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Mehes syndrome
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs.Orpha Number: 3038DefinitionThis syndrome is extremely rare and is characterized by delayed speech development, mild facial asymmetry, strabismus and transverse ear lobe creases.EpidemiologyTo date, six cases have been reported in five families.Clinical descriptionDysmorphic features include asymmetrical face, unilateral…
Synovial Chondromatosis
Synovial chondromatosis is a type of non-cancerous tumor that arises in the lining of a joint. The knee is most commonly affected, however it can affect any joint. The tumors begin as small nodules of cartilage. These nodules can separate and become loose within the joint.[1] Some tumors may be no larger than a grain…
Thoracic outlet syndromes
Thoracic outlet syndromes (TOSs) are a group of disorders with one common feature: the compression of 1 or more of the nerves and/or blood vessels just above the first rib and behind the collarbone.[1][2] There are 4 recognized subtypes of TOS, each with a distinct cause and pattern of symptoms. A fifth subtype is controversial.[1][3][4] While…
Primary hyperoxaluria type 2
Primary hyperoxaluria type 2 is a rare condition characterized by the overproduction of a substance called oxalate (also called oxalic acid). In the kidneys, the excess oxalate combines with calcium to form calcium oxalate, a hard compound that is the main component of kidney stones. Deposits of calcium oxalate can lead to kidney damage, kidney…
AREDYLD
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 1133 Definition A syndrome that has been described in three individuals, one of whom was born to consanguineous parents. All patients had lipoatrophy, diabetes mellitus, generalized hypotrichosis, ectodermal dysplasia, renal alterations, dental abnormalities and other…
Transient global amnesia
Transient global amnesia (TGA) is a condition characterized by sudden onset of memory loss and confusion. During an episode of TGA, a person is not able to make new memories. The person may be disoriented in regard to time and place, but can remember who they are and can recognize family members. TGA typically lasts…
Dieulafoy lesion
Dieulafoy lesion is an abnormally large artery (a vessel that takes blood from the heart to other areas of the body) in the lining of the gastrointestinal system. It is most common in the stomach but can occur in other locations, including the small and large intestine. Dieulafoy lesions can cause severe and sudden gastrointestinal…
UV sensitive syndrome
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 178338 Definition A rare photodermatosis characterized by cutaneous photosensitivity and slight dyspigmentation, without an increased risk of developing skin tumors. Telangiectasia may also be observed, but no other clinical abnormalities. Patients present in infancy or…
Vulvar cancer
Vulvar cancer is the abnormal growth of cells of the vulva, which is part of the female reproductive system and includes the vaginal lips, clitoris, and part of the vagina. Symptoms of vulvar cancer may consist of a lump (mass), itching, or unusual bleeding. Though the exact cause of this cancer is unknown, older women and…
Late-Onset Familial Alzheimer Disease
Late-onset familial Alzheimer disease, is a form of familial Alzheimer disease, that begins after age 65. In general, Alzheimer disease (AD) is a degenerative disease of the brain that causes gradual loss of memory, judgement and the ability to function socially. The exact underlying cause of late-onset familial AD is not completely understood; however, researchers suspect…
Granulosa cell tumor of the ovary
Granulosa cell tumor of the ovary is a rare type of ovarian cancer that accounts for approximately 2% of all ovarian tumors. This type of tumor is known as a sex cord-stromal tumor and usually occurs in adults. Granulosa cell tumors of the ovary cause higher than normal levels of estrogen in a woman’s body. The symptoms of…
Juvenile-onset dystonia
Juvenile-onset dystonia is a form of dystonia, which is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions that cause repetitive movements and/or abnormal postures. The severity and frequency of the movements vary significantly; in some affected people, they may be barely noticeable while in others, the movements are severely disabling and painful. Dystonia can affect…
L-arginine:glycine amidinotransferase deficiency
L-arginine:glycine amidinotransferase (AGAT) deficiency is a rare condition that primarily affects the brain. People with AGAT deficiency generally have mild to moderate intellectual disability. Other signs and symptoms may include seizures, delayed language development, muscle weakness, failure to thrive, autistic behaviors, and delayed motor milestones (i.e. walking, sitting). AGAT deficiency is caused by changes (mutations)…
Epidermolysa bullosa simplex with muscular dystrophy
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 257 Definition Epidermolysis bullosa simplex with muscular dystrophy (EBS-MD) is a basal subtype of epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS, see this term) characterized by generalized blistering associated with muscular dystrophy. Epidemiology Prevalence is unknown, but more…
Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome
Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome is a disorder of brain development that causes moderate to severe intellectual disability and problems with movement. This condition, which occurs exclusively in males, disrupts development from before birth. Although affected males have speech and a limited ability to communicate, they seem to enjoy interaction with others. Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome is caused by mutations…
Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome
Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) is a congenital abnormality of the pituitary gland characterized by the triad of a very thin or interrupted pituitary stalk, a misplaced (ectopic) or absent posterior pituitary and a small or absent anterior pituitary, with permanent growth hormone (GH) deficit.[1][2] Signs and symptoms in newborns include low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia),…
Trichostasis spinulosa
Trichostasis spinulosa (TS) is a condition where instead of one hair protruding from a hair follicle, a bundle or bush of hair come out of a single follicle. This results in elevated, dark spiny papules on the head, face (usually the nose), and trunk. In this condition, there are numerous tiny open pores filled with…
ALG6-CDG (CDG-Ic)
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 79320 Definition A form of congenital disorders of N-linked glycosylation characterized by feeding problems, mild-to-moderate neurologic involvement with hypotonia, poor head control, developmental delay, ataxia, strabismus, and seizures, ranging from febrile convulsions to epilepsy. Retinal…
Endometrial stromal sarcoma
Endometrial stromal sarcoma is a rare form of cancer that occurs due to abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth in the uterus. Endometrial stromal sarcoma, specifically, develops in the supporting connective tissue (stroma) of the uterus. Signs and symptoms of the condition include abnormal uterine bleeding (i.e. bleeding that is not part of menstrual periods or…
Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis
Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF) is a skin disorder characterized by recurring itchy, red or skin-colored bumps and pustules (bumps containing pus).[1] The condition is named after the fact that skin biopsies of this disorder find eosinophils (a type of immune cell) around hair follicles. The papules mostly appear on the face, scalp, neck and trunk and may…
Takayasu arteritis
Takayasu arteritis is a condition that causes inflammation of the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body (aorta) and its associated branched blood vessels. As a result of the inflammation, the blood vessel walls become thick and make it difficult for blood to flow. Over time, impaired blood flow…
Behçet disease
Behçet disease is a chronic multisystem inflammatory disorder characterized by ulcers affecting the mouth and genitals, various skin lesions, and abnormalities affecting the eyes. In some people, the disease also results in arthritis (swollen, painful, stiff joints), skin problems, and inflammation of the digestive tract, brain, and spinal cord.[1][2][3] Although it can happen at any age, symptoms generally begin…
Papillon Lefevre syndrome
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 678 Definition Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome (PLS) is a rare ectodermal dysplasia characterized by palmoplantar keratoderma associated with early-onset periodontitis. Epidemiology The prevalence is estimated between 1/250,000 and 1/1,000,000 individuals. The male to female ratio is 1:1….
Intraocular melanoma
Intraocular melanoma is a cancer of the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) in the middle layer of the eye, called the uveal tract.[1] The uveal tract has 3 main parts: (1) the choroid (the tissue layer filled with blood vessels); (2) the ciliary body (the ring of muscle tissue that changes the size of the pupil and the shape of the…
Familial lipoprotein lipase deficiency
Familial lipoprotein lipase deficiency is a rare genetic disorder is which a person lacks the enzyme lipoprotein lipase, a protein needed to break down fat molecules. Deficiency of this enzyme prevents affected individuals from properly digesting certain fats. This results in the accumulation of fatty droplets called chylomicrons in the blood and an increase in…
Waardenburg syndrome
Waardenburg syndrome (WS) is a group of genetic conditions characterized by varying degrees of hearing loss and differences in the coloring (pigmentation) of the eyes, hair, and skin. Signs and symptoms can vary both within and between families. Common features include congenital sensorineural deafness; pale blue eyes, different colored eyes, or two colors within one eye; a…
Miyoshi myopathy
Miyoshi myopathy is a type of muscular dystrophy characterized by muscle weakness and atrophy (wasting), mainly in the distal parts of the legs.[1] The first symptoms typically begin in young adulthood (on average 20 years of age) and include weakness and atrophy of the calves (sometimes asymmetrically), leading to inability to jump, run or walk on tiptoes. Over…
Tricuspid atresia
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 1209 Definition Tricuspid atresia is (TA) a rare congenital heart malformation characterized by the congenital agenesis of tricuspid valve leading to severe hypoplasia of right ventricle (functionally univentricular). TA is associated with normally related or…
Gaucher disease type 1
Gaucher disease type 1 (GD1) is the most common form of Gaucher disease. Like other types of Gaucher disease, GD1 is caused when not enough glucocerebrosidase (GBA) is made. GBA is an important enzyme that breaks down a fatty chemical called glucocerebroside.[1][2][3] Because the body cannot break down this chemical, fat-filled Gaucher cells build up in…
47 XXX syndrome
47 XXX syndrome, also called trisomy X or triple X syndrome, is characterized by the presence of an additional (third) X chromosome in each of a female’s cells (which normally have two X chromosomes). An extra copy of the X chromosome is associated with tall stature, learning problems, and other features in some girls and women. Seizures or…
Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis
Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis is a genetic disease that causes episodes of extreme muscle weakness and an increase of the potassium levels in the blood. Muscle weakness during an attack usually affects the arms and legs and muscles of the eyes, throat, and trunk. Most often, these episodes involve a temporary inability to move muscles in…
Oculocutaneous albinism
Oculocutaneous albinism is a group of conditions that affect the coloring of the hair and eyes. Individuals affected by oculocutaneous albinism have very light skin and light-colored irises; they may also have vision problems such as decreased sharpness of vision, rapid eye movements (nystagmus), crossed eyes (strabismus), or increased sensitivity to light (photophobia). All types…
Fabry disease
Fabry disease is a type of lysosomal storage disease. Lysosomes are round structures found in the cells of the body that are full of special proteins called enzymes. Lysosomal enzymes help breakdown other proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and other substances. In Fabry disease, there is not enough of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase (alpha-GAL). Alpha-GAL helps breakdown a…
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a bleeding disorder characterized by too few platelets in the blood. This is because platelets are being destroyed by the immune system. Symptoms may include bruising, nosebleed or bleeding in the mouth, bleeding into the skin, and abnormally heavy menstruation. With treatment, the chance of remission (a symptom-free period) is…
Glioma
Glioma refers to a type of brain tumor that develops from the glial cells, which are specialized cells that surround and support neurons (nerve cells) in the brain. It is generally classified based on which type of glial cell is involved in the tumor: Astocytoma tumors that develop from star-shaped glial cells called astrocytes Ependymomas tumors that…
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a type of vasculitis or swelling (inflammation) of the blood vessels. The disease can cause swelling of the blood vessels anywhere in the body but mainly impacts the sinuses, nose, trachea (windpipe), lungs, and kidneys. The swelling can limit the flow of blood to these body parts, causing damage. Symptoms of…
Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies
Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) is a disorder that affects peripheral nerves, causing the nerves to be highly sensitive to pressure. Symptoms usually begin during adolescence or early adulthood but may develop anytime from childhood to late adulthood. Symptoms vary in severity. While some people never realize they have the disorder, others experience prolonged disability….
Hypokalemic periodic paralysis
Hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HOKPP) is characterized by episodes of muscle paralysis associated with a fall in blood potassium levels (hypokalemia).[1] Episodes typically involve a temporary inability to move muscles in the arms and legs.[2] The first attack usually occurs in childhood or adolescence. Attacks can last for hours or days, and the frequency of attacks varies among people…
Birdshot chorioretinopathy
Birdshot chorioretinopathy is an eye condition in which painless, light-colored spots develop on the retina. These spots are scattered in a “birdshot” pattern. The effects of this condition on vision are quite variable; some individuals’ vision is only mildly affected, whereas others experience a significant decline in vision, the appearance of floaters (small specks that appear…
Mantle cell lymphoma
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) belongs to a group of diseases known as non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHL). NHL’s are cancers that affect the the lymphatic system (part of the immune system). In MCL, there are cancerous B-cells (a type of immune system cell). The cancerous B-cells are within a region of the lymph node known as the…
Intracranial arteriovenous malformation
Intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are abnormal connections between the arteries and veins in the brain.[1] Most people with brain or spinal AVMs experience few, if any, major symptoms. About 12 percent of people with this condition experience symptoms that vary greatly in severity. Seizures and headaches are the most common symptoms of AVMs but individuals…
Mucopolysaccharidosis type IV
Mucopolysaccharidosis type IV (MPS IV), also known as Morquio syndrome, is a rare metabolic condition in which the body is unable to break down long chains of sugar molecules called glycosaminoglycans. As a result, toxic levels of these sugars accumulate in cell structures called lysosomes, leading to the various signs and symptoms associated with the…
Netherton syndrome
Netherton disease is a rare disorder affecting the skin, hair and immune system. Symptoms are present at birth and include red, scaly skin. Other symptoms include outbreaks of red, circular scaly rashes, thin, fragile hair (bamboo hair), and immune reactions such as hay fever, asthma, itchy skin, and eczema. Dehydration and infection are common and…
X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 64747 Definition A disorder that belongs to the genetically heterogeneous group of CMT peripheral sensorimotor polyneuropathy diseases. Clinical description CMTX1 is characterized by a slowly progressive course: muscle wasting and weakness of distal limb muscles…
Walker-Warburg syndrome
Walker-Warburg syndrome (WWS) is a severe form of congenital muscular dystrophy associated with brain and eye abnormalities. Signs and symptoms are typically present at birth and include hypotonia, muscle weakness, developmental delay, intellectual disability and occasional seizures. It is also associated with lissencephaly, hydrocephalus, cerebellar malformations, eye abnormalities, and other abnormalities. Most children do not…
Autosomal dominant hyper IgE syndrome
Autosomal dominant hyper IgE syndrome (AD-HIES), formerly known as Job syndrome, affects several body systems including the immune system. AD-HIES is characterized by abnormally high levels of an immune system protein called immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the blood. Signs and symptoms may include recurrent infections (e.g., pneumonia, skin infections), eczema, and occasionally bone and tooth abnormalities. The eczema and skin infections may cause rashes,…
Autoimmune hepatitis
Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease in which the body’s immune system attacks liver cells. This immune response causes inflammation of the liver, also called hepatitis. The disease can be quite serious and, if not treated, gets worse over time, leading to cirrhosis of the liver and/or liver failure. Autoimmune hepatitis likely results from a combination of autoimmunity, environmental triggers, and…
Epidermolysis bullosa simplex
Epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS) is one of the major forms of epidermolysis bullosa, a group of genetic conditions that cause the skin to be very fragile and to blister easily. EBS is classified into two groups of subtypes by the layer of skin at which the peeling originates. The basal subtypes cause skin peeling at…
Fetal thalidomide syndrome
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 3312 Definition Thalidomide embryopathy is a group of anomalies presented in infants as a result of in utero exposure (between 20-36 days after fertilization) to thalidomide, a sedative used in treatment of a range of…
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited heart condition in which the muscle of the right ventricle of the heart is replaced by fat and/or scar tissue. The condition is progressive and over time the right ventricle loses the ability to pump blood.[1] Individuals with ARVC often develop abnormal heart rhythms known as arrhythmias, which can increase…
Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2I
Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2I (LGMD2I) is a form of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, which refers to a group of conditions that cause weakness and wasting of the muscles in the arms and legs. The proximal muscles (those closest to the body such as the upper arms and thighs) are generally most affected by the condition.[1]…
Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 90035 Definition Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria (PCH) is a very rare subtype of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA, see this term), caused by the presence of cold-reacting autoantibodies in the blood and characterized by the sudden presence…
Hereditary pancreatitis
Hereditary pancreatitis causes multiple episodes of inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), an important digestive organ. Symptoms usually begin in childhood and may last a few days or longer. Signs and symptoms may include stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting. People with hereditary pancreatitis develop chronic pancreatitis, a constantly inflamed pancreas. This leads to symptoms which may include…
Opitz G/BBB syndrome
Opitz G/BBB syndrome is an inherited condition that affects several structures along the midline of the body. The most common features are wide-spaced eyes and defects of the larynx, trachea, and/or esophagus causing breathing problems and difficulty swallowing. Affected males usually have a urethra opening on the underside of the penis (hypospadias). Other features can…
Juvenile Huntington disease
Juvenile Huntington disease (HD) is a less common, early-onset form of Huntington disease that begins in childhood or adolescence. It is a progressive disorder that causes the breakdown of brain cells in certain areas of the brain. This results in uncontrolled movements, loss of intellectual abilities, and emotional disturbances. Juvenile HD is defined by the onset…
Inclusion body myositis
Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is a progressive muscle disorder characterized by muscle inflammation, weakness, and atrophy (wasting). It is a type of inflammatory myopathy. IBM develops in adulthood, usually after age 50. The symptoms and rate of progression vary from person to person. The most common symptoms include progressive weakness of the legs, arms, fingers, and…
CADASIL
CADASIL (Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Sub-cortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy) is an inherited disease of the blood vessels that occurs when the thickening of blood vessel walls blocks the flow of blood to the brain. The disease primarily affects the small blood vessels in the white matter of the brain. CADASIL is characterized by migraine headaches and…
Dentinogenesis imperfecta type 2
Dentinogenesis imperfecta type 2 is a rare and severe form of dentinogenesis imperfecta, a condition that affects tooth development. People affected by the condition may have weak and discolored teeth. These problems can affect both primary (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. People with this form of dentinogenesis imperfecta have no normal teeth. Sensorineural hearing loss…
Primary sclerosing cholangitis
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is characterized by inflammation in the bile ducts (cholangitis) that leads to scarring (sclerosis), narrowing of the ducts, and a buildup of bile in the liver.[1] Early signs and symptoms include extreme tiredness, abdominal pain, and itchiness.[1] As the condition worsens it may cause jaundice, an enlarged spleen, and eventually liver…
Chondrosarcoma
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 55880 Definition Chondrosarcoma is a malignant bone tumor arising from cartilaginous tissue, most frequently occuring at the ends of the femur and tibia, the proximal end of the humerus and the pelvis; and presenting with…
Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease
Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) is a complication of transplantation in which there is uncontrolled growth of lymphocytes.[1][2] It occurs in people whose immune systems have been intentionally suppressed due to having a solid organ transplant or hematopoietic stem cell transplant.[1] The severity of PTLD can range from causing a mild, noncancerous (benign) overgrowth of tissue, to…
Shwachman-Diamond syndrome
Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS) affects many parts of the body, particularly the bone marrow, pancreas, and skeletal system. Symptoms include the inability to digest food due to missing digestive enzymes, low muscle tone, and anemia. Other symptoms include skeletal findings and intellectual disability. Children with SDS may have feeding difficulties, slow growth, and frequent infections. People with…
Hairy cell leukemia
Hairy cell leukemia is a rare, slow-growing cancer of the blood in which the bone marrow makes too many B cells (lymphocytes), a type of white blood cell that fights infection. The condition is named after these excess B cells which look ‘hairy’ under a microscope. As the number of leukemia cells increases, fewer healthy white…
Transposition of the great arteries
Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is a type of congenital heart defect in which there is a reversal of the normal connections of the aorta and the pulmonary artery with the heart. The aorta and pulmonary artery are reversed, which causes oxygen-poor blood to be circulated to the body and oxygen-rich blood to be circulated between the…
Autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis
Autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (aPAP) is a rare autoimmune lung disorder. It is the most common form (90% of the cases) of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP). Most cases affect adults between the ages of 20-50 years. Some people may not show symptoms, while others may have progressive difficulty breathing and shortness of breath upon exertion. Other signs and symptoms may include…
Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Diffuse large Bcell lymphoma (DLBCL), a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, is the most common blood cancer. Lymphomas occur when cells of the immune system, known as B lymphocytes, grow and multiply uncontrollably. DLBCL occurs mostly in adults and is a fast-growing (aggressive) lymphoma. It can start in the lymph nodes or outside of the lymphatic system…
Guillain-Barre syndrome
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare syndrome in which the body’s immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system carries signals from the brain to the muscles. Symptoms of GBS include muscle weakness, numbness, and tingling sensations, which can increase in intensity until the muscles cannot be used at all (paralysis).[1]…
Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, type 2C
Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2C (LGMD2C) is a genetic condition that affects the voluntary muscles around the hips and shoulders. This condition belongs to a group of muscle disorders called limb-girdle muscular dystrophies, which are characterized by progressive loss of muscle bulk and symmetrical weakening of voluntary muscles. Symptoms of LGMD2C usually appear around 6-8 years of age,…
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a rare type of Non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymph system, part of our immune system. Non-Hodgkins lymphoma involves abnormal growth of white blood cells, either T cells or B cells. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma is an aggressive cancer that usually involves the T-cells. Cancer cells…
Enthesitis-related juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Enthesitis-related juvenile idiopathic arthritis is a subtype of juvenile idiopathic arthritis that is characterized by both arthritis and inflammation of an enthesitis site (the point at which a ligament, tendon, or joint capsule attaches to the bone). Signs and symptoms generally develop in late childhood or early adolescence and include pain, tenderness, and swelling in…
Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome
Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome is a condition that affects sexual development before birth and during puberty. People with this condition are genetically male (one X and one Y chromosome) but do not respond to male hormones at all. As a result, they generally have normal female external genitalia and female breasts. However, they do not…
Hereditary paraganglioma-pheochromocytoma
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 29072 Definition Hereditary paraganglioma-pheochromocytomas (PGL/PCC) are rare neuroendocrine tumors represented by paragangliomas (occurring in any paraganglia from the skull base to the pelvic floor) and pheochromocytomas (adrenal medullary paragangliomas; see this term). Epidemiology Hereditary PGL/PCCs…
Townes-Brocks syndrome
Townes-Brocks syndrome is a genetic condition characterized by an obstruction of the anal opening (imperforate anus), abnormally shaped ears, and thumb malformations. Most affected individuals have at least two of these three main features. Other signs and symptoms may include kidney abnormalities, hearing loss, heart defects, genital malformations and intellectual disability. The condition is caused by…
Metachromatic leukodystrophy
Metachromatic leukodystrophy is an inherited condition characterized by the accumulation of fats called sulfatides in cells, especially cells of the nervous system. This accumulation results in progressive destruction of white matter of the brain, which consists of nerve fibers covered by myelin. Affected individuals experience progressive deterioration of intellectual functions and motor skills, such as the…
Fragile XE syndrome
Fragile XE syndrome (FRAXE) is a genetic condition associated with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities with physical features differing from person to person. The characteristic features are learning difficulties, often a consequence of communication problems (speech delay, poor writing skills), hyperactivity, and a shortened attention span. Nearly all cases of FRAXE are caused by a specific type of mutation, called a trinucleotide…
Mucopolysaccharidosis type II
Mucopolysaccharidosis II (MPS II) is an inherited disorder of carbohydrate metabolism that occurs almost exclusively in males. It is characterized by distinctive facial features, a large head, hydrocephalus, enlargement of the liver and spleen (hepatosplenomegaly), umbilical or inguinal hernia, and hearing loss. Individuals with this condition may additionally have joint deformities and heart abnormalities involving the valves. MPS II…
Pierre Robin sequence
Pierre Robin sequence is a condition present at birth, in which the infant has a smaller than normal lower jaw (micrognathia), a tongue that is placed further back than normal (glossoptosis), and an opening in the roof of the mouth (cleft palate).[1][2] This combination of features can lead to difficulty breathing and problems with eating…
Pseudoxanthoma elasticum
Pseudoxanthoma elasticum, PXE, is an inherited disorder that causes calcium and other minerals to accumulate in the elastic fibers of the skin, eyes, and blood vessels, and less frequently in other areas such as the digestive tract. PXE may cause the following symptoms: growth of yellowish bumps on the skin of the neck, under the arms,…
Type 1 plasminogen deficiency
Type 1 plasminogen deficiency is a genetic condition associated with inflammed growths on the mucous membranes, the moist tissues that line body openings such as the eye, mouth, nasopharynx, trachea, and female genital tract. The growths may be triggered by local injury and/or infection and often recur after removal. The growths are caused by the deposition…
Localized scleroderma
Localized scleroderma is characterized by thickening of the skin from excessive collagen deposits. Collagen is a protein normally present in our skin that provides structural support. However, when too much collagen is made, the skin becomes stiff and hard.[1] Localized types of scleroderma are those limited to the skin and related tissues and, in some…
Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis
Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) causes abnormal inflammation to occur in and around the bones. Symptoms usually begin in childhood but can occur at any age. Symptoms may include episodes of pain and joint swelling, skin redness, and sometimes a fever. In some cases, CRMO leads to abnormal bone growth, bone deformity, and fractures. Symptoms…
Niemann-Pick disease type B
Niemann-Pick disease type B is an inherited condition involving lipid metabolism. People with this condition experience a build up of lipids in the spleen, liver, lungs, bone marrow, and brain.[1][2] Signs and symptoms typically develop in the pre-teen years and may include enlarged liver and spleen (hepatosplenomegaly), short stature, problems with lung function including frequent lung infections, and…
Parathyroid carcinoma
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 143 Definition Parathyroid carcinoma (PRTC) is a very rare, slow-growing, clinically serious endocrine tumor that generally develops in mid-adulthood. PRTC presents as a palpable painless mass in the neck and causes severe hypercalcemia and related…
Clouston syndrome
Clouston syndrome is a form of ectodermal dysplasia that is characterized by abnormalities of the skin, hair and nails. Early signs and symptoms generally begin in infancy and may include nail abnormalities and sparse scalp hair that is wiry, brittle, patchy and pale. Progressive hair loss may lead to total alopecia by puberty. Affected people may…
Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa
Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) is one of the major forms of epidermolysis bullosa. The signs and symptoms can vary widely among affected people. In mild cases, blistering may primarily affect the hands, feet, knees, and elbows. Severe cases often involve widespread blistering that can lead to vision loss, disfigurement, and other serious medical problems. DEB…
Typical congenital nemaline myopathy
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 171436 Definition Typical nemaline myopathy is a moderate neonatal form of nemaline myopathy (NM; see this term) characterized by facial and skeletal muscle weakness and mild respiratory involvement. Epidemiology The annual incidence of NM has…
Acute intermittent porphyria
Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is one of the liver (hepatic) porphyrias. AIP is caused by low levels of porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD), an enzyme also often called hydroxymethylbilane synthase. The low levels of PBGD are generally not sufficient to cause symptoms; however, activating factors such as hormones, drugs, and dietary changes may trigger symptoms. Although most individuals with AIP…
Primary lateral sclerosis
Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a rare neuromuscular disease that affects the nerve cells that control the voluntary muscles. Problems in the legs (such as weakness, stiffness, spasticity, and balance problems) are often observed first, but hand clumsiness and changes in speech can be early symptoms, as well. The condition is progressive (gradually becomes worse…