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Living with Craniofaciofrontodigital syndrome

A rare syndrome with mild intellectual disability, short stature, heart differences, and loose, wrinkled skin.

Understanding Craniofaciofrontodigital syndrome

Craniofaciofrontodigital syndrome is a rare syndrome present from birth with several body differences.

It includes mild intellectual disability, short stature, heart differences, a larger head, a prominent forehead, wide-set eyes, loose skin (cutis laxa), very flexible joints, and wrinkled palms and soles. Skeletal differences can also occur.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Loose, inelastic skin (cutis laxa)
  • Wrinkled palms and soles
  • Global developmental delay
  • Enlarged heart
  • Very flexible joints
  • Breathing difficulties

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 autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists, bone and joint specialists, brain and nervous system specialists and digestive system specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

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

Care & treatment

Care team
autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists (rheumatologists); Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons); Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Digestive system specialists (gastroenterologists)
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 Children's Skin Disease Foundation
  • 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 our family?
What heart checks and treatment are needed?
Which specialists should be on the care team?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn

GARD says changes in genes cause this condition. It doesn't name a gene.

GeneticNeurologicalGastrointestinalSkin

Also known as: cantu craniofaciofrontodigital syndrome

Patient organizations

Broader rare-disease groups

Source: NIH GARD · Craniofaciofrontodigital syndromeGARD ID 17571 · 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 Craniofaciofrontodigital syndrome.

Explore the Craniofaciofrontodigital syndrome blog

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HealthSpark

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  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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

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