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Living with DE SANCTIS-CACCHIONE SYNDROME

A rare inherited syndrome that combines xeroderma pigmentosum (skin sensitivity to sun) with nervous system problems and short stature.

Understanding DE SANCTIS-CACCHIONE SYNDROME

De Sanctis-Cacchione syndrome is a rare inherited syndrome that includes xeroderma pigmentosum, intellectual disability, short stature, and nervous system problems.

People may also have underactive sex glands (hypogonadism). GARD lists small head size, poor coordination, and seizures among the common features. It is autosomal recessive.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Intellectual disability
  • Delayed development overall
  • Small head size (microcephaly)
  • Poor coordination (ataxia)
  • Seizures
  • Darker skin spots

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

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

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

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
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
What sun protection and skin checks are recommended?
Can genetic testing find the exact gene change?
Which specialists should follow the brain, hormones, and skin?

Quick facts

InheritanceAutosomal Recessive

GARD doesn't name a gene. It lists autosomal recessive inheritance, so a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.

Also known as: de sanctis cacchione syndrome

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · DE SANCTIS-CACCHIONE SYNDROMEGARD ID 8276 · 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 DE SANCTIS-CACCHIONE SYNDROME.

Explore the DE SANCTIS-CACCHIONE SYNDROME blog

Explore research for DE SANCTIS-CACCHIONE SYNDROME

Explore actively recruiting DE SANCTIS-CACCHIONE SYNDROME studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for DE SANCTIS-CACCHIONE 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

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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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