Skip to main content

Cornelia de Lange syndrome

Cornelia de Lange syndrome is a developmental disorder that affects many parts of the body. The features of this disorder vary widely among affected individuals and range from relatively mild to severe.

Description

Cornelia de Lange syndrome is a developmental disorder that affects many parts of the body. The features of this disorder vary widely among affected individuals and range from relatively mild to severe.

Cornelia de Lange syndrome is characterised by slow growth before and after birth leading to short stature; intellectual disability that is usually moderate to severe; and abnormalities of bones in the arms, hands, and fingers. Most people with Cornelia de Lange syndrome also have distinctive facial features, including arched eyebrows that often meet in the middle (synophrys), long eyelashes, low-set ears, small and widely spaced teeth, and a small and upturned nose. Many affected individuals also have features similar to autism spectrum disorder, a developmental condition that affects communication and social interaction.

Additional signs and symptoms of Cornelia de Lange syndrome can include excessive body hair (hypertrichosis), an unusually small head (microcephaly), hearing loss, and problems with the digestive tract. Some people with this condition are born with an opening in the roof of the mouth called a cleft palate.  Seizures, heart defects, and eye problems have also been reported in people with this condition.

Inheritance patterns

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

Other names

BDLS

Brachmann-de Lange syndrome

CdLS

De Lange syndrome

Typus degenerativus amstelodamensis

Related patient information and medicines

Cri du chat syndrome

Patient information leaflet

Cri du chat syndrome

Cri du chat syndrome is a chromosome problem caused by a missing piece of chromosome 5. The syndrome is called cri du chat (French for cry of the cat) because affected babies often have a high-pitched cry. Not all babies with the missing piece of chromosome 5 will develop cri du chat syndrome. Cri du chat syndrome may cause a variety of.

Diogenes syndrome

Patient information leaflet

Diogenes syndrome

Diogenes syndrome is uncommon but can be easily missed, especially in an elderly person living on their own. Diogenes syndrome, also known as senile squalor syndrome or hoarding disorder, is a disorder with extreme self-neglect, hoarding of garbage or animals, domestic squalor, social withdrawal, apathy, and a lack of insight into the problem and.

Cervical rib

Patient information leaflet

Cervical rib

About 1 in 100 people are born with an extra rib called a cervical rib. About 1 in 10 people who have a cervical rib develop thoracic outlet syndrome. This happens if the cervical rib squashes the nerves and blood vessels going into the arm. Treatment can include painkillers, physiotherapy and sometimes surgery to relieve the compression caused.

Microvascular angina

Patient information leaflet

Microvascular angina

There is no agreed definition for CSX. The underlying cause may be sudden narrowing (spasm) of normal coronary arteries without any evidence of atheromatous fatty plaques. What is cardiac syndrome X. Cardiac syndrome X (CSX) is thought to be a type of angina. In CSX chest pain is felt when the heart works harder but the heart arteries appear to be.

Turner syndrome

Patient information leaflet

Turner syndrome

Turner syndrome is a genetic condition that only affects girls. The most characteristic features of the syndrome are being short, having certain physical features (detailed below), and ovaries that do not work properly. Although there is no cure, there are treatments that can help most girls with Turner syndrome lead relatively normal lives. What.

Down's syndrome

Patient information leaflet

Down's syndrome

Down's syndrome (also known as Down syndrome) is a genetic chromosome problem. Someone with Down's syndrome has an extra copy of chromosome 21 in the cells of their body. All people with Down's syndrome have some degree of learning disability. Down's syndrome may be detected before birth (prenatally) or after birth (postnatally). It cannot be.

Further reading and references

Article history

The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
  • 22 Aug 2023 | Latest version
  • 1 Apr 2022 | Originally published

Join the conversation

Share your thoughts or experiences with others in our patient communities.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the community do not represent medical advice. For any health concerns, consult your GP or healthcare provider.
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.