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Cornelia de Lange Syndrome

Abstract

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Synonyms of Cornelia de Lange Syndrome

  • Amsterdam syndrome
  • BDLS
  • Brachmann-de Lange Syndrome
  • CdLS
  • de Lange Syndrome

Disorder Subdivisions

  • No subdivisions found.

General Discussion

Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is a rare genetic disorder that is apparent at birth (congenital). Associated symptoms and findings typically include delays in physical development before and after birth (prenatal and postnatal growth retardation); characteristic abnormalities of the head and facial (craniofacial) area, resulting in a distinctive facial appearance; malformations of the hands and arms (upper limbs); and mild to severe mental retardation. Many infants and children with the disorder have an unusually small, short head (microbrachycephaly); an abnormally long vertical groove between the upper lip and nose (philtrum); a depressed nasal bridge; upturned nostrils (anteverted nares); and a protruding upper jaw (maxillary prognathism). Additional, characteristic facial abnormalities may include thin, downturned lips; low-set ears; arched, well-defined eyebrows that grow together across the base of the nose (synophrys); an unusually low hairline on the forehead and the back of the neck; and abnormally curly, long eyelashes. Affected individuals may also have distinctive malformations of the limbs, such as unusually small hands and feet, inward deviation (clinodactyly) of the fifth fingers, or webbing (syndactyly) of certain toes. Less commonly, there may be absence of the forearms, hands, and fingers. Infants with Cornelia de Lange syndrome may also have feeding and breathing difficulties; an increased susceptibility to respiratory infections; a low-pitched "growling" cry; heart defects; delayed skeletal maturation; hearing loss; or other physical abnormalities. The range and severity of associated symptoms and findings may be extremely variable from case to case.

Cornelia de Lange syndrome can be inherited as an autosomal dominant condition or an X-linked condition. The only genes that have been found to be associated with Cornelia de Lange syndrome are the NIPBL gene on chromosome 5 and the SMC1L1 gene on the X chromosome. Most affected individuals have an abnormal gene as a result of a new gene mutation and do not have an affected parent. Other genes may be found to be associated with Cornelia de Lange syndrome in the future.

Organizations related to Cornelia de Lange Syndrome

(Please note that some of these organizations may provide information concerning certain conditions potentially associated with this disorder [e.g., craniofacial abnormalities, limb anomalies, hearing impairment, mental retardation, etc.)

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