Taurodontism and learning disabilities in patients with Klinefelter syndrome

The purpose of this descriptive clinical study was to determine the prevalence rates of taurodontism and learning disabilities in a sample of patients with Klinefelter syndrome.

Questionnaires and dental radiographs of Klinefelter syndrome patients were obtained and analyzed using previously published methods. Prevalence rates were determined for taurodontism and learning disabilities in the sample population and compared to the general population. Statistical analyses included a Fisher's exact 2-sided test to compare the prevalence rates to that found in the general population and subsequent determination of the positive predictive value.

Taurodontism was found in 75% of the 24 participants. Eighty-three percent of the participants reported having a learning disability. These rates are significantly higher than the general population, as reported in the literature.

The positive predictive value for Klinefelter syndrome, given a male patient with taurodontism and a learning disability, is 84%. In this case, the dentist should recommend karyotyping to the patient, parent, or physician. This demonstrates how important it is for dentists to understand and assist physicians in the diagnosis of genetic disorders.