Progressive spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia-short stature-short fourth metatarsals-intellectual disability syndrome

What it is

From: Orphanet

A rare genetic multiple congenital anomalies/dysmorphic syndrome characterized by global developmental delay and intellectual disability, progressive spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, short stature, short fourth metatarsals, and dysmorphic craniofacial features (including microcephaly, hypertelorism, epicanthal folds, mild ptosis, strabismus, malar hypoplasia, short nose, depressed nasal bridge, full lips, small, low-set ears, and short neck). Craniosynostosis, generalized hypotonia, as well as asymmetry of the cerebral hemispheres and mild thinning of the corpus callosum on brain imaging have also been described.

Reported clinical features and what the terms mean

The following findings are associated with this condition in Orphanet. They are not a checklist for diagnosing yourself, and they do not all occur in every affected person. Some are examination, imaging or laboratory findings that cannot be recognised at home.

The frequency labels describe how often a finding was reported among people with the condition in the source. They do not give the chance that a person with that symptom has the condition. Definitions below reproduce HPO terminology; they explain the term, not the likely severity in an individual.

Abnormality of the ear · Very frequent (99-80%)

An abnormality of the ear.

Abnormality of the hip bone · Very frequent (99-80%)

An abnormality of the hip bone.

Abnormality of the knee · Very frequent (99-80%)

An abnormality of the knee joint or surrounding structures.

Autistic behavior · Very frequent (99-80%)

Persistent deficits in social interaction and communication and interaction as well as a markedly restricted repertoire of activity and interest as well as repetitive patterns of behavior.

Brachydactyly · Very frequent (99-80%)

Digits that appear disproportionately short compared to the hand/foot. The word brachydactyly is used here to describe a series distinct patterns of shortened digits (brachydactyly types A-E). This is the sense used here.

Carpal bone hypoplasia · Very frequent (99-80%)

Underdevelopment of one or more carpal bones.

Cone-shaped epiphysis · Very frequent (99-80%)

Cone-shaped epiphyses (also known as coned epiphyses) are epiphyses that invaginate into cupped metaphyses. That is, the epiphysis has a cone-shaped distal extension resulting from increased growth of the central portion of the epiphysis relative to its periphery.

Craniosynostosis · Very frequent (99-80%)

Craniosynostosis refers to the premature closure of the cranial sutures. Primary craniosynostosis refers to the closure of one or more sutures due to abnormalities in skull development, and secondary craniosynostosis results from failure of brain growth.

Delayed skeletal maturation · Very frequent (99-80%)

A decreased rate of skeletal maturation. Delayed skeletal maturation can be diagnosed on the basis of an estimation of the bone age from radiographs of specific bones in the human body.

Depressed nasal bridge · Very frequent (99-80%)

Posterior positioning of the nasal root in relation to the overall facial profile for age.

Epicanthus · Very frequent (99-80%)

A fold of skin starting above the medial aspect of the upper eyelid and arching downward to cover, pass in front of and lateral to the medial canthus.

Frontal bossing · Very frequent (99-80%)

Bilateral bulging of the lateral frontal bone prominences with relative sparing of the midline.

Gait disturbance · Very frequent (99-80%)

The term gait disturbance can refer to any disruption of the ability to walk.

Hypertelorism · Very frequent (99-80%)

Interpupillary distance more than 2 SD above the mean (alternatively, the appearance of an increased interpupillary distance or widely spaced eyes).

Other findings in the same source

From: Orphanet

Additional reported features include Intellectual disability (Very frequent (99-80%)); Kyphoscoliosis (Very frequent (99-80%)); Malar flattening (Very frequent (99-80%)); Motor delay (Very frequent (99-80%)); Osteopenia (Very frequent (99-80%)); Overlapping toe (Very frequent (99-80%)); Platyspondyly (Very frequent (99-80%)); Proptosis (Very frequent (99-80%)); Short femoral neck (Very frequent (99-80%)); Short fourth metatarsal (Very frequent (99-80%)). This is a selected summary, not a complete description of the condition.

When it may begin

From: Orphanet

Infancy; Neonatal

Inheritance in the source

From: Orphanet

Autosomal recessive

Frequency and the population described

From: Orphanet

Reported case(s): 4.0; Worldwide. This is a published case count, not prevalence. Point prevalence: <1 / 1 000 000; Worldwide; Class only.

Understanding the inheritance label

From: MedlinePlus Genetics

An autosomal recessive pattern usually involves disease-causing changes in both copies of a gene. Parents may each carry one altered copy without having the condition themselves. A genetic counsellor can explain carrier testing and reproductive implications using the actual laboratory findings, rather than the condition name alone.

Which doctor should you see?

The suggested department for discussing Progressive spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia-short stature-short fourth metatarsals-intellectual disability syndrome is Orthopaedics, with a orthopaedic specialist as the relevant type of clinician. General physician / Family Medicine; paediatrician for children. Referral depends on symptoms.

Additional services that may be relevant, depending on the findings, include: Clinical Genetics.

This is an editorial referral starting point. The appropriate clinic depends on the person’s age, symptoms, previous diagnosis and local services. The first clinician can decide whether another specialty or a team is needed; a department label does not confirm the diagnosis.

How to prepare for an assessment

Bring a short timeline of the main symptoms: when they first appeared, whether they are constant or episodic, what seems to change them, and how they affect daily activities. Include previous reports, discharge summaries, current medicines and supplements, allergies, and any relevant family history. A dated record is more useful than trying to match every feature in an online article.

Ask the clinician what is already established and what remains uncertain. If a test is suggested, ask what question it answers, what its limitations are and how the result would change the next step. The information here is not an instruction to arrange every possible test. In children, bring growth, developmental and school information if it is relevant to the concern.

• What explains the change in pain, movement or function?
• Which activities need adjustment while the diagnosis is being clarified?
• What are the roles of rehabilitation, observation and surgery in this situation?

Treatment discussions and follow-up

The material gathered for this draft does not provide a complete condition-specific treatment pathway for Progressive spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia-short stature-short fourth metatarsals-intellectual disability syndrome. That gap does not mean that treatment is unavailable. A clinician needs to establish the diagnosis and review current guidance before recommending medicines, procedures, rehabilitation or other support.

Before leaving the appointment, clarify the next review date, who will communicate results, and whom to contact if the situation changes. Discuss difficulties with sleep, work, school, mobility, eating or emotional wellbeing when these are relevant. Practical support may require coordination between the treating clinician and other services.

The collected references do not establish a complete prevention or long-term outlook section for this entry. Missing information should not be interpreted as proof that prevention is impossible or that a particular outcome is inevitable. Ask what is known for the exact subtype, stage and personal circumstances, and which uncertainties remain.

When to seek emergency help

Severe breathing difficulty, collapse, new stroke-like symptoms, a seizure that is prolonged or repeated without recovery, uncontrolled major bleeding, or an immediate risk of self-harm require emergency help. In India, call 112 or reach the nearest emergency department. This is a general, non-exhaustive warning list; it is not a condition-specific triage tool.