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Living with Congenital osteogenesis imperfecta-microcephaly-cataracts syndrome

A rare genetic condition before and at birth with fragile bones, a small head, and cataracts.

Understanding Congenital osteogenesis imperfecta-microcephaly-cataracts syndrome

Congenital osteogenesis imperfecta-microcephaly-cataracts syndrome is a rare genetic condition with fragile bones, a very small head, and cataracts in both eyes.

Babies have many bone fractures before birth, loose joints, severe microcephaly (small head), and cloudy lenses (cataracts). Other features include a bluish tint to the whites of the eyes, wide-set eyes, brain differences, and heart and genital differences. It is noticed during pregnancy and at birth.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Repeated bone fractures
  • Small head (microcephaly)
  • Cataracts
  • Bluish-gray whites of the eyes (blue sclerae)
  • Wide-set eyes (hypertelorism)
  • Short limbs

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 bone and joint specialists, eye disease specialists and 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
Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons); Eye disease specialists (ophthalmologists); 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 rare disease patient organizations for support
  • 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
Would genetic testing help us understand the cause for our family?
What is the chance of this happening again in a future pregnancy?
Which specialists should be involved in our care?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startduring Pregnancy and as a Newborn
InheritanceAutosomal Recessive

GARD says changes in genes cause this condition. It is autosomal recessive, meaning a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.

Genetic

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Congenital osteogenesis imperfecta-microcephaly-cataracts syndromeGARD ID 4139 · 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 Congenital osteogenesis imperfecta-microcephaly-cataracts syndrome.

Explore the Congenital osteogenesis imperfecta-microcephaly-cataracts syndrome blog

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