Rare Cardiology News
Benign mesonephroma
Benign mesonephroma (Wolffian tumors or Wolffian duct adenomas) are rare tumors located anywhere along the length between the ovary and vagina in sites of remnant wolffian ducts. Wolffian ducts are structures in a developing embryo that get incorporated into the reproductive system in males and degenerate in females. Wolffian tumors are thought to have a…
HIBCH deficiency
HIBCH deficiency is a rare metabolic disease. Early symptoms include poor muscle tone, poor feeding, seizures, and a gradual loss of skills. HIBCH deficiency can cause signs and symptoms similar to another disease, called Leigh syndrome.[1] Diagnosis is aided by blood tests which show high levels of lactic acid, and imaging studies which show changes…
Jackhammer esophagus
Jackhammer esophagus is a motility disorder of the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth with the stomach, classified under esophageal spasms. Esophageal spasms are divided in 2 main types, diffuse esophageal spasm and hypertensive peristalsis or nutcracker esophagus. Jackhammer esophagus is the most serious manifestation of the hypertensive type and it is also known as…
Choanal atresia-hearing loss-cardiac defects-craniofacial dysmorphism syndrome
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 1200 Definition Choanal atresia deafness cardiac defects dysmorphism syndrome, also known as Burn-McKeown syndrome, is an extremely rare multiple congenital anomaly syndrome characterized by bilateral choanal atresia (see this term) associated with a characteristic cranio-facial…
Pallister-Hall syndrome
Pallister-Hall syndrome (PHS) is a genetic disease that affects the development of many parts of the body. Common features include extra fingers and/or toes (polydactyly), extra skin between the fingers or toes (syndactyly), an abnormal growth in the brain called a hypothalamic hamartoma, and a malformation of the airway known as bifid epiglottis.[1] The bifid epiglottis in rare cases may…
Blepharoptosis myopia ectopia lentis
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 1259 Definition This syndrome is characterised by bilateral congenital blepharoptosis, ectopia lentis and high myopia. Epidemiology It has been described in three members of one family (in a mother and her two daughters). Genetic counseling…
Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial diseases
Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial diseases (MSMD) is a rare immunodeficiency syndrome, with susceptibility to mycobacteria, such as the vaccine against tuberculosis (bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and environmental mycobacteria. It is characterized by severe, recurrent infections, either systemic (widespread) or localized. It has many subtypes. The most serious types are the autosomal recessive complete interferon gamma receptor 1 (IFN-gammaR1)…
IMAGe syndrome
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 85173 Definition IMAGe syndrome is characterized by the association of Intrauterine growth retardation, Metaphyseal dysplasia (and short limbs), Adrenal hypoplasia congenita, and Genital anomalies. It has been described in less than 20 cases. The patients…
Brachydactyly elbow wrist dysplasia
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 1275 Definition Brachydactyly-elbow wrist dysplasia syndrome is a rare, genetic bone development disorder characterized by dysplasia of all the bony components of the elbow joint, abnormally shaped carpal bones, wrist joint radial deviation and brachydactyly….
Polycystic lipomembranous osteodysplasia with sclerosing leukoencephalopathy
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 2770 Definition Nasu-Hakola disease (NHD), also referred to as polycystic lipomembranous osteodysplasia with sclerosing leukoencephalopathy (PLOSL), is a rare inherited leukodystrophy characterized by progressive presenile dementia associated with recurrent bone fractures due to polycystic osseous…
Intermediate congenital nemaline myopathy
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 171433 Definition Intermediate nemaline myopathy is a type of nemaline myopathy (NM; see this term) that shows features of typical NM (see this term) in neonates with a more severe progression. Epidemiology The annual incidence…
Bronchiolitis obliterans
Bronchiolitis obliterans is an inflammatory condition that affects the lung’s tiniest airways, the bronchioles. In affected people, the bronchioles may become damaged and inflamed leading to extensive scarring that blocks the airways. Signs and symptoms of the condition include a dry cough; shortness of breath; and/or fatigue and wheezing in the absence of a cold…
Genoa syndrome
Genoa syndrome is a rare condition that primarily affects the brain and skull. Babies with this condition are generally born with semilobar holoprosencephaly, a disorder caused by failure of the developing brain to sufficiently divide into the double lobes of the cerebral hemispheres. They later develop craniosynostosis (the premature closure of one or more of…
Cardiomyopathy and deafness due to tRNA lysine gene mutation
A specific change in the MTTK gene causes a condition characterized by weakened heart muscle (cardiomyopathy) and hearing loss. Affected individuals may also have myopathy and ataxia. This mutation replaces the DNA building block (nucleotide) guanine with the nucleotide adenine at position 8363 (written as G8363A) within the gene. It is unclear how this alteration…
Lenz microphthalmia syndrome
Lenz microphthalmia syndrome is one of a group of genetic disorders known as syndromic microphthalmia. These conditions involve abnormal development of the eyes and several other parts of the body. Eye symptoms may include underdeveloped (small)or absent eyes, clouding of the lens (cataracts), uncontrolled eye movements (nystagmus),a gap or split in structures that make up…
Liposarcoma
Liposarcoma is a tumor that arises from fat tissue. This tumor often occurs in the thigh, legs, behind the knee, or in the abdomen, but it can be found in other parts of the body, in the retroperitoneum; and, less often, in the head and neck area. Their primary occurrence in the skin is rare. Because a liposarcoma may…
Central congenital hypothyroidism
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 226298 Definition Central or secondary congenital hypothyroidism is a type of permanent congenital hypothyroidism (see this term) characterized by permanent thyroid hormone deficiency that is present from birth and secondary to a disorder in the…
Mycobacterium Avium Complex infections
Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) refers to infections caused by two types of bacteria: Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare.[1][2] MAC bacteria do not make most people sick. However, people with immune systems that do not work well (from HIV/AIDS or certain cancers for example) or people with lung disease (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic…
Neuropathy, hereditary motor and sensory, Russe type
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 99953 Definition Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 4G (CMT4G) is a subtype of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 4 characterized by early childhood onset of progressive distal muscle weakness and atrophy, delayed motor development, prominent distal sensory impairment, areflexia,…
Microphthalmia syndromic 8
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 3434 Definition The MMEP syndrome is a congenital syndromic form of split-hand/foot malformation (SHFM; see this term). It is characterized by microcephaly, microphthalmia, ectrodactyly of the lower limbs and prognathism. Intellectual deficit has been reported….
Childhood-onset nemaline myopathy
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 171439 Definition Childhood onset nemaline myopathy, or mild nemaline myopathy is a type of nemaline myopathy (NM; see this terms) characterized by distal muscle weakness, and sometimes slowness of muscle contraction. Epidemiology The annual incidence…
Chondrodysplasia with joint dislocations, GPAPP type
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 280586 Definition Chondrodysplasia with joint dislocations, gPAPP type is a rare, genetic, primary bone dysplasia characterized by prenatal onset of disproportionate short stature, shortening of the limbs, congenital joint dislocations, micrognathia, posterior cleft palate, brachydactyly,…
Chromosome 15q duplication
Chromosome 15q duplication is a chromosome abnormality that occurs when an extra (duplicate) copy of the genetic material located on the long arm (q) of chromosome 15 is present in each cell. The severity of the condition and the associated signs and symptoms vary based on the size and location of the duplication and which…
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative disorder that affects the central nervous system, specifically the brain and the spinal cord. The disorder is characterized by destruction of the myelin, the fatty tissue that surrounds and protects the nerve fibers and promotes the transmission of nerve impulses, and damage to nerve cells. The symptoms vary widely from person to…
Chromosome 6q deletion
Chromosome 6q deletion is a chromosome abnormality that occurs when there is a missing copy of the genetic material located on the long arm (q) of chromosome 6. The severity of the condition and the signs and symptoms depend on the size and location of the deletion and which genes are involved. Features that often…
19p13.12 microdeletion syndrome
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 254346 Definition 19p13.12 microdeletion syndrome is a newly described syndrome characterized by moderate to severe developmental delay, language delay, bilateral sensorineural and/or conductive hearing loss and facial dysmorphism. Epidemiology It has been reported in 6…
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH, is a common, often “silent” liver disease. It resembles alcoholic liver disease, but occurs in people who drink little or no alcohol. The major feature in NASH is fat in the liver, along with inflammation and damage. Most people with NASH feel well and are not aware that they have a…
Hemochromatosis type 1
Hemochromatosis type 1 is a disease in which too much iron builds up in the body. This is also called iron overload. Accumulation of iron in the organs is toxic and can cause organ damage. While many organs can be affected, iron overload is especially likely to affect the liver, heart, and pancreas. Early symptoms…
Omphalocele cleft palate syndrome lethal
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 2736 Definition Lethal omphalocelecleft palate syndrome is characterized by the association of omphalocele and cleft palate. It has been described in three daughters of normal unrelated parents. They were all diagnosed at birth. One had…
Ocular toxoplasmosis
Ocular toxoplasmosis is an infection in the eye caused by the parasite, Toxoplasm a gondii. Toxoplasmosis is the most common cause of eye inflammation in the world. Toxoplamosis can be acquired or present at birth (congenital), having crossed the placenta from a newly infected mother to her fetus. Most humans acquire toxoplasmosis by eating raw or undercooked meat, vegetables or…
Cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita
Cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita (CMTC) is a birth defect involving the skin and blood vessels. It is characterized by patches of marbled-looking skin (cutis marmarota), small widened blood vessels under the skin (telangiectasia) and varicose veins (phlebectasia).[1][2] The skin findings most often occur on the legs, but may also occur on the arms and trunk. The face…
Potter sequence
Potter sequence refers to a group of features that can result when there is too little amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) surrounding a baby while in the uterus. This can cause distinct facial features (Potter facies), which may include a flattened nose, recessed chin, skin folds covering the corners of the eyes (epicanthal folds), and low-set abnormal…
Cohen syndrome
Cohen syndrome is a congenital (present since birth) condition that was first described in 1973 by Dr. M.M. Cohen, Jr. When the syndrome was first described, it was believed that its main features were obesity, hypotonia (low muscle tone), intellectual disabilities, distinctive facial features with prominent upper central teeth and abnormalities of the hands and feet….
Oral lichen planus
Oral lichen planus is a inflammatory condition that affects the inside of the mouth. Signs and symptoms include patches of fine white lines and dots most commonly in the inside of the cheeks, gums, and/or tongue. Most people with lichen planus experience no to few symptoms, others may have painful sores or ulcers in the mouth. Severe lichen…
Pili torti developmental delay neurological abnormalities
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 2891 Definition Pili tortidevelopmental delay-neurological abnormalities syndrome is characterized by growth and developmental delay, mild to moderate neurologic abnormalities, and pili torti. It has been described in a brother and his sister born to consanguineous…
Papular epidermal nevi with skyline basal cell layers syndrome
Papular epidermal nevus with “skyline” basal cell layer syndrome (PENS) is a very rare type of keratinocytic epidermal nevi that includes a specific type of skin lesion and can be associated with other birth defects and neurological problems.[1][2][3][4][5] The skin lesions appear as small, slightly scaly, pimples (papules) made of the thickened outer layer of the…
Crome syndrome
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 1380 Definition Cataract nephropathy encephalopathy syndrome describes a lethal combination of manifestations including short stature, congenital cataracts, encephalopathy with epileptic fits, and postmortem confirmation of nephropathy (renal tubular necrosis). The combination of cataract nephropathy encephalopathy…
Patulous Eustachian Tube
Patulous eustachian tube is a benign but symptomatically troubling condition in which the eustachian tube stays open most of the time.[1][2] The eustachian tube is the tube that runs between the middle ear and throat and regulates the ear pressure around the ear drum.[3] Under normal circumstances, it remains closed most of the time, opening only on…
Primary melanoma of the central nervous system
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 252050 Definition Primary melanoma of the central nervous system is a rare tumor of meninges arising from leptomeningeal melanocytes, typically in the perimedullary or high cervical region, in the absence of melanoma outside the CNS….
Nemaline myopathy
Nemaline myopathy is a disorder that primarily affects skeletal muscles, which are muscles that the body uses for movement. People with nemaline myopathy have muscle weakness (myopathy) throughout the body, but it is typically most severe in the muscles of the face, neck, and limbs. This weakness can worsen over time. Affected individuals may have…
Pseudo-Von Willebrand disease
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 52530 Definition Platelet type Von Willebrand disease (PT-VWD) is a bleeding disorder characterized by mild to moderate mucocutaneous bleeding, which becomes more pronounced during pregnancy or following ingestion of drugs that have anti-platelet activity. PT-VWD…
Conotruncal heart malformations
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 2445 Definition A group of congenital cardiac outflow tract anomalies that include such defects as tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect, double-outlet right ventricle (DORV), double-outlet left ventricle, truncus arteriosus and transposition…
2-methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency
2-methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency is an organic acid disorder in which individuals lack adequate levels of an enzyme called 2-methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase. This enzyme assists in the processing of a particular amino acid called isoleucine. The inability to process isoleucine correctly leads to the buildup of the amino acid in the body. The buildup can cause a variety of…
Hairy elbows
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 2220 Definition Hypertrichosis cubiti is a rare hair anomaly characterized by symmetrical, congenital or early-onset, bilateral hypertrychosis localized on the externsor surfaces of the upper extremities (especially the elbows). Short stature, or other abnormalities, such…
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a severe, respiratory disease caused by infection with a hantavirus. People can become infected with a hantavirus through contact with hantavirus-infected rodents or their saliva, urine and/or droppings. Early symptoms universally include fatigue, fever and muscle aches (especially in the thighs, hips, and/or back), and sometimes include headaches, dizziness, chills,…
Hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis
Hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis (HCHWA) is a neurological condition in which an abnormal protein (amyloid) builds up in the walls of the arteries of the brain (and less frequently, veins). This process is known as amyloid deposition, which can lead to strokes, seizures, neurological deficits, cognitive decline, and dementia. Symptoms usually present before the 5th…
Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia with hypothyroidism and ciliary dyskinesia
Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia with hypothyroidism and ciliary dyskinesia is a rare condition characterized by alopecia (hair loss); nail dystrophy (abnormal development of the nails); ophthalmic (eye-related) complications; thyroid dysfunction (primary hypothyroidism); hypohidrosis; ephelides (freckles); enteropathy (disease of the intestine); and respiratory tract infections due to ciliary dyskinesia.[1] These features have lead to the acronym ANOTHER syndrome…
Diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 79456 Definition Diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis (DCM) is a rare form of cutaneous mastocytosis (CM; see this term) characterized by generalized erythroderma, various degrees of blistering, skin with a ”peau d’orange” appearance and the accumulation of…
Spastic paraplegia 24
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 101004 Definition A very rare, pure form of spastic paraplegia characterized by an onset in infancy of lower limb spasticity associated with gait disturbances, scissor gait, tiptoe walking, clonus and increased deep tendon reflexes. Mild…
Microsomia hemifacial radial defects
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 2549 Definition Oculoauriculovertebral spectrum (OAVS) with radial defects is a rare branchial arches and limb primordia development disorder characterized by variable degrees of unior bilateral craniofacial malformation and radial defects that result in extremely variable…
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a condition in which blood accumulates between the layers of tissue that make up the wall of the coronary artery (the vessel that supplies blood to the heart). The trapped blood then creates a blockage which interferes with blood flow to the heart. Depending on the degree of blockage,…
Abetalipoproteinemia
Abetalipoproteinemia is a very rare condition that affects fat and vitamin absorption by the intestines and liver, leading to very low LDL-cholesterol and malnutrition. Early symptoms of this condition include diarrhea, vomiting, and poor growth. Without treatment, later complications may include muscle weakness, poor night and color vision, tremors, and speech difficulties.[1][2] The long-term outcome can…
Erythrokeratoderma ”en cocardes”
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Orpha Number: 315 Definition A rare, genetic, epidermal disorder characterized by intermittent (remitting and recurring), annular, polycyclic, target-like (or ‘en cocardes’) plaques with concentric rings of scaling erythema occurring on the extremities, flexural areas, and trunk. Concurrent…