Skip to content
knowrare
HealthSignal
Your condition community

Living with 8q22.1 microdeletion syndrome

A rare chromosome condition with a mask-like face, stiff joints, mild developmental delay, and a happy disposition.

Understanding 8q22.1 microdeletion syndrome

8q22.1 microdeletion syndrome is a rare condition caused by a deletion at chromosome 8q22.1.

It is marked by a mask-like facial appearance with narrow eye openings, tight, glistening facial skin, and a flat, broad nose. Other features include differently shaped ears, an unusual scalp hair pattern, bent fingers and toes, stiff joints, and unusual teeth. Developmental delay is mild, and people often have a happy disposition. Males may have undescended testes. GARD lists onset as the newborn and infant period.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Mask-like face
  • Narrow, widely spaced eyes
  • Limited joint movement
  • Mild global developmental delay
  • Conspicuously happy disposition
  • Small head size (microcephaly)

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include genetic specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with Chromosome Disorder Outreach
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Which therapies help with joint stiffness in the hands and feet?
Should my son be checked for undescended testes?
What does genetic testing show about the deletion?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant, Autosomal Recessive

GARD says changes in genes (also called variants) cause this condition. It is caused by a deletion at chromosome 8q22.1, and GARD lists autosomal dominant and recessive inheritance.

Genetic

Also known as: chromosome 8q22.1 deletion syndrome; monosomy 8q22.1; nablus mask-like facial syndrome

Patient organizations

Broader rare-disease groups

Source: NIH GARD · 8q22.1 microdeletion syndromeGARD ID 4722 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with 8q22.1 microdeletion syndrome.

Explore the 8q22.1 microdeletion syndrome blog

Explore research for 8q22.1 microdeletion syndrome

Explore actively recruiting 8q22.1 microdeletion syndrome studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for 8q22.1 microdeletion syndrome with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper

I can help you find recruiting 8q22.1 microdeletion syndrome studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

Get Signals for 8q22.1 microdeletion syndrome

Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.

HealthStoryfor 8q22.1 microdeletion syndrome

Create a living journal that talks back

HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your 8q22.1 microdeletion syndrome experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.

Start your journal

Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.