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Baraitser-Winter syndrome

Baraitser-Winter syndrome is a condition that affects the development of many parts of the body, particularly the face and the brain.

Description

Baraitser-Winter syndrome is a condition that affects the development of many parts of the body, particularly the face and the brain.

An unusual facial appearance is the most common characteristic of Baraitser-Winter syndrome. Distinctive facial features can include widely spaced eyes (hypertelorism), large eyelid openings, droopy eyelids (ptosis), high-arched eyebrows, a broad nasal bridge and tip of the nose, a long space between the nose and upper lip (philtrum), full cheeks, and a pointed chin.

Structural brain abnormalities are also present in most people with Baraitser-Winter syndrome. These abnormalities are related to impaired neuronal migration, a process by which nerve cells (neurons) move to their proper positions in the developing brain. The most frequent brain abnormality associated with Baraitser-Winter syndrome is pachygyria, which is an area of the brain that has an abnormally smooth surface with fewer folds and grooves. Less commonly, affected individuals have lissencephaly, which is similar to pachygyria but involves the entire brain surface. These structural changes can cause mild to severe intellectual disability, developmental delay, and seizures.

Other features of Baraitser-Winter syndrome can include short stature, ear abnormalities and hearing loss, heart defects, presence of an extra (duplicated) thumb, and abnormalities of the kidneys and urinary system. Some affected individuals have limited movement of large joints, such as the elbows and knees, which may be present at birth or develop over time. Rarely, people with Baraitser-Winter syndrome have involuntary muscle tensing (dystonia).

Inheritance patterns

The source lists the following possible inheritance patterns: Autosomal dominant. More than one pattern can apply in different cases.

Other names

BRWS

Cerebro-frontofacial syndrome, type 3

Fryns-Aftimos syndrome

Iris coloboma with ptosis, hypertelorism, and mental retardation

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Further reading and references

Article history

The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
  • 17 Sept 2024 | Latest version
  • 1 Apr 2013 | Originally published

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