Crandall syndrome

Autosomal recessive - en

Crandall syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by a combination of alopecia, sensorineural hearing loss, and hypogonadism. It is considered a variant of Menkes disease, which is a disorder of copper metabolism.

Presentation

Individuals with Crandall syndrome typically present with the following features:

• Alopecia: This refers to the loss of hair, which can be partial or complete.
• Sensorineural hearing loss: This type of hearing loss is due to damage to the inner ear or the nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain.
• Hypogonadism: This condition is characterized by reduced function of the gonads (testes in males and ovaries in females), leading to decreased production of sex hormones.

Genetics

Crandall syndrome is inherited in an X-linked recessive pattern. This means that the gene responsible for the disorder is located on the X chromosome. Males, who have only one X chromosome, are more severely affected, while females, who have two X chromosomes, may be carriers and show milder symptoms or be asymptomatic.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Crandall syndrome is based on clinical features and can be confirmed through genetic testing. The identification of mutations in the ATP7A gene, which is also implicated in Menkes disease, supports the diagnosis.

Treatment

There is no cure for Crandall syndrome, and treatment is primarily supportive. Management may include:

• Hearing aids or cochlear implants for hearing loss.
• Hormone replacement therapy for hypogonadism.
• Regular monitoring and supportive care for other symptoms.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with Crandall syndrome varies depending on the severity of the symptoms and the effectiveness of the supportive treatments. Early intervention and management can improve the quality of life for affected individuals.

See also

• Menkes disease
• Alopecia
• Sensorineural hearing loss
• Hypogonadism
• Genetic disorders

External links

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