Disease Overview
Potocki-Shaffer syndrome is a contiguous gene deletion syndrome associated with deletions in a specific region of chromosome 11 (11p11.2). The characteristic features of Potocki-Shaffer syndrome include openings in the two bones that form the top and sides of the skull (enlarged parietal foramina), multiple benign (non-cancerous) bone tumors called exostoses, intellectual disability, developmental delay, a distinctive facial appearance, autism spectrum disorder, and problems with vision and hearing. In some cases, individuals with the syndrome may have a defect in the heart, kidneys, or urinary tract.[1038][1039] Multiple other features or health problems have been reported in individual cases.[7336]
The features of Potocki-Shaffer syndrome result from the loss of several genes on the short (p) arm of chromosome 11. In particular, the deletion of a gene called ALX4 causes enlarged parietal foramina (openings in the two bones that form the top and sides of the skull), while the loss of another gene, EXT2, causes the multiple exostoses (benign bone tumors). Another condition called WAGR syndrome is caused by a deletion of genetic material in the p arm of chromosome 11, specifically at position 11p13. Occasionally, a deletion is large enough to include the 11p11.2 and 11p13 regions. Individuals with such a deletion have signs and symptoms of both Potocki-Shaffer syndrome and WAGR syndrome.[1038][1039][9677][
A referral to an early childhood intervention and developmental-behavioral specialist and evaluation for vision and hearing problems at the time of diagnosis is recommended. A full skeletal survey at the time of diagnosis or by age 3 years, whichever is later, should also be completed.[9677][7335]
