Health Encyclopedia

Aarskog syndrome

Definition

Aarskog syndrome is an inherited disease that affects a person's height, muscles, skeleton, genitals, and appearance of the face. Inherited means that it is passed down through families.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Aarskog syndrome is a genetic disorder. It affects mainly males, but females may have a milder form. The condition is caused by changes (mutations) in a gene called "faciogenital dysplasia" (FGDY1).

Symptoms

Belly button that sticks out
Bulge in the groin or scrotum (inguinal hernia)
Delayed sexual maturation
Delayed teeth
Downward palpebral slant to eyes
Hairline with a "widow's peak"
Mildly sunken chest (pectus excavatum)
Mild-to-moderate mental problems
Mild-to-moderate short stature which may not be obvious until the child is 1 - 3 years old
Poorly developed mid-portion of the face
Rounded face
"Shawl" scrotum, testicles that have not come down (undescended)
Short fingers and toes with mild webbing
Single crease in palm of hand
Small, broad hands and feet with short fingers and curved-in 5th finger
Small nose with nostrils tipped forward
Top portion of the ear folded over slightly
Wide groove above the upper lip, crease below the lower lip
Wide-set eyes with droopy eyelids

Signs and tests

Genetic testing for mutations in the FGDY1 gene
X-rays

Treatment

Moving the teeth (orthodontic treatment) may be done for some of the abnormal facial features.

Support Groups

The MAGIC Foundation for Children's Growth is a support group for Aarskog syndrome and can be found at www.magicfoundation.org.

Expectations (prognosis)

Some people may have mild degrees of mental slowness, but affected children usually have good social skills. Some males may have problems with fertility.

Complications

Cystic changes in the brain
Difficulty growing in the first year of life
Poorly aligned teeth
Seizures
Undescended testicle

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if your child has delayed growth or if you notice any of the symptoms described here. Seek genetic counseling if there is a history of Aarskog syndrome in your family. Contact a genetic specialist if your doctor thinks you or your child may have Aarskog syndrome.

Prevention

Prenatal testing may be available for those with a family history of the condition or known mutation of the gene.

Review Date:2/5/2008
Reviewed By:Chad Haldeman-Englert, MD, Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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