
Living with External auditory canal atresia-vertical talus-hypertelorism syndrome
A rare inherited condition present at birth with blocked ear canals, foot shape differences, and wide-set eyes.
Understanding External auditory canal atresia-vertical talus-hypertelorism syndrome
The three features are partly or fully blocked ear canals on both sides, a foot bone (the talus) that sits in a vertical position in both feet, and eyes set farther apart than usual. It is seen in newborns.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Missing or blocked ear canal
- Hearing loss
- Wide-set eyes (hypertelorism)
- Curved little finger (clinodactyly)
- Foot bone in a vertical position (vertical talus)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include bone and joint specialists, ear, nose, and throat specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Ask 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); Ear, nose, and throat specialists (otolaryngologists); 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
Quick facts
Changes in genes cause this condition. It is autosomal dominant, which means a change in one copy of the gene can cause it. GARD does not name the gene.
Also known as: external auditory canal, bilateral atresia of, with congenital vertical talus; rasmussen-johnsen-thomsen syndrome
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with External auditory canal atresia-vertical talus-hypertelorism syndrome.
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