Causes

Apert syndrome can be passed down through families (inherited). The syndrome is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait, which means that only one parent needs to pass on the faulty gene for a child to have the condition.

Some cases may occur without a known family history.

Apert syndrome is caused by mutations in a gene called fibroblast growth factor receptor 2. This gene defect causes some of the bony sutures of the skull to close too early, a condition called craniosynostosis.

Symptoms

• Early closure of sutures between bones of the skull, noted by ridging along sutures
• Frequent ear infections
• Fusion or severe webbing of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th fingers, often called "mitten hands"
• Hearing loss
• Large or late-closing soft spot on a baby's skull
• Possible, slow intellectual development (varies from person to person)
• Prominent or bulging eyes
• Severe under-development of the mid-face
• Skeletal (limb) abnormalities
• Short height
• Webbing or fusion of the toes

Several other syndromes can lead to a similar appearance of the face and head, but do not include the severe hand and foot problems of Apert syndrome. These similar syndromes include:

• Carpenter syndrome (kleeblattschadel, cloverleaf skull deformity)
• Crouzon disease (craniofacial dysostosis)
• Pfeiffer syndrome
• Saethre-Chotzen syndrome

Exams and Tests

The doctor will perform a physical exam. Hand, foot, and skull x-rays will be done. Hearing tests should always be performed.

Genetic testing can confirm the diagnosis of Apert syndrome.

Treatment

Treatment consists of surgery to correct abnormal bone growth. Children with this disorder should be examined by a specialized craniofacial surgery team at a children's medical center.

A hearing specialist should be consulted if there are hearing problems.

Support Groups

Children's Craniofacial Association -- www.ccakids.com

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you have a family history of Apert syndrome or you notice your baby's skull is not developing normally.

Prevention

Genetic counseling may be helpful if you have a family history of this disorder and are planning to become pregnant. Your doctor can test your baby for this disease during pregnancy.

Alternative Names

Acrocephalosyndactyly

References

Kinsman SL, Johnston MV. Congenital anomalies of the central nervous system. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 592.

Updated: 4/4/2012

Reviewed by: Chad Haldeman-Englert, MD, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Section on Medical Genetics, Winston-Salem, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.