Meckel's Syndrome

Description: Polydactyly, encephalocoele and polcystic kidneys. NORD database
Meckel syndrome is a rare inherited disorder characterized by abnormalities affecting several organ systems of the body (multisystem). Three classic symptoms are normally associated with Meckel syndrome: protrusion of a portion of the brain and its surrounding membranes (meninges) through a defect in the back or front of the skull (occipital encephalocele), multiple cysts on the kidneys (polycystic kidneys), and extra fingers and/or toes (polydactyly). Affected children may also have abnormalities affecting the head and face (craniofacial area), liver, lungs, and genitourinary tract. Meckel syndrome is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait.