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Living with Hydrocephalus-costovertebral dysplasia-Sprengel anomaly syndrome

A rare condition seen at birth with a high shoulder blade, fluid buildup in the brain, and rib and spine differences.

Understanding Hydrocephalus-costovertebral dysplasia-Sprengel anomaly syndrome

Hydrocephalus-costovertebral dysplasia-Sprengel anomaly syndrome is a rare condition with several birth differences.

Main features are Sprengel anomaly (a shoulder blade sitting higher than usual) and hydrocephalus (extra fluid in the brain). Others may include global developmental delay, psychosis, short fingers or toes, and rib and spine differences. It is seen in newborns.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • High shoulder blade (Sprengel anomaly)
  • Larger than usual head (macrocephaly)
  • Intellectual disability
  • Rib and spine differences
  • Obesity
  • Behavior differences

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 brain and nervous system 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
Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); 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
How is fluid in the brain checked and treated?
What help is there for shoulder or spine differences?
Would genetic counseling help our family?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn

Changes in genes (also called variants) cause this condition. GARD doesn't list a specific gene or inheritance pattern.

GeneticNeurological

Also known as: ferlini-ragno-calzolari syndrome; hydrocephalus, sprengel anomaly, and costovertebral dysplasia; waaler-aarskog syndrome

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Hydrocephalus-costovertebral dysplasia-Sprengel anomaly syndromeGARD ID 5518 · 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 Hydrocephalus-costovertebral dysplasia-Sprengel anomaly syndrome.

Explore the Hydrocephalus-costovertebral dysplasia-Sprengel anomaly syndrome blog

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  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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