U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Format

Send to:

Choose Destination

Metaphyseal chondrodysplasia, McKusick type(CHH)

MedGen UID:
67398
Concept ID:
C0220748
Congenital Abnormality; Disease or Syndrome
Synonyms: Cartilage-Hair Hypoplasia; CHH
SNOMED CT: Cartilage hair syndrome (7720002); Metaphyseal chondrodysplasia, McKusick type (7720002); Cartilage-hair hypoplasia syndrome (7720002)
Modes of inheritance:
Autosomal recessive inheritance
MedGen UID:
141025
Concept ID:
C0441748
Intellectual Product
Source: Orphanet
A mode of inheritance that is observed for traits related to a gene encoded on one of the autosomes (i.e., the human chromosomes 1-22) in which a trait manifests in individuals with two pathogenic alleles, either homozygotes (two copies of the same mutant allele) or compound heterozygotes (whereby each copy of a gene has a distinct mutant allele).
 
Gene (location): RMRP (9p13.3)
 
Monarch Initiative: MONDO:0009595
OMIM®: 250250
Orphanet: ORPHA175

Disease characteristics

The cartilage-hair hypoplasia – anauxetic dysplasia (CHH-AD) spectrum disorders are a continuum that includes the following phenotypes: Metaphyseal dysplasia without hypotrichosis (MDWH). Cartilage-hair hypoplasia (CHH). Anauxetic dysplasia (AD). CHH-AD spectrum disorders are characterized by severe disproportionate (short-limb) short stature that is usually recognized in the newborn, and occasionally prenatally because of the short extremities. Other findings include joint hypermobility, fine, silky hair, immunodeficiency, anemia, increased risk for malignancy, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and impaired spermatogenesis. The most severe phenotype, AD, has the most pronounced skeletal phenotype, may be associated with atlantoaxial subluxation in the newborn, and may include cognitive deficiency. The clinical manifestations of the CHH-AD spectrum disorders are variable, even within the same family. [from GeneReviews]
Authors:
Outi Mäkitie  |  Svetlana Vakkilainen   view full author information

Additional descriptions

From OMIM
Cartilage-hair hypoplasia (CHH) is an autosomal recessive metaphyseal chondrodysplasia characterized by short-limbed short stature and fine, sparse hair. Additional features include ligamentous laxity, defective immunity, hypoplastic anemia, and neuronal dysplasia of the intestine (summary by Ridanpaa et al., 2001). CHH was first recognized by McKusick et al. (1965) in the Old Order Amish, a religious isolate (see also McKusick, 1978), and was later recognized as exceptionally prevalent in the Finnish population (Makitie, 1992).  http://www.omim.org/entry/250250
From MedlinePlus Genetics
Cartilage-hair hypoplasia is a disorder of bone growth characterized by short stature (dwarfism) with other skeletal abnormalities; fine, sparse hair (hypotrichosis); and abnormal immune system function (immune deficiency) that can lead to recurrent infections.

People with cartilage-hair hypoplasia have unusually short limbs and short stature from birth. They typically have malformations in the cartilage near the ends of the long bones in the arms and legs (metaphyseal chondrodysplasia), which then affects development of the bone itself. Most people with cartilage-hair hypoplasia are unusually flexible in some joints, but they may have difficulty extending their elbows fully.

Affected individuals have hair that is lighter in color than that of other family members because the core of each hair, which contains some of the pigment that contributes the hair's color, is missing. The missing core also makes each strand of hair thinner, causing the hair to have a sparse appearance overall. Unusually light-colored skin (hypopigmentation), malformed nails, and dental abnormalities may also be seen in this disorder.

The extent of the immune deficiency in cartilage-hair hypoplasia varies from mild to severe. Affected individuals with the most severe immune problems are considered to have severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). People with SCID lack virtually all immune protection from bacteria, viruses, and fungi and are prone to repeated and persistent infections that can be very serious or life-threatening. These infections are often caused by "opportunistic" organisms that ordinarily do not cause illness in people with a normal immune system. Most people with cartilage-hair hypoplasia, even those who have milder immune deficiency, experience infections of the respiratory system, ears, and sinuses. In particular, the chicken pox virus (varicella) often causes dangerous infections in people with this disorder. Autoimmune disorders, which occur when the immune system malfunctions and attacks the body's tissues and organs, occur in some people with cartilage-hair hypoplasia. Affected individuals are also at an increased risk of developing cancer, particularly certain skin cancers (basal cell carcinomas), cancer of blood-forming cells (leukemia), and cancer of immune system cells (lymphoma).

Some people with cartilage-hair hypoplasia experience gastrointestinal problems. These problems may include an inability to properly absorb nutrients or intolerance of a protein called gluten found in wheat and other grains (celiac disease). Affected individuals may have Hirschsprung disease, an intestinal disorder that causes severe constipation, intestinal blockage, and enlargement of the colon. Narrowing of the anus (anal stenosis) or blockage of the esophagus (esophageal atresia) may also occur.  https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/cartilage-hair-hypoplasia

Clinical features

From HPO
Lymphoma
MedGen UID:
44223
Concept ID:
C0024299
Neoplastic Process
A cancer originating in lymphocytes and presenting as a solid tumor of lymhpoid cells.
Skin basal cell carcinoma
MedGen UID:
1648304
Concept ID:
C4721806
Neoplastic Process
The presence of a basal cell carcinoma of the skin.
Short palm
MedGen UID:
334684
Concept ID:
C1843108
Finding
Short palm.
Limited elbow extension
MedGen UID:
401158
Concept ID:
C1867103
Finding
Limited ability to straighten the arm at the elbow joint.
Coxa vara
MedGen UID:
1790477
Concept ID:
C5551440
Anatomical Abnormality
Coxa vara includes all forms of decrease of the femoral neck shaft angle (the angle between the neck and the shaft of the femur) to less than 120 degrees.
Neonatal short-limb short stature
MedGen UID:
337984
Concept ID:
C1850171
Finding
A type of short-limbed dwarfism that is manifest beginning in the neonatal period.
Absent pubertal growth spurt
MedGen UID:
1373047
Concept ID:
C4476965
Finding
The abrupt and transient increase in the annual growth rate normally observed in adolescent individuals does not occur.
Constipation
MedGen UID:
1101
Concept ID:
C0009806
Sign or Symptom
Infrequent or difficult evacuation of feces.
Esophageal atresia
MedGen UID:
4545
Concept ID:
C0014850
Congenital Abnormality
A developmental defect resulting in complete obliteration of the lumen of the esophagus such that the esophagus ends in a blind pouch rather than connecting to the stomach.
Aganglionic megacolon
MedGen UID:
5559
Concept ID:
C0019569
Disease or Syndrome
The disorder described by Hirschsprung (1888) and known as Hirschsprung disease or aganglionic megacolon is characterized by congenital absence of intrinsic ganglion cells in the myenteric (Auerbach) and submucosal (Meissner) plexuses of the gastrointestinal tract. Patients are diagnosed with the short-segment form (S-HSCR, approximately 80% of cases) when the aganglionic segment does not extend beyond the upper sigmoid, and with the long-segment form (L-HSCR) when aganglionosis extends proximal to the sigmoid (Amiel et al., 2008). Total colonic aganglionosis and total intestinal HSCR also occur. Genetic Heterogeneity of Hirschsprung Disease Several additional loci for isolated Hirschsprung disease have been mapped. HSCR2 (600155) is associated with variation in the EDNRB gene (131244) on 13q22; HSCR3 (613711) is associated with variation in the GDNF gene (600837) on 5p13; HSCR4 (613712) is associated with variation in the EDN3 gene (131242) on 20q13; HSCR5 (600156) maps to 9q31; HSCR6 (606874) maps to 3p21; HSCR7 (606875) maps to 19q12; HSCR8 (608462) maps to 16q23; and HSCR9 (611644) maps to 4q31-q32. HSCR also occurs as a feature of several syndromes including the Waardenburg-Shah syndrome (277580), Mowat-Wilson syndrome (235730), Goldberg-Shprintzen syndrome (609460), and congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS; 209880). Whereas mendelian modes of inheritance have been described for syndromic HSCR, isolated HSCR stands as a model for genetic disorders with complex patterns of inheritance. Isolated HSCR appears to be of complex nonmendelian inheritance with low sex-dependent penetrance and variable expression according to the length of the aganglionic segment, suggestive of the involvement of one or more genes with low penetrance. The development of surgical procedures decreased mortality and morbidity, which allowed the emergence of familial cases. HSCR occurs as an isolated trait in 70% of patients, is associated with chromosomal anomaly in 12% of cases, and occurs with additional congenital anomalies in 18% of cases (summary by Amiel et al., 2008).
Anal stenosis
MedGen UID:
82644
Concept ID:
C0262374
Anatomical Abnormality
Abnormal narrowing of the anal opening.
Malabsorption
MedGen UID:
811453
Concept ID:
C3714745
Finding
Impaired ability to absorb one or more nutrients from the intestine.
Anemia
MedGen UID:
1526
Concept ID:
C0002871
Disease or Syndrome
A reduction in erythrocytes volume or hemoglobin concentration.
Macrocytic anemia
MedGen UID:
1920
Concept ID:
C0002886
Disease or Syndrome
A type of anemia characterized by increased size of erythrocytes with increased mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and increased mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH).
Diamond-Blackfan anemia
MedGen UID:
266045
Concept ID:
C1260899
Disease or Syndrome
Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA) is characterized by a profound normochromic and usually macrocytic anemia with normal leukocytes and platelets, congenital malformations in up to 50%, and growth deficiency in 30% of affected individuals. The hematologic complications occur in 90% of affected individuals during the first year of life. The phenotypic spectrum ranges from a mild form (e.g., mild anemia or no anemia with only subtle erythroid abnormalities, physical malformations without anemia) to a severe form of fetal anemia resulting in nonimmune hydrops fetalis. DBA is associated with an increased risk for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and solid tumors including osteogenic sarcoma.
Scoliosis
MedGen UID:
11348
Concept ID:
C0036439
Disease or Syndrome
The presence of an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine.
Brachycephaly
MedGen UID:
113165
Concept ID:
C0221356
Congenital Abnormality
An abnormality of skull shape characterized by a decreased anterior-posterior diameter. That is, a cephalic index greater than 81%. Alternatively, an apparently shortened anteroposterior dimension (length) of the head compared to width.
Narrow chest
MedGen UID:
96528
Concept ID:
C0426790
Finding
Reduced width of the chest from side to side, associated with a reduced distance from the sternal notch to the tip of the shoulder.
Lumbar hyperlordosis
MedGen UID:
263149
Concept ID:
C1184923
Finding
An abnormal accentuation of the inward curvature of the spine in the lumbar region.
Narrow vertebral interpedicular distance
MedGen UID:
318662
Concept ID:
C1832598
Finding
A reduction of the distance between vertebral pedicles, which are the two short, thick processes, which project backward, one on either side, from the upper part of the vertebral body, at the junction of its posterior and lateral surfaces.
Metaphyseal cupping
MedGen UID:
323062
Concept ID:
C1837082
Finding
Metaphyseal cupping refers to an inward bulging of the metaphyseal profile giving the metaphysis a cup-like appearance.
Joint hypermobility
MedGen UID:
336793
Concept ID:
C1844820
Finding
The capability that a joint (or a group of joints) has to move, passively and/or actively, beyond normal limits along physiological axes.
Prominent sternum
MedGen UID:
337578
Concept ID:
C1846433
Finding
Odontoid hypoplasia
MedGen UID:
339524
Concept ID:
C1846439
Finding
The odontoid process, or dens, is a bony projection from the axis (C2) upward into the ring of the atlas (C1) at the top of the spine. During embryogenesis, the body of the odontoid derives from the centrum of the atlas and separates from the atlas, fusing with the superior portion of the axis. If the odontoid is hypoplastic or absent, the attachments for the apical and alar ligaments are missing, allowing for excessive rotation of the atlas, craniocervical instability, and possibly cord compression (summary by Stevens et al., 2009).
Metaphyseal widening
MedGen UID:
341364
Concept ID:
C1849039
Finding
Abnormal widening of the metaphyseal regions of long bones.
Flaring of lower rib cage
MedGen UID:
381581
Concept ID:
C1855196
Finding
Asymmetry of the thorax
MedGen UID:
387970
Concept ID:
C1858033
Finding
Lack of symmetry between the left and right halves of the thorax.
Femoral bowing
MedGen UID:
347888
Concept ID:
C1859461
Finding
Bowing (abnormal curvature) of the femur.
Abnormal pelvic girdle bone morphology
MedGen UID:
866545
Concept ID:
C4020847
Anatomical Abnormality
An abnormality of the bony pelvic girdle, which is a ring of bones connecting the vertebral column to the femurs.
Metaphyseal dysplasia
MedGen UID:
1677924
Concept ID:
C5194606
Disease or Syndrome
The presence of dysplastic regions in metaphyseal regions.
Lymphopenia
MedGen UID:
7418
Concept ID:
C0024312
Disease or Syndrome
A reduced number of lymphocytes in the blood.
Recurrent infections
MedGen UID:
65998
Concept ID:
C0239998
Finding
Increased susceptibility to infections.
Neutropenia
MedGen UID:
163121
Concept ID:
C0853697
Finding
An abnormally low number of neutrophils in the peripheral blood.
Cellular immunodeficiency
MedGen UID:
344444
Concept ID:
C1855204
Finding
An immunodeficiency characterized by defective cell-mediated immunity or humoral immunity.
Susceptibility to chickenpox
MedGen UID:
381583
Concept ID:
C1855205
Finding
Increased susceptibility to chicken pox, as manifested by recurrent episodes of chicken pox.
Impaired lymphocyte transformation with phytohemagglutinin
MedGen UID:
871152
Concept ID:
C4025625
Finding
Normal peripheral blood lymphocytes, when stimulated by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) are cytotoxic for homologous and heterologous cells but not for autologous cells in monolayer culture. The cytotoxic effect is thought to be indicative of the immunological competence of the lymphocytes.
Sparse eyebrow
MedGen UID:
371332
Concept ID:
C1832446
Finding
Decreased density/number of eyebrow hairs.
Fine hair
MedGen UID:
98401
Concept ID:
C0423867
Finding
Hair that is fine or thin to the touch.
Sparse eyelashes
MedGen UID:
375151
Concept ID:
C1843300
Finding
Decreased density/number of eyelashes.
Fair hair
MedGen UID:
336542
Concept ID:
C1849221
Finding
A lesser degree of hair pigmentation than would otherwise be expected.
Sparse facial hair
MedGen UID:
488981
Concept ID:
C2017869
Finding
Reduced number or density of facial hair.
Sparse hair
MedGen UID:
1790211
Concept ID:
C5551005
Finding
Reduced density of hairs.
Breech presentation
MedGen UID:
654
Concept ID:
C0006157
Pathologic Function
A position of the fetus at delivery in which the fetus enters the birth canal with the buttocks or feet first.

Term Hierarchy

CClinical test,  RResearch test,  OOMIM,  GGeneReviews,  VClinVar  
Follow this link to review classifications for Metaphyseal chondrodysplasia, McKusick type in Orphanet.

Professional guidelines

PubMed

Vakkilainen S, Taskinen M, Mäkitie O
Scand J Immunol 2020 Oct;92(4):e12913. Epub 2020 Jun 22 doi: 10.1111/sji.12913. PMID: 32506568
Scott EM, Chandra S, Li J, Robinette ED, Brown MF, Wenger OK
J Clin Immunol 2020 Feb;40(2):321-328. Epub 2020 Jan 6 doi: 10.1007/s10875-019-00739-9. PMID: 31903518
Klemetti P, Valta H, Kostjukovits S, Taskinen M, Toiviainen-Salo S, Mäkitie O
Clin Genet 2017 Aug;92(2):204-207. Epub 2017 Mar 19 doi: 10.1111/cge.12969. PMID: 28094436

Recent clinical studies

Diagnosis

Lam AC, Chan DH, Tong TM, Tang MH, Lo SY, Lo IF, Lam ST
Prenat Diagn 2006 Nov;26(11):1018-20. doi: 10.1002/pd.1547. PMID: 16941720
Sánchez-Corona J, García-Cruz D, Medina C, Cantú JM, Ramos-Zepeda R, Rivas F
Ann Genet 1990;33(2):99-102. PMID: 2241093
Sensenbrenner JA
Birth Defects Orig Artic Ser 1974;10(12):422-4. PMID: 4549299

Supplemental Content

Recent activity

Your browsing activity is empty.

Activity recording is turned off.

Turn recording back on

See more...