Cutis laxa

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Disease Overview

Cutis laxa is a connective tissue disorder characterized by skin that is sagging and not stretchy. The skin often hangs in loose folds, causing the face and other parts of the body to have a droopy appearance. Cutis laxa can also affect connective tissue in other parts of the body, including the heart, blood vessels, joints, intestines, and lungs. Depending on which organs and tissues are affected, the signs and symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening.[3637] It may be acquired or inherited. The different forms of inherited cutis laxa are distinguished by their pattern of inheritance: autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or X-linked. In general, the autosomal recessive forms tend to be more severe than the autosomal dominant form. The X-linked form of cutis laxa is often called occipital horn syndrome.[3637][11117]


Synonyms

  • Generalized elastolysis

For more information, visit GARD.

National Organization for Rare Disorders