Summary

Pfeiffer-type cardiocranial syndrome is an extremely rare disorder recognized in less than ten patients worldwide and characterized by a congenital heart defect, sagittal craniosynostosis and severe developmental delay (growth retardation and intellectual deficit). Genital and renal anomalies, and various dysmorphic features (hypertelorism, low set ears, dysplastic ears, micrognathia, mandibular ankylosis, syndactyly) may be present. Joint and palpebral abnormalities may also occur. The etiology remains unknown. The occurrence of the syndrome in a brother-sister sibship supports the hypothesis of autosomal recessive inheritance. Autosomal dominant inheritance and submicroscopic deletions have also been proposed as possible causes. Management depends on the cardinal manifestations and includes surgery for cranial decompression. Supportive measures should be offered.