Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) is rare condition that affects the nervous system, the immune system, and many other parts of the body. Signs and symptoms of the condition usually begin in early childhood, often before age 5. The condition is typically characterized by cerebellar ataxia (uncoordinated muscle movements), oculomotor apraxia, telangiectasias, choreoathetosis (uncontrollable movements of the limbs),…

Evans syndrome is a very rare autoimmune disorder in which the immune system destroys the body’s red blood cells, white blood cells and/or platelets. Affected people often experience thrombocytopenia (too few platelets) and Coombs’ positive hemolytic anemia (premature destruction of red blood cells). Signs and symptoms may include purpura, paleness, fatigue, and light-headedness. The exact…

Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder that slows the blood clotting process. People with this disorder experience prolonged bleeding following an injury, surgery, or having a tooth pulled. In severe cases, heavy bleeding occurs after minor trauma or in the absence of injury. Serious complications can result from bleeding into the joints, muscles, brain, or other…

The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 99013 Definition A form of hereditary spastic paraplegia characterized by an onset usually in adulthood (but ranging from 10-72 years) of progressive bilateral lower limb weakness and spasticity, sphincter dysfunction, decreased vibratory sense at the…

A giant congenital nevus is a dark-colored, often hairy patch of skin that is present at birth (congenital). It grows proportionally to the child. A congenital pigmented nevus is considered giant if by adulthood it is larger than 20cm (about 8 inches) in diameter.[1][2] Giant congenital nevi can occur in people of any racial or ethnic background and…

Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome (BHDS) is a rare, complex, genetic disorder with three main clinical findings: non-cancerous (benign) skin tumors; lung cysts and/or history of pneumothorax (collapsed lung); and various types of renal tumors. Fibrofolliculomas are a type of benign skin tumor specific to BHDS. They typically occur on the face, neck, and upper torso. Most people with BHDS also have multiple cysts in…

The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 87503 Definition Mal de Meleda (MdM) is a diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma, initially reported in the Island of Meleda, characterized by symmetric palmoplantar hyperkeratosis that progressively extends to the dorsal surfaces of hands and feet (transgrediens)….

Cat eye syndrome is a chromosome abnormality that affects many different parts of the body. The signs and symptoms of the condition vary widely but may include abnormalities of the eyes, ears, anal region, heart and/or kidney.[1][2] In people affected by cat eye syndrome, each cell has at least one small extra (duplicate) chromosome made up…

Weill-Marchesani syndrome is an inherited connective tissue disorder that mainly affects the bones and eyes. People with this syndrome are usually short in height and often have short fingers and limited joint movement, especially of the hands. Weill-Marchesani syndrome also causes problems with the lens of the eye that lead to severe nearsightedness, and it can…

Reactive arthritis is a type of infectious arthritis that occurs as a “reaction” to an infection elsewhere in the body. This process may occur weeks or even months after the infection has resolved.[1][2] In addition to joint inflammation, reactive arthritis is associated with two other symptoms: redness and inflammation of the eyes (conjunctivitis) and inflammation of the urinary tract…

Polycythemia vera is a condition characterized by an increased number of red blood cells in the bloodstream (erythrocytosis). Affected people may also have excess white blood cells and platelets. Conditions where the body makes too many of these cells are known as myeloproliferative neoplasms.[1] These extra cells cause the blood to be thicker than normal,…

Nonbullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma (NBCIE) is a specific type of ichthyosis mainly affecting the skin. Most infants with NBCIE are born with a tight, shiny covering on their skin, called a collodion membrane, which is typically shed within a few weeks. Other signs and symptoms include redness of the skin (erythroderma); fine, white scales on the skin; and thickening of the…

OEIS complex, also known as cloacal exstrophy, is the most severe birth defect within the exstrophy-epispadias complex. It is characterized by Omphalocele, Exstrophy, Imperforate anus and Spinal defects.[1][2] A child with this condition will have the bladder and a portion of the intestines exposed outside the abdomen with the bony pelvis open like a book. In males, the…

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Spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6) is a neurological condition characterized by progressive problems with movement. Initial symptoms include problems with coordination and balance (ataxia). Other early signs and symptoms include speech difficulties (dysarthria), involuntary eye movements (nystagmus), and double vision. Over time, individuals with SCA6 may develop loss of coordination in their arms, tremors, and uncontrolled muscle…

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a blood vessel disease characterized by inflammation of small and medium-sized arteries (vasculitis), preventing them from bringing oxygen and food to organs.[1][2] Most cases occur in the 4th or 5th decade of life, although it can occur at any age.[3] PAN most commonly affects vessels related to the skin, joints, peripheral nerves,…

Isolated growth hormone deficiency is a condition caused by a severe shortage or absence of growth hormone without other hormonal problems. Growth hormone is a protein necessary for normal growth of the bone and body tissues. Because people with this condition don’t have enough of this hormone, they have short stature, which is noticeable from…

Factor VII deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder. The age of onset and severity varies from person to person. While severe cases may become apparent in infancy, very mild cases may never cause any bleeding problems. Signs and symptoms may include nosebleeds; easy bruising; bleeding gums; excessive or prolonged bleeding after injury or surgery; and…

Angelman syndrome is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the nervous system. Characteristic features of this condition include developmental delay, intellectual disability, severe speech impairment, problems with movement and balance (ataxia), epilepsy, and a small head size. Individuals with Angelman syndrome typically have a happy, excitable demeanor with frequent smiling, laughter, and hand-flapping movements. Many…

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic, severe allergy that affects the surfaces of the eyes. It most commonly occurs in boys living in warm, dry climates. Attacks associated with VKC are common in the spring (hence the name “vernal”) and summer but often reoccur in the winter.[1][2] Signs and symptoms usually begin before 10 years of age and…

The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 212 Definition Cystathioninuria is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by cystathionine gamma-lyase deficiency. It is usually pyridoxine-dependent, but in very rare cases it may be non-dependent. It is generally considered to be a benign condition…

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Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a disease in which the tissue lining the joints and tendons in the body (synovium) grows abnormally. It is characterized by a noncancerous mass or tumor. There are two types of PVNS: the local or nodular form (where the tumor involves the tendons that support the joint, or in one area…

Paroxysmal kinesigenic choreoathetosis involves episodes of irregular jerking or shaking movements that are induced by sudden motion, such as standing up quickly or being startled.[1] Cold, hyperventilation, and mental tension have also been reported to trigger attacks in some cases.[2] The exact type of abnormal movement varies among affected individuals but may include prolonged muscle contractions,…

Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy is a condition that affects the joints, muscles, and heart. Joint symptoms tend to present in childhood and involve contractures of the elbows, ankles, and neck. Children and adults with this dystrophy usually experience slowly worsening muscle weakness and wasting. By adulthood, most people with Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy develop heart problems, such as conduction defects and arrhythmias. Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy is caused…

Larsen syndrome is a disorder of the development of the bones. Signs and symptoms may include clubfoot and numerous joint dislocations at birth (affecting the hips, knees and elbows); flexible joints; and a distinctive appearance of the face, hands, feet, and fingers, with square-shape finger tips. The X-rays usually show small extra bones in their…

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Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is an inherited condition that causes progressive weakness and wasting of the skeletal and cardiac (heart) muscles. It primarily affects males.[1][2] The age of onset and rate of progression can vary. Muscle weakness usually becomes apparent between the ages of 5 and 15. In some cases, heart involvement (cardiomyopathy) is the…

The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 93930 Definition A congenital genitourinary malformation belonging to the spectrum of the exstrophy-epispadias complex (EEC) and is characterized by an evaginated bladder plate, epispadias and an anterior defect of the pelvis, pelvic floor and abdominal…

Incontinentia pigmenti (IP) is a genetic condition that affects the skin and other body systems. Skin symptoms change with time and begin with a blistering rash in infancy, followed by wart-like skin growths. The growths become swirled grey or brown patches in childhood, and then swirled light patches in adulthood. Other signs and symptoms may include hair loss, small or missing teeth, eye…

Buerger disease is a disease in which small and medium-sized blood vessels in the arms and/or legs become inflamed and blocked (vasculitis).[1][2] This reduces blood flow to affected areas of the body, eventually resulting damage to tissues.[1] Symptoms of Buerger disease may include coldness, numbness, tingling or burning, and pain. Symptoms may first be felt…

Lymphatic malformations or lymphangiomas are benign (non-cancerous) vascular lesions made of fluid-filled spaces (cysts) thought to occur due to abnormal development of the lymphatic system.[1] In general, lymphatic malformations are categorized into macrocystic, microcystic, or combined depending on the size of the cysts; they are also classified in superficial lesions known as lymphangioma circumscriptum, and more deep-seated lesions…

Mastocytosis occurs when too many mast cells accumulate in the skin and/or internal organs such as the liver, spleen, bone marrow, and small intestines. Mast cells are a type of white blood cell in the immune system. Mast cells are responsible for protecting the body from infection and releasing chemicals to create inflammatory responses.[1] The signs and symptoms of mastocytosis vary based…

Congenital hyperinsulinism is a disease where there are abnormally high levels of insulin, a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas that helps control blood sugar levels. Because of the high levels of insulin, people with this disease have frequent episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) that can even occur after eating. In…

Neurocutaneous melanosis (NCM) is a rare, noninherited condition of the central nervous system. It is characterized by melanocytic nevi in both the skin and the brain.[1][2] Two-thirds of people with NCM have giant congenital melanocytic nevi, and the remaining one-third have numerous lesions but no giant lesions.[1] The typical cutaneous lesions are present at birth….

Chronic hiccups are repeated, unintentional contractions of the breathing muscles that continue for a long period of time. Regular hiccups often develop after eating a large meal or drinking a carbonated beverage, and they typically go away on their own after a couple minutes. Chronic hiccups last over two days and in rare cases, may…

Cone-rod dystrophy (CRD) is a group of inherited eye disorders that affect the light sensitive cells of the retina called the cones and rods. People with this condition experience vision loss over time as the cones and rods deteriorate.[1][2] Initial signs and symptoms that usually occur in childhood may include decreased sharpness of vision (visual acuity)…

X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (X-SCID) is a severe, genetic condition of the immune system.[1] Signs and symptoms often become apparent in early infancy and include failure to thrive; oral/diaper candidiasis (yeast infection); absent tonsils and lymph nodes; recurrent, persistent infections; rashes; diarrhea; fevers; and pneumonia. X-SCID is caused by mutations in the IL2RG gene and is inherited…

Hereditary coproporphyria (HCP) is a rare inherited form of liver (hepatic) porphyria, characterized by neurological symptoms in the form of episodes (acute attacks) of stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, weakness, numbness, and pain in the hands and feet (neuropathy).[1][2] The porphyrias are a group of blood conditions caused by a lack of an enzyme in the body that…

Achondroplasia is a disorder of bone growth that prevents the changing of cartilage (particularly in the long bones of the arms and legs) to bone. It is characterized by dwarfism, limited range of motion at the elbows, large head size (macrocephaly), small fingers, and normal intelligence. Achondroplasia can cause health complications such as interruption of…

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg Strauss syndrome) is a condition characterized by asthma, high levels of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection), and inflammation of small to medium sized blood vessels (vasculitis). The inflamed vessels can affect various organ systems including the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, skin, heart and nervous system….

Fanconi anemia (FA) affects the way genetic information (DNA) is copied and repaired. FA leads to bone marrow failure, skeletal abnormalities, and an increased risk for cancer. People with FA have a decreased number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets leading to anemia, frequent infections, and excessive bleeding. In addition, people with FA…

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Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a group of disorders that affect the peripheral nerves, the nerves running from outside the brain and spine.[1] Defects in many different genes cause different forms of this disease. Common symptoms may include foot drop, foot deformity, loss of lower leg muscle, numbness in the foot or leg, “slapping” gait (feet hit…

Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA (MPS IIIA) is a severe, progressive disorder that affects the central nervous system.[1] In people with MPS IIIA, the body cannot break down a large sugar molecule called heparin sulfate.[2][3] Signs and symptoms usually begin in early childhood and include severe neurological symptoms such as progressive dementia, aggressive behavior, hyperactivity, seizures, deafness,…

Multiple myeloma is a form of cancer that occurs due to abnormal and uncontrolled growth of plasma cells in the bone marrow. Some people with multiple myeloma, especially those with early stages of the condition, have no concerning signs or symptoms. When present, the most common symptom is anemia, which can be associated with fatigue…

Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy is a condition that mainly affects skeletal muscles (the muscles used for movement). Affected individuals show severe muscle weakness soon after birth, develop stiff joints (contractures) in their knees and elbows, and may have an unusual range of movement (hypermobility) in their wrists and ankles. This condition is caused by mutations…

Mercury poisoning is a condition that occurs in people who are exposed to toxic levels of the element, mercury. There are three different forms of mercury that can cause health problems: Elemental mercury (also known as liquid mercury or quicksilver) can be found in glass thermometers, electrical switches, dental fillings and fluorescent light bulbs. This…

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Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) is a rare disease characterized by a progressive degeneration of the nervous system (neurodegenerative disorder) and buildup of iron in the brain. PKAN is usually classified into two forms: classic and atypical. Classic PKAN causes symptoms in the first ten years of life. The atypical form of PKAN usually occurs after the age of ten and progresses more…

Werner syndrome is a condition that causes premature aging. People with this syndrome will develop and grow normally until puberty. At puberty, growth stops and adults with Werner syndrome are typically shorter than average. By the early 20s-30s, people with this syndrome develop conditions usually associated with more advanced ages. In addition, people with Werner…

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is an inherited connective tissue disorder that is caused by defects in a protein called collagen. It is generally considered the least severe form of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) although significant complications can occur. Common symptoms include joint hypermobility, affecting both large (elbows, knees) and small (fingers, toes) joints; soft, smooth skin that may be…

Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare cancer affecting the outside of the adrenal glands (adrenal cortex). These glands are on top of each kidney and are responsible for producing certain hormones and keeping blood pressure at normal levels. Adrenocortical carcinoma is relatively frequent in children compared to many other cancers, although the cancer may also affect…

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a form of diabetes that is characterized by an early onset diabetes. MODY represents about 2% of all diabetes cases and is commonly misdiagnosed as type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is due to a primary defect in pancreatic β-cell function.[1] There are several MODY subtypes…

Gaucher disease refers to a group of inherited metabolic diseases in which harmful amounts of fatty materials (lipids) accumulate in various cells and tissues in the body (lipid storage disorder).[1][2] Signs and symptoms vary widely among affected individuals and may include skeletal disorders, enlarged spleen and liver (hepatosplenomegaly), liver malfunction, anemia, low platelet counts, bone problems,…

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. Conditions are generally called “acute” when they develop quickly and have an aggressive course. The signs and symptoms of AML vary but may include easy bruising; bone pain or tenderness; fatigue; fever; frequent nosebleeds; bleeding from the gums; shortness of breath;…

Cushing’s syndrome is an endocrine disorder caused by prolonged exposure of the body’s tissues to high levels of cortisol (a hormone produced by the adrenal gland). It most commonly affects adults between age 20 and 50 years. Signs and symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome include upper body obesity, fatigue, muscle weakness, high blood pressure, backache, high…

Essential thrombocythemia belongs to a group of diseases called myeloproliferative neoplasms, which cause the bone marrow to make too many platelets, white blood cells and/or red blood cells. In essential thrombocythemia, the body produces too many platelets. The signs and symptoms vary from person to person, but most people with essential thrombocythemia do not have any symptoms when…

Free-living amebae belonging to the genera Acanthamoeba, Balamuthia, Naegleria and Sappinia are important causes of disease in humans and animals. Naegleria fowleri produces an acute, and usually lethal, central nervous system (CNS) disease called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Acanthamoeba spp. and Balamuthia mandrillaris are opportunistic free-living amebae capable of causing granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE) in…

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) occurs when the body is unable to breakdown certain parts of proteins. This leads to the build-up of toxic substances that can cause organ and brain damage. There are several forms of MSUD. The most common is the classic or infantile form. Symptoms of the classic form of MSUD start in…

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Isovaleric acidemia (IVA) occurs when the body cannot breakdown certain parts of the proteins found in food. This can cause a build-up of toxic substances which can lead to bouts of serious illness known as metabolic crises. There are two types of IVA. The acute, neonatal type has more severe symptoms that begin in the…

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is a progressive movement disorder that typically begins in early adulthood (but can affect children and older adults as well). Early signs and symptoms includes problems with coordination and balance (ataxia), speech and swallowing difficulties, muscle stiffness, and weakness in the muscles that control eye movement. Over time, SCA1 may…

Stiff person syndrome (SPS) is a rare, progressive syndrome that affects the nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms may include extreme muscle stiffness, rigidity and painful spasms in the trunk and limbs, severely impairing mobility. Spasms can generate enough force to fracture bone. People with SPS often have heightened sensitivity to noise,…

Neuropathy ataxia retinitis pigmentosa (NARP) syndrome is characterized by a variety of signs and symptoms that mainly affect the nervous system. Beginning in childhood or early adulthood, most people with NARP experience numbness, tingling, or pain in the arms and legs (sensory neuropathy); muscle weakness; and problems with balance and coordination (ataxia). Affected individuals may also have…

Systemic scleroderma is an autoimmune disorder that affects the skin and internal organs. It is characterized by the buildup of scar tissue (fibrosis) in the skin and other organs. The fibrosis is caused by the body’s production of too much collagen, which normally strengthens and supports connective tissues. The signs and symptoms of systemic scleroderma…

Spinocerebellar ataxia 2 (SCA2) is a progressive disorder that causes symptoms including uncoordinated movement (ataxia), speech and swallowing difficulties, muscle wasting, slow eye movement, and sometimes dementia. Signs and symptoms usually begin in mid-adulthood but can appear any time from childhood to late-adulthood. SCA2 is caused by mutations in the ATXN2 gene and is inherited…

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…

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…

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…

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…