Ellis-van Creveld Syndrome

Definition

Ellis-van Creveld syndrome is an inherited disorder with multiple abnormalities and dwarfism.

Polydactyly - an infant's hand
Chromosomes and DNA

Alternative Names

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Ellis-van Creveld is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. It results from mutations in one of two Ellis van Creveld syndrome genes (EVC and EVC2). It is unknown what function these genes perform. Interestingly, the two genes lie next to each other on chromosome 4. It is unclear how this unusual arrangement affects the presentation of the syndrome.

The severity of the disease varies from person to person, but one of the striking features is shortening of the parts of the limbs furthest from the trunk. Higher incidence of the condition is seen among the Amish.

Symptoms

• Stillbirth (common)
• Death in early infancy (common)
• Dwarfism
• Short extremities, especially forearm and lower leg
• Hair abnormalities: sparse, absent, fine texture
• Cleft lip or palate
• Tooth abnormalities:
  • Peg teeth
  • Widely spaced teeth
  • Teeth present at birth (natal teeth )
  • Teeth - delayed or absent formation
• Nail abnormalities: absent nails, deformed nails
• Joint abnormalities: limited range of motion
• Extra fingers (polydactyly )
• Epispadias or an undescended testicle (cryptorchidism)
• Congenital heart defects such as a hole in the heart atrial septal defect (ASD)

Signs and tests

• Skeletal x-ray may show fusion of wrist bones, cone shaped fingertips
• Echocardiogram
• Urinalysis
• Chest x-ray showing short ribs
• Ultrasound may locate an undescended testicle
• Genetic testing may be available for mutations in the EVC gene

Treatment

Treatment depends on which body system is involved and to what extent that body system is involved. The condition itself is not treatable, but many of the complications can be treated.

Support Groups

Many communities have Ellis-van Creveld support groups. Ask your health care provider or local hospital if there is one in your area.

Expectations (prognosis)

The outcome depends on which body system is involved and to what extent that body system is involved.

Complications

• Breathing difficulty
• Congenital heart disease (CHD) especially an atrial septal defect (ASD)
• Kidney disease
• Bone abnormalities

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if your child exhibits a collection of some of the above described symptoms. If your family history is positive for Ellis-van Creveld syndrome and your child has any of the above symptoms, a visit to your health care provider is appropriate.

Prevention

Genetic counseling is recommended for prospective parents with any family history of Ellis-van Creveld syndrome.

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Review Date:4/20/2005
Reviewed By: Neal Sondheimer, M.D., PhD., Division of Genetics and Metabolism, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.