Skip to main content

Perrault syndrome is a rare condition that causes different patterns of signs and symptoms in affected males and females. A key feature of this condition is hearing loss, which occurs in both males and females. Affected females also have abnormalities of the ovaries. Neurological problems occur in some affected males and females.

Description

Perrault syndrome is a rare condition that causes different patterns of signs and symptoms in affected males and females. A key feature of this condition is hearing loss, which occurs in both males and females. Affected females also have abnormalities of the ovaries. Neurological problems occur in some affected males and females.

In Perrault syndrome, the problems with hearing are caused by changes in the inner ear, which is known as sensorineural hearing loss. The impairment usually affects both ears and can be present at birth or begin in early childhood. Unless hearing is completely impaired at birth, the hearing problems worsen over time.

Females with Perrault syndrome have abnormal or missing ovaries (ovarian dysgenesis), although their external genitalia are normal. Severely affected girls do not begin menstruation by age 16 (primary amenorrhea), and most never have a menstrual period. Less severely affected women have an early loss of ovarian function (primary ovarian insufficiency); their menstrual periods begin in adolescence, but they become less frequent and eventually stop before age 40. Women with Perrault syndrome may have difficulty conceiving or be unable to have biological children (infertile).

Neurological problems in individuals with Perrault syndrome can include intellectual disability, difficulty with balance and coordinating movements (ataxia), and loss of sensation and weakness in the limbs (peripheral neuropathy). However, not everyone with this condition has neurological problems.

Inheritance patterns

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

Other names

Gonadal dysgenesis with auditory dysfunction, autosomal recessive inheritance

Gonadal dysgenesis with sensorineural deafness, autosomal recessive inheritance

Gonadal dysgenesis, XX type, with deafness

Ovarian dysgenesis with sensorineural deafness

Related patient information and medicines

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.

Precordial catch syndrome

Patient information leaflet

Precordial catch syndrome

Although precordial catch syndrome is a harmless cause of chest pain, there are many other causes of chest pain, some of which are serious and need urgent medical attention. What is precordial catch syndrome. Precordial catch syndrome (PCS) is condition which causes a sharp stabbing pain in the chest. These typically get worse with breathing in,.

Pre-eclampsia

Patient information leaflet

Pre-eclampsia

This means that should look out for any of the symptoms above after you give birth and report them to your doctor or midwife. This is called post natal pre-eclampsia. HELLP syndrome HELLP syndrome is a complication which occurs in women who have severe pre-eclampsia or eclampsia. It commonly occurs between 27 and 37 weeks of pregnancy but can.

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Patient information leaflet

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic condition that affects how the ovaries work. It can cause symptoms such as weight gain, excess hair growth, period problems, and can impact fertility. What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a medical condition that affects how the body regulates hormones. It can.

Nephrotic syndrome

Patient information leaflet

Nephrotic syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome is a condition where the 'filters' in the kidney become 'leaky' and large amounts of protein leak from the blood into the urine. The main symptom is fluid retention (oedema) which is mainly due to the low protein level in the blood. Various diseases can cause nephrotic syndrome, some more serious than others. The most common.

Chronic fatigue syndrome

Patient information leaflet

Chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), sometimes known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) , is a condition where there is long-term disabling tiredness (fatigue). Most people with also have one or more other symptoms such as muscular pains, joint pains, disturbed sleep patterns, poor.

Further reading and references

Article history

The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
  • 10 Nov 2023 | Latest version
  • 1 Dec 2014 | 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.