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Last updated: April 12, 2016
Years published: 1989, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2010, 2016
NORD gratefully acknowledges Andrew O.M. Wilkie, FRS, FMedSci, FRCP, Clinical Genetics Group, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine University of Oxford, for assistance in the preparation of this report.
Carpenter syndrome belongs to a group of rare genetic disorders known as โacrocephalopolysyndactylyโ (ACPS) disorders. All forms of ACPS are characterized by premature closure of the fibrous joints (cranial sutures) between certain bones of the skull (craniosynostosis), causing the top of the head to appear pointed (acrocephaly); webbing or fusion (syndactyly) of certain fingers or toes (digits); and/or more than the normal number of digits (polydactyly). Carpenter syndrome is also known as ACPS type II.
Carpenter syndrome is typically evident at or shortly after birth. Due to craniosynostosis, the top of the head may appear unusually conical (acrocephaly) or the head may seem short and broad (brachycephaly). In addition, the cranial sutures often fuse unevenly, causing the head and face to appear dissimilar from one side to the other (craniofacial asymmetry). Additional malformations of the skull and facial (craniofacial) region may include downslanting eyelid folds (palpebral fissures); a flat nasal bridge; malformed (dysplastic), low-set ears; and a small, underdeveloped (hypoplastic) upper and/or lower jaw (maxilla and/or mandible).Individuals may also have unusually short fingers and toes (brachydactyly); partial fusion of the soft tissues (cutaneous syndactyly) between certain digits; and the presence of extra (supernumerary) toes or, less commonly, additional fingers (polydactyly). In some instances, additional physical abnormalities are present, such as short stature, structural heart malformations (congenital heart defects), mild to moderate obesity, weakening in the abdominal wall near the navel through which the intestine may protrude (umbilical hernia), or failure of the testes to descend into the scrotum (cryptorchidism) in affected males. In addition, many individuals with the disorder are affected by mild to moderate intellectual disability. However, intelligence is normal in some instances.
Most cases are caused by mutations in the RAB23 gene. In several affected individuals, Carpenter syndrome was caused by mutations in the MEGF8 gene; these individuals are referred to as having Carpenter syndrome type 2. Both types of Carpenter syndrome are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.
Carpenter syndrome was originally described in the medical literature in 1901 (Carpenter G) in two sisters and one brother. However, Carpenter syndrome was not recognized as a distinct disease entity until 1966 (Temtamy SA).
Primary findings associated with Carpenter syndrome include premature closure of the fibrous joints (cranial sutures) between particular bones in the skull (craniosynostosis), characteristic facial abnormalities, and/or malformations of the fingers and toes (digits). However, associated features may vary in range and severity from one person to another, even among affected members of the same family.
Although researchers have been able to establish a clear syndrome with characteristic or โcoreโ symptoms, much about the disorder is not fully understood. Several factors including the small number of identified cases, the lack of large clinical studies, and the possibility of other genes influencing the disorder prevent physicians from developing a complete picture of associated symptoms and prognosis. Therefore, it is important to note that affected individuals may not have all of the symptoms discussed below. Parents should talk to their childrenโs physician and medical team about their child, potential associated symptoms and overall prognosis.
The symptoms of Carpenter syndrome types 1 and 2 are extremely similar and have significant overlap. Because only several individuals have been reported with Carpenter syndrome type 2, researchers are unable to determine whether the different associated genes lead to different symptoms or a different severity of symptoms.
Craniosynostosis is almost always present. The severity and degree of skull (cranial) malformation may be variable, depending on the cranial sutures involved as well as the rate and order of progression. In many affected infants and children, craniosynostosis initially involves the sutures between bones forming the upper sides and the back of the skull (i.e., sagittal and lambdoidal sutures); this is often followed by early closure of the sutures (i.e., coronal sutures) between bones forming the forehead (frontal bone) and the upper sides of the cranium (parietal bones). Such abnormalities may cause the upper portion of the skull or โskullcapโ (calvaria) to appear variable in shape and, in some cases, may result in severe malformation. In many cases, the top of the head appears pointed (acrocephaly) or the head seems unusually short and broad (brachycephaly). In addition, involvement of certain sutures on one side of the skull (e.g., unilateral involvement of lambdoidal and/or coronal sutures) may cause the head and face to appear dissimilar from one side to the other (cranial asymmetry). Rarely, due to involvement of multiple cranial sutures (Kleeblattschadel type craniosynostosis), the skull appears to be abnormally divided into three lobes (cloverleaf skull deformity). In some instances, early closure of certain cranial sutures may lead to abnormally increased pressure within the skull (intracranial pressure).
Many infants and children have additional malformations of the skull and facial (craniofacial) area, resulting in a distinctive facial appearance. Such abnormalities include unusually small, underdeveloped ridges above the eyes (hypoplastic supraorbital ridges); downslanting eyelid folds (palpebral fissures); vertical skin folds (epicanthal folds) that may cover the eyesโ inner corners; and broad cheeks. Additional craniofacial malformations are also often present, such as a flat nasal bridge; an unusually narrow or highly arched roof of the mouth (palate); an underdeveloped lower and/or upper jaw (hypoplastic mandible and/or maxilla); relatively low-set, malformed ears; and a short neck. Carpenter syndrome may also be associated with eye (ocular) abnormalities. These may include smallness, improper development, and/or clouding of the front, normally transparent regions of the eyes (corneas); degeneration of the nerves that transmit impulses from the nerve-rich innermost membranes of the eyes (retinas) to the brain (optic atrophy); and/or other ocular defects.
Carpenter syndrome is also typically characterized by distinctive malformations of the fingers and toes (digits). Affected individuals have unusually short fingers and toes (brachydactyly) due to shortness or absence of the middle bones of the digits (middle phalanges). There may be partial fusion of the soft tissues (cutaneous syndactyly) between certain fingers, particularly the third and fourth digits. Some individuals may also have partial fusion of soft tissues between certain toes.
Some affected individuals may also have more than the normal number of digits (polydactyly). In most cases, affected individuals have additional (supernumerary) great toes (halluces) or second toes (preaxial polydactyly) that may also be webbed or partially fused. Less commonly, there may be additional fingers, such as duplication of the fifth fingers or โpinkiesโ (postaxial polydactyly). Those with the disorder may also have abnormal flexion (camptodactyly) and deviation (clinodactyly) of certain fingers and/or a deformity in which the heels of the feet are turned inward (talipes varus). Additional abnormalities may also be present, including abnormal skin ridge patterns of the hands; deformity of the hip (coxa valga); it also may be present a malformation in which the knees are abnormally close together and the ankles are unusually far apart (genu valgum); and/or an abnormal curvature of the spine (kyphoscoliosis).
Mild short stature and mild to moderate obesity of the face, neck, trunk, forearms, and thighs are common findings. Many individuals are affected by mild intellectual disability. However, normal intelligence has also been reported. In some individuals, hearing loss may occur due to improper conduction of sound from the outer or middle ear to the inner ear (conductive hearing loss); abnormalities of the nerves (i.e., acoustic nerves) that transmit sound impulses to the brain (sensorineural hearing loss); or both (mixed hearing loss).
Some individuals with Carpenter syndrome may also have structural heart malformations at birth (congenital heart defects). Such defects commonly include an abnormal opening in the fibrous partition (septum) that separates the lower or upper chambers of the heart (ventricular or atrial septal defects). In some cases, there may be an abnormal opening (i.e., patent ductus arteriosus) between the artery that transports oxygen-rich blood to most of the body (aorta) and the pulmonary artery, which carries oxygen-deficient blood to the lungs. Additional congenital heart defects may include abnormal narrowing of the opening between the pulmonary artery and the lower right chamber of the heart (i.e., pulmonary stenosis) or a deformity known as tetralogy of Fallot. The latter describes a combination of heart defects, including pulmonary stenosis; an abnormal opening in the partition between the lower chambers of the heart (ventricular septal defect); displacement of the aorta, enabling oxygen-deficient blood to flow from the right ventricle to the aorta; and enlargement of the right ventricle (hypertrophy). In some instances, other congenital heart defects may also be present.
Additional findings may include failure of the testes to descend into the scrotum (cryptorchidism); deficient functioning of the testes (hypogonadism); and/or protrusion (herniation) of portions of the intestine through an abnormal opening in the abdominal wall into the inguinal canal or the passageway through which the testes normally descend into the scrotum. In addition, in some cases, there may be bulging of the intestine through an abdominal wall defect near the navel (umbilical hernia) or a defect in the abdominal wall from which loops of the intestine and other abdominal organs may protrude, covered by a thin, membrane-like sac (omphalocele).
In most instances Carpenter syndrome are caused by a mutation in the RAB23 gene. In a small subset of people, Carpenter syndrome is caused by a mutation in the MEGF8 gene. Genes provide instructions for creating proteins that play a critical role in many functions of the body. When a mutation of a gene occurs, the protein product may be faulty, inefficient, or absent. Depending upon the functions of the particular protein, this can affect many organ systems of the body, including the brain.
The RAB23 gene is located on the short arm of the chromosome 6 (6p12.1) and different mutations in the gene have been reported in the studied families. It is possible to read (sequence) this gene in some diagnostic and research laboratories to confirm the diagnosis if it is not clear clinically. Affected individuals in the same family with the same mutations may have different symptoms and variable severity (intrafamilial variability). Mutations in the RAB23 gene are not present in all affected individuals. In several individuals a mutation in a different gene, MEGF8, has been identified as a cause of a subtype of Carpenter syndrome.
The mutations that cause Carpenter syndrome are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Most genetic diseases are determined by the status of the two copies of a gene, one received from the father and one from the mother. Recessive genetic disorders occur when an individual inherits two copies of an abnormal gene for the same trait, one from each parent. If an individual inherits one normal gene and one gene for the disease, the person will be a carrier for the disease but usually will not show symptoms. The risk for two carrier parents to both pass the altered gene and have an affected child is 25% with each pregnancy. The risk to have a child who is a carrier like the parents is 50% with each pregnancy. The chance for a child to receive normal genes from both parents is 25%. The risk is the same for males and females.
All individuals carry (on one of their two copies) altered versions of around 5 genes, that if present in double dose would cause serious developmental abnormalities. Parents who are close relatives (consanguineous) have a higher chance than unrelated parents to both carry the same abnormal gene, which increases the risk to have children with a recessive genetic disorder.
Carpenter syndrome appears to affect males and females in relatively equal numbers. More than 70 cases of the disorder have been recorded. In 10 patients that had sequence analysis for the disease causing gene, homozygosity (two copies) for the same nonsense mutation, (a change in the DNA that causes a change in the protein) was found. This is indicative of a founder effect in patients of northern European descent, which means that a high prevalence of a genetic disorder in an isolated or inbred population is due to the fact that many members of the population are derived from a common ancestor who had the disease causing mutation.
A diagnosis of Carpenter syndrome may sometimes be suggested before birth (prenatally) based upon certain specialized tests, such as fetoscopy or ultrasound. During fetoscopy, a flexible viewing instrument (endoscope) may be introduced into the uterus through the abdominal wall to directly observe the fetus and, in some cases, to obtain fetal blood or tissue samples. Fetal ultrasonography is a noninvasive diagnostic procedure in which reflected sound waves create an image of the developing fetus. Prenatal molecular genetic testing to confirm a suspected diagnosis of Carpenter syndrome is available using samples derived from fetal tissues, obtained for example, by chorionic villus biopsy or amniocentesis.
In most cases, the diagnosis is made or confirmed at or shortly after birth based upon a thorough clinical examination, identification of characteristic physical findings, and a variety of specialized tests. Such testing may include advanced imaging techniques, such as computerized tomography (CT) scanning or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or other diagnostic tests to help detect or characterize certain abnormalities that may be associated with the disorder (e.g., craniosynostosis, polysyndactyly, other skeletal abnormalities, hearing impairment, etc.). During CT scanning, a computer and x-rays are used to create a film showing cross-sectional images of internal structures. During MRI, a magnetic field and radio waves create detailed cross-sectional images of certain organs and tissues.
Molecular genetic testing of RAB23 and MEGF8 can confirm a suspected clinical diagnosis of Carpenter syndrome. Molecular genetic testing can detect mutations in the specific genes known to cause the disorder, but is available only on a clinical basis. Array comparative genomic hybridization, to look for chromosome rearrangements including deletion of the GLI3 gene, may be appropriate in some clinical circumstances.
A thorough cardiac evaluation may also be recommended to detect any heart abnormalities that may be associated with the disorder. Such evaluation may include a through clinical examination, during which heart and lung sounds are evaluated through use of a stethoscope, and specialized tests that enable physicians to evaluate the structure and function of the heart (e.g., x-ray studies, electrocardiography [EKG]), echocardiography, cardiac catheterization).
Treatment
The treatment of Carpenter syndrome is directed toward the specific symptoms that are apparent in each individual. Such treatment may require the coordinated efforts of a team of medical professionals, such as pediatricians; surgeons; physicians who diagnose and treat disorders of the skeleton, joints, muscles, and related tissues (orthopedists); physicians who specialize in heart disease (cardiologists); physicians who diagnose and treat neurological disorders (neurologists); hearing specialists; and/or other health care professionals.
Specific therapies for individuals with Carpenter syndrome are symptomatic and supportive. Because craniosynostosis may sometimes result in abnormally increased pressure within the skull (intracranial pressure) and on the brain, early surgery may be advised to help prevent or correct premature closure of cranial sutures. Some reports suggest that early surgical intervention may help to prevent intellectual disability in some instances. However, intellectual disability has occurred in some individuals with Carpenter syndrome despite early surgical correction of craniosynostosis. In addition, normal intelligence has been present in some without such surgical intervention.
In some instances, corrective and reconstructive surgery may also be recommended to help correct additional craniofacial malformations, polydactyly and syndactyly, other skeletal defects, or other physical abnormalities potentially associated with the disorder. In addition, for those with congenital heart defects, treatment with certain medications, surgical intervention, and/or other measures may be necessary. The surgical procedures performed will depend upon the severity and location of the anatomical abnormalities, their associated symptoms, and other factors.
For some individuals with hearing impairment, hearing aids may be beneficial. Appropriate use of hearing aids, other supportive techniques, and/or speech therapy may help to prevent or improve speech problems that may occur in some individuals with the disorder.
Early intervention may be important to ensure that children with Carpenter syndrome reach their potential. Special services that may be beneficial to affected children include special education, physical therapy, and/or other medical, social, or vocational services.
Genetic counseling is recommended for affected individuals and their families. Diagnostic evaluations are also important for family members of individuals with the disorder to detect any symptoms and physical characteristics that may be associated with Carpenter syndrome. Psychosocial support for the entire family is essential as well.
Information on current clinical trials is posted on the Internet at www.clinicaltrials.gov. All studies receiving U.S. government funding, and some supported by private industry, are posted on this government web site.
For information about clinical trials being conducted at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD, contact the NIH Patient Recruitment Office:
Toll-free: (800) 411-1222
TTY: (866) 411-1010
Email: [email protected]
For information about clinical trials sponsored by private sources, contact:
www.centerwatch.com
For more information about clinical trials conducted in Europe, contact: https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/
TEXT BOOKS
Jones KL, Jones MC, del Campo Casanelles. Eds. Carpenter Syndrome. In: Smithโs Recognizable Patterns of Human Malformation. 7th ed. Elsevier Saunders, Philadelphia, PA; 2013:550.
Mundlos S, Horn D. Eds. Carpenter Syndrome. In: Limb Malformation: An Atlas of Genetic Disorders of Limb Development. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Germany; 2014:55.
JOURNAL ARTICLES
Haye D, Collet C, Sembely-Taveau C, et al. Prenatal findings in Carpenter syndrome and a novel mutation in RAB23. Am J Med Genet A. 2014;164A:2926-2930. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25168863
Kadakia S, Helman SN, Healy NJ, Saman M, Wood-Smith D. Carpenter syndrome: a review for the craniofacial surgeon. J Craniofac Surg. 2014;25:1653-1657. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25162549
Ben-Salem S, Begum MA, Ali BR, Al-Gazali L. A novel aberrant splice site mutation in RAB23 leads to an eight nucleotide deletion in the mRNA and is responsible for Carpenter syndrome in a consanguineous Emirati family. Mol Syndromol. 2013;3:25-261. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23599695
Twigg SR, Lloyd D, Jenkins D, et al. Mutations in multidomain protein MEGF8 identify a Carpenter syndrome subtype associated with defective lateralization. Am J Hum Genet. 2012;91:897-905. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23063620
Jenkins D, Baynam G, De Catte L, Elcioglu N, Gabbett MT, Hudgins L, Hurst JA, Jehee FS, Oley C, Wilkie AO. Carpenter syndrome: extended RAB23 mutation spectrum and analysis of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. Hum Mutat. 2011;32(4):E2069-78. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21412941
Hurst JA, Jenkins D, Vasudevan PC, Kirchhoff M, Skovby F, Rieubland C, Gallati S, Rittinger O, Kroisel PM, Johnson D, Biesecker LG, Wilkie AO. Metopic and sagittal synostosis in Greig cephalopolysyndactyly syndrome: five cases with intragenic mutations or complete deletions of GLI3. Eur J Hum Genet. 2011;19(7):757-62. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21326280
Alessandri JL, Dagoneau N, Laville JM, et al. RAB23 mutation in a large family from Comoros Islands with Carpenter syndrome. Am J Med Genet A. 2010 Apr;152A(4):982-6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20358613
Ramos JM, Davis GJ, Hunsaker JC 3rd, Balko MG. Sudden death in a child with Carpenter Syndrome. Case report and literature review. Forensic Sci Med Pathol. 2009 Dec;5(4):313-7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19924577
Perlyn CA, Marsh JL. Craniofacial dysmorphology of Carpenter syndrome: lessons from three affected siblings. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2008 Mar;121(3):971-81. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18317146
Jenkins D, Seelow D, Jehee FS, et al. RAB23 mutations in Carpenter syndrome imply an unexpected role for hedgehog signaling in cranial-suture development and obesity. Am J Hum Genet. 2007; 80:1162-70. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17503333
Islek I, Kucukoduk S, Incesu L, Selcuk MB, Aygun D. Carpenter syndrome: report of two siblings. Clin Dysmorphol. 1998;7:185-189. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9689991
Balci S, Onol B, Eryilmaz M, Haytoglu T. A case of Carpenter syndrome diagnosed in a 20-week-old fetus with postmortem examination. Clin Genet. 1997;51:412-416. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9237506
Hall JW 3rd, Prentice CH, Smiley G, Werkhaven J. Auditory dysfunction in selected syndromes and patterns of malformations: review and case findings. J Am Acad Audiol. 1995;6:80-92. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7696681
Ashby T, et al. Prenatal sonographic diagnosis of Carpenter syndrome. J Ultrasound Med. 1994;13:905-909.
Ginsberg NA, Zbaraz D, Strom C. Transabdominal embryoscopy for the detection of Carpenter syndrome during the first trimester. J Assist Reprod Genet. 1994;11:373-375. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7795371
Richieri-Costa A, Pirolo Junior L, Cohen MM Jr. Carpenter syndrome with normal intelligence: Brazilian girl born to consanguineous parents. Am J Med Genet. 1993;47:281-283. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8213921
Pierquin G, Seligmann R, Van Regemorter N. Familial occurrence of Summitt syndrome or a variant example of Carpenter syndrome? Genet Couns. 1992;3:101-105. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1642806
Gershoni-Baruch R. Carpenter syndrome: marked variability of expression to include the Summitt and Goodman syndromes. Am J Med Genet. 1990;35:236-240. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2309763
Cohen DM, Green JG, Miller J, Gorlin RJ, Reed JA. Acrocephalopolysyndactyly type IIโCarpenter syndrome: clinical spectrum and an attempt at unification with Goodman and Summitt syndromes. Am J Med Genet. 1987;28:311-324. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3322002
FROM THE INTERNET
McKusick VA., ed. Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM). Baltimore. MD: The Johns Hopkins University; Entry No:201000; Last Update:03/04/2015. Available at: https://omim.org/entry/201000 Accessed on: October 22, 2015.
McKusick VA., ed. Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM). Baltimore. MD: The Johns Hopkins University; Entry No:614976; Last Update:12/07/2012. Available at: https://omim.org/entry/614976 Accessed on: October 22, 2015.
Le Merrer M. Carpenter Syndrome. Orphanet Encyclopedia, October 2005. Available at: https://www.orpha.net/ Accessed on: October 22 2015.
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