Three M Syndrome


Content provided by National Organization for Rare Disorders
small text medium text large text

Important

It is possible that the main title of the report Three M Syndrome is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.


Synonyms


  • 3@M Syndrome
  • Dolichospondylic Dysplasia
  • Three-M Slender-Boned Nanism (3-MSBN)
  • Le Merrer Syndrome
  • Gloomy Face Syndrome

Disorder Subdivisions


  • None

General Discussion


Three M syndrome is an extremely rare genetic disorder characterized by low birth weight, short stature (dwarfism), characteristic abnormalities of the head and facial (craniofacial) area, distinctive skeletal malformations, and/or other physical abnormalities. The name "three M" refers to the last initials of three researchers (J.D. Miller, V.A. McKusick, P. Malvaux) who were among the first to identify the disorder. Characteristic craniofacial malformations typically include a long, narrow head (dolichocephaly), an unusually prominent forehead (frontal bossing), and a triangular-shaped face with a prominent, pointed chin, large ears, and/or abnormally flat cheeks. In addition, in some affected children, the teeth may be abnormally crowded together; as a result, the upper and lower teeth may not meet properly (malocclusion). Skeletal abnormalities associated with the disorder include unusually thin bones, particularly the shafts of the long bones of the arms and legs (diaphyses); abnormally long, thin bones of the spinal column (vertebrae); and/or distinctive malformations of the ribs and shoulder blades (scapulae). Affected individuals may also have additional abnormalities including permanent fixation of certain fingers in a bent position (clinodactyly), unusually short fifth fingers, and/or increased flexibility (hyperextensibility) of the joints. The range and severity of symptoms and physicial features may vary from case to case. Intelligence appears to be normal. Three M syndrome is thought to be inherited as an autosomal recessive genetic trait.


Resources


MAGIC Foundation for Children's Growth

6645 W. North Avenue

Oak Park, IL 60302

Tel: (708)383-0808

Fax: (708)383-0899

Tel: (800)362-4423

Email: mary@magicfoundation.org

Internet: http://www.magicfoundation.org



Children's Craniofacial Association

13140 Coit Road

Suite 307

Dallas, TX 75240

USA

Tel: 2145709099

Fax: 2145708811

Tel: 8005353643

Email: csmith@ccakids.com

Internet: http://www.ccakids.com



March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation

1275 Mamaroneck Avenue

White Plains, NY 10605

Tel: (914)428-7100

Fax: (914)997-4763

Tel: (888)663-4637

Email: Askus@marchofdimes.com

Internet: http://www.marchofdimes.com



Little People of America, Inc.

5289 Northeast Elam Young Parkway

Suite F100

Hillsboro, OR 97124

Tel: (503)846-1562

Fax: (503)846-1590

Tel: (888)572-2001

Email: info@lpaonline.org

Internet: http://www.lpaonline.org



Restricted Growth Association

P.O. Box 4744

Dorchester

Dorset, Intl DT2 9FA

United Kingdom

Tel: 01308 898445

Fax: 01308 898445

Internet: http://www.restrictedgrowth.co.uk



NIH/National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse

1 AMS Circle

Bethesda, MD 20892-3675

USA

Tel: 3014954484

Fax: 3017186366

Tel: 8772264267

TDD: 3015652966

Email: NIAMSinfo@mail.nih.gov

Internet: http://www.niams.nih.gov



Craniofacial Foundation of America

975 East Third Street

Chattanooga, TN 37403

Tel: (423)778-9192

Fax: (423)778-8172

Tel: (800)418-3223

Email: farmertm@erlanger.org

Internet: http://www.craniofacialcenter.com




For a Complete Report


This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org

Last Updated:   5/5/2006

Copyright   1997, 1998, 1999, 2006 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.


|Print Print This

Healthwise Logo
Last updated: May 05, 2006

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, Use of Content Agreement and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.

Search


Where Does it Hurt?

body symptoms

If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.