Kallmann syndrome (KS) is a condition that causes hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) and an impaired sense of smell. HH affects the production of the hormones needed for sexual development. It is present from birth and is due to deficiency of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). KS is often diagnosed at puberty due to lack of sexual development. It…

Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) affects a person’s ability to use language to communicate. This includes difficulty making or understanding speech (aphasia).[1] PPA is a specific type of a more general disease called frontotemporal dementia.[2] PPA can be classified into three distinct types which include:[1] Progressive non-fluent aphasia (PNFA) Semantic dementia (SD) Logopenic progressive aphasia (LPA) PPA…

Optic atrophy 1, also known as optic atrophy type 1 is a disease that affects the optic nerve. The optic nerve carries signals from the eye to the brain about what is seen. People with optic atrophy type 1 have an optic nerve that has lost some tissue (atrophy). This atrophy causes the optic nerve…

Familial Mediterranean fever is an inherited condition characterized by recurrent episodes of painful inflammation in the abdomen, chest, or joints. These episodes are often accompanied by fever and sometimes a rash or headache. Occasionally inflammation may occur in other parts of the body, such as the heart; the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord;…

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), formerly known as pseudotumor cerebri, is a condition that affects the brain. Pseudotumor cerebri literally translates to “false brain tumor.” This term was used because symptoms of IIH resemble those of brain tumors depsite no tumor being present. Symptoms of IIH may include severe headache, nausea and vomiting, altered vision, and pulsating…

Brugada syndrome is a heart condition that causes a disruption of the normal rhythm in the heart’s lower chambers (ventricular arrhythmia). Signs and symptoms usually develop in adulthood but the diagnosis may be made at any age.[1] Symptoms and complications often occur during rest or sleep, and may include fainting, seizures, difficulty breathing, or sudden…

Psoriatic juvenile idiopathic arthritis is a subtype of juvenile idiopathic arthritis that is characterized by both arthritis and psoriasis. Other signs and symptoms may include dactylitis (inflammation and swelling of an entire finger or toe); nail pitting or splitting; and eye problems. Although the underlying cause of psoriatic juvenile idiopathic arthritis is currently unknown (idiopathic),…

Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS) is a developmental disorder that affects many parts of the body. The major features of this condition include mild to moderate intellectual disability, delayed speech and language skills, distinctive facial features, sleep disturbances, and behavioral problems. Most people with SMS have a deletion of genetic material in each cell from a specific region…

Neuroblastoma is a tumor that develops from neuroblasts (immature nerve tissue) in an infant or child, usually before the age of 5. It most often develops in infancy and may be diagnosed in the first month of life. The tumor most often develops in the adrenal gland, but may develop in the neck, chest, or…

Cystinuria is an inherited condition characterized by a buildup of the amino acid, cystine, in the kidneys and bladder. This leads to the formation of cystine crystals and/or stones which may block the urinary tract. Signs and symptoms of the condition are related to the presence of stones and may include nausea, hematuria, flank pain,…

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 2 (PFIC2) is a rare condition that affects the liver. People with this condition generally develop signs and symptoms during infancy, which may include severe itching, jaundice, failure to thrive, portal hypertension (high blood pressure in the vein that provides blood to the liver) and hepatosplenomegaly (enlarged liver and spleen)….

Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder that results from the pituitary gland producing too much growth hormone (GH). It is most often diagnosed in middle-aged adults, although symptoms can appear at any age. Signs and symptoms include abnormal growth and swelling of the hands and feet; bone changes that; alter various facial features; arthritis; carpal tunnel syndrome; enlargement of body organs; and…

Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is a form of porphyria that primarily affects the skin. People affected by this condition generally experience “photosensitivity,” which causes painful, blistering lesions to develop on sun-exposed areas of the skin (i.e. the hands and face). Skin in these areas may also be particularly fragile with blistering and/or peeling after minor…

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is a disorder in which a defect in the small tubes (tubules) in the kidneys causes a person to produce a large amount of urine. Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus occurs when the kidney tubules, which allow water to be removed from the body or reabsorbed, do not respond to a chemical in the body called antidiuretic hormone (ADH)…

X-linked agammaglobulinema is a primary immunodeficiency characterized by very low levels of immunoglobulins (proteins made by the immune system to help fight infections). People affected by this condition generally begin developing frequent and recurrent bacterial infections from about 6 months of age. Commonly diagnosed infections include lung infections (pneumonia and bronchitis), middle ear infections, conjunctivitis,…

The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 79400 Definition Localized epidermolysis bullosa simplex, formerly known as EBS, Weber-Cockayne, is a basal subtype of epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS, see this term). The disease is characterized by blisters occurring mainly on the palms and…

Sjogren-Larsson syndrome (SLS) is an inborn error of lipid metabolism, characterized by congenital ichthyosis (dry, scaly skin), intellectual disability, and spasticity (stiffness and involuntary muscle spasms). The syndrome is caused by mutations in the gene called FADH (fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase) and is inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion. Treatment is symptomatic.[1][2]

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) affects the heart and lungs. It is characterized by abnormally high blood pressure (hypertension) in the pulmonary artery, the blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the lungs. Symptoms include shortness of breath (dyspnea) during exercise and fainting spells. The symptoms tend to get worse over time and may include dizziness, swelling…

Usher syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by sensorineural hearing loss or deafness and progressive vision loss due to retinitis pigmentosa. Sensorineural hearing means it is caused by abnormalities of the inner ear. Retinitis pigmentosa is an eye disease that affects the layer of light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (the retina). Vision loss…

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an inherited disorder of the blood vessels that can cause excessive bleeding. People with HHT can develop abnormal blood vessels called arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in several areas of the body. AVMs on the skin are called telangiectasias. AVMs can also develop in other parts of the body, including the brain, lungs,…

Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiency causes the body to build up an abnormally high level of phenylalanine, one of the building blocks of proteins. In addition, BH4 deficiency leads to low levels of certain neurotransmitters, chemical messengers that control many body functions. Symptoms can range from very mild to severe. Babies with BH4 deficiency appear normal at birth…

Dermatitis herpetiformis is a rare, chronic, skin disorder characterized by groups of severely itchy blisters and raised skin lesions. These are more common on the knees, elbows, buttocks and shoulder blades. The slow onset of symptoms usually begins during adulthood, but children can also be affected. Other symptoms may include fluid-filled sores; red lesions that resemble hives;…

The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 251899 Definition Choroid plexus carcinoma is a rare and highly aggressive malignant type of choroid plexus tumor (see this term) occurring almost exclusively in children, presenting with cerebrospinal fluid obstruction in the lateral ventricles (most…

Van der Woude syndrome is a condition that affects the development of the face. Many people with this disorder are born with a cleft lip and/or a cleft palate. Affected individuals usually have depressions (pits) near the center of the lower lip, which may appear moist due to the presence of salivary and mucous glands in…

Factor XI deficiency is a bleeding disorder that interferes with the body’s clotting process. As a result, people affected by this condition may have difficulty stopping the flow of blood following dental extractions, trauma or surgery. Women with factor XI deficiency may also experience heavy menstrual periods or heavy postpartum bleeding. Within affected people and…

Congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A (MDC1A) belongs to a group of neuromuscular disorders that beings at birth or infancy and is characterized mainly by hypotonia, muscle weakness and muscle wasting. Other signs and symptoms include rigidity of the spine; scoliosis; and delayed, limited motor development, with most individuals needing assistive devices for mobility. Respiratory problems, feeding disorders and seizures may…

Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is a genetic skin disease. Common symptoms include sparse scalp and body hair, reduced ability to sweat, and missing teeth. HED is caused by mutations in the EDA, EDAR, or EDARADD genes. It may be inherited in an X-linked recessive, autosomal recessive, or autosomal dominant manner depending on the genetic cause of the condition. The X-linked form is the…

Darier disease is a skin condition characterized by wart-like blemishes on the body. The blemishes are usually yellowish in color, hard to the touch, mildly greasy, and can emit a strong odor. The most common sites for blemishes are the scalp, forehead, upper arms, chest, back, knees, elbows, and behind the ear. The mucous membranes…

Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a disorder characterized by the growth of noncancerous tumors of the nervous system. Childhood symptoms include skin growths and eye findings. Almost all people with NF2 develop vestibular schwannomas affecting both ears by age 30. Other tumors of the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), skin and eye are also…

Oculocutaneous albinism type 2 is a genetic condition that affects the coloring (pigmentation) of the skin, hair, and eyes. Affected individuals typically have very fair skin and white or light-colored hair. Long-term sun exposure greatly increases the risk of skin damage and skin cancers, including an aggressive form of skin cancer called melanoma, in people with…

The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 85414 Definition Systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis is marked by the severity of the extra-articular manifestations (fever, cutaneous eruptions) and by an equal sex ratio. Epidemiology It represents 10-11% of cases of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)….

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy is a group of disorders which affect the voluntary muscles around the hips and shoulders. The conditions are progressive, leading to a loss of muscle strength and bulk over a number of years. Onset may occur in childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, or even later. Males and females are affected in equal numbers.[1] Most…

Argininosuccinic aciduria is an inherited disorder that causes ammonia to accumulate in the blood. Ammonia, which is formed when proteins are broken down in the body, is toxic if the levels become too high. The nervous system is especially sensitive to the effects of excess ammonia. Argininosuccinic aciduria usually becomes evident in the first few…

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Spinocerebellar ataxia 3 (SCA3) is a rare, inherited form of ataxia. Signs and symptoms may begin between childhood and late adulthood and vary greatly. Symptoms may include slowly progressive clumsiness in the arms and legs; a manner of walking (gait) that may be mistaken for drunkenness; difficulty speaking and swallowing; impaired eye movements or vision; and lower…

Klatskin tumors are are a type of cholangiocarcinoma that begins in an area called the hilum, where the left and right bile ducts join and leave the liver. It is the most common type of cholangiocarcinoma, accounting for more than half of all cases.[1][2][3][4] Symptoms usually don’t present until advanced stages of disease, when jaundice…

Fukuyama type muscular dystrophy (FCMD) affects the muscles and brain, causing muscle damage that gets worse over time. There are mild, typical, and severe forms of FCMD. Symptoms begin at birth and include a poor suck, weak cry, and floppiness. Later symptoms include severe speech delay, intellectual disability, seizures, and visual impairment. Over time, muscle…

Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) is a genetic disorder characterized by slowly progressing muscle disease (myopathy) affecting the muscles of the upper eyelids and the throat. Onset is typically during adulthood, most often between 40 and 60 years of age. Symptoms may include: eyelid drooping (ptosis), arm and leg weakness, and difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).[1] There are two types…

Ovarian cancer is a form of cancer that occurs due to abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth in the ovaries. Many people with early ovarian cancer have no signs or symptoms of the condition. When present, symptoms are often nonspecific and blamed on other, more common conditions. Most cases of ovarian cancer occur sporadically in people…

Hypochondroplasia is a form of skeletal disease characterized by very short stature. Hypochondroplasia is similar to achondroplasia, but the features tend to be milder. People with hypochondroplasia usually have very short stature, large head, accentuated lordosis, short arms and legs, and broad, short hands and feet. Other features include a limited range of motion in…

Cystinosis is a genetic condition present from birth that leads to the build-up of cystine crystals in the body. This can impact all the organs and tissues, but mainly affects the kidneys and eyes. There are three types of cystinosis based on the age that symptoms start. The most common is the type that starts…

ADNP syndrome, also known as Helsmoortel-van der Aa syndrome, is a complex neuro-developmental disorder that affects the brain and many other areas and functions of the body. ADNP syndrome can affect muscle tone, feeding, growth, hearing, vision, sleep, fine and gross motor skills, as well as the immune system, heart, endocrine system, and gastrointestinal tract.[1]…

Early-onset, autosomal dominant Alzheimer disease is a form of Alzheimer disease (AD) that develops before the age of 65. It is diagnosed in families that have more than one member with AD (usually multiple persons in more than one generation) in which the age of onset is consistently before age 60 and often between the ages…

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy is a disorder characterized by muscle weakness and wasting (atrophy). This condition gets its name from the areas of the body that are affected most often: muscles in the face (facio-), around the shoulder blades (scapulo-), and in the upper arms (humeral). The signs and symptoms of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy usually appear…

Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is an inherited disorder characterized by the abnormal growth of both benign and cancerous tumors and cysts in many parts of the body. Tumors usually first appear in young adulthood. The types of tumors associated with VHL disease include hemangioblastomas (slow-growing tumors of the central nervous system); kidney cysts and clear…

Fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) is a blood disorder that affects pregnant women and their babies.[1] NAIT was first reported in the literature in 1953 and is estimated to occur in as many as 1 in 1200 live births.[2] NAIT results in the destruction of platelets in the fetus or infant due to a…

46,XX testicular disorder of sex development is a condition in which a person with two X chromosomes (which is normally found in females) has a male appearance. More specifically, people with this condition have male external genitalia, ranging from normal to ambiguous. Other common signs and symptoms include small testes, gynecomastia, infertility due to azoospermia…

The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 36234 Definition Bacterial toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a potentially fatal, acute disease characterized by a sudden onset of high fever along with nausea, myalgia, vomiting and multisystem organ involvement, potentially leading to shock and…

Budd-Chiari syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by obstruction of the veins of the liver that carry the blood flow from the liver.[1][2] When the blood flow out of the liver is impeded, blood backs up in the liver, causing it to enlarge (hepatomegaly). The spleen may also enlarge (splenomegaly). This backup of blood increases blood…

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is an acquired disorder that leads to the premature death and impaired production of blood cells. It can occur at any age, but is usually diagnosed in young adulthood. People with PNH have recurring episodes of symptoms due to hemolysis, which may be triggered by stresses on the body such as…

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited eye diseases that affect the light-sensitive part of the eye (retina). RP causes cells in the retina to die, causing progressive vision loss. The first sign of RP usually is night blindness. As the condition progresses, affected individuals develop tunnel vision (loss of peripheral vision), and eventually…

Chromosome 18p tetrasomy is a chromosomal disorder that affects many parts of the body. It occurs when the short arm of chromosome 18 (18p) appears four times (tetrasomy) rather than the normal two times in cells of the body.[1][2] The symptoms of chromosomy 18p tetrasomy vary from case to case but may include abnormalities of the head…

Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) is a group of inherited neurologic disorders in which iron accumulates in the basal ganglia. Symptoms include progressive dystonia (a movement disorder resulting in muscular spasms, twisting, and repetitive movements) spasticity, parkinsonism (slurred or slow speech, stiffness of the muscles, slow movement, and visible tremors), inability to coordinate movements (ataxia),…

Usher syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by sensorineural hearing loss or deafness and progressive vision loss due to retinitis pigmentosa. Sensorineural hearing means it is caused by abnormalities of the inner ear. Retinitis pigmentosa is an eye disease that affects the layer of light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (the retina). Vision loss…

Dense deposit disease (DDD) is a condition that primarily affects kidney function. Signs and symptoms usually start between the ages of 5 and 15 but may also begin in adulthood. The major features of DDD are due to kidney malfunction, and often include proteinuria; hematuria; reduced amounts of urine; low levels of protein in the blood;…

The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 517 Definition A rare acute myeloid leukemia disorder characterized by increased blast cells (myeloblasts, monoblast, and/or promonoblasts), representing more than 20% of the total bone marrow (BM) or peripheral blood differential counts, with 20-80% of…

Variegate porphyria (VP) is an inherited disorder that is caused by mutations in the PPOX gene that lead to the build-up of compounds normally involved in the body’s production of heme.[1][2] Heme is an important part of hemoglobin, the protein in blood that carries oxygen throughout our bodies. It is used in all the body’s…

Russell-Silver syndrome (RSS) is a rare condition associated with poor growth both before and after birth.[1] Signs and symptoms vary and may include low birth weight, short stature, characteristic facial features, large head in relation to body size, body asymmetry, and feeding difficulties. Other features may include poor appetite, clinodactyly (curved finger), digestive system abnormalities, delayed…

Hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI) is a metabolic disease caused by the absence of an enzyme called aldolase B. In people with HFI, ingestion of fructose (fruit sugar) and sucrose (cane or beet sugar, table sugar) causes severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and the build up of dangerous substances in the liver. HFI may be relatively mild or a…

Alpha mannosidosis  is a lysosomal storage disorder, a form of inborn metabolic disease. It is characterized by intellectual disability, hearing loss, ataxia, skeletal abnormalities, and coarse facial features.Signs and symptoms vary, but often include mild to moderate intellectual disability, hearing loss, weakened immune system, distinctive facial features, and cerebellar disorders (e.g., ataxia). Symptoms slowly worsen over time….

Short bowel syndrome is a disorder characterized by malabsorption of nutrients due to problems involving the small intestine.[1] The small intestine is the tube-shaped organ between the stomach and large intestine, which includes the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, where most food digestion and nutrient absorption take place. The causes of short bowel syndrome in adults…

Factor X deficiency is a rare disorder that affects the blood’s ability to clot. The severity of the disorder and the associated signs and symptoms can vary significantly from person to person. Common features of factor X deficiency may include easy bruising, frequent nosebleeds, bleeding gums, blood in the urine, and prolonged bleeding after minor…

Gitelman syndrome is a kidney function disorder that causes an imbalance of charged atoms (ions) in the body, including ions of potassium, magnesium, and calcium.[1] It is usually diagnosed during late childhood or adulthood.[2] More common symptoms include fatigue, salt craving, thirst, frequent urination, muscle cramping, muscle weakness, dizziness, tingling or numbness, low blood pressure,…

Autosomal domiant spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia tarda (autosomal dominant SEDT) is an inherited condition that affects bone growth. Signs and symptoms are generally physically apparent by puberty; however, abnormalities may be seen on X-ray at an earlier age. Affected people may have skeletal abnormalities, short stature (with a short neck and trunk, specifically), scoliosis, kyphosis, lumbar hyperlordosis…

The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 70567 Definition Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a biliary tract cancer (BTC, see this term) originating in the epithelium of the biliary tree, either intra or extra hepatic. Epidemiology The prevalence is unknown but it accounts for…

Hyperlipidemia type 3 is an inherited condition that disrupts the normal breakdown of fats (lipids) in the body, causing a large amount of certain fatty materials to build up in the body. Some individuals never have symptoms of this condition. Symptoms usually do not appear unless a second genetic or environmental factor adds to increased…

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Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is an inherited condition that is associated with an increased risk of growths along the lining of the gastrointestinal tract (called hamartomatous polyps) and certain types of cancer. Most affected people also have characteristic dark blue to dark brown macules around the mouth, eyes, and nostrils; near the anus (perianal); and on…

Crouzon syndrome is a disorder characterized by early fusion of certain skull bones (craniosynostosis). This prevents normal growth of the skull, which can affect the shape of the head and face. Signs and symptoms of Crouzon syndrome may include wide-set, bulging eyes; strabismus (misalignment of the eyes); a small, “beak-shaped” nose; and an underdeveloped upper…

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 (PFIC3) is a rare condition that affects the liver. People with this condition generally develop signs and symptoms during late infancy or early childhood, which may include severe itching, jaundice, failure to thrive, portal hypertension (high blood pressure in the vein that provides blood to the liver) and hepatosplenomegaly…

16p11.2 deletion syndrome is a condition caused by a missing piece (deletion) on a specific region of chromosome 16 designated as p11.2. People with 16p11.2 deletion syndrome usually have developmental delay and intellectual disability. Most also have at least some features of autism spectrum disorder. Some affected people have minor physical abnormalities; however, signs and…

Congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) refers to a group of inherited conditions that affect the muscles and are present at birth or in early infancy. The severity of the condition, the associated signs and symptoms and the disease progression vary significantly by type. Common features include hypotonia; progressive muscle weakness and degeneration (atrophy); joint contractures; and…

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is an inherited disease that causes an increased risk of having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), liver disease, skin problems (panniculitis), and inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis).[1][2][3] Lung (pulmonary) problems almost always occur in adults, whereas liver and skin problems may occur in adults and children.[2] The age symptoms begin and severity…

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) affect the spinal cord and optic nerves (nerves that carry visual messages to and from the brain). Symptoms include pain, weakness, bowel and bladder problems, and temporary vision loss. NMOSD usually occurs in adulthood, but symptoms may start at any age. Some people have a single attack of symptoms lasting months, but…

The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 514 Definition Acute monoblastic leukemia (AML-M5), is one of the most common subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia (AML; see this term) that is either comprised of more than 80% of monoblasts (AML-M5a) or 30-80% monoblasts…

Autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease (ADTKD) is a group of genetic kidney diseases that cause progressive loss of kidney function. Signs and symptoms of all forms of ADTKD include slowly worsening kidney disease (often becoming apparent by the teenage years) that ultimately results in end-stage kidney disease at some time between the ages of 20 and…

Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 1 (MEN1) causes the growth of tumors in both the endocrine system (the body’s network of hormone-producing glands) and non-endocrine system. Symptoms of MEN1 include tumors of the parathyroid gland, the pituitary gland, and the pancreas, although other glands may be involved as well. These tumors are often “functional” and secrete excess…

Alopecia universalis (AU) is a condition characterized by the complete loss of hair on the scalp and body. It is an advanced form of alopecia areata, a condition that causes round patches of hair loss.[1] Although the exact cause of AU is unknown, it is thought to be an autoimmune condition in which the person’s…

Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) is a condition that affects many parts of the body. It is a progressively debilitating disorder; however, the rate of progression varies among affected individuals. MPS I is caused by mutations in the IDUA gene. These mutations lead to reduced levels or the complete lack of the IDUA enzyme. Without the proper amount…

MYH9-related thrombocytopenia (MYH9RD) is a genetic condition caused by mutations in the MYH9 gene and is characterized by large platelets and thrombocytopenia (low number of platelets) which increases the risk for mild to serious bleeding in the body or in the skin. Young-adult onset high frequency sensorineural hearing loss, presenile (early) cataract, and kidney disease…

47 XXX syndrome, also called trisomy X or triple X syndrome, is characterized by the presence of an additional (third) X chromosome in each of a female’s cells (which normally have two X chromosomes). An extra copy of the X chromosome is associated with tall stature, learning problems, and other features in some girls and women. Seizures or…

Mucopolysaccharidosis type IVA (MPS IVA, also called Morquio syndrome, type A) is a metabolic condition that primarily affects the skeleton. The severity, age of onset, and associated symptoms vary significantly from person to person and range from a severe and rapidly progressive, early-onset form to a slowly progressive, later-onset form. The severe form is usually…

Generalized pustular psoriasis is a severe inflammatory skin condition that can be life-threatening. Affected people develop episodes of red and tender skin with widespread pustules throughout their body. This is generally accompanied by fever, chills, headache, rapid pulse rate, loss of appetite, nausea and muscle weakness. The condition generally resolves within days or weeks; however,…

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Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is characterized by the growth of benign tumors throughout the body, including in the heart, brain, and kidneys. Certain symptoms develop before to birth, such as heart tumors (rhabdomyoma). Other symptoms become more obvious in childhood, such as developmental delay and skin changes. Lung and kidney tumors are more likely to develop…

The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 79306 Definition PFIC1, a type of progressive familial intrahepathic cholestasis (PFIC, see this term), is an infantile hereditary disorder in bile formation that is hepatocellular in origin and associated with extrahepatic features. Epidemiology Estimated prevalence…

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Romano-Ward syndrome is the most common form of inherited long QT syndrome. Symptoms include arrhythmia, fainting, cardiac arrest, and sudden death. There are six different types of this syndrome, long QT 1 through 6. Each type is caused by a change in a different gene. The most prevalent form of long QT syndrome is long QT type 1. Long QT…

The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 75377 Definition Central areolar choroidal dystrophy (CACD) is a hereditary macular disorder, usually presenting between the ages of 30-60, characterized by a large area of atrophy in the centre of the macula and the loss…

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Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIB (MPS IIIB) is an genetic disorder that makes the body unable to break down large sugar molecules called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs, formerly called mucopolysaccharides).[1][2] Specifically, people with this condition are unable to break down a GAG called heparan sulfate.[2] Affected individuals can have severe neurological symptoms, including progressive dementia, aggressive behavior, hyperactivity, seizures, deafness, loss…

The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 521 Definition Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is the most common myeloproliferative disorder accounting for 15-20% of all leukaemia cases. Epidemiology Its annual incidence has been estimated at between 1 and 1.5 cases per 100,000 and…

Soft tissue sarcoma is a form of cancer that occurs due to abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth of the “soft tissues” of the body. These tissues connect, support and surround other body parts and may include muscle, fat, blood vessels, lymph vessels, nerves, tendons and the lining of joints. Many people with early soft tissue…

Acquired hemophilia is a bleeding disorder that interferes with the body’s blood clotting process. Although the condition can affect people of all ages, it generally occurs in older people (the median age of diagnosis is between 60 and 67 years). Signs and symptoms include prolonged bleeding, frequent nosebleeds, bruising throughout the body, solid swellings of…

The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 1203 Definition Duodenal atresia is an embryopathy of the cranial intestine that leads to a complete absence of the duodenal lumen. Epidemiology The incidence of duodenal atresia is between 1/10,000 and 1/6,000 live births, with…

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a genetic disease that affects the nervous system and the adrenal glands (small glands located on top of each kidney). People with this disease often have progressive loss of the fatty covering (myelin) that surrounds the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. They may also have a shortage of certain…

Supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS) is a type of heart defect that develops before birth. It is characterized by a narrowing (stenosis) of the section of the aorta just above the valve that connects the aorta to the heart (aortic valve). The severity of SVAS varies from person to person; some individuals may die in infancy…

Stargardt disease is a genetic eye disorder that causes progressive vision loss. It affects the macula, an area of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. Vision loss is due to abnormal accumulation of a fatty yellow pigment (lipofuscin) in the cells within the macula. People with Stargardt disease also have problems with night vision,…

Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS) is a condition that affects the development of bones and other tissues of the face. The signs and symptoms vary greatly, ranging from almost unnoticeable to severe. Most affected people have underdeveloped facial bones, particularly the cheek bones, and a very small jaw and chin (micrognathia). Other features may include cleft…

The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 616 Definition Medulloblastoma (MB) is an embryonic tumor of the neuroepithelial tissue and the most frequent primary pediatric solid malignancy. MB represents a heterogeneous group of cerebellar tumors characterized clinically by increased intracranial pressure and…