Alternative Names
Facial-digital-genital syndrome
Definition of Aarskog syndrome
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 that is linked to the X chromosome. It affects mainly males, but females may have a milder form. The condition is caused by changes (mutations) in a gene called “faciogenital dysplasia” ().
Treatment
Moving the teeth (orthodontic treatment) may be done for some of the abnormal facial features.
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.
Review
A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Luc Jasmin, MD, PhD, Departments of Anatomy and Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (10/14/2009). – 5/17/2010
