MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Aarskog syndrome

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Aarskog syndrome

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition Causes Symptoms Exams and Tests Treatment	Support Groups Outlook (Prognosis) Possible Complications When to Contact a Medical Professional Prevention

Illustrations

The face

Simian crease

Pectus excavatum

Definition Return to top

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 Return to top

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 Return to top

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 midportion 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

Exams and Tests Return to top

Genetic testing for mutations in the FGDY1 gene
X-rays

Treatment Return to top

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

Support Groups Return to top

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

Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top

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

Possible Complications Return to top

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

When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top

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 Return to top

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

Update Date: 2/5/2008

Updated by: Chad Haldeman-Englert, MD, Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.