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Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model
Published on: November 4, 2025
Marfanoid habitus with abnormal situs
Kenjiro Kosaki1, Lynne M Bird, Jun Maeda
1Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. kkosaki@sc.keio.ac.jp
Abstract:
Marfanoid habitus suggests abnormal microfibril formation, whereas a situs ambiguus or situs inversus phenotype points to defective left-right axis determination. The concurrence of these two abnormalities has been reported only once in the literature. We report a similar phenotype in two unrelated patients. Documentation of this specific combination of Marfanoid habitus and abnormal situs gives further credence to the notion that the combination may represent a distinct syndrome.
Insights
This study identifies a rare combination of Marfanoid habitus and abnormal situs in two patients, suggesting a potential new syndrome. Further research is needed to understand this distinct genetic condition.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
- Medical Syndromes
Background:
- Marfanoid habitus is linked to microfibril formation defects.
- Abnormal situs (ambiguous or inversus) indicates issues with left-right axis determination during embryonic development.
Observation:
- The co-occurrence of Marfanoid habitus and abnormal situs is exceptionally rare, with only one previous report.
- This study documents this specific combination in two unrelated patients.
Findings:
- The observed phenotype in these two patients strengthens the possibility of a distinct syndrome.
- This combination suggests an overlap in the genetic pathways affecting connective tissue and organ positioning.
Implications:
- Recognizing this combination as a distinct syndrome could improve diagnostic accuracy.
- Further investigation may reveal the underlying genetic cause and potential therapeutic targets.
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