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Living with Distal 17p13.3 microdeletion syndrome

A rare chromosome condition that can affect growth, learning, head size, and the brain's structure.

Understanding Distal 17p13.3 microdeletion syndrome

Distal 17p13.3 microdeletion syndrome is a rare condition caused by a missing piece of chromosome 17 that affects growth and development.

The condition varies a lot from person to person. It can include slower growth before and after birth, delays in development, and mild learning difficulties. People may have a larger than average head and mild facial differences, such as a prominent forehead and widely spaced eyes. Brain scans may show differences in the brain's structure. Signs can begin during pregnancy, at birth, or in infancy.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition separately, but the summary describes these features:

  • Slow growth before and after birth
  • Delays in development
  • Mild intellectual disability
  • Larger than average head (macrocephaly)
  • Prominent forehead and wide-set eyes
  • Differences in brain structure on scans

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
What brain imaging, if any, would help us understand my child's needs?
How often should my child's growth and head size be checked?
What early support services could help with developmental delays?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startduring Pregnancy, at Birth, and as an Infant

GARD says changes in a person's genes cause this condition. The summary describes it as a partial loss (monosomy) of the short arm of chromosome 17.

Genetic

Also known as: distal del(17)(p13.3 ); distal del(17)(p13.3); distal monosomy 17p13.3

Patient organizations

Broader rare-disease groups

Source: NIH GARD · Distal 17p13.3 microdeletion syndromeGARD ID 20776 · 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 Distal 17p13.3 microdeletion syndrome.

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