Diseases & Conditions
Aarskog Syndrome
(Aarskog-Scott Syndrome; Faciodigitogenital Dysplasia or Syndrome; Faciogenital Dysplasia; Shawl Scrotum Syndrome)
Definition
Aarskog syndrome is an extremely rare genetic disorder. This syndrome causes changes in the size and shape of certain bones and cartilage in the body. The face, fingers, and toes are most often affected.
Causes
Aarskog syndrome is an inherited disorder. It is caused by a gene mutation on the X chromosome, which is passed from mothers to male children.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. This disorder mainly affects males.
Those at risk of inheriting Aarskog syndrome are male children of:
Mothers who do not have the disorder, but who carry the gene for it
Symptoms
The main symptoms of Aarskog syndrome are:
Disproportionately short stature
Abnormalities of the head and face, including:
Rounded face
Wide-set eyes
Slightly slanted eyes
Drooping eyelids
Small nose
Front-facing nostrils
Underdeveloped mid-portion of the face
Wide groove above the upper lip
Crease below the lower lip
Folding of the top portion of the ear
Delayed teeth growth
In some cases, cleft lip or palate
Other symptoms may include:
A malformed scrotum
Undescended testicles
Small, wide hands and feet
Short fingers and toes
In some cases, mild webbing of fingers and toes, or simian crease in palm of hand
Abnormalities of the sternum (mildly sunken chest)
Protruding navel
Inguinal hernias
Ligament problems, resulting in hyperextension of the knees
Mild mental deficiencies (in about one-third of those affected)
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. The diagnosis of Aarskog syndrome is usually based on facial characteristics. The diagnosis can be confirmed by x-rays of the face and skull.
Treatment
There is no known cure for Aarskog syndrome. Treatment is limited to surgical procedures to treat conditions caused by the disorder and supportive treatment. Orthodontic treatment is often needed, as well. Researchers have located abnormalities in the FGD1 gene in people with this syndrome, and genetic testing for mutations in this gene may be available.
Treatment may include:
Surgery
Conditions that may be treated with surgery include:
Inguinal hernia
Cleft lip or palate
Undescended testicles
Orthodontics
In some cases, orthodontic treatment may help certain facial and dental abnormalities caused by the disorder.
Supportive Treatment
Supportive treatment generally includes educational assistance to those afflicted with mental deficiencies. Parents often need advice and supportive treatment.
Prevention
There is no known way to prevent Aarskog syndrome. If you have Aarskog syndrome or have a family history of the disorder, you can talk with a genetic counselor when deciding to have children.