Cardiofaciocutaneous Syndrome

Cardiofaciocutaneous (CFC) syndrome is a disorder that affects many parts of the body, particularly the heart, face, skin, and hair. People with this condition also have developmental delay and intellectual disability, usually ranging from moderate to severe. The signs and symptoms of CFC syndrome overlap significantly with those of two other conditions, Costello syndrome and Noonan syndrome. These syndromes belong to a group of related conditions called the RASopathies, which are distinguished by their genetic causes and specific pattern of features. It can sometimes be hard to tell these conditions apart in infancy. CFC syndrome is usually caused by a mutation in the BRAF gene, but can also be due to a mutation in the MAP2K1, MAP2K2 or KRAS gene. It is an autosomal dominant condition, but most cases are not inherited, due to a new mutation that occurs for the first time in an affected person. Treatment depends on the symptoms in each person and may include surgery for heart defects.