Beare–Stevenson cutis gyrata syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by craniosynostosis (premature fusion of certain bones of the skull, sometimes resulting in a characteristic 'cloverleaf skull'; further growth of the skull is prevented, and therefore the shape of the head and face is abnormal) and a specific skin abnormality, called cutis gyrata, characterized by a furrowed and wrinkled appearance (particularly in the face and on the palms and soles of the feet); thick, dark, velvety areas of skin (

acanthosis nigricans Acanthosis nigricans is a medical sign characterised by brown-to-black, poorly defined, velvety hyperpigmentation of the skin. It is usually found in body folds, such as the posterior and lateral folds of the neck, the armpits, groin, navel, foreh ...

) are sometimes found on the hands and feet and in the groin.http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/beare-stevenson-cutis-gyrata-syndrome The Genetic Home Reference entry on Beare-Stevenson cutis gyrata syndrome

Presentation

Signs and symptoms of Beare–Stevenson cutis gyrata syndrome can include a blockage of the nasal passages (

choanal atresia Choanal atresia is a congenital disorder where the back of the nasal passage (choana) is blocked, usually by abnormal bony or soft tissue (membranous) due to failed hole development of the nasal fossae during prenatal development. It causes persi ...

), overgrowth of the umbilical stump, and abnormalities of the genitalia and anus. The medical complications associated with this condition are often severe and may well be life-threatening in infancy or early childhood.

Genetics

Several mutations in the ''

FGFR2 Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) also known as CD332 (cluster of differentiation 332) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ''FGFR2'' gene residing on chromosome 10. FGFR2 is a receptor for fibroblast growth factor. The protein ...

'' gene (a gene coding for a protein called fibroblast growth factor receptor 2, which is involved in important

signaling pathways Signal transduction is the process by which a chemical or physical signal is transmitted through a cell as a series of molecular events, most commonly protein phosphorylation catalyzed by protein kinases, which ultimately results in a cellula ...

) are known to cause Beare–Stevenson cutis gyrata syndrome; however, not all patients with the condition have a mutation in their ''FGFR2'' gene. Any alternative underlying causes are currently unidentified. The syndrome follows an

autosomal An autosome is any chromosome that is not a sex chromosome. The members of an autosome pair in a diploid cell have the same morphology, unlike those in allosomal (sex chromosome) pairs, which may have different structures. The DNA in autosom ...

dominant pattern, meaning that if one of the two available genes carries a mutation the syndrome will result. Currently, no familial histories are known (in other words, there are no reports of cases in which a parent carrying a mutation in their ''FGFR2'' gene then propagated said mutation to his or her child).

Diagnosis

Treatment

Incidence

Beare–Stevenson cutis gyrata syndrome is so rare that a reliable incidence cannot be established as of yet; fewer than 25 patients with the condition have been reported.

References

External links

Genodermatoses Rare genetic syndromes {{Genodermatoses-stub