Pallister-Hall Syndrome

Description: Polysyndactyly, facial and brain abnormalities and imperforate anus. NORD Database
Pallister-Hall syndrome (PHS) is an extremely rare genetic disorder that may be apparent at birth (congenital). The symptoms and findings associated with the disorder may vary greatly in range and severity from case to case. However, in many individuals with Pallister-Hall syndrome, associated abnormalities may include a malformation of the hypothalamus (hypothalamic hamartomablastoma), a portion of the brain that coordinates the function of the pituitary gland and has several other functions; decreased pituitary function (hypopituitarism); the presence of extra (supernumerary) fingers and/or toes (central or postaxial polydactyly); an abnormal division of the epiglottis (bifid epiglottis); and/or a condition in which a thin covering blocks the anal opening or the passage that normally connects the anus and the lowest part of the large intestine (rectum) fails to develop (imperforate anus). Additional symptoms and findings may include characteristic malformations of the head and facial (craniofacial) area and/or other abnormalities. Pallister-Hall syndrome has autosomal dominant inheritance. Cases in which a positive family history has not been found are thought to represent new genetic changes (mutations) that occur randomly, with no apparent cause (sporadic).