (Hyperkinetic) Epilepsy
Autosomal Dominant TRPV4 Disorders
Autosomal Dominant Tubulointerstitial Kidney Disease – MUC1
Autosomal Dominant Tubulointerstitial Kidney Disease – REN
Autosomal Dominant Tubulointerstitial Kidney Disease – UMOD
Autosomal Recessive Congenital Ichthyosis
Aymé-Gripp Syndrome
B
BAP1 Tumor Predisposition Syndrome
BCL11A-Related Intellectual Disability
BRCA1- and BRCA2-Associated Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer
BSCL2-Related Neurologic Disorders / Seipinopathy
Bachmann-Bupp Syndrome
Baller-Gerold Syndrome
Baraitser-Winter Cerebrofrontofacial Syndrome
Bardet-Biedl Syndrome Overview
Barth Syndrome
Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome
Berardinelli-Seip Congenital Lipodystrophy
Bestrophinopathies
Beta-Propeller Protein-Associated Neurodegeneration
Beta-Thalassemia
Bietti Crystalline Dystrophy
Biotin-Thiamine-Responsive Basal Ganglia Disease
Biotinidase Deficiency
Birt-Hogg-Dubé Syndrome
Blepharophimosis, Ptosis, and Epicanthus Inversus Syndrome
Bloom Syndrome
Bohring-Opitz Syndrome
Branchiooculofacial Syndrome
Branchiootorenal Spectrum Disorder
Brugada Syndrome
Bryant-Li-Bhoj Neurodevelopmental Syndrome
C
1q21.1 Recurrent Microdeletion
The 1q21.1 recurrent microdeletion itself does not appear to lead to a clinically recognizable
syndrome as some persons with the deletion have no obvious clinical findings and others have
variable findings that most commonly include microcephaly (50%), mild intellectual disability
(30%), mildly dysmorphic facial features, and eye abnormalities (26%). Other findings can include
cardiac defects, genitourinary anomalies, skeletal malformations, and seizures (~15%).
Psychiatric and behavioral abnormalities can include autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder, autistic features, and sleep disturbances.
3q29 Recurrent Deletion
3q29 recurrent deletion is characterized by neurodevelopmental and/or psychiatric manifestations
including mild-to-moderate intellectual disability (ID), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), anxiety
disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), executive function deficits,
graphomotor weakness, and psychosis/schizophrenia. Age at onset for psychosis or prodrome
can be younger than the typical age at onset in the general population. Neurodevelopmental and
psychiatric conditions are responsible for the majority of the disability associated with the 3q29
deletion. Other common findings are failure to thrive and feeding problems in infancy that persist
into childhood, gastrointestinal disorders (including constipation and gastroesophageal reflux
disease [GERD]), ocular issues, dental anomalies, and congenital heart defects (especially patent
ductus arteriosus). Structural anomalies of the posterior fossa may be seen on neuroimaging. To
date more than 200 affected individuals have been identified.
7q11.23 Duplication Syndrome
7q11.23 duplication syndrome is characterized by delayed motor, speech, and social skills in early
childhood; neurologic abnormalities (hypotonia, adventitious movements, and abnormal gait and
station); speech sound disorders including motor speech disorders (childhood apraxia of speech
and/or dysarthria) and phonologic disorders; behavior issues including anxiety disorders
(especially social anxiety disorder [social phobia]), selective mutism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity
disorder, oppositional disorders, physical aggression, and autism spectrum disorder; and
intellectual disability in some individuals. Distinctive facial features are common. Cardiovascular
disease includes dilatation of the ascending aorta. Approximately 30% of individuals have one or
more congenital anomalies.
15q13.3 Recurrent Deletion
ndividuals with the 15q13.3 recurrent deletion may have a wide range of clinical manifestations.
The deletion itself may not lead to a clinically recognizable syndrome and a subset of persons
with the recurrent deletion have no obvious clinical findings, implying that penetrance for the
deletion is incomplete. A little over half of individuals diagnosed with this recurrent deletion have
intellectual disability or developmental delay, mainly in the areas of speech acquisition and
cognitive function. In the majority of individuals, cognitive impairment is mild. Other features
reported in diagnosed individuals include epilepsy (in ~30%), mild hypotonia, and
neuropsychiatric disorders (including autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity
disorder, mood disorder, schizophrenia, and aggressive or self-injurious behavior). Congenital
malformations are uncommon.
3q29 Recurrent Deletion
Synonyms: 3q29 Deletion Syndrome, 3q29 Microdeletion Syndrome
3q29 recurrent deletion is characterized by neurodevelopmental and/or psychiatric manifestations
including mild-to-moderate intellectual disability (ID), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), anxiety
disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), executive function deficits,
graphomotor weakness, and psychosis/schizophrenia. Age at onset for psychosis or prodrome
can be younger than the typical age at onset in the general population. Neurodevelopmental and
psychiatric conditions are responsible for the majority of the disability associated with the 3q29
deletion. Other common findings are failure to thrive and feeding problems in infancy that persist
into childhood, gastrointestinal disorders (including constipation and gastroesophageal reflux
disease [GERD]), ocular issues, dental anomalies, and congenital heart defects (especially patent
ductus arteriosus). Structural anomalies of the posterior fossa may be seen on neuroimaging. To
date more than 200 affected individuals have been identified.
7q11.23 Duplication Syndrome
7q11.23 duplication syndrome is characterized by delayed motor, speech, and social skills in early
childhood; neurologic abnormalities (hypotonia, adventitious movements, and abnormal gait and
station); speech sound disorders including motor speech disorders (childhood apraxia of speech
and/or dysarthria) and phonologic disorders; behavior issues including anxiety disorders
(especially social anxiety disorder [social phobia]), selective mutism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity
disorder, oppositional disorders, physical aggression, and autism spectrum disorder; and
intellectual disability in some individuals. Distinctive facial features are common. Cardiovascular
disease includes dilatation of the ascending aorta. Approximately 30% of individuals have one or
more congenital anomalies.
16p11.2 Recurrent Deletion
The 16p11.2 recurrent deletion phenotype is characterized by motor speech disorder, language
disorder, motor coordination difficulties, psychiatric conditions, and autistic features. While most,
if not all, individuals with the 16p11.2 recurrent deletion experience some degree of
developmental delay, the severity varies significantly. Most affected individuals do not have
intellectual disability (defined as an IQ of <70), but many have below average cognition and
learning disabilities in both verbal and nonverbal domains. Obesity is a feature of this disorder
and generally emerges in childhood; BMI in individuals with the 16p11.2 recurrent deletion is
significantly higher than in the general population by age five years. Seizures are observed in
approximately 25% of individuals with the recurrent deletion. Vertebral anomalies, hearing
impairment, macrocephaly, and cardiovascular malformation have each been observed in some
individuals. Clinical follow-up data from adults suggests that the greatest medical challenges are
obesity and related comorbidities that can be exacerbated by medications used to treat behavioral
and psychiatric problems.
17q12 Recurrent Duplication
The 17q12 recurrent duplication is characterized by intellectual abilities ranging from normal to
severe disability and other variable clinical manifestations. Speech delay is common, and most
affected individuals have some degree of hypotonia and gross motor delay. Behavioral and
psychiatric conditions reported in some affected individuals include autism spectrum disorder,
schizophrenia, and behavioral abnormalities (aggression and self-injury). Seizures are present in
75%. Additional common findings include microcephaly, ocular abnormalities, and endocrine
abnormalities. Short stature and renal and cardiac abnormalities are also reported in some
individuals. Penetrance is incomplete and clinical findings are variable.
17q12 Recurrent Deletion Syndrome
The 17q12 recurrent deletion syndrome is characterized by variable combinations of the three
following findings: structural or functional abnormalities of the kidney and urinary tract, maturityonset diabetes of the young type 5 (MODY5), and neurodevelopmental or neuropsychiatric
disorders (e.g., developmental delay, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder,
schizophrenia, anxiety, and bipolar disorder). Using a method of data analysis that avoids
ascertainment bias, the authors determined that multicystic kidneys and other structural and
functional kidney anomalies occur in 85% to 90% of affected individuals, MODY5 in approximately
40%, and some degree of developmental delay or learning disability in approximately 50%.
MODY5 is most often diagnosed before age 25 years (range: age 10-50 years).
21-Hydroxylase-Deficient Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Synonyms: 21-OHD CAH, Virilizing Adrenal Hyperplasia
21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) is the most common cause of congenital adrenal hyperplasia
(CAH), a family of autosomal recessive disorders involving impaired synthesis of cortisol from
cholesterol by the adrenal cortex. In 21-OHD CAH, excessive adrenal androgen biosynthesis
results in virilization in all individuals and salt wasting in some individuals. A classic form with
severe enzyme deficiency and prenatal onset of virilization is distinguished from a non-classic
form with mild enzyme deficiency and postnatal onset. The classic form is further divided into the
simple virilizing form (~25% of affected individuals) and the salt-wasting form, in which
aldosterone production is inadequate (≥75% of individuals). Newborns with salt-wasting 21-OHD
CAH are at risk for life-threatening salt-wasting crises. Individuals with the non-classic form of 21OHD CAH present postnatally with signs of hyperandrogenism; females with the non-classic form
are not virilized at birth.
22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome
Synonym: 22q11.2DS
Individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) can present with a wide range of
features that are highly variable, even within families. The major clinical manifestations of
22q11.2DS include congenital heart disease, particularly conotruncal malformations (ventricular
septal defect, tetralogy of Fallot, interrupted aortic arch, and truncus arteriosus), palatal
abnormalities (velopharyngeal incompetence, submucosal cleft palate, bifid uvula, and cleft
palate), immune deficiency, characteristic facial features, and learning difficulties. Hearing loss
can be sensorineural and/or conductive. Laryngotracheoesophageal, gastrointestinal,
ophthalmologic, central nervous system, skeletal, and genitourinary anomalies also occur.
Psychiatric illness and autoimmune disorders are more common in individuals with 22q11.2DS.
15q13.3 Recurrent Deletion
Individuals with the 15q13.3 recurrent deletion may have a wide range of clinical manifestations.
The deletion itself may not lead to a clinically recognizable syndrome and a subset of persons
with the recurrent deletion have no obvious clinical findings, implying that penetrance for the
deletion is incomplete. A little over half of individuals diagnosed with this recurrent deletion have
intellectual disability or developmental delay, mainly in the areas of speech acquisition and
cognitive function. In the majority of individuals, cognitive impairment is mild. Other features
reported in diagnosed individuals include epilepsy (in ~30%), mild hypotonia, and
neuropsychiatric disorders (including autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity
disorder, mood disorder, schizophrenia, and aggressive or self-injurious behavior). Congenital
malformations are uncommon.
16p11.2 Recurrent Deletion
The 16p11.2 recurrent deletion phenotype is characterized by motor speech disorder, language
disorder, motor coordination difficulties, psychiatric conditions, and autistic features. While most,
if not all, individuals with the 16p11.2 recurrent deletion experience some degree of
developmental delay, the severity varies significantly. Most affected individuals do not have
intellectual disability (defined as an IQ of <70), but many have below average cognition and
learning disabilities in both verbal and nonverbal domains. Obesity is a feature of this disorder
and generally emerges in childhood; BMI in individuals with the 16p11.2 recurrent deletion is
significantly higher than in the general population by age five years. Seizures are observed in
approximately 25% of individuals with the recurrent deletion. Vertebral anomalies, hearing
impairment, macrocephaly, and cardiovascular malformation have each been observed in some
individuals. Clinical follow-up data from adults suggests that the greatest medical challenges are
obesity and related comorbidities that can be exacerbated by medications used to treat behavioral
and psychiatric problems.
The 16p11.2 recurrent deletion phenotype is characterized by motor speech disorder, language
disorder, motor coordination difficulties, psychiatric conditions, and autistic features. While most,
if not all, individuals with the 16p11.2 recurrent deletion experience some degree of
developmental delay, the severity varies significantly. Most affected individuals do not have
intellectual disability (defined as an IQ of <70), but many have below average cognition and
learning disabilities in both verbal and nonverbal domains. Obesity is a feature of this disorder
and generally emerges in childhood; BMI in individuals with the 16p11.2 recurrent deletion is
significantly higher than in the general population by age five years. Seizures are observed in
approximately 25% of individuals with the recurrent deletion. Vertebral anomalies, hearing
impairment, macrocephaly, and cardiovascular malformation have each been observed in some
individuals. Clinical follow-up data from adults suggests that the greatest medical challenges are
obesity and related comorbidities that can be exacerbated by medications used to treat behavioral
and psychiatric problems.
A
ACTG2 Visceral Myopathy
Synonyms: Berdon Syndrome, Familial Visceral Myopathy
ACTG2 visceral myopathy is a disorder of smooth muscle dysfunction of the bladder and
gastrointestinal system with phenotypic spectrum that ranges from mild to severe. Bladder
involvement can range from neonatal megacystis and megaureter (with its most extreme form of
prune belly syndrome) at the more severe end, to recurrent urinary tract infections and bladder
dysfunction at the milder end. Intestinal involvement can range from malrotation, neonatal
manifestations of microcolon, megacystis microcolon intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome, and
chronic intestinal pseudoobstruction (CIPO) in neonates at the more severe end to intermittent
abdominal distention and functional intestinal obstruction at the milder end.
ADAMTSL4-Related Eye Disorders
The spectrum of ADAMTSL4-related eye disorders is a continuum that includes the phenotypes
known as "autosomal recessive isolated ectopia lentis" and "ectopia lentis et pupillae" as well as
more minor eye anomalies with no displacement of the pupil and very mild displacement of the
lens. Typical eye findings are dislocation of the lens, congenital abnormalities of the iris, refractive
errors that may lead to amblyopia, and early-onset cataract. Increased intraocular pressure and
retinal detachment may occur on occasion. Eye findings can vary within a family and between the
eyes in an individual. In general, no additional systemic manifestations are observed, although
skeletal features have been reported in a few affected individuals.
ADCY5 Dyskinesia
ADCY5 dyskinesia is a hyperkinetic movement disorder (more prominent in the face and arms
than the legs) characterized by infantile to late-adolescent onset of chorea, athetosis, dystonia,
myoclonus, or a combination of these. To date, affected individuals have had overlapping (but not
identical) manifestations with wide-ranging severity. The facial movements are typically periorbital
and perioral. The dyskinesia is prone to episodic or paroxysmal exacerbation lasting minutes to
hours, and may occur during sleep. Precipitating factors in some persons have included emotional
stress, intercurrent illness, sneezing, or caffeine; in others, no precipitating factors have been
identified. In some children, severe infantile axial hypotonia results in gross motor delays
accompanied by chorea, sometimes with language delays. The overall tendency is for the
abnormal movements to stabilize in early middle age, at which point they may improve in some
individuals; less commonly, the abnormal movements are slowly progressive, increasing in
severity and frequency.
ADNP-Related Disorder
Synonyms: Helsmoortel-Van der Aa Syndrome, ADNP-Related ID/ASD
ADNP-related disorder is characterized by hypotonia, severe speech and motor delay, mild-tosevere intellectual disability, and characteristic facial features (prominent forehead, high anterior
hairline, wide and depressed nasal bridge, and short nose with full, upturned nasal tip) based on
a cohort of 78 individuals. Features of autism spectrum disorder are common (stereotypic
behavior, impaired social interaction). Other common findings include additional behavioral
problems, sleep disturbance, brain abnormalities, seizures, feeding issues, gastrointestinal
problems, visual dysfunction (hypermetropia, strabismus, cortical visual impairment),
musculoskeletal anomalies, endocrine issues including short stature and hormonal deficiencies,
cardiac and urinary tract anomalies, and hearing loss.
AIP Familial Isolated Pituitary Adenomas
AIP familial isolated pituitary adenoma (AIP-FIPA) is defined as the presence of an AIP germline
pathogenic variant in an individual with a pituitary adenoma (regardless of family history).
The most commonly occurring pituitary adenomas in this disorder are growth hormone-secreting
adenomas (somatotropinoma), followed by prolactin-secreting adenomas (prolactinoma), growth
hormone and prolactin co-secreting adenomas (somatomammotropinoma), and nonfunctioning
pituitary adenomas (NFPA). Rarely TSH-secreting adenomas (thyrotropinomas) are observed.
Clinical findings result from excess hormone secretion, lack of hormone secretion, and/or mass
effects (e.g., headaches, visual field loss). Within the same family, pituitary adenomas can be of
the same or different type. Age of onset in AIP-FIPA is usually in the second or third decade.
ALK-Related Neuroblastic Tumor Susceptibility
ALK-related neuroblastic tumor susceptibility is characterized by increased risk for neuroblastic
tumors including neuroblastoma, ganglioneuroblastoma, and ganglioneuroma. Neuroblastoma is
a more malignant tumor and ganglioneuroma a more benign tumor. Depending on the histologic
findings, ganglioneuroblastoma can behave in a more aggressive fashion, like neuroblastoma, or
in a benign fashion, like ganglioneuroma. Preliminary data from the ten reported families with
ALK-related neuroblastic tumor susceptibility suggest an overall penetrance of approximately
57% with the risk for neuroblastic tumor development highest in infancy and decreasing by late
childhood.
ALS2-Related Disorder
ALS2-related disorder involves retrograde degeneration of the upper motor neurons of the
pyramidal tracts and comprises a clinical continuum of the following three phenotypes:
-Infantile ascending hereditary spastic paraplegia (IAHSP), characterized by onset of
spasticity with increased reflexes and sustained clonus of the lower limbs within the first two years
of life, progressive weakness and spasticity of the upper limbs by age seven to eight years, and
wheelchair dependence in the second decade with progression toward severe spastic
tetraparesis and a pseudobulbar syndrome caused by progressive cranial nerve involvement
-Juvenile primary lateral sclerosis (JPLS), characterized by upper motor neuron findings of
pseudobulbar palsy and spastic quadriplegia without dementia or cerebellar, extrapyramidal, or
sensory signs.
-Juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (JALS or ALS2), characterized by onset between ages
three and 20 years. All affected individuals show a spastic pseudobulbar syndrome (spasticity of
speech and swallowing) together with spastic paraplegia. Some individuals are bedridden by age
12 to 50 years.
ANKRD17-Related Neurodevelopmental Syndrome
Synonym: Chopra-Amiel-Gordon Syndrome (CAGS)
ANKRD17-related neurodevelopmental syndrome is characterized by developmental delay –
particularly affecting speech – and variable intellectual disability. Additional features include
autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, ophthalmologic abnormalities
(strabismus and refractive errors), growth deficiency, feeding difficulties, recurrent infections, gait
and/or balance disturbances, and epilepsy. Characteristic craniofacial features include triangular
face shape, high anterior hairline, deep-set and/or almond-shaped eyes with periorbital fullness,
low-set ears, thick nasal alae and flared nostrils, full cheeks, and thin vermilion of the upper lip.
Less common but distinctive features include cleft palate with Pierre Robin sequence, renal
agenesis, and scoliosis.
ANKRD26-Related Thrombocytopenia
Synonym: Thrombocytopenia 2 (THC2)
ANKRD26-related thrombocytopenia is characterized by lifelong mild-to-moderate
thrombocytopenia with a normal platelet size and no syndromic associations. Most individuals
have normal hemostasis or a mild bleeding phenotype and do not develop severe spontaneous
bleeding. Some individuals may have concomitant erythrocytosis and leukocytosis. The risk for
myeloid malignancies (including myelodysplastic syndrome, acute myelogenous leukemia, and
chronic myelogenous leukemia) is increased in individuals with ANKRD26 pathogenic variants.
ANO5 Muscle Disease
Synonym: Anoctaminopathy
The spectrum of ANO5 muscle disease is a continuum that ranges from asymptomatic
hyperCKemia and exercise-induced myalgia to proximal and/or distal muscle weakness. The
most typical presentation is limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2L (LGMD2L) with late-onset
proximal lower-limb weakness in the fourth or fifth decade (range 15-70 years). Less common is
Miyoshi-like disease (Miyoshi muscular dystrophy 3) with early-adult-onset calf distal myopathy
(around age 20 years). Incidental hyperCKemia may be present even earlier. Initial symptoms
are walking difficulties, reduced sports performance, and difficulties in standing on toes as well
as nonspecific exercise myalgia and/or burning sensation in the calf muscles. Muscle weakness
and atrophy are frequently asymmetric. Cardiac findings can include cardiomyopathy and
arrhythmias and/or left ventricular dysfunction. Bulbar or respiratory symptoms have not been
reported. Females have milder disease manifestations than males. Disease progression is slow
in both the LGMD and distal forms; ambulation is preserved until very late in the disease course.
Life span is normal.
AP-4-Associated Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia
Synonyms: Adaptor Protein Complex 4 Deficiency (AP-4 Deficiency), AP-4-Associated HSP, AP-4
Deficiency Syndrome
AP-4-associated hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), also known as AP-4 deficiency syndrome,
is a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by a progressive, complex spastic
paraplegia with onset typically in infancy or early childhood. Early-onset hypotonia evolves into
progressive lower-extremity spasticity. The majority of children become nonambulatory and
usually wheelchair bound. Over time spasticity progresses to involve the upper extremities,
resulting in a spastic tetraplegia. Associated complications include dysphagia, contractures, foot
deformities, dysregulation of bladder and bowel function, and a pseudobulbar affect. About 50%
of affected individuals have seizures. Postnatal microcephaly (usually in the -2SD to -3SD range)
is common. All have developmental delay. Speech development is significantly impaired and
many affected individuals remain nonverbal. Intellectual disability in older children is usually
moderate to severe.
APC-Associated Polyposis Conditions
APC-associated polyposis conditions include (classic or attenuated) familial adenomatous
polyposis (FAP) and gastric adenocarcinoma and proximal polyposis of the stomach (GAPPS).
-FAP is a colorectal cancer (CRC) predisposition syndrome that can manifest in either classic or
attenuated form. Classic FAP is characterized by hundreds to thousands of adenomatous colonic
polyps, beginning on average at age 16 years (range 7-36 years).
For those with the classic form of FAP, 95% of individuals have polyps by age 35 years; CRC is
inevitable without colectomy. The mean age of CRC diagnosis in untreated individuals is 39 years
(range 34-43 years). The attenuated form is characterized by multiple colonic polyps (average of
30), more proximally located polyps, and a diagnosis of CRC at a later age than in classic FAP.
For those with an attenuated form, there is a 70% lifetime risk of CRC and the mean age of
diagnosis is 50-55 years. Extracolonic manifestations are variably present and include polyps of
the stomach and duodenum, osteomas, dental abnormalities, congenital hypertrophy of the retinal
pigment epithelium (CHRPE), benign cutaneous lesions, desmoid tumors, adrenal masses, and
other associated cancers.
-GAPPS is characterized by proximal gastric polyposis, increased risk of gastric adenocarcinoma,
and no duodenal or colonic involvement in most individuals reported.
APOB-Related Familial Hypobetalipoproteinemia
Individuals with biallelic APOB-related familial hypobetalipoproteinemia (APOB-FHBL) may
present from infancy through to adulthood with a range of clinical symptoms including deficiency
of fat-soluble vitamins and gastrointestinal and neurologic dysfunction. Affected individuals
typically have plasma total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and apo B levels below the fifth centile
for age and sex. Acanthocytosis, elevated liver enzymes, and hyperbilirubinemia may also be
found. The most common clinical findings are hepatomegaly, steatorrhea, and failure to thrive /
growth deficiency. In the absence of treatment, affected individuals can develop atypical
pigmentation of the retina; progressive loss of deep tendon reflexes, vibratory sense, and
proprioception; muscle pain or weakness; dysarthria; ataxia; tremors; and steatohepatitis, fibrosis,
and rarely, cirrhosis of the liver.
Individuals with a heterozygous, typically truncating pathogenic variant in APOB are usually
asymptomatic with mild liver dysfunction and hepatic steatosis. However, about 5%-10% of
individuals with heterozygous APOB-FHBL develop relatively more severe nonalcoholic
steatohepatitis requiring medical attention and occasionally progressing to cirrhosis, albeit very
rarely.
ARID1B-Related Disorder
ARID1B-related disorder (ARID1B-RD) constitutes a clinical continuum, from classic Coffin-Siris
syndrome to intellectual disability with or without nonspecific dysmorphic features. Coffin-Siris
syndrome is classically characterized by aplasia or hypoplasia of the distal phalanx or nail of the
fifth and additional digits, developmental or cognitive delay of varying degree, distinctive facial
features, hypotonia, hypertrichosis, and sparse scalp hair. Frequencies of other features, such as
developmental delay (with speech often more affected than motor development), is consistent
across the clinical spectrum, and may include malformations of the cardiac, gastrointestinal,
genitourinary, and/or central nervous systems. Other findings seen in individuals with ARID1BRD include feeding difficulties, slow growth, ophthalmologic abnormalities, hearing impairment,
seizures, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and autistic features.
ARSACS
Synonyms: Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay, Autosomal Recessive
Spastic Ataxia Type 6, ATX/HSP-SACS
Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is clinically characterized
by a progressive cerebellar ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, and spasticity. Disease onset of classic
ARSACS is often in early childhood, leading to delayed walking because of gait unsteadiness in
very young toddlers, while an increasing number of individuals with disease onset in teenage or
early-adult years are now being described. Typically the ataxia is followed by lower-limb spasticity
and later by peripheral neuropathy – although pronounced peripheral neuropathy has been
observed as a first sign of ARSACS. Oculomotor disturbances, dysarthria, and upper-limb ataxia
develop with slower progression than the other findings. Brain imaging demonstrates atrophy of
the superior vermis and the cerebellar hemisphere with additional findings on MRI, such as linear
hypointensities in the pons and hyperintense rims around the thalami. Many affected individuals
(though not all) have yellow streaks of hypermyelinated fibers radiating from the edges of the
optic disc noted on ophthalmologic exam, and thickened retinal fibers can be demonstrated by
optical coherence tomography. Mild intellectual disability, hearing loss, and urinary urgency and
incontinence have been reported in some individuals.
ASAH1-Related Disorders
The spectrum of ASAH1-related disorders ranges from Farber disease (FD) to spinal muscular
atrophy with progressive myoclonic epilepsy (SMA-PME).
-Classic FD is characterized by onset in the first weeks of life of painful, progressive deformity of
the major joints; palpable subcutaneous nodules of joints and mechanical pressure points; and a
hoarse cry resulting from granulomas of the larynx and epiglottis. Life expectancy is usually less
than two years. In the other less common types of FD, onset, severity, and primary manifestations
vary.
-SMA-PME is characterized by early-childhood-onset progressive lower motor neuron disease
manifest typically between ages three and seven years as proximal lower-extremity weakness,
followed by progressive myoclonic and atonic seizures, tremulousness/tremor, and sensorineural
hearing loss. Myoclonic epilepsy typically begins in late childhood after the onset of weakness
and can include jerking of the upper limbs, action myoclonus, myoclonic status, and eyelid
myoclonus. Other findings include generalized tremor, and cognitive decline. The time from
disease onset to death from respiratory complications is usually five to 15 years.
ASPM Primary Microcephaly
Synonyms: ASPM Microcephalia Vera, Microcephaly Primary Hereditary 5 (MCPH5)
ASPM primary microcephaly (ASPM-MCPH) is characterized by: (1) significant microcephaly (>3
standard deviations [SD] below the mean for age) usually present at birth and always present
before age one year and (2) the absence of other congenital anomalies. While developmental
milestones are usually normal in young children, older children have variable levels of intellectual
disability. Neurologic examination is usually normal except for mild spasticity. Seizures are not
common.
ASXL3-Related Disorder
Synonym: Bainbridge-Ropers Syndrome (BRPS)
ASXL3-related disorder is characterized by developmental delay or intellectual disability, typically
in the moderate to severe range, with speech and language delay and/or absent speech. Affected
individuals may also display autistic features. There may be issues with feeding. While
dysmorphic facial features have been described, they are typically nonspecific. Affected
individuals may also have hypotonia that can transition to spasticity resulting in unusual posture
with flexion contractions of the elbows, wrists, and fingers. Other findings may include poor
postnatal growth, strabismus, seizures, sleep disturbance, and dental anomalies.
ATN1-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder
Synonyms: ATN1-Related Neurodevelopmental Condition; CHEDDA (Congenital Hypotonia,
Epilepsy, Developmental Delay, Digit Abnormalities)
ATN1-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ATN1-NDD) is characterized by developmental
delay / intellectual disability. Other neurologic findings can include infantile hypotonia, brain
malformations, epilepsy, cortical visual impairment, and hearing loss. Feeding difficulties, present
in some individuals, may require gastrostomy support when severe; similarly, respiratory issues,
present in some, may require respiratory support after the neonatal period. Distinctive facial
features and hand and foot differences are common. Other variable findings can include cardiac
malformations and congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). To date, 18
individuals with ATN1-NDD have been identified.
ATP1A3-Related Neurologic Disorders
ATP1A3-related neurologic disorders represent a clinical continuum in which at least three distinct
phenotypes have been delineated: rapid-onset dystonia-parkinsonism (RDP); alternating
hemiplegia of childhood (ACH); and cerebellar ataxia, areflexia, pes cavus, optic atrophy, and
sensorineural hearing loss (CAPOS). However, some affected individuals have intermediate
phenotypes or only a few features that do not fit well into one of these major phenotypes.
-RDP has been characterized by: abrupt onset of dystonia over days to weeks with parkinsonism
(primarily bradykinesia and postural instability); common bulbar involvement; and absence or
minimal response to an adequate trial of L-dopa therapy, with few exceptions. Often fever,
physiologic stress, or alcoholic binges trigger the onset of symptoms. After their initial
appearance, symptoms often stabilize with little improvement; occasionally second episodes
occur with abrupt worsening of symptoms. Rarely, affected individuals have reported a more
gradual onset of symptoms over weeks to months. Anxiety, depression, and seizures have been
reported. Age of onset ranges from four to 55 years, although a childhood variation of RDP with
onset between ages nine and 14 months has been reported.
-AHC is a complex neurodevelopmental syndrome most frequently manifesting in infancy or early
childhood with paroxysmal episodic neurologic dysfunction including alternating hemiparesis or
dystonia, quadriparesis, seizure-like episodes, and oculomotor abnormalities. Episodes can last
for minutes, hours, days, or even weeks. Remission of symptoms occurs with sleep and
immediately after awakening. Over time, persistent neurologic deficits including oculomotor
apraxia, ataxia, choreoathetosis, dystonia, parkinsonism, and cognitive and behavioral
dysfunction develop in the majority of those affected; more than 50% develop epilepsy in addition
to their episodic movement disorder phenotype.
-CAPOS (cerebellar ataxia, areflexia, pes cavus, optic atrophy, and sensorineural hearing loss)
syndrome is characterized by episodes of ataxic encephalopathy and/or weakness during and
after a febrile illness. Onset is between ages six months and four years. Some acute symptoms
resolve; progression of sensory losses and severity vary.
ATP6V0A2-Related Cutis Laxa
Synonyms: ATP6V0A2-CDG, Autosomal Recessive Cutis Laxa Type 2A (ARCL2A)
ATP6V0A2-related cutis laxa is characterized by generalized cutis laxa, findings associated with
generalized connective tissue disorder, developmental delays, and a variety of neurologic findings
including abnormality on brain MRI. At birth, hypotonia, overfolded skin, and distinctive facial
features are present and enlarged fontanelles are often observed. During childhood, the
characteristic facial features and thick or coarse hair may become quite pronounced. The skin
findings decrease with age, although easy bruising and Ehlers-Danlos-like scars have been
described in some. In most (not all) affected individuals, cortical and cerebellar malformations are
observed on brain MRI. Nearly all affected individuals have developmental delays, seizures, and
neurologic regression.
ATP7A-Related Copper Transport Disorders
Menkes disease, occipital horn syndrome (OHS), and ATP7A-related distal motor neuropathy
(DMN) are disorders caused by pathogenic variants in the ATP7A, the X-linked gene that encodes
a copper-transporting ATPase. Classic Menkes disease typically presents after a six- to 12-week
period of good health following a normal pregnancy and birth. Feeding difficulties and/or a seizure
event are the usual initial presenting features. In the absence of a known or suspected positive
family history, these issues prompt a diagnostic evaluation that may consume months, by which
time hypotonia and significant neurodevelopmental delays are evident. OHS is milder
neurologically and is not recognized until late childhood or adolescence. Both phenotypes involve
subnormal serum copper levels and other manifestations of perturbed copper metabolism,
including connective tissue weakness. In contrast, ATP7A-related DMN typically presents in early
adulthood with isolated muscle weakness and atrophy, in the absence of overt copper metabolism
abnormalities.
-While nonspecific temperature instability and hypoglycemia in the neonatal period may be noted
retrospectively, infants with classic Menkes disease appear healthy until age 1.5 to three months,
when loss of developmental milestones, hypotonia, seizures, and failure to thrive occur. The
diagnosis is usually suspected when infants exhibit neurologic findings and concomitant
characteristic changes of the hair (short, sparse, coarse, twisted, and often lightly pigmented).
Without treatment, premature death is typical, often by age three years.
-OHS is characterized by "occipital horns," distinctive wedge-shaped calcifications at the sites of
attachment of the trapezius muscle and the sternocleidomastoid muscle to the occipital bone.
Occipital horns may be clinically palpable or observed on skull radiographs. Individuals with OHS
also have lax skin and joints, bladder diverticula, inguinal hernias, and vascular tortuosity. Intellect
is normal or slightly reduced.
-ATP7A-related DMN, an adult-onset disorder resembling Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, shares
none of the clinical or biochemical abnormalities characteristic of Menkes disease or OHS.
ATP8B1 Deficiency
Synonym: FIC1 Deficiency
The phenotypic spectrum of ATP8B1 deficiency ranges from severe through moderate to mild.
Severe ATP8B1 deficiency is characterized by infantile-onset cholestasis that progresses to
cirrhosis, hepatic failure, and early death. Although mild-to-moderate ATP8B1 deficiency initially
was thought to involve intermittent symptomatic cholestasis with a lack of hepatic fibrosis, it is
now known that hepatic fibrosis may be present early in the disease course. Furthermore, in
some persons with ATP8B1 deficiency the clinical findings can span the phenotypic spectrum,
shifting over time from the mild end of the spectrum (episodic cholestasis) to the severe end of
the spectrum (persistent cholestasis). Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is common across the
phenotypic spectrum.
Abetalipoproteinemia
Synonym: Bassen-Kornzweig Syndrome
Abetalipoproteinemia typically presents in infancy with failure to thrive, diarrhea, vomiting, and
malabsorption of fat. Hematologic manifestations may include acanthocytosis (irregularly
spiculated erythrocytes), anemia, reticulocytosis, and hemolysis with resultant hyperbilirubinemia.
Malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) can result in an increased international
normalized ratio (INR). Untreated individuals may develop atypical pigmentation of the retina that
may present with progressive loss of night vision and/or color vision in adulthood. Neuromuscular
findings in untreated individuals including progressive loss of deep tendon reflexes, vibratory
sense, and proprioception; muscle weakness; dysarthria; and ataxia typically manifest in the first
or second decades of life.
Aceruloplasminemia
Aceruloplasminemia is characterized by iron accumulation in the brain and viscera. The clinical
triad of retinal degeneration, diabetes mellitus (DM), and neurologic disease is seen in individuals
ranging from age 30 years to older than 70 years. The neurologic findings of movement disorder
(blepharospasm, grimacing, facial and neck dystonia, tremors, chorea) and ataxia (gait ataxia,
dysarthria) correspond to regions of iron deposition in the brain. Individuals with
aceruloplasminemia often present with anemia prior to onset of DM or obvious neurologic
problems. Cognitive dysfunction including apathy and forgetfulness occurs in more than half of
individuals with this condition.
Achondrogenesis Type 1B
Synonym: ACG1B, SLC26A2-Related Achondrogenesis
Clinical features of achondrogenesis type 1B (ACG1B) include extremely short limbs with short
fingers and toes, hypoplasia of the thorax, protuberant abdomen, and hydropic fetal appearance
caused by the abundance of soft tissue relative to the short skeleton. The face is flat, the neck is
short, and the soft tissue of the neck may be thickened. Death occurs prenatally or shortly after
birth.
Achondroplasia
Synonym: FGFR3-Related Achondroplasia
Achondroplasia is the most common cause of disproportionate short stature. Affected individuals
have rhizomelic shortening of the limbs, macrocephaly, and characteristic facial features with
frontal bossing and midface retrusion. In infancy, hypotonia is typical, and acquisition of
developmental motor milestones is often both aberrant in pattern and delayed. Intelligence and
life span are usually near normal, although craniocervical junction compression increases the risk
of death in infancy. Additional complications include obstructive sleep apnea, middle ear
dysfunction, kyphosis, and spinal stenosis.
Achromatopsia
Achromatopsia is characterized by reduced visual acuity, pendular nystagmus, increased
sensitivity to light (photophobia), a small central scotoma, eccentric fixation, and reduced or
complete loss of color discrimination. All individuals with achromatopsia (achromats) have
impaired color discrimination along all three axes of color vision corresponding to the three cone
classes: the protan or long-wavelength-sensitive cone axis (red), the deutan or middlewavelength-sensitive cone axis (green), and the tritan or short-wavelength-sensitive cone axis
(blue). Most individuals have complete achromatopsia, with total lack of function of all three types
of cones. Rarely, individuals have incomplete achromatopsia, in which one or more cone types
may be partially functioning. The manifestations are similar to those of individuals with complete
achromatopsia, but generally less severe.
Hyperopia is common in achromatopsia. Nystagmus develops during the first few weeks after
birth followed by increased sensitivity to bright light. Best visual acuity varies with severity of the
disease; it is 20/200 or less in complete achromatopsia and may be as high as 20/80 in incomplete
achromatopsia. Visual acuity is usually stable over time; both nystagmus and sensitivity to bright
light may improve slightly. Although the fundus is usually normal, macular changes (which may
show early signs of progression) and vessel narrowing may be present in some affected
individuals. Defects in the macula are visible on optical coherence tomography.
Acid Sphingomyelinase Deficiency
The phenotype of acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD) occurs along a continuum.
Individuals with the severe early-onset form, infantile neurovisceral ASMD, were historically
diagnosed with Niemann-Pick disease type A (NPD-A). The later-onset, chronic visceral form of
ASMD is also referred to as Niemann-Pick disease type B (NPD-B). A phenotype with
intermediate severity is also known as chronic neurovisceral ASMD (NPD-A/B). Enzyme
replacement therapy (ERT) is currently FDA approved for the non-central nervous system
manifestations of ASMD, regardless of type. As more affected individuals are treated with ERT
for longer periods of time, the natural history of ASMD is likely to change. The most common
presenting symptom in untreated NPD-A is hepatosplenomegaly, usually detectable by age three
months; over time the liver and spleen become massive in size. Growth failure typically becomes
evident by the second year of life. Psychomotor development progresses no further than the 12month level, after which neurologic deterioration is relentless. This feature may not be amenable
to ERT. A classic cherry-red spot of the macula of the retina, which may not be present in the first
few months, is eventually present in all affected children, although it is unclear if ERT will have
an impact on this. Interstitial lung disease caused by storage of sphingomyelin in pulmonary
macrophages results in frequent respiratory infections and often respiratory failure. Most
untreated children succumb before the third year of life. NPD-B generally presents later than NPDA, and the manifestations are less severe. NPD-B is characterized in untreated individuals by
progressive hepatosplenomegaly, gradual deterioration in liver and pulmonary function,
osteopenia, and atherogenic lipid profile. No central nervous system manifestations occur.
Individuals with NPD-A/B have symptoms that are intermediate between NPD-A and NPD-B. The
presentation in individuals with NPD-A/B varies greatly, although all are characterized by the
presence of some central nervous system manifestations. Survival to adulthood can occur in
individuals with NPD-B and NPD-A/B, even when untreated.
Acute Intermittent Porphyria
Synonyms: PBGD Deficiency, Porphobilinogen Deaminase Deficiency
Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), an autosomal dominant disorder, occurs in heterozygotes for
an HMBS pathogenic variant that causes reduced activity of the enzyme porphobilinogen
deaminase. AIP is considered "overt" in a heterozygote who was previously or is currently
symptomatic; AIP is considered "latent" in a heterozygote who has never had symptoms, and
typically has been identified during molecular genetic testing of at-risk family members. Note that
GeneReviews does not use the term "carrier" for an individual who is heterozygous for an
autosomal dominant pathogenic variant; GeneReviews reserves the term "carrier" for an
individual who is heterozygous for an autosomal recessive disorder and thus is not expected to
ever develop manifestations of the disorder.
-Overt AIP is characterized clinically by life-threatening acute neurovisceral attacks of severe
abdominal pain without peritoneal signs, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, tachycardia,
and hypertension. Attacks may be complicated by neurologic findings (mental changes,
convulsions, and peripheral neuropathy that may progress to respiratory paralysis), and
hyponatremia. Acute attacks, which may be provoked by certain drugs, alcoholic beverages,
endocrine factors, calorie restriction, stress, and infections, usually resolve within two weeks.
Most individuals with AIP have one or a few attacks; about 3%-8% (mainly women) have recurrent
attacks (defined as >3 attacks/year) that may persist for years. Other long-term complications are
chronic renal failure, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and hypertension. Attacks, which are very
rare before puberty, are more common in women than men.
-Latent AIP. While all individuals heterozygous for an HMBS pathogenic variant that predisposes
to AIP are at risk of developing overt AIP, most have latent AIP and never have symptoms.
Adenine Phosphoribosyltransferase Deficiency
Synonyms: 2,8-Dihydroxyadeninuria; APRT Deficiency
Adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT) deficiency is characterized by excessive production
and renal excretion of 2,8-dihydroxyadenine (DHA), which leads to kidney stone formation and
crystal-induced kidney damage (i.e., DHA crystal nephropathy) causing acute kidney injury
episodes and progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD). Kidney stones, the most common
clinical manifestation of APRT deficiency, can occur at any age; in at least 50% of affected
persons symptoms do not occur until adulthood. If adequate treatment is not provided,
approximately 20%-25% of affected individuals develop end-stage renal disease (ESRD), usually
in adult life.
Adenosine Deaminase 2 Deficiency
Synonyms: ADA2 Deficiency, Deficiency of Adenosine Deaminase 2 (DADA2)
Adenosine deaminase 2 deficiency (DADA2) is a complex systemic autoinflammatory disorder in
which vasculopathy/vasculitis, dysregulated immune function, and/or hematologic abnormalities
may predominate. Inflammatory features include intermittent fevers, rash (often livedo
racemosa/reticularis), and musculoskeletal involvement (myalgia/arthralgia, arthritis, myositis).
Vasculitis, which usually begins before age ten years, may manifest as early-onset ischemic
(lacunar) and/or hemorrhagic strokes, or as cutaneous or systemic polyarteritis nodosa.
Hypertension and hepatosplenomegaly are often found. More severe involvement may lead to
progressive central neurologic deficits (dysarthria, ataxia, cranial nerve palsies, cognitive
impairment) or to ischemic injury to the kidney, intestine, and/or digits. Dysregulation of immune
function can lead to immunodeficiency or autoimmunity of varying severity; lymphadenopathy
may be present and some affected individuals have had lymphoproliferative disease. Hematologic
disorders may begin early in life or in late adulthood, and can include lymphopenia, neutropenia,
pure red cell aplasia, thrombocytopenia, or pancytopenia. Of note, both interfamilial and
intrafamilial phenotypic variability (e.g., in age of onset, frequency and severity of manifestations)
can be observed; also, individuals with biallelic ADA2 pathogenic variants may remain
asymptomatic until adulthood or may never develop clinical manifestations of DADA2.
Adenosine Deaminase Deficiency
Synonyms: ADA Deficiency, ADA-SCID
Adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency is a systemic purine metabolic disorder that primarily
affects lymphocyte development, viability, and function. The clinical phenotypic spectrum
includes:
-Severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID), often diagnosed by age six months and
usually by age 12 months;
-Less severe "delayed" onset combined immune deficiency (CID), usually diagnosed between
age one and ten years;
-"Late/adult onset" CID, diagnosed in the second to fourth decades;
-Benign "partial ADA deficiency" (very low or absent ADA activity in erythrocytes but greater ADA
activity in nucleated cells), which is compatible with normal immune function.
Infants with typical early-onset ADA-deficient SCID have failure to thrive and opportunistic
infections associated with marked depletion of T, B, and NK lymphocytes, and an absence of both
humoral and cellular immune function. If immune function is not restored, children with ADAdeficient SCID rarely survive beyond age one to two years. Infections in delayed- and late-onset
types (commonly, recurrent otitis, sinusitis, and upper respiratory) may initially be less severe
than those in individuals with ADA-deficient SCID; however, by the time of diagnosis these
individuals often have chronic pulmonary insufficiency and may have autoimmune phenomena
(cytopenias, anti-thyroid antibodies), allergies, and elevated serum concentration of IgE. The
longer the disorder goes unrecognized, the more immune function deteriorates and the more
likely are chronic sequelae of recurrent infection.
Adult Refsum Disease
Synonym: Classic Refsum Disease
Adult Refsum disease (ARD is associated with elevated plasma phytanic acid levels, late
childhood-onset (or later) retinitis pigmentosa, and variable combinations of anosmia,
polyneuropathy, deafness, ataxia, and ichthyosis. Onset of symptoms ranges from age seven
months to older than age 50 years. Cardiac arrhythmia and heart failure caused by
cardiomyopathy are potentially severe health problems that develop later in life.
Aicardi Syndrome
Aicardi syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects primarily females. Initially it was
characterized by a typical triad of agenesis of the corpus callosum, central chorioretinal lacunae,
and infantile spasms. As more affected individuals have been ascertained, it has become clear
that not all affected girls have all three features of the classic triad and that other neurologic and
systemic defects are common, including other brain malformations, optic nerve abnormalities,
other seizure types, intellectual disability of varying severity, and scoliosis.
Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome
Most characteristically, Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS) manifests as an early-onset
encephalopathy that usually, but not always, results in severe intellectual and physical disability.
A subgroup of infants with AGS present at birth with abnormal neurologic findings,
hepatosplenomegaly, elevated liver enzymes, and thrombocytopenia, a picture highly suggestive
of congenital infection. Otherwise, most affected infants present at variable times after the first
few weeks of life, frequently after a period of apparently normal development. Typically, they
demonstrate the subacute onset of a severe encephalopathy characterized by extreme irritability,
intermittent sterile pyrexias, loss of skills, and slowing of head growth. Over time, as many as
40% develop chilblain skin lesions on the fingers, toes, and ears. It is becoming apparent that
atypical, sometimes milder, cases of AGS exist, and thus the true extent of the phenotype
associated with pathogenic variants in the AGS-related genes is not yet known.
Alagille Syndrome
Synonyms: Arteriohepatic Dysplasia, Syndromic Bile Duct Paucity
Alagille syndrome (ALGS) is a multisystem disorder with a wide spectrum of clinical variability;
this variability is seen even among individuals from the same family. The major clinical
manifestations of ALGS are bile duct paucity on liver biopsy, cholestasis, congenital cardiac
defects (primarily involving the pulmonary arteries), butterfly vertebrae, ophthalmologic
abnormalities (most commonly posterior embryotoxon), and characteristic facial features. Renal
abnormalities, growth failure, developmental delays, splenomegaly, and vascular abnormalities
may also occur.
Alexander Disease
Alexander disease, a progressive disorder of cerebral white matter caused by a heterozygous
GFAP pathogenic variant, comprises a continuous clinical spectrum most recognizable in infants
and children and a range of nonspecific neurologic manifestations in adults. This chapter
discusses the spectrum of Alexander disease as four forms: neonatal, infantile, juvenile, and
adult.
The neonatal form begins in the first 30 days after birth with neurologic findings (e.g., hypotonia,
hyperexcitability, myoclonus) and/or gastrointestinal manifestations (e.g., gastroesophageal
reflux, vomiting, failure to thrive), followed by severe developmental delay and regression,
seizures, megalencephaly, and typically death within two years.
The infantile form is characterized by variable developmental issues: initially some have delayed
or plateauing of acquisition of new skills, followed in some by a loss of gross and fine motor skills
and language during in the first decade or in others a slow disease course that spans decades.
Seizures, often triggered by illness, may be less frequent/severe than in the neonatal form.
The juvenile form typically presents in childhood or adolescence with clinical and imaging
features that overlap with the other forms. Manifestations in early childhood are milder than those
in the infantile form (e.g., mild language delay may be the only developmental abnormality or,
with language acquisition, hypophonia or nasal speech may alter the voice, often prior to
appearance of other neurologic features). Vomiting and failure to thrive as well as scoliosis and
autonomic dysfunction are common.
The adult form is typically characterized by bulbar or pseudobulbar findings (palatal myoclonus,
dysphagia, dysphonia, dysarthria or slurred speech), motor/gait abnormalities with pyramidal tract
signs (spasticity, hyperreflexia, positive Babinski sign), or cerebellar abnormalities (ataxia,
nystagmus, or dysmetria). Others may have hemiparesis or hemiplegia with a relapsing/remitting
course or slowly progressive quadriparesis or quadriplegia. Other neurologic features can include
sleep apnea, diplopia or disorders of extraocular motility, and autonomic dysfunction.
Alkaptonuria
Synonym: Alcaptonuria
Alkaptonuria is caused by deficiency of homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase, an enzyme that converts
homogentisic acid (HGA) to maleylacetoacetic acid in the tyrosine degradation pathway. The
three major features of alkaptonuria are dark urine or urine that turns dark on standing, ochronosis
(bluish-black pigmentation in connective tissue), and arthritis of the spine and larger joints.
Ochronosis generally occurs after age 30 years; arthritis often begins in the third decade. Other
manifestations can include pigment in the sclera, ear cartilage, and skin of the hands; aortic or
mitral valve calcification or regurgitation and occasionally aortic dilatation; renal stones; prostate
stones; and hypothyroidism.
Allan-Herndon-Dudley Syndrome
Synonyms: MCT8 Deficiency, MCT8-Specific Thyroid Hormone Cell-Membrane Transporter
Deficiency
Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome (AHDS), an X-linked disorder, is characterized in males by
neurologic findings (hypotonia and feeding difficulties in infancy, developmental delay / intellectual
disability ranging from mild to profound) and later-onset pyramidal signs, extrapyramidal findings
(dystonia, choreoathetosis, paroxysmal movement disorder, hypokinesia, masked facies), and
seizures, often with drug resistance. Additional findings can include dysthyroidism (manifest as
poor weight gain, reduced muscle mass, and variable cold intolerance, sweating, elevated heart
rate, and irritability) and pathognomonic thyroid test results. Most heterozygous females are not
clinically affected but may have minor thyroid test abnormalities.
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
Synonyms: AAT Deficiency, A1AT Deficiency, AATD, Alpha-1 Antiprotease Deficiency
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) can present with hepatic dysfunction in individuals from
infancy to adulthood and with chronic obstructive lung disease (emphysema and/or
bronchiectasis), characteristically in individuals older than age 30 years. Individuals with AATD
are also at increased risk for panniculitis (migratory, inflammatory, tender skin nodules which may
ulcerate on legs and lower abdomen) and C-ANCA-positive vasculitis (granulomatosis with
polyangiitis). Phenotypic expression varies within and between families. In adults, smoking is the
major factor in accelerating the development of COPD; nonsmokers may have a normal life span,
but can also develop lung and/or liver disease. Although reported, emphysema in children with
AATD is extremely rare. AATD-associated liver disease, which is present in only a small portion
of affected children, manifests as neonatal cholestasis. The incidence of liver disease increases
with age. Liver disease in adults (manifesting as cirrhosis and fibrosis) may occur in the absence
of a history of neonatal or childhood liver disease. The risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is
increased in individuals with AATD.
Alpha-Mannosidosis
Synonym: α-Mannosidosis
Alpha-mannosidosis encompasses a continuum of clinical findings from mild to severe. Three
major clinical subtypes have been suggested: A mild form recognized after age ten years with
absence of skeletal abnormalities, myopathy, and slow progression (type 1) A moderate form
recognized before age ten years with presence of skeletal abnormalities, myopathy, and slow
progression (type 2) A severe form manifested as prenatal loss or early death from progressive
central nervous system involvement or infection (type 3)
Individuals with a milder phenotype have mild-to-moderate intellectual disability, impaired
hearing, characteristic coarse features, clinical or radiographic skeletal abnormalities,
immunodeficiency, and primary central nervous system disease – mainly cerebellar involvement
causing ataxia. Periods of psychiatric symptoms are common. Associated medical problems can
include corneal opacities, hepatosplenomegaly, aseptic destructive arthritis, and metabolic
myopathy. Alpha-mannosidosis is insidiously progressive; some individuals may live into the sixth
decade.
Alpha-Thalassemia X-Linked Intellectual Disability Syndrome
Synonym: ATR-X Syndrome
Alpha-thalassemia X-linked intellectual disability (ATR-X) syndrome is characterized by distinctive
craniofacial features, genital anomalies, hypotonia, and mild-to-profound developmental delay /
intellectual disability (DD/ID). Craniofacial abnormalities include small head circumference,
telecanthus or widely spaced eyes, short triangular nose, tented upper lip, and thick or everted
lower lip with coarsening of the facial features over time. While all affected individuals have a
normal 46,XY karyotype, genital anomalies comprise a range from hypospadias and
undescended testicles, to severe hypospadias and ambiguous genitalia, to normal-appearing
female external genitalia. Alpha-thalassemia, observed in about 75% of affected individuals, is
mild and typically does not require treatment. Osteosarcoma has been reported in a few males
with germline pathogenic variants.
Alpha-Thalassemia
lpha-thalassemia (α-thalassemia) has two clinically significant forms: hemoglobin Bart hydrops
fetalis (Hb Bart) syndrome (caused by deletion/inactivation of all four alpha globin [α-globin]
genes; --/--), and hemoglobin H (HbH) disease (most frequently caused by deletion/inactivation
of three α-globin genes; --/-α).
Hb Bart syndrome, the more severe form, is characterized by prenatal onset of generalized
edema and pleural and pericardial effusions as a result of congestive heart failure induced by
severe anemia. Extramedullary erythropoiesis, marked hepatosplenomegaly, and a massive
placenta are common. Death usually occurs in the neonatal period.
HbH disease has a broad phenotypic spectrum: although clinical features usually develop in the
first years of life, HbH disease may not present until adulthood or may be diagnosed only during
routine hematologic analysis in an asymptomatic individual. The majority of individuals have
enlargement of the spleen (and less commonly of the liver), mild jaundice, and sometimes
thalassemia-like bone changes. Individuals with HbH disease may develop gallstones and
experience acute episodes of hemolysis in response to infections or exposure to oxidant drugs.
Alport Syndrome
Synonyms: Familial Nephritis, Hereditary Nephritis, Thin Basement Membrane Disease, Thin
Basement Membrane Nephropathy
In Alport syndrome (AS) a spectrum of phenotypes ranging from progressive renal disease with
extrarenal abnormalities to isolated hematuria with a non-progressive or very slowly progressive
course is observed. Approximately two thirds of AS is X-linked (XLAS); approximately 15% is
autosomal recessive (ARAS), and approximately 20% is autosomal dominant (ADAS). In the
absence of treatment, renal disease progresses from microscopic hematuria (microhematuria) to
proteinuria, progressive renal insufficiency, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in all males with
XLAS, and in all males and females with ARAS. Progressive sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL)
is usually present by late childhood or early adolescence. Ocular findings include anterior
lenticonus (which is virtually pathognomonic), maculopathy (whitish or yellowish flecks or
granulations in the perimacular region), corneal endothelial vesicles (posterior polymorphous
dystrophy), and recurrent corneal erosion. In individuals with ADAS, ESRD is frequently delayed
until later adulthood, SNHL is relatively late in onset, and ocular involvement is rare.
Alström Syndrome
Alström syndrome is characterized by cone-rod dystrophy, obesity, progressive bilateral
sensorineural hearing impairment, acute infantile-onset cardiomyopathy and/or adolescent- or
adult-onset restrictive cardiomyopathy, insulin resistance / type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM),
nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and chronic progressive kidney disease. Cone-rod
dystrophy presents as progressive visual impairment, photophobia, and nystagmus usually
starting between birth and age 15 months. Many individuals lose all perception of light by the end
of the second decade, but a minority retain the ability to read large print into the third decade.
Children usually have normal birth weight but develop truncal obesity during their first year.
Sensorineural hearing loss presents in the first decade in as many as 70% of individuals and may
progress to the severe or moderately severe range (40-70 db) by the end of the first to second
decade. Insulin resistance is typically accompanied by the skin changes of acanthosis nigricans,
and proceeds to T2DM in the majority by the third decade. Nearly all demonstrate
hypertriglyceridemia.
Other findings can include endocrine abnormalities (hypothyroidism, hypogonadotropic
hypogonadism in males, and hyperandrogenism in females), urologic dysfunction / detrusor
instability, progressive decrease in renal function, and hepatic disease (ranging from elevated
transaminases to steatohepatitis/NAFLD). Approximately 20% of affected individuals have delay
in early developmental milestones, most commonly in gross and fine motor skills. About 30%
have a learning disability. Cognitive impairment (IQ <70) is very rare.
Wide clinical variability is observed among affected individuals, even within the same family.
Alzheimer Disease Overview
Alzheimer disease (AD) is characterized by dementia that typically begins with subtle and poorly
recognized failure of memory (often called mild cognitive impairment or MCI) and slowly becomes
more severe and, eventually, incapacitating. Other common findings include confusion, poor
judgment, language disturbance, visual complaints, agitation, withdrawal, and hallucinations.
Occasionally, seizures, Parkinsonian features, increased muscle tone, myoclonus, incontinence,
and mutism occur. Death usually results from general inanition, malnutrition, and pneumonia. The
typical clinical duration of the disease is eight to ten years, with a range from one to 25 years.
Approximately 95% of all AD is late onset (age >60-65 years) and 5% is early onset (age <60-65
years).
Establishing the diagnosis of Alzheimer disease relies on clinical-neuropathologic assessment.
Neuropathologic findings of β-amyloid plaques, intraneuronal neurofibrillary tangles (containing
tau protein), and amyloid angiopathy remain the gold standard for diagnosis.
-The plaques should stain positively with β-amyloid antibodies and negative for prion antibodies
(which are diagnostic of prion diseases).
-The numbers of plaques and tangles must exceed those found in age-matched controls without
dementia. Guidelines for the quantitative assessment of these changes exist [Montine et al 2012].
-Aggregation of alpha-synuclein in the form of Lewy bodies may also be found in neurons in the
amygdala; frequently there is accumulation of TDP-43 protein [James et al 2016, Lemstra et al
2017].
The clinical diagnosis of AD, based on clinical signs of slowly progressive dementia and
neuroimaging findings of gross cerebral cortical atrophy, is correct approximately 80%-90% of the
time. Greater precision can be obtained by use of more sophisticated studies such as amyloid
PET imaging, CSF concentrations of amyloid and tau, and (in the near future) tau PET imaging
and plasma concentration of β amyloid [Dubois et al 2014, Gabelle et al 2015, Sutphen et al 2015,
Mattsson et al 2018].
Differential diagnosis of Alzheimer disease includes the following:
-Treatable forms of cognitive decline including depression, chronic drug intoxication, chronic
CNS infection, thyroid disease, vitamin deficiencies (especially B12 and thiamine), CNS angiitis,
and normal-pressure hydrocephalus [Bird & Miller 2008]. CT and MRI can identify some of these
other causes of dementia, including neoplasms, normal-pressure hydrocephalus, and cerebral
vascular disease.
-Other degenerative disorders associated with dementia, such as frontotemporal dementia
(including frontotemporal dementia with parkinsonism-17; FTDP-17), Picks disease, Parkinson
disease, diffuse Lewy body disease (LBD), Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and CADASIL [Loy et al
2014, Ferrari et al 2018].
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Overview
Synonym: Lou Gehrig Disease
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disease involving
both the brain and spinal cord. While it has traditionally been perceived to be a syndrome primarily
affecting motor neurons, there is increasing recognition that additional areas within the frontal and
temporal lobes are involved to varying degrees in a subset of individuals. In addition, other
systems outside the nervous system may be involved, such as bone (Paget disease of the bone)
and muscle (inclusion body myopathy). The location and extent of the degeneration determines
the clinical picture, which by definition includes motor decline, and may include cognitive and/or
behavioral symptoms as well. There is wide variability in presentation, progression, and survival
[Hardiman et al 2017].
Motor Involvement
Motor symptoms occur as the result of degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons.
Upper motor neurons (UMNs), located in the motor cortex of the frontal lobe, send their axons
through the great corticofugal tracts to the brain stem (corticobulbar neurons) and the spinal cord
(corticospinal neurons) to influence patterned activity of the lower motor neurons (LMNs).
Additional UMN influences on the LMN are carried over descending pathways of the brain stem.
UMN signs in ALS include hyperreflexia, extensor plantar response, and increased muscle tone.
LMNs, located in the brain stem and spinal cord, innervate striated muscle. LMN signs in ALS
include weakness, muscle wasting (atrophy), hyporeflexia, muscle cramps, and fasciculations.
Early manifestations may vary, with affected individuals most often presenting with either
asymmetric focal weakness of the extremities (stumbling or poor handgrip) or bulbar findings
(dysarthria, dysphagia). Other findings may include muscle fasciculations, muscle cramps, and
lability of affect, but not necessarily mood. A diagnostic feature of ALS, typically not seen in other
neurodegenerative disorders, is the presence of hyperreflexia in segmental regions of muscle
atrophy, unaccompanied by sensory disturbance.
At presentation, limb involvement occurs more often than bulbar involvement. Various subtypes
of ALS have been identified:
"Progressive bulbar palsy," which presents with speech disturbance and swallowing difficulties: Limb-onset ALS. -Progressive muscular atrophy, where lower motor neurons are primarily
involved. -UMN-predominant ALS
Neuropsychological Involvement
Recent studies of both the genetics and neuropathology of ALS have reinforced the
understanding that while the syndrome of ALS by definition involves the motor system, wider
frontotemporal degeneration may give rise to at least some degree of cognitive and behavioral
dysfunction. White matter structural abnormalities in the frontal and temporal lobes of individuals
with ALS who do not demonstrate evidence of cognitive decline have also been identified
[Abrahams et al 2005].
It has been reported that upwards of 45% of individuals with ALS have some degree of cognitive
impairment at some time during their illness [Raaphorst et al 2012, Beeldman et al 2016]. Several
neuropsychological domains may be affected. The most common deficits are in executive function
(demonstrated by difficulties with emotional and impulse control, flexible thinking, self-monitoring,
planning and prioritizing, organization, task initiation, and working memory), verbal fluency, and
social cognition (demonstrated by difficulties interpreting the emotional states of others and lack
of insight in social situations) [Beeldman et al 2016].
Symptoms can range from mild to severe.
In the severe end of the spectrum, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), particularly the behavioral
variant of FTD (bvFTD), marked by severe apathy and progressive declines in socially appropriate
behavior, judgment, and self-control, as well as personality change, has been reported to range
from 5% to 27% in various series [Raaphorst et al 2012]. However, a more recent Italian
population-based study suggests that the incidence may be closer to 10% [Montuschi et al 2015],
or perhaps close to 5%. Additionally, individuals with ALS with FTD (ALS/FTD) experience more
language disturbance (difficulty with grammar and sentence and syntactic comprehension) than
is generally associated with bvFTD alone [Saxon et al 2017]. Generally, visuospatial dysfunction
is not present.
ALS/FTD tends to be associated with bulbar-onset ALS, with its incidence reported to be 39%61% [Raaphorst et al 2012]. Either motor or neuropsychological manifestations may appear first
in individuals with ALS/FTD. When features of ALS appear first, FTD becomes apparent on
average 16 months later, whereas when features of FTD appear first, ALS becomes apparent on
average 18 months later [Raaphorst et al 2012].
Individuals with ALS with milder neuropsychological manifestations may exhibit executive
dysfunction and deficits in verbal and nonverbal fluency and concept formation early in the
disease course, particularly in the presence of bulbar onset of disease [Schreiber et al 2005].
These more subtle manifestations may well be missed with routine mental status examination.
Formal neuropsychological testing can be helpful in identifying subtle alterations, particularly
alterations that may be masked by socially favorable traits such as empathy and optimism. These
favorable traits, well known to specialists dealing with ALS, may lead to considerable bonding
between the health care team and persons with ALS. Affected individuals are also generally well
liked by their families, as social connections are retained and their "positive" attitudes are
appreciated.
Course
Regardless of the initial manifestations, atrophy and weakness eventually spread to other
muscles in additional regions. Oculomotor neurons are generally resistant to degeneration in ALS
but may be affected in individuals with a long disease course, particularly when life is extended
by ventilatory support. Once all muscles of communication and expression are paralyzed, the
individual is "locked in." In some instances, eye movements may remain intact, allowing
communication by way of special devices.
Death most often results from failure of the respiratory muscles, but other causes, such as
pulmonary embolism or cardiac arrhythmias, may supervene.
Overall, ALS is a highly heterogeneous disorder with widely varying ages of onset, ranging from
childhood to the ninth decade. Males are more commonly affected than females in a ratio of about
1.3/1. The mean age of onset in males is approximately 55 years, while females are most
commonly affected in their mid-60s. Individuals with genetic forms of ALS tend to have an earlier
onset of symptoms. Disease duration is similarly variable, ranging from months to several
decades. About half of affected individuals expire within five years of symptom onset. Individuals
(both male and female) younger than age 55 years at onset tend to survive longer [Magnus et al
2002].
Traditionally, ALS has been discussed in light of the individual's family history, with "familial ALS"
indicating that two or more close relatives are known to be affected with ALS and "sporadic ALS"
indicating that no other relatives are known to have ALS. As genetic research in ALS has evolved
and the clinical use of genetic testing has increased, this terminology is shifting. In this
GeneReview, "genetic ALS" refers to ALS caused by a pathogenic variant in a known ALS gene,
regardless of family history. "ALS of unknown cause" will refer to ALS in which a pathogenic
variant in a known ALS gene has not been identified, regardless of family history.
It is estimated that about 10%-15% of individuals with ALS have genetic ALS. Some of the genetic
forms of ALS may confer particular clinical characteristics, although intra- and interfamilial
variability of age at onset and disease progression is common (see Table 2a and Table 2b).
Establishing the Diagnosis of ALS
The diagnosis of ALS requires characteristic clinical features and specific findings on
electrodiagnostic testing, as well as exclusion of other health conditions with related
manifestations (see Differential Diagnosis of ALS). The most commonly employed consensus
criteria for its diagnosis are the revised Escorial criteria [Brooks et al 2000]. Additional evaluation
of electromyographic information as outlined in the Awaji criteria [de Carvalho et al 2008] may
establish the diagnosis more quickly than the Escorial criteria alone. Due to variability in clinical
presentation and the lack of biomarkers for the disease, it is not uncommon for several months
to a year to pass from symptom onset to a firm diagnosis.
Andersen-Tawil Syndrome
Synonym: Long QT Syndrome Type 7 (LQTS Type 7)
Andersen-Tawil syndrome (ATS) is characterized by a triad of: episodic flaccid muscle weakness
(i.e., periodic paralysis); ventricular arrhythmias and prolonged QT interval; and anomalies
including low-set ears, widely spaced eyes, small mandible, fifth-digit clinodactyly, syndactyly,
short stature, and scoliosis. Affected individuals present in the first or second decade with either
cardiac symptoms (palpitations and/or syncope) or weakness that occurs spontaneously following
prolonged rest or following rest after exertion. Mild permanent weakness is common. Mild learning
difficulties and a distinct neurocognitive phenotype (i.e., deficits in executive function and abstract
reasoning) have been described.
Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome
Synonym: Testicular Feminization
Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is typically characterized by evidence of feminization (i.e.,
undermasculinization) of the external genitalia at birth, abnormal secondary sexual development
in puberty, and infertility in individuals with a 46,XY karyotype. AIS represents a spectrum of
defects in androgen action and can be subdivided into three broad phenotypes: -Complete
androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS), with typical female external genitalia. -Partial androgen
insensitivity syndrome (PAIS) with predominantly female, predominantly male, or ambiguous
external genitalia. -Mild androgen insensitivity syndrome (MAIS) with typical male external
genitalia.
Angelman Syndrome
Angelman syndrome (AS) is characterized by severe developmental delay or intellectual
disability, severe speech impairment, gait ataxia and/or tremulousness of the limbs, and unique
behavior with an apparent happy demeanor that includes frequent laughing, smiling, and
excitability. Microcephaly and seizures are also common. Developmental delays are first noted at
around age six months; however, the unique clinical features of AS do not become manifest until
after age one year.
Apert Syndrome
Synonym: Acrocephalosyndactyly Type I
Apert syndrome is characterized by the presence of multisuture craniosynostosis, midface
retrusion, and syndactyly of the hands with fusion of the second through fourth nails. Almost all
affected individuals have coronal craniosynostosis, and a majority also have involvement of the
sagittal and lambdoid sutures. The midface in Apert syndrome is underdeveloped as well as
retruded; a subset of affected individuals have cleft palate. The hand in Apert syndrome always
includes fusion of the middle three digits; the thumb and fifth finger are sometimes also involved.
Feeding issues, dental abnormalities, hearing loss, hyperhidrosis, and progressive synostosis of
multiple bones (skull, hands, feet, carpus, tarsus, and cervical vertebrae) are also common.
Multilevel airway obstruction may be present and can be due to narrowing of the nasal passages,
tongue-based airway obstruction, and/or tracheal anomalies. Nonprogressive ventriculomegaly is
present in a majority of individuals, with a small subset having true hydrocephalus. Most
individuals with Apert syndrome have normal intelligence or mild intellectual disability; moderateto-severe intellectual disability has been reported in some individuals. A minority of affected
individuals have structural cardiac abnormalities, true gastrointestinal malformations, and
anomalies of the genitourinary tract.
Arginase Deficiency
Synonyms: ARG1 Deficiency, Arginase-1 Deficiency, Hyperargininemia
rginase deficiency in untreated individuals is characterized by episodic hyperammonemia of
variable degree that is infrequently severe enough to be life threatening or to cause death. Most
commonly, birth and early childhood are normal. Untreated individuals have slowing of linear
growth at age one to three years, followed by development of spasticity, plateauing of cognitive
development, and subsequent loss of developmental milestones. If untreated, arginase deficiency
usually progresses to severe spasticity, loss of ambulation, complete loss of bowel and bladder
control, and severe intellectual disability. Seizures are common and are usually controlled easily.
Individuals treated from birth, either as a result of newborn screening or having an affected older
sib, appear to have minimal symptoms.
Argininosuccinate Lyase Deficiency
Synonyms: Argininosuccinic Acid Lyase Deficiency, Argininosuccinic Aciduria, ASLD
eficiency of argininosuccinate lyase (ASL), the enzyme that cleaves argininosuccinic acid to
produce arginine and fumarate in the fourth step of the urea cycle, may present as a severe
neonatal-onset form or a late-onset form:
-The severe neonatal-onset form is characterized by hyperammonemia within the first few days
after birth that can manifest as increasing lethargy, somnolence, refusal to feed, vomiting,
tachypnea, and respiratory alkalosis. Absence of treatment leads to worsening lethargy, seizures,
coma, and even death.
-In contrast, the manifestations of late-onset form range from episodic hyperammonemia
triggered by acute infection or stress to cognitive impairment, behavioral abnormalities, and/or
learning disabilities in the absence of any documented episodes of hyperammonemia.
Manifestations of ASL deficiency that appear to be unrelated to the severity or duration of
hyperammonemic episodes:
-Neurocognitive deficiencies (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, developmental delay,
seizures, and learning disability)
-Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis)
-Trichorrhexis nodosa (coarse brittle hair that breaks easily)
-Systemic hypertension
Aromatic L-Amino Acid Decarboxylase Deficiency
Synonym: AADC Deficiency
Individuals with aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency typically have complex
symptoms, including motor, behavioral, cognitive, and autonomic findings. Symptom onset is in
early infancy, typically within the first six months of life. The most common initial symptoms are
often nonspecific, and include feeding difficulties, hypotonia, and developmental delay. More
specific symptoms include oculogyric crises (which occur in the vast majority of affected
individuals, typically starting in infancy), movement disorders (especially dystonia), and
autonomic dysfunction (excessive sweating, temperature instability, ptosis, nasal congestion,
hypoglycemic episodes). Sleep disturbance is present in a majority of affected individuals and
can include insomnia, hypersomnia, or both. Mood disturbance, including irritability and anxiety,
are also common. Brain MRI is typically either normal or may demonstrate nonspecific
abnormalities, such as mild diffuse cerebral atrophy or delayed myelination. Seizures are an
uncommon finding, occurring in fewer than 5% of affected individuals.
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy Overview
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a primary cardiomyopathy that is
often diagnosed after an individual presents with arrhythmia findings. Presenting manifestations
include heart palpitations, syncope, or even sudden death. ARVC typically presents in adults
(mean age of first presentation in one large cohort study was 36 ± 14 years [Groeneweg et al
2015]), although it may less commonly be seen in children, most often during the late second
decade.
ARVC typically affects the right ventricular apex, the base of the right ventricle, and the right
ventricle outflow tract. The arrhythmias in ARVC most frequently arise from the right ventricle and
have left bundle branch block morphology. The disease is progressive and is characterized by
fibrofatty replacement of the myocardium. Pathology in ARVC may also extend to involve the left
ventricle, resulting in regional left ventricular dysfunction.
Note: There is a movement within clinical cardiology to merge ARVC with other arrhythmogenic
cardiomyopathies because the left ventricle can become involved, or even become predominantly
involved, especially in individuals with DSP pathogenic variants; left ventricular involvement has
also been reported in individuals with variants in genes encoding other desmosomal proteins
(e.g., DSC2) that were previously associated with ARVC. The 2010 Task Force Criteria (see
Diagnosis) are still used to establish a clinical diagnosis of ARVC [Marcus et al 2010], and these
criteria do not incorporate other arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathies, leading to potential
underdiagnosis. An international expert panel convened to reevaluate the diagnostic approach to
arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathies and developed new criteria, the Padua Criteria [Corrado et al
2020]. There are ongoing studies to evaluate the proposed Padua Criteria in larger cohorts.
Readers should be aware of the potential overlap/differentiation between ARVC and other
arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathies.
Progression. The four described stages of ARVC are the following [Te Riele et al 2021, Wallace
& Calkins 2021]:
1.The concealed phase is the earliest phase and is without electrical, structural, or histologic
changes as typically seen in ARVC. If scar formation is present, it can be so minimal that it goes
undetected by cardiac MRI. However, affected individuals might experience sustained ventricular
arrhythmias, and there is a potential risk of sudden cardiac death.
2.An overt electrical disorder characterized by symptomatic arrhythmias including palpitations,
syncope, and presyncope attributable to ventricular ectopy or sustained or nonsustained
ventricular tachycardia
3.Right ventricular failure
4.A biventricular pump failure (resembling dilated cardiomyopathy) [Dalal et al 2006]
Cardiomyopathy in ARVC is not always isolatedto right ventricular involvement. There is
evidence that the left ventricle can often become involved as well. The cohort of individuals with
ARVC followed by Bhonsale et al [2015] had an overall incidence of left ventricular dysfunction of
14% over the follow-up interval, with 5% experiencing heart failure. In a separate cohort, 55% of
individuals with DSP pathogenic variants experienced left ventricular predominant
cardiomyopathy [Smith et al 2020].
Arrhythmia. The principal characteristic of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathies is the tendency for
ventricular arrhythmia in the absence of overt ventricular dysfunction. Arrhythmias in ARVC
include ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation has also been described
in ARVC. One recent study identified atrial fibrillation occurring in one in seven individuals with a
diagnosis of definite ARVC (by 2010 Task Force Criteria), with atrial fibrillation onset at a median
age of 51 years [Baturova et al 2020]. The risk of atrial fibrillation increases with severity of the
ARVC phenotype compared to individuals who have an ARVC-related pathogenic variant but do
not have clinical manifestations of ARVC (and thus do not meet 2010 Task Force Criteria).
Prognosis. Two long-term studies of individuals with ARVC suggested that survival was greater
than 72% at six years following diagnosis. In individuals with ARVC, cardiac mortality and need
for transplant are less than 5% [Bhonsale et al 2015, Groeneweg et al 2015]. An individual with a
prior history of sustained ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation is at increased risk for subsequent
ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Prognosis is worse for individuals with more
than one ARVC-related pathogenic variant, with an increased propensity to arrhythmias and
progression to cardiomyopathy [Bao et al 2013, Rigato et al 2013, Bhonsale et al 2015,
Groeneweg et al 2015].
Prevalence. The prevalence of clinical ARVC is estimated at 1:1,000-1,250 in the general
population, although most of this data derives from cohorts of European ancestry [Wallace &
Calkins 2021]. The prevalence of ARVC is greater in certain regions; in Italy and Greece (island
of Naxos), it can be as high as 0.4%-0.8% [Thiene & Basso 2001].
Arterial Tortuosity Syndrome
Arterial tortuosity syndrome (ATS) is characterized by widespread elongation and tortuosity of the
aorta and mid-sized arteries as well as focal stenosis of segments of the pulmonary arteries
and/or aorta combined with findings of a generalized connective tissue disorder, which may
include soft or doughy hyperextensible skin, joint hypermobility, inguinal hernia, and
diaphragmatic hernia. Skeletal findings include pectus excavatum or carinatum, arachnodactyly,
scoliosis, knee/elbow contractures, and camptodactyly. The cardiovascular system is the major
source of morbidity and mortality with increased risk at any age for aneurysm formation and
dissection both at the aortic root and throughout the arterial tree, and for ischemic vascular events
involving cerebrovascular circulation (resulting in non-hemorrhagic stroke) and the abdominal
arteries (resulting in infarctions of abdominal organs).
Arylsulfatase A Deficiency
Synonyms: ARSA Deficiency, Metachromatic Leukodystrophy
Arylsulfatase A deficiency (also known as metachromatic leukodystrophy or MLD) is
characterized by three clinical subtypes: late-infantile MLD, juvenile MLD, and adult MLD. Age of
onset within a family is usually similar. The disease course may be from several years in the lateinfantile-onset form to decades in the juvenile- and adult-onset forms.
Late-infantile MLD. Onset is before age 30 months. Typical presenting findings include
weakness, hypotonia, clumsiness, frequent falls, toe walking, and dysarthria. As the disease
progresses, language, cognitive, and gross and fine motor skills regress. Later signs include
spasticity, pain, seizures, and compromised vision and hearing. In the final stages, children have
tonic spasms, decerebrate posturing, and general unawareness of their surroundings.
Juvenile MLD. Onset is between age 30 months and 16 years. Initial manifestations include
decline in school performance and emergence of behavioral problems, followed by gait
disturbances. Progression is similar to but slower than in the late-infantile form.
Adult MLD. Onset occurs after age 16 years, sometimes not until the fourth or fifth decade. Initial
signs can include problems in school or job performance, personality changes, emotional lability,
or psychosis; in others, neurologic symptoms (weakness and loss of coordination progressing to
spasticity and incontinence) or seizures initially predominate. Peripheral neuropathy is common.
Disease course is variable – with periods of stability interspersed with periods of decline – and
may extend over two to three decades. The final stage is similar to earlier-onset forms.
Asparagine Synthetase Deficiency
Synonym: ASNS Deficiency
Asparagine synthetase deficiency (ASD) mainly presents as a triad of congenital microcephaly,
severe developmental delay, and axial hypotonia followed by spastic quadriplegia. Low
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) asparagine level can help the clinician in differentiating this disorder
from others. In most cases age of onset of apnea, excessive irritability, and seizures is soon after
birth. Affected individuals typically do not acquire any developmental milestones. Spastic
quadriplegia can lead to severe contractures of the limbs and neurogenic scoliosis. Feeding
difficulties (gastroesophageal reflux disease, frequent vomiting, swallowing dysfunction, and
gastroesophageal incoordination) are a significant problem in most affected individuals. A majority
have cortical blindness. MRI findings are nonspecific but may include generalized atrophy and
simplified gyral pattern.
Ataxia with Oculomotor Apraxia Type 1
Synonym: AOA1
Ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 1 (AOA1) is characterized by childhood onset of slowly
progressive cerebellar ataxia, followed by oculomotor apraxia and a severe primary motor
peripheral axonal motor neuropathy. The first manifestation is progressive gait imbalance (mean
age of onset: 4.3 years; range: 2-10 years), followed by dysarthria, then upper-limb dysmetria
with mild intention tremor. Oculomotor apraxia, usually noticed a few years after the onset of
ataxia, progresses to external ophthalmoplegia. All affected individuals have generalized areflexia
followed by a peripheral neuropathy and quadriplegia with loss of ambulation about seven to ten
years after onset. Hands and feet are short and atrophic. Chorea and upper-limb dystonia are
common. Intellect remains normal in some individuals; in others, different degrees of cognitive
impairment have been observed.
Ataxia with Oculomotor Apraxia Type 2
Synonym: AOA2
Ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 2 (AOA2) is characterized by onset of ataxia between age
three and 30 years after initial normal development, axonal sensorimotor neuropathy, oculomotor
apraxia, cerebellar atrophy, and elevated serum concentration of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP).
Ataxia with Vitamin E Deficiency
Synonyms: Ataxia with Isolated Vitamin E Deficiency, AVED
Untreated ataxia with vitamin E deficiency (AVED) generally manifests between ages five and 15
years. The first manifestations include progressive ataxia, clumsiness of the hands, loss of
proprioception, and areflexia. Other features often observed are dysdiadochokinesia, dysarthria,
positive Romberg sign, head titubation, decreased visual acuity, and positive Babinski sign.
Although age of onset and disease course are more uniform within a given family, disease
manifestations and their severity can vary even among sibs.
When lifelong high-dose vitamin E supplementation is initiated in presymptomatic individuals,
manifestations of AVED do not develop.
Ataxia-Telangiectasia
The phenotypic spectrum of ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T), a multisystem disorder, is a continuum
ranging from classic A-T at the severe end and variant A-T at the milder end. Nonetheless,
distinguishing between classic A-T and variant A-T on this spectrum helps understand differences
in disease course, rate of progression, and life expectancy.
Classic A-T is characterized by childhood onset of progressive neurologic manifestations (initially
cerebellar ataxia, followed typically by extrapyramidal involvement and peripheral sensorimotor
neuropathy), immunodeficiency (variably associated with abnormalities of humoral immunity,
cellular immunity, or combined immune deficiency), pulmonary disease (resulting from recurrent
infections, immune deficiency, aspiration, interstitial lung disease, and neurologic abnormalities),
and increased risk of malignancy. Although it is generally accepted that intellectual disability is
not common in A-T, disturbances in cerebellar as well as non-cerebellar brain areas and networks
may result in cognitive deficits. Increased sensitivity to ionizing radiation (x-ray and gamma ray)
can result in severe side effects from such treatments. Life expectancy is significantly reduced
due to cancer, pulmonary disease, and infections.
Variant A-T has a significantly milder disease course. While cerebellar ataxia can be absent,
extrapyramidal movement disorders are common (typically dystonia and dystonic tremor) and
most individuals have manifestations of axonal sensorimotor polyneuropathy. In contrast to
classic A-T, immune function is generally normal, respiratory infections are not increased, and
pulmonary disease is not a major feature. However, risk of developing malignancies is increased,
particularly in premenopausal females who have an increased risk of developing breast cancer
and hematologic malignancies.
Au-Kline Syndrome
Au-Kline syndrome is characterized by developmental delay and hypotonia with moderate-tosevere intellectual disability, and typical facial features that include long palpebral fissures, ptosis,
shallow orbits, large and deeply grooved tongue, broad nose with a wide nasal bridge, and
downturned mouth. There is frequently variable autonomic dysfunction (gastrointestinal
dysmotility, high pain threshold, heat intolerance, recurrent fevers, abnormal sweating).
Congenital heart disease, hydronephrosis, palate abnormalities, and oligodontia are also reported
in the majority of affected individuals. Additional complications can include craniosynostosis,
feeding difficulty, vision issues, osteopenia, and other skeletal anomalies.
Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome
Synonym: ALPS
Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS),
homeostasis, is characterized by the following:
caused
by
defective
lymphocyte
•Non-malignant lymphoproliferation (lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly with or without
hypersplenism) that often improves with age
•Autoimmune disease, mostly directed toward blood cells
•Lifelong increased risk for both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma
In ALPS-FAS (the most common and best-characterized type of ALPS, associated with
heterozygous germline pathogenic variants in FAS), non-malignant lymphoproliferation typically
manifests in the first years of life, inexplicably waxes and wanes, and then often decreases without
treatment in the second decade of life; in many affected individuals, however, neither
splenomegaly nor the overall expansion of lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood decreases.
Although autoimmunity is often not present at the time of diagnosis or at the time of the most
extensive lymphoproliferation, autoantibodies can be detected before autoimmune disease
manifests clinically.
In ALPS-FAS caused by homozygous or compound heterozygous (biallelic) pathogenic variants
in FAS, severe lymphoproliferation occurs before, at, or shortly after birth, and usually results in
death at an early age.
ALPS-sFAS, resulting from somatic FAS pathogenic variants in selected cell populations, notably
the alpha/beta double-negative T cells (α/β-DNT cells), appears to be similar to ALPS-FAS
resulting from heterozygous germline pathogenic variants in FAS, although lower incidence of
splenectomy and lower lymphocyte counts have been reported in ALPS-sFAS and no cases of
lymphoma have yet been published.
Autosomal Dominant Epilepsy with Auditory Features
Synonyms: ADEAF, Autosomal Dominant Lateral Temporal Epilepsy (ADLTE)
Autosomal dominant epilepsy with auditory features (ADEAF) is a focal epilepsy syndrome with
auditory symptoms and/or receptive aphasia as prominent ictal manifestations. The most
common auditory symptoms are simple unformed sounds including humming, buzzing, or ringing;
less common forms are distortions (e.g., volume changes) or complex sounds (e.g., specific
songs or voices). Ictal receptive aphasia consists of a sudden onset of inability to understand
language in the absence of general confusion. Less commonly, other ictal symptoms may occur,
including sensory symptoms (visual, olfactory, vertiginous, or cephalic) or motor, psychic, and
autonomic symptoms. Most affected individuals have focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures,
usually accompanied by "focal aware" and "focal impaired-awareness" seizures, with auditory
symptoms as a major focal aware seizure manifestation. Some persons have seizures
precipitated by sounds such as a ringing telephone. Age at onset is usually in adolescence or
early adulthood (range: age 4-50 years). The clinical course of ADEAF is benign. Seizures are
usually well controlled after initiation of medical therapy.
Autosomal Dominant Robinow Syndrome
Synonym: Fetal Face Syndrome
Autosomal dominant Robinow syndrome (ADRS) is characterized by skeletal findings (short
stature, mesomelic limb shortening predominantly of the upper limbs, and brachydactyly), genital
abnormalities (in males: micropenis / webbed penis, hypoplastic scrotum, cryptorchidism; in
females: hypoplastic clitoris and labia majora), dysmorphic facial features (widely spaced and
prominent eyes, frontal bossing, anteverted nares, midface retrusion), dental abnormalities
(including malocclusion, crowding, hypodontia, late eruption of permanent teeth), bilobed tongue,
and occasional prenatal macrocephaly that persists postnatally. Less common findings include
renal anomalies, radial head dislocation, vertebral abnormalities such as hemivertebrae and
scoliosis, nail dysplasia, cardiac defects, cleft lip/palate, and (rarely) cognitive delay. When
present, cardiac defects are a major cause of morbidity and mortality.
A variant of Robinow syndrome, associated with osteosclerosis and caused by a heterozygous
pathogenic variant in DVL1, is characterized by normal stature, persistent macrocephaly,
increased bone mineral density with skull osteosclerosis, and hearing loss, in addition to the
typical features described above.
Autosomal Dominant Sleep-Related Hypermotor (Hyperkinetic) Epilepsy
Synonym: Autosomal Dominant Nocturnal Frontal Lobe Epilepsy (ADNFLE), ADSHE
Autosomal dominant sleep-related hypermotor (hyperkinetic) epilepsy (ADSHE) is a seizure
disorder characterized by clusters of nocturnal motor seizures that are often stereotyped and brief
(<2 minutes). They vary from simple arousals from sleep to dramatic, often hyperkinetic events
with tonic or dystonic features. Affected individuals may experience an aura. Retained awareness
during seizures is common. A minority of individuals experience daytime seizures. Age of onset
ranges from infancy to adulthood. About 80% of individuals develop ADSHE in the first two
decades of life; mean age of onset is ten years. Clinical neurologic examination is normal and
intellect is usually preserved, but reduced intellect, psychiatric comorbidities, or cognitive deficits
may occur. Within a family, the manifestations of the disorder may vary considerably. ADSHE is
lifelong but not progressive. As an individual reaches middle age, seizures may become milder
and less frequent.
Autosomal Dominant TRPV4 Disorders
The autosomal dominant TRPV4 disorders (previously considered to be clinically distinct
phenotypes before their molecular basis was discovered) are now grouped into neuromuscular
disorders and skeletal dysplasias; however, the overlap within each group is considerable.
Affected individuals typically have either neuromuscular or skeletal manifestations alone, and in
only rare instances an overlap syndrome has been reported.
The three autosomal dominant neuromuscular disorders (mildest to most severe) are: a) CharcotMarie-Tooth disease type 2C. b) Scapuloperoneal spinal muscular atrophy. c) Congenital distal
spinal muscular atrophy.
The autosomal dominant neuromuscular disorders are characterized by a congenital-onset,
static, or later-onset progressive peripheral neuropathy with variable combinations of laryngeal
dysfunction (i.e., vocal fold paresis), respiratory dysfunction, and joint contractures.
The six autosomal dominant skeletal dysplasias (mildest to most severe) are: 1)Familial digital
arthropathy-brachydactyly. 2) Autosomal dominant brachyolmia. 3) Spondylometaphyseal
dysplasia, Kozlowski type. 4) Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, Maroteaux type. 5)Parastremmatic
dysplasia. 6) Metatropic dysplasia.
The skeletal dysplasia is characterized by brachydactyly (in all 6); the five that are more severe
have short stature that varies from mild to severe with progressive spinal deformity and
involvement of the long bones and pelvis. In the mildest of the autosomal dominant TRPV4
disorders life span is normal; in the most severe it is shortened.
Bilateral progressive sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) can occur with both autosomal dominant
neuromuscular disorders and skeletal dysplasias.
Autosomal Dominant Tubulointerstitial Kidney Disease – MUC1
Synonyms: ADTKD-MUC1, Medullary Cystic Kidney Disease Type 1 (MCKD1), MUC1 Kidney
Disease (MKD)
Autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease – MUC1 (ADTKD-MUC1) is characterized
by slowly progressive tubulointerstitial disease that leads to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and
the need for dialysis or kidney transplantation. The rate of loss of kidney function for individuals
is variable within and between families, with a median age of onset of end-stage renal disease
(ESRD) of 46 years (range: ages 20-70 years). There are no other systemic manifestations.
Autosomal Dominant Tubulointerstitial Kidney Disease – REN
Synonyms: ADTKD-REN, Familial Juvenile Hyperuricemic Nephropathy Type 2 (FJHN2)
The two clinical presentations observed in autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease –
REN (ADTKD-REN) correlate with the renin protein domains affected by the causative REN
variants.
-Childhood/adolescent onset, the more common presentation (caused by REN variants encoding
the signal peptide or prosegment domains), is characterized by decreased estimated glomerular
filtration rate, acidosis, hyperkalemia, and anemia early in life, followed by slowly progressive
chronic kidney disease (CKD) and gout.
-Adult onset, the less common presentation (caused by REN variants encoding the mature renin
peptide), is characterized by gout or mild slowly progressive CKD, beginning in the third decade.
Anemia, hyperkalemia, and acidemia do not occur.
Autosomal Dominant Tubulointerstitial Kidney Disease – UMOD
Synonyms: ADTKD-UMOD, Uromodulin Kidney Disease
Autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease – UMOD (ADTKD-UMOD) is characterized
by normal urinalysis and slowly progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD), usually first noted in
the teen years and progressing to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) between the third and seventh
decades. Hyperuricemia is often present from an early age, and gout (resulting from reduced
kidney excretion of uric acid) occurs in the teenage years in about 8% of affected individuals and
develops in 55% of affected individuals over time.
Autosomal Recessive Congenital Ichthyosis
Autosomal recessive congenital ichthyoses (ARCI) are lifelong skin disorders with generalized
scaling and variable erythema that typically manifest at birth or early infancy. ARCI encompass
several forms of nonsyndromic ichthyosis, which vary significantly in clinical presentation and
severity, including the most severe and sometimes fatal form, harlequin ichthyosis; lamellar
ichthyosis (LI); (nonbullous) congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma (CIE); and intermediate
phenotypes with variable degrees of erythema and size and quality of scale. While these
phenotypes fall on a continuum, the phenotypic descriptions are clinically useful for clarifying
prognosis and management for affected individuals.
Presentation at Birth
Children with ARCI are often born prematurely encased in a collodion membrane, a taut, shiny,
transparent membrane formed by the thickened cornified layers of the skin, resembling plastic
wrap. They can experience high levels of transepidermal water loss with resultant dehydration
and hypernatremia. They are at increased risk for skin infections and sepsis during the neonatal
period. Tautness of collodion membrane often leads to ectropion, eclabium, and underdeveloped
nasal and auricular cartilage. Impaired sucking and pulmonary ventilation may lead to
dehydration, malnutrition, hypoxia, and pneumonia. Gradually, within two to four weeks, the
collodion membrane dries and peels off, transitioning to generalized scaling and erythema
characteristic of the underlying form of ARCI, predominantly LI and CIE.
In the rarest form of ARCI, harlequin ichthyosis, babies are born prematurely covered in thick,
hard, armor-like plates of cornified skin separated by deep fissures. The taut skin results in
deformation of facial features, microcephaly, lack of eyelashes and eyebrows, and sometimes
alopecia. Circular bands of hardened skin can lead to vascular constriction, ischemia, and distal
edema with a mitten-like casing of hands and feet. Babies are at risk for life-threatening
complications in the neonatal and postnatal period, including respiratory insufficiency,
dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, temperature instability, feeding issues, bacterial infections,
and sepsis, potentially with fatal consequences. A survival rate of 56% has been reported,
although that is expected to further increase with improved neonatal intensive care and treatment
options, such as early topical and/or systemic retinoids [Ahmed & O'Toole 2014, Glick et al 2017].
Babies with ichthyosis-prematurity syndrome (IPS) are born prematurely between 29 and 35
weeks' gestation. Polyhydramnios is common, and fetal ultrasound may reveal echogenic
sediment in the amniotic fluid. The skin at birth is erythrodermic, swollen, and massively thickened
with a vernix-like appearance. The most severely affected skin is the scalp, often with
cobblestone-like hyperkeratosis. Neonates suffer from severe, sometimes fatal asphyxia due to
reduced lung function from intrauterine amniotic fluid aspiration. They have poor Apgar scores
and require intensive care and prolonged hospitalization. Nevertheless, the prognosis of IPS is
generally excellent. After a few days, the skin sheds and improves significantly, regressing to a
mild ichthyosis with underlying erythema that eventually resolves [Khnykin et al 2012].
Postnatal Features
Lamellar ichthyosis (LI). LI Typically presents at birth with a collodion membrane, which is
replaced by large, whitish, and later brown, plate-like scales in a generalized distribution.
Erythroderma (generalized redness of the skin) may be present but is usually mild and not a
predominant feature. Other frequent findings are ectropion, eclabium, and scarring alopecia
involving the scalp and eyebrows. Built-up scale leads to sweat duct constriction and severe heat
intolerance. Accumulation of scale in the external ear canals can lead to occlusion, bacterial
colonization, and recurrent infections. Thickening and fissuring of the skin on palms and soles
(palmoplantar keratoderma) and curved nails are common. Whole-body scaling and other
associated features persist throughout life.
Congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma (CIE). At birth, more than 90% of infants with CIE
present with a collodion membrane, which gives way to prominent generalized erythroderma and
fine, white, semiadherent scales. Palms and soles are often severely thickened (palmoplantar
keratoderma), with painful fissures and digital contractures. Ectropion, eclabium, scalp
involvement, and loss of eyebrows can occur, although less frequently than in LI. Severe
exfoliative erythroderma causes significant metabolic stress through very high caloric loss from
inflammation and scaling of the skin, often leading to poor weight gain and growth deficiency if
the caloric needs cannot be adequately met [Moskowitz et al 2004]. Similar to LI, scaling,
hypohidrosis, and heat intolerance may persist lifelong.
Intermediate and rare phenotypes. Many affected individuals with ARCI fall between the LI-CIE
spectrum and may be classified as having mild LI or mild CIE, or have overlapping, variable
features. In a rare form of congenital ichthyosis, skin involvement may be limited to the trunk and
scalp ("bathing suit ichthyosis") due to a temperature-sensitive effect [Marukian et al 2017].
In about 10% of babies with a collodion membrane, a milder "self-healing" phenotype known as
"self-improving collodion ichthyosis" occurs [Traupe et al 2014]. Residual skin findings after
infancy include generalized dry skin (xerosis), mild or focal scaling, hyperlinear palms, red cheeks,
or anhidrosis [Raghunath et al 2003, Vahlquist et al 2010]. Individuals with ARCI born with
erythroderma but mostly without collodion membrane who later develop generalized LI and
hyperlinear palms and soles have been reported as having LI type 3 [Lefèvre et al 2006].
Harlequin ichthyosis is the most severe form of ARCI. Morbidity and mortality in neonates are
high, which can be improved by intensive neonatal care and oral/topical retinoid therapy.
However, harlequin ichthyosis remains a serious and chronic skin disorder throughout life.
Surviving children gradually shed the armor-like skin plates and develop generalized scaling and
intense redness and inflammation of the skin (erythroderma), with a very severe CIE phenotype.
Significant growth delay, hypohidrosis and anhidrosis, heat intolerance, and vitamin D deficiency
are common. Other features include ocular issues related to persistent severe ectropion,
alopecia, palmoplantar keratoderma with painful fissures and digital contractures, chronic
constipation, anemia, arthralgia or arthritis, and joint contractures [Ahmed & O'Toole 2014].
Skin cancer. Atypical melanocytic nevi, malignant melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and
basal cell carcinoma have been reported [Fernandes et al 2010, Natsuga et al 2011]. Albeit the
true incidence of skin malignancies among individuals with ARCI has not been established,
several case reports indicate that adults with ARCI are at increased risk to develop multiple
squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma at an unusually young age (between age 25
and 51 years). Other skin malignancies, such as malignant melanoma, malignant fibrous
histiocytoma, and cutaneous lymphoma, were rarely observed.
Skin biopsy: -Histologic findings in ARCI are mostly nonspecific, showing epidermal hyperplasia
and ortho-hyperkeratosis (thickened stratum corneum, the uppermost layer of the epidermis) with
an underlying acanthosis. -Harlequin ichthyosis is characterized by extreme hyperkeratosis and
follicular plugging. Electron microscopy shows absence of lamellar bodies and lipid bilayers.
Aymé-Gripp Syndrome
Aymé-Gripp syndrome is classically defined as the triad of bilateral early cataracts, sensorineural
hearing loss, and characteristic facial features in combination with neurodevelopmental
abnormalities. The facial features are often described as "Down syndrome-like" and include
brachycephaly, flat facial appearance, short nose, long philtrum, narrow mouth, and low-set and
posteriorly rotated ears. Hearing loss is often congenital. Other features may include postnatal
short stature, seizure disorder, nonspecific brain abnormalities on head imaging, skeletal
abnormalities, and joint limitations. A subset of individuals have been found to have pericarditis
or pericardial effusion during the neonatal or infantile period. All affected individuals have had
developmental delay, but the degree of cognitive impairment is extremely variable. Other features
including gastrointestinal and endocrine abnormalities, ectodermal dysplasia (i.e., nail dystrophy
and mammary gland hypoplasia), dental anomalies, and chronic glomerulopathy with proteinuria
have been reported in rare affected individuals.
B
BAP1 Tumor Predisposition Syndrome
Synonyms: BAP1 Cancer Syndrome; Cutaneous/Ocular Melanoma, Atypical Melanocytic
Proliferations, and Other Internal Neoplasms (COMMON Syndrome)
BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome (BAP1-TPDS) is associated with an increased risk for a
specific skin lesion, BAP1-inactivated melanocytic tumors (BIMT; formerly called atypical Spitz
tumors), and the following cancers, in descending order of frequency: uveal (eye) melanoma
(UM), malignant mesothelioma (MMe), cutaneous melanoma (CM), renal cell carcinoma (RCC),
and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and
meningioma may also be associated with BAP1-TPDS. Affected individuals can have more than
one type of primary cancer. In general, the median age of onset of these tumors is younger than
in the general population. UM tends to be a more aggressive class 2 tumor with higher risk for
metastasis and reduced survival compared to UM occurring in the general population. Due to the
limited number of families reported to date, the penetrance, natural history, and frequencies of
BAP1-associated tumors are yet to be determined. Other suspected but unconfirmed tumors in
BAP1-TPDS include (in alphabetic order): breast cancer, neuroendocrine carcinoma, non-smallcell lung adenocarcinoma, thyroid cancer, and urinary bladder cancer.
BCL11A-Related Intellectual Disability
Synonyms: Dias-Logan Syndrome, Intellectual Developmental Disorder with Persistence of Fetal
Hemoglobin
BCL11A-related intellectual disability (BCL11A-ID) is characterized by developmental delay /
intellectual disability of variable degree, neonatal hypotonia, microcephaly, distinctive but variable
facial characteristics, behavior problems, and asymptomatic persistence of fetal hemoglobin.
Growth delay, seizures, and autism spectrum disorder have also been reported in some affected
individuals.
BRCA1- and BRCA2-Associated Hereditary Breast and Ovarian
Cancer
Synonym: BRCA1- and BRCA2-Associated HBOC
BRCA1- and BRCA2-associated hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) is characterized
by an increased risk for female and male breast cancer, ovarian cancer (including fallopian tube
and primary peritoneal cancers), and to a lesser extent other cancers such as prostate cancer,
pancreatic cancer, and melanoma primarily in individuals with a BRCA2 pathogenic variant. The
risk of developing an associated cancer varies depending on whether HBOC is caused by a
BRCA1 or BRCA2 pathogenic variant.
BSCL2-Related Neurologic Disorders / Seipinopathy
The spectrum of BSCL2-related neurologic disorders includes Silver syndrome and variants of
Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy type 2, distal hereditary motor neuropathy (dHMN) type V, and
spastic paraplegia 17. Features of these disorders include onset of symptoms ranging from the
first to the seventh decade, slow disease progression, upper motor neuron involvement (gait
disturbance with pyramidal signs ranging from mild to severe spasticity with hyperreflexia in the
lower limbs and variable extensor plantar responses), lower motor neuron involvement
(amyotrophy of the peroneal muscles and small muscles of the hand), and pes cavus and other
foot deformities. Disease severity is variable among and within families.
Bachmann-Bupp Syndrome
Synonym: ODC1-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder
Bachmann-Bupp syndrome (BABS) is characterized by a distinctive type of alopecia, global
developmental delay in the moderate to severe range, hypotonia, nonspecific dysmorphic
features, behavioral abnormalities (autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity
disorder) and feeding difficulties. Hair is typically present at birth but may be sparse and of an
unexpected color with subsequent loss of hair in large clumps within the first few weeks of life.
Rare findings may include seizures with onset in later childhood and conductive hearing loss.
Baller-Gerold Syndrome
Baller-Gerold syndrome (BGS) can be suspected at birth in an infant with craniosynostosis and
upper limb abnormality. The coronal suture is most commonly affected; the metopic, lambdoid,
and sagittal sutures may also be involved alone or in combination. Upper limb abnormality can
include a combination of thumb hypo- or aplasia and radial hypo- or aplasia and may be
asymmetric. Malformation or absence of carpal or metacarpal bones has also been described.
Skin lesions may appear anytime within the first few years after birth, typically beginning with
erythema of the face and extremities and evolving into poikiloderma. Slow growth is apparent in
infancy with eventual height and length typically at 4 SD below the mean.
Baraitser-Winter Cerebrofrontofacial Syndrome
Baraitser-Winter cerebrofrontofacial (BWCFF) syndrome is a multiple congenital anomaly
syndrome characterized by typical craniofacial features and intellectual disability. Many (but not
all) affected individuals have pachygyria that is predominantly frontal, wasting of the shoulder
girdle muscles, and sensory impairment due to iris or retinal coloboma and/or sensorineural
deafness. Intellectual disability, which is common but variable, is related to the severity of the
brain malformations. Seizures, congenital heart defects, renal malformations, and gastrointestinal
dysfunction are also common.
Bardet-Biedl Syndrome Overview
Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a multisystem non-motile ciliopathy primarily characterized by
retinal cone-rod dystrophy, obesity and related complications, postaxial polydactyly, cognitive
impairment, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and/or genitourinary malformations, and renal
malformations and/or renal parenchymal disease.
Individuals with BBS can also have other eye abnormalities (strabismus, astigmatism, cataracts),
subtle craniofacial dysmorphisms, hearing loss, anosmia, oral/dental abnormalities (crowding,
hypodontia, high-arched palate), gastrointestinal and liver disease, brachydactyly/syndactyly,
musculoskeletal abnormalities, dermatologic abnormalities, and neurodevelopmental
abnormalities including mild hypertonia, ataxia/poor coordination/imbalance, developmental
delay(s), seizures, speech abnormalities, and behavioral/psychiatric abnormalities (Table 1).
The motile ciliary structure and function is essentially normal in BBS, but affected individuals have
an increased prevalence of manifestations associated with motile ciliopathies, such as neonatal
respiratory distress, asthma, otitis media, and thoraco-abdominal laterality defects [Shoemark et
al 2015].
BBS exhibits variable expressivity and both inter- and intrafamilial variation.
Barth Syndrome
Barth syndrome is characterized in affected males by cardiomyopathy, neutropenia, skeletal
myopathy, prepubertal growth delay, and distinctive facial gestalt (most evident in infancy); not all
features may be present in a given affected male. Cardiomyopathy, which is almost always
present before age five years, is typically dilated cardiomyopathy with or without endocardial
fibroelastosis or left ventricular noncompaction; hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can also occur.
Heart failure is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality; risk of arrhythmia and sudden death
is increased. Neutropenia is most often associated with mouth ulcers, pneumonia, and sepsis.
The nonprogressive myopathy predominantly affects the proximal muscles, and results in early
motor delays. Prepubertal growth delay is followed by a postpubertal growth spurt with remarkable
"catch-up" growth. Heterozygous females who have a normal karyotype are asymptomatic and
have normal biochemical studies.
Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome
Synonyms: Wiedemann-Beckwith Syndrome, Beckwith-Wiedemann Spectrum (BWSp)
Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is a growth disorder variably characterized by
macroglossia, hemihyperplasia, omphalocele, neonatal hypoglycemia, macrosomia, embryonal
tumors (e.g., Wilms tumor, hepatoblastoma, neuroblastoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma),
visceromegaly, adrenocortical cytomegaly, kidney abnormalities (e.g., medullary dysplasia,
nephrocalcinosis, and medullary sponge kidney), and ear creases / posterior helical ear pits. BWS
is considered a clinical spectrum, in which affected individuals may have many or only one or two
of the characteristic clinical features. Although most individuals with BWS show rapid growth in
late fetal development and early childhood, growth rate usually slows by age seven to eight years.
Adult heights are typically within the normal range. Hemihyperplasia (also known as lateralized
overgrowth) is often appreciated at birth and may become more or less evident over time.
Hemihyperplasia may affect segmental regions of the body or selected organs and tissues.
Hemihyperplasia may be limited to one side of the body (ipsilateral) or involve opposite sides of
the body (contralateral). Macroglossia is generally present at birth and can obstruct breathing or
interfere with feeding in infants. Neonatal hypoglycemia occurs in approximately 50% of infants
with BWS; most episodes are mild and transient. However, in some cases, persistent
hypoglycemia due to hyperinsulinism may require consultation with an endocrinologist for
therapeutic intervention. With respect to the increased risk for embryonal tumor development, the
risk for Wilms tumor appears to be concentrated in the first seven years of life, whereas the risk
for developing hepatoblastoma is concentrated in the first three to four years of life. Cognitive and
neurobehavioral development is usually normal. After childhood, prognosis is generally favorable,
although some adults experience issues requiring medical management (e.g., for renal or skeletal
concerns).
Berardinelli-Seip Congenital Lipodystrophy
Synonym: Berardinelli-Seip Congenital Generalized Lipodystrophy
Berardinelli-Seip congenital lipodystrophy (BSCL) is usually diagnosed at birth or soon thereafter.
Because of the absence of functional adipocytes, lipid is stored in other tissues, including muscle
and liver. Affected individuals develop insulin resistance and approximately 25%-35% develop
diabetes mellitus between ages 15 and 20 years. Hepatomegaly secondary to hepatic steatosis
and skeletal muscle hypertrophy occur in all affected individuals. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is
reported in 20%-25% of affected individuals and is a significant cause of morbidity from cardiac
failure and early mortality.
Bestrophinopathies
Bestrophinopathies, the spectrum of ophthalmic disorders caused by pathogenic variants in
BEST1, are typically characterized by retinal degeneration. The four recognized phenotypes are
the three autosomal dominant disorders: Best vitelliform macular dystrophy (BVMD), BEST1
adult-onset
vitelliform
macular
dystrophy
(AVMD),
and
autosomal
dominant
vitreoretinochoroidopathy (ADVIRC); and autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy (ARB). Onset is
usually in the first decade (except AVMD in which onset is age 30 to 50 years). Slow visual
deterioration is the usual course. Choroidal neovascularization can occur in rare cases. ADVIRC
is also associated with panophthalmic involvement including nanophthalmos, microcornea,
hyperopia, and narrow anterior chamber angle with angle closure glaucoma.
Beta-Propeller Protein-Associated Neurodegeneration
Synonyms: BPAN, Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation 5 (NBIA5)
Beta-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration (BPAN) is typically characterized by earlyonset seizures, infantile-onset developmental delay, intellectual disability, absent-to-limited
expressive language, motor dysfunction (ataxia), and abnormal behaviors often similar to autism
spectrum disorder. Seizure types including generalized (absence, tonic, atonic, tonic-clonic and
myoclonic), focal with impaired consciousness, and epileptic spasms, as well as epileptic
syndromes (West syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome) can be seen. With age seizures tend
to resolve or become less prominent, whereas cognitive decline and movement disorders
(progressive parkinsonism and dystonia) emerge as characteristic findings.
Beta-Thalassemia
Synonyms: Cooley's Anemia, Mediterranean Anemia
Beta-thalassemia (β-thalassemia) has two clinically significant forms, β-thalassemia major and βthalassemia intermedia, caused by absent or reduced synthesis of the hemoglobin subunit beta
(beta globin chain).
Individuals with β-thalassemia major present between ages six and 24 months with pallor due to
severe anemia, poor weight gain, stunted growth, mild jaundice, and hepatosplenomegaly.
Feeding problems, diarrhea, irritability, and recurrent bouts of fever may occur. Treatment with
regular red blood cell transfusions and iron chelation therapy allows for normal growth and
development and improves prognosis. Long-term complications associated with iron overload
include stunted growth, dilated cardiomyopathy, liver disease, and endocrinopathies.
Individuals with β-thalassemia intermedia have a more variable age of presentation due to milder
anemia that does not require regular red blood cell transfusions from early childhood. Additional
clinical features may include jaundice, cholelithiasis, hepatosplenomegaly, skeletal changes (long
bone deformities, characteristic craniofacial features, and osteoporosis), leg ulcers, pulmonary
hypertension, extramedullary masses of hyperplastic erythroid marrow, and increased risk of
thrombotic complications. Individuals with β-thalassemia intermedia are at risk for iron overload
secondary to increased intestinal absorption of iron as a result of dysregulation of iron metabolism
caused by ineffective erythropoiesis.
Bietti Crystalline Dystrophy
Synonyms: Bietti Crystalline Corneoretinal Dystrophy, Bietti Crystalline Retinopathy
Bietti crystalline dystrophy (BCD) is a chorioretinal degeneration characterized by the presence
of yellow-white crystals and/or complex lipid deposits in the retina and (to a variable degree) the
cornea. Progressive atrophy and degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) / choroid
lead to symptoms similar to those of other forms of retinal degeneration that fall under the
category of retinitis pigmentosa and allied disorders, namely: reduced visual acuity, poor night
vision, abnormal retinal electrophysiology, visual field loss, and often impaired color vision.
Marked asymmetry between eyes is not uncommon. Onset is typically during the second to third
decade of life, but ranges from the early teenage years to beyond the third decade. With time,
loss of peripheral visual field, central acuity, or both result in legal blindness in most if not all
affected individuals.
Biotin-Thiamine-Responsive Basal Ganglia Disease
Synonyms: Biotin-Responsive Basal Ganglia Disease (BBGD), BTBGD, Thiamine Metabolism
Dysfunction Syndrome-2, Thiamine Transporter-2 Deficiency
Biotin-thiamine-responsive basal ganglia disease (BTBGD) may present in childhood, early
infancy, or adulthood.
-The classic presentation of BTBGD occurs in childhood (age 3-10 years) and is characterized by
recurrent subacute encephalopathy manifest as confusion, seizures, ataxia, dystonia,
supranuclear facial palsy, external ophthalmoplegia, and/or dysphagia which, if left untreated, can
eventually lead to coma and even death. Dystonia and cogwheel rigidity are nearly always
present; hyperreflexia, ankle clonus, and Babinski responses are common. Hemiparesis or
quadriparesis may be seen. Episodes are often triggered by febrile illness or mild trauma or
stress. Simple partial or generalized seizures are easily controlled with anti-seizure medication.
-An early-infantile Leigh-like syndrome / atypical infantile spasms presentation occurs in the first
three months of life with poor feeding, vomiting, acute encephalopathy, and severe lactic acidosis.
-An adult-onset Wernicke-like encephalopathy presentation is characterized by acute onset of
status epilepticus, ataxia, nystagmus, diplopia, and ophthalmoplegia in the second decade of life.
Prompt administration of biotin and thiamine early in the disease course results in partial or
complete improvement within days in the childhood and adult presentations, but most with the
infantile presentation have had poor outcome even after supplementation with biotin and
thiamine.
Biotinidase Deficiency
Synonym: Late-Onset Multiple Carboxylase Deficiency
ndividuals with biotinidase deficiency who are diagnosed before they have developed symptoms
(e.g., by newborn screening) and who are treated with biotin have normal development.
Symptoms including seizures, developmental delay, cutaneous manifestations (skin rash,
alopecia), optic atrophy, hearing loss, and respiratory problems occur only in those individuals
with biotinidase deficiency prior to biotin treatment. Symptoms of untreated profound biotinidase
deficiency (<10% mean normal serum biotinidase activity) usually appear between ages one
week and ten years, typically with optic atrophy, hypotonia, seizures, hair loss, and skin rash.
Affected children often have ataxia and developmental delay. Individuals with partial biotinidase
deficiency (10%-30% of mean normal serum biotinidase activity) may develop symptoms only
when stressed, such as during infection. Some symptoms, such as feeding issues, cutaneous
manifestations, and respiratory issues, usually resolve with biotin therapy, whereas other
manifestations presenting prior to biotin treatment, such as optic atrophy, hearing loss, and
developmental delay, may improve but are usually not completely reversible with the initiation of
biotin therapy. Untreated adolescents and adults usually exhibit myelopathy and optic neuropathy
and are often initially diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Most of these individuals experience
improvement in their symptoms with biotin supplementation.
Birt-Hogg-Dubé Syndrome
Synonym: Hornstein-Knickenberg Syndrome
The clinical characteristics of Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome (BHDS) include cutaneous
manifestations (fibrofolliculomas, acrochordons, angiofibromas, oral papules, cutaneous
collagenomas, and epidermal cysts), pulmonary cysts/history of pneumothorax, and various types
of renal tumors. Disease severity can vary significantly even within the same family. Skin lesions
typically appear between the second and fourth decades of life and typically increase in size and
number with age. Lung cysts are often bilateral and multifocal; most individuals are asymptomatic
but at high risk for spontaneous pneumothorax. Individuals with BHDS are at a sevenfold
increased risk for renal tumors that can be bilateral and multifocal; median age of renal tumor
diagnosis is 48 years. The most common renal tumors are a hybrid of oncocytoma and
chromophobe histologic cell types (oncocytic hybrid tumor) and chromophobe histologic cell
types. Some families have renal tumor(s) and/or spontaneous pneumothorax without cutaneous
manifestations.
Blepharophimosis, Ptosis, and Epicanthus Inversus Syndrome
Synonyms: Blepharophimosis Syndrome, BPES
Blepharophimosis, ptosis, and epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES) is defined by a complex
eyelid malformation characterized by four major features, all present at birth: blepharophimosis,
ptosis, epicanthus inversus, and telecanthus. BPES type I includes the four major features and
primary ovarian insufficiency; BPES type II includes only the four major features. Other ophthalmic
manifestations that can be associated with BPES include dysplastic eyelids, lacrimal duct
anomalies, strabismus, refractive errors, and amblyopia. Other craniofacial features may include
a broad nasal bridge and low-set ears.
Bloom Syndrome
Bloom syndrome (BSyn) is characterized by severe pre- and postnatal growth deficiency, immune
abnormalities, sensitivity to sunlight, insulin resistance, and a high risk for many cancers that
occur at an early age. Despite their very small head circumference, most affected individuals have
normal intellectual ability. Women may be fertile but often have early menopause, and men tend
to be infertile, with only one confirmed case of paternity. Serious medical complications that are
more common than in the general population and that also appear at unusually early ages include
cancer of a wide variety of types and anatomic sites, diabetes mellitus as a result of insulin
resistance, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and hypothyroidism.
Bohring-Opitz Syndrome
Synonym: Oberklaid-Danks Syndrome
Bohring-Opitz syndrome (BOS) is characterized by distinctive facial features and posture, growth
failure, variable but usually severe intellectual disability, and variable anomalies. The facial
features may include microcephaly or trigonocephaly / prominent (but not fused) metopic ridge,
hypotonic facies with full cheeks, synophrys, glabellar and eyelid nevus flammeus (simplex),
prominent globes, widely set eyes, palate anomalies, and micrognathia. The BOS posture, which
is most striking in early childhood and often becomes less apparent with age, is characterized by
flexion at the elbows with ulnar deviation and flexion of the wrists and metacarpophalangeal joints.
Feeding difficulties in early childhood, including cyclic vomiting, have a significant impact on
overall health; feeding tends to improve with age. Seizures are common and typically responsive
to standard epileptic medications. Minor cardiac anomalies and transient bradycardia and apnea
may be present. Affected individuals may experience recurrent infections, which also tend to
improve with age. Isolated case reports suggest that individuals with BOS are at greater risk for
Wilms tumor than the general population, but large-scale epidemiologic studies have not been
conducted.
Branchiooculofacial Syndrome
Synonym: BOF Syndrome
Branchiooculofacial syndrome (BOFS) is characterized by branchial (cervical or infra- or supraauricular) skin defects that range from barely perceptible thin skin or hair patch to erythematous
"hemangiomatous" lesions to large weeping erosions; ocular anomalies that can include
microphthalmia, anophthalmia, coloboma, cataract, and nasolacrimal duct stenosis/atresia; and
facial anomalies that can include dolichocephaly, hypertelorism or telecanthus, broad nasal tip,
upslanted palpebral fissures, cleft lip or prominent philtral pillars that give the appearance of a
repaired cleft lip (formerly called "pseudocleft lip") with or without cleft palate, upper lip pits, and
lower facial weakness (asymmetric crying face or partial weakness of cranial nerve VII).
Malformed and prominent pinnae and hearing loss from inner ear and/or petrous bone anomalies
are common. Intellect is usually normal.
Branchiootorenal Spectrum Disorder
Branchiootorenal spectrum disorder (BORSD) is characterized by malformations of the outer,
middle, and inner ear associated with conductive, sensorineural, or mixed hearing impairment,
branchial fistulae and cysts, and renal malformations ranging from mild renal hypoplasia to
bilateral renal agenesis. Some individuals progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) later in
life.
Extreme variability can be observed in the presence, severity, and type of branchial arch, otologic,
audiologic, and renal abnormality from right side to left side in an affected individual and also
among individuals in the same family.
Brugada Syndrome
Synonym: Sudden Unexpected Nocturnal Death Syndrome
Brugada syndrome is characterized by cardiac conduction abnormalities (ST segment
abnormalities in leads V1-V3 on EKG and a high risk for ventricular arrhythmias) that can result
in sudden death. Brugada syndrome presents primarily during adulthood, although age at
diagnosis may range from infancy to late adulthood. The mean age of sudden death is
approximately 40 years. Clinical presentations may also include sudden infant death syndrome
(SIDS; death of a child during the first year of life without an identifiable cause) and sudden
unexpected nocturnal death syndrome (SUNDS), a typical presentation in individuals from
Southeast Asia. Other conduction defects can include first-degree AV block, intraventricular
conduction delay, right bundle branch block, and sick sinus syndrome.
Bryant-Li-Bhoj Neurodevelopmental Syndrome
Bryant-Li-Bhoj neurodevelopmental syndrome (BRYLIB) is characterized by developmental
delay / intellectual disability (typically in the severe range) and nonspecific craniofacial
abnormalities. Many affected individuals do not achieve independent sitting, walking, or speaking,
although there is a range of developmental outcomes. The presentation is highly variable and can
include hypotonia, epilepsy, other neurologic findings (spasticity, loss of developmental
milestones, worsening gait, and/or camptocormia – forward flexion of the spine when standing
that resolves when lying down), growth abnormalities (most commonly poor growth),
craniosynostosis (of any suture), and ocular involvement. Congenital anomalies are rare but can
include congenital heart defects, brain malformations, and genitourinary abnormalities in males.
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