Pulmonary disease is a component of distal arthrogryposis type 5

We report on a three-generation family with distal arthrogryposis type 5 (DA5). The family has four affected members in three generations with an apparent autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. Three affected individuals were examined. All have distal joint contractures with absent flexion creases, limited mobility of all small and large joints, unusual stance with shortened heel cords and pes cavus, firm muscles, short stature, decreased extraocular movements, and pectus excavatum. The propositus has pulmonary hypertension secondary to chronic hypoxia from restrictive chest disease, alveolar hypoventilation, and residence at 7,000 feet above sea level. Cardiac catheterization documented pulmonary artery pressure of 54 mmHg and a pulmonary capillary wedge pressure of 10 mmHg. Pulmonary function tests showed severe chest restriction (forced vital capacity 30% of predicted; total lung capacity 51% predicted); and reduction of maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures. Arterial blood gases documented alveolar hypoventilation. Restrictive chest disease is a component of DA5. This implies involvement of the skeletal, and/or respiratory muscles. All individuals diagnosed with DA5 should be evaluated for chest disease, alveolar hypoventilation, as treatment of chronic hypoxia may delay or reverse pulmonary hypertension.