Myhre Syndrome

Myhre syndrome is a rare, connective tissue disorder that affects many parts of the body. Signs and symptoms include fibrosis (thickening and scarring of connective tissue), intellectual disability, distinctive facial features, skeletal abnormalities, and/or various birth defects. The syndrome may affect the structure or function of the heart, the respiratory system, the gastrointestinal system, and the skin. Myhre syndrome is caused by a mutation in the SMAD4 gene. The mutation typically occurs for the first time in an affected person. To date, no reported cases have been inherited from a parent. Inheritance is autosomal dominant, but there are no reported cases of a person with Myhre syndrome having children. Treatment addresses each symptom present and may include limiting the risk of trauma to tissues, surgery for birth defects or complications, and routine management of learning delays or behavioral problems.