Crane-Heise syndrome

Overview

A very rare fatal disorder characterized by numerous abnormalities.

Symptoms

* Delayed fetal development * Large head * Widely spaced eyes * Depressed nasal bridge * Small face

Causes

Cleft lip or palate most commonly occurs as an isolated birth defect. Isolated cleft lip with or without cleft palate and cleft palate only are the result of a disruption in the normal development of the orofacial structures. This disruption in development is thought to be the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Cleft lip or cleft palate may also occur as part of a chromosomal or Mendelian syndrome (cleft defects are associated with over 300 syndromes). Exposures to specific teratogens during fetal development may also produce these defects.