The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs.Orpha Number: 3312DefinitionThalidomide 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 conditions, including morning…

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 (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]…

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 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 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 (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 (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 (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 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…

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 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…

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 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 (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…

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 (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 (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…

Oculocutaneous albinism type 1 is a condition that affects the coloring of the skin, hair, and eyes. Signs and symptoms include very fair skin, white hair, an increased risk for skin damage with sun exposure, reduced vision (sharpness), light colored irises, nystagmus, and photophobia (eyes are sensitive to light). It is caused by changes in the TYR…

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…

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 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 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 (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 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 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, 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 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 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…

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Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare, inherited immunodeficiency that affects certain white blood cells. People with this condition have immune systems that do not function properly, leaving the body vulnerable to chronic inflammation and frequent bacterial and fungal infections. The features of this condition usually develop in infancy or early childhood; however, milder forms may…

Congenital lobar emphysema is a rare respiratory disorder in which air can enter the lungs but cannot escape, causing overinflation (hyperinflation) of the lobes of the lung. It is most often detected in newborns or young infants, but some cases do not become apparent until adulthood. Signs and symptoms may include difficulty breathing and respiratory distress…

X-linked ichthyosis is a disorder in which the skin cells are produced at a normal rate but they do not separate properly at the surface of the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the skin). This slows the rate of shedding of the skin cells, resulting in a build-up of scales. The scales of X-linked…

Pseudohypoparathyroidism is a genetic disorder in which the body is unable to respond to parathyroid hormone. Parathyroid hormone helps control calcium, phosphorous, and vitamin D levels in the bones and blood. Hypoparathyroidism is a similar condition in which the body does not make enough parathyroid hormone instead of not being able to respond to it (as in pseudohypoparathyroidism).[1] The…

Apert syndrome is characterized by fusion of the skull bones too early during development (craniosynostosis) and webbing of fingers and toes (syndactyly). Other signs and symptoms may include distinctive facial features, some of which may lead to dental and vision problems. People with Apert syndrome may also have mild to moderate intellectual disability.[1][2]  Apert syndrome…

48,XXXY syndrome is a type of chromosome abnormality characterized by the presence of 2 extra X chromosomes in males. It is sometimes referred to as a variant of Klinefelter syndrome, but differs from Klinefelter syndrome in many ways and is more severe.[1] Signs and symptoms of 48,XXXY syndrome can vary but may include learning difficulties; intellectual…

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Split hand foot malformation (SHFM) is a type of birth defect that consists of missing digits (fingers and/or toes), a deep cleft down the center of the hand or foot, and fusion of remaining digits.[1][2] The severity of this condition varies widely among affected individuals. SHFM is sometimes called ectrodactyly; however, this is a nonspecific term used to describe missing…

Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP), also called immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgAV), is a vascular disease that primarily affects small blood vessels. The disease is characterized by abnormal deposits of immunoglobulin A (an antibody) in the blood vessels, leading to their inflammation (vasculitis). The small vessels of the skin, joints, kidneys, and digestive organs are particularly involved. Signs…

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Congenital primary aphakia (CPA) is a rare eye condition that is present at birth in which the lens is missing. In some cases, CPA can be associated with other eye abnormalities including microphthalmia, absence of the iris, anterior segment aplasia, and/or sclerocornea (when the cornea blends with the sclera). This condition is thought to result from an abnormality during the…

The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 545 Definition Follicular lymphoma is a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (see this term) characterized by a proliferation of B cells whose nodular structure of follicular architecture is preserved. Epidemiology Prevalence of follicular lymphoma is estimated…

Glioblastoma is a malignant (cancerous) brain tumor that develops from a specific type of brain cell called an astrocyte. These cells help support and nourish neurons (nerve cells of the brain) and form scar tissue that helps repair brain damage in response to injury. Glioblastomas are often very aggressive and grow into surrounding brain tissue. Signs…

Autosomal dominant optic atrophy plus syndrome (ADOA plus) is a rare syndrome that causes vision loss, hearing loss, and symptoms affecting the muscles. The syndrome is associated with degeneration of the optic nerve (optic atrophy). The optic nerve sends signals about what the eyes are seeing to the brain. When there is optic nerve damage,…

Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome is a group of disorders that mainly affects the development of the eye. Common eye symptoms include cornea defects and iris defects. People with this syndrome may have an off-center pupil (corectopia) or extra holes in the eyes that can look like multiple pupils (polycoria). About 50% of people with this syndrome develop glaucoma, a condition…

Bullous pemphigoid is a skin disorder characterized by large blisters. The blisters are usually located on the arms, legs, or middle of the body. In some people, the mouth or genitals are also affected.[1][2] The blisters may break open and form ulcers or open sores.[1] Bullous pemphigoid usually occurs in older persons and is rare…

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of blood disorders characterized by abnormal development of blood cells within the bone marrow. People with MDS have abnormally low blood cell levels (low blood counts). Signs and symptoms may include dizziness, fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, bruising and bleeding, frequent infections, and headaches.[1][2] In some people with MDS, the…

Spina bifida is a type of neural tube defect in which the neural tube (the structure in an embryo that becomes the brain and spinal cord) does not completely close during development in the womb. This may result in part of the spinal cord sticking out through an opening in the spine, leading to permanent…

Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease is a disorder that affects the brain and spinal cord. It is a type of leukodystrophy and is characterized by problems with coordination, motor skills, and learning. The age of onset and the severity of the symptoms varies greatly depending on the type of disease. It is caused by an inability to form…

Congenital hypothyroidism is a condition that affects infants from birth and results from a partial or complete loss of thyroid function (hypothyroidism). The thyroid gland makes hormones that play an important role in regulating growth, brain development, and metabolism in the body. Congenital hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland fails to develop or function properly. In…

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Hereditary spherocytosis is a condition characterized by hemolytic anemia (when red blood cells are destroyed earlier than normal). Signs and symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include pale skin, fatigue, anemia, jaundice, gallstones, and/or enlargement of the spleen.[1] Other symptoms of hemolytic anemia may include feeling that your heart is pounding or racing (palpitations),…

Hartnup disease is a metabolic disorder characterized by abnormal transport of certain amino acids in the kidney and gastrointestinal system. It is a type of aminoaciduria. The condition may be diagnosed based on the results of newborn screening tests. Most people with the condition have no symptoms (asymptomatic). For those who do show symptoms, the onset of…

Dandy-Walker complex is a group of disorders that affect the development of the brain. The changes in brain development are present from birth (congenital). Dandy-Walker complex affects the formation of the area of the brain known as the cerebellum, which is responsible for coordinating movement, and the fluid-filled spaces around it. People with Dandy-Walker complex…

Stickler syndrome is a group of hereditary connective tissue disorders characterized by distinctive facial features, eye abnormalities, hearing loss, and joint problems. The symptoms of Stickler syndrome may vary but include near-sightedness (myopia), retinal detachment, underdevelopment of the middle of the face, and the development of arthritis at a young age.[1] Stickler syndrome is caused…

The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 95720 Definition Thyroid hypoplasia is a form of thyroid dysgenesis (see this term) characterized by incomplete development of the thyroid gland that results in primary congenital hypothyroidism (see this term), a permanent thyroid deficiency that…

Wolfram syndrome, which is also known by the acronym DIDMOAD, is an inherited condition characterized by diabetes insipidus (DI), childhood-onset diabetes mellitus (DM), a gradual loss of vision caused by optic atrophy (OA), and deafness (D).[1] Other symptoms may include bladder and bowel dysfunction, problems with the parts of the inner ear and brain that…

Parsonage Turner syndrome (PTS) is characterized by the sudden onset of shoulder and upper arm pain followed by progressive (worsening over time) weakness and/or atrophy of the affected area. The pain is felt along the path of one or more nerves and often has no obvious physical cause. The network of nerves involved in this syndrome is called…

Warm antibody hemolytic anemia is the most common form of autoimmune hemolytic anemia. It is defined by the presence of autoantibodies that attach to and destroy red blood cells at temperatures equal to or greater than normal body temperature.[1][2] The disease is characterized by symptoms related to anemia, including fatigue, difficulty breathing, jaundice and dark urine. In severe disease, fever, chest pain, syncope or…

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) affects the muscles, leading to muscle wasting that gets worse over time. DMD occurs primarily in males, though in rare cases may affect females. The symptoms of DMD include progressive weakness and loss (atrophy) of both skeletal and heart muscle. Early signs may include delayed ability to sit, stand, or walk…

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a disease that causes abnormal blood clots to form in small blood vessels in the kidneys. These clots can cause serious medical problems if they restrict or block blood flow, including hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and kidney failure. It can occur at any age and is often caused by a…

The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 98957 Definition Gelatinous drop-like corneal dystrophy (GDCD) is a form of superficial corneal dystrophy characterized by multiple prominent milky-white gelatinous nodules beneath the corneal epithelium, and marked visual impairment. Epidemiology Worldwide prevalence of this form…

Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 4 (CMT4) is a congenital neurologic hereditary disease, part of a group of peripheral neuropathies known as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). According to the mutated gene CMT4 is classified in CMT4A, CMT4B1, CMT4B2, CMT4B3, CMT4C, CMT4D, CMT4E, CMT4F, CMT4G, CMT4H and CMT4J. Each of these subtypes is very rare and may affect only a particular ethnic…

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) is a condition in which tumors called gastrinomas in the pancreas and duodenum (part of the small intestine) cause high levels of the hormone gastrin in the blood. High levels of gastrin then cause production of too much stomach acid. Signs and symptoms may include abdominal pain, peptic ulcers, vomiting blood, and diarrhea.[1][2]…

Maternally inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD) is a form of diabetes that is often accompanied by hearing loss, especially of high tones. The diabetes in MIDD is characterized by high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) resulting from a shortage of the hormone insulin, which regulates the amount of sugar in the blood. MIDD is caused by…

Hereditary elliptocytosis (HE) refers to a group of inherited blood conditions where the red blood cells are abnormally shaped. Symptoms vary from very mild to severe and can include fatigue, shortness of breath, gallstones, and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).[1][2] Some people with this condition have an enlarged spleen. Hereditary elliptocytosis is caused by a genetic change…

Barth syndrome is a metabolic and neuromuscular disorder, occurring almost exclusively in males, that primarily affects the heart, immune system, muscles, and growth. It typically becomes apparent during infancy or early childhood, but the age of onset, associated symptoms and findings, and disease course varies considerably among affected individuals. The main characteristics of the condition include abnormalities of…

The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 1576 Definition Infantile bilateral striatal necrosis (IBSN) comprises several syndromes of bilateral symmetric spongy degeneration of the caudate nucleaus, putamen and globus pallidus characterized by developmental regression, choreoathetosis and dystonia progressing to spastic quadriparesis. IBSN…

Friedreich ataxia is an inherited condition that affects the nervous system and causes movement problems. People with this condition develop impaired muscle coordination (ataxia) that worsens over time. Other features include the gradual loss of strength and sensation in the arms and legs, muscle stiffness (spasticity), and impaired speech. Many individuals have a form of heart…

Ectodermal dysplasias (ED) are a group of more than 180 disorders that affect the outer layer of tissue of the embryo (ectoderm) that helps make up the skin, sweat glands, hair, teeth, and nails. Symptoms of ED can range from mild to severe and may include teeth abnormalities; brittle, sparse or absent hair; abnormal fingernails;…

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) refers to a group of genetic conditions that affect the adrenal glands. These glands sit on top of the kidneys and are responsible for releasing various types of hormones that the body needs to function. Affected people lack an enzyme the adrenal glands need to make one or more of these…

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a group of genetic neuromuscular disorders that affect the nerve cells that control voluntary muscles (motor neurons). The loss of motor neurons causes progressive muscle weakness and loss of movement due to muscle wasting (atrophy). The severity of the symptoms, the age at which symptoms, begin, and genetic cause varies…

Rett syndrome is a progressive, neuro-developmental condition that primarily affects girls. Affected girls appear to have normal psychomotor development during the first 6 to 18 months of life, followed by a developmental “plateau,” and then rapid regression in language and motor skills. Additional signs and symptoms may include repetitive, stereotypic hand movements; fits of screaming…

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a type of kidney disorder. It is characterized by scar tissue that forms in some of the glomeruli in the kidney.[1] FSGS may cause non-specific signs and symptoms, including protein in the urine, elevated levels of creatinine, and swelling.[2][3] In many cases the cause of FSGS can not be determined. Some…

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is a form of severe epilepsy that begins in childhood. It is characterized by multiple types of seizures and intellectual disability.[1] This condition can be caused by brain malformations, perinatal asphyxia (lack of oxygen), severe head injury, central nervous system infection and inherited degenerative or metabolic conditions. In about one-third of cases, no…

Immune 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…

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) occurs when your immune system makes antibodies that attack your red blood cells. This causes a drop in the number of red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia.[1][2][3][4] Symptoms may include unusual weakness and fatigue with tachycardia and breathing difficulties, jaundice, dark urine and/or splenomegaly. AIHA can be primary (idiopathic) or result from…

IgA nephropathy is a kidney disorder that occurs when IgA (immunoglobulin A), a protein that helps the body fight infections, settles in the kidneys. IgA nephropathy can occur at any age, even in childhood. After many years, deposits of IgA may cause the kidneys to leak blood and sometimes protein in the urine. In the early…

Narcolepsy is a chronic brain disorder that involves poor control of sleep-wake cycles. People with narcolepsy have episodes of extreme daytime sleepiness and sudden, irresistible bouts of sleep (called “sleep attacks”) that can occur at any time, and may last from seconds or minutes. Other signs and symptoms may include cataplexy (a sudden loss of…