Skip to content
knowrare
HealthSignal
Your condition community

Living with Monosomy 22

A rare chromosome condition with short height, joint differences, heart defects, and distinctive facial features.

Understanding Monosomy 22

Monosomy 22 is a rare chromosome condition with a wide range of features that vary from person to person.

It is typically marked by short height, joint differences such as very flexible or dislocated joints, heart defects present from birth, and certain facial features. Delayed motor development and intellectual disability may also be seen. Signs are seen in the newborn period.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Intellectual disability
  • Flat face with a high forehead
  • Eye folds (epicanthus)
  • Receding chin and short neck
  • Ears rotated toward the back of the head
  • Long groove above the upper lip (philtrum)

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
Can chromosome testing confirm the diagnosis?
Which specialists should check the heart and joints?
What developmental supports are available?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn

GARD says changes in genes (also called variants) cause this condition. It is a chromosome anomaly in which genetic material from chromosome 22 is missing.

Genetic

Also known as: del(22); deletion 22; monosomy 22 syndrome; monosomy type 22

Patient organizations

Broader rare-disease groups

Source: NIH GARD · Monosomy 22GARD ID 19324 · 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 Monosomy 22.

Explore the Monosomy 22 blog

Explore research for Monosomy 22

Explore actively recruiting Monosomy 22 studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Monosomy 22 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

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper

I can help you find recruiting Monosomy 22 studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.

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

Get Signals for Monosomy 22

Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.

HealthStoryfor Monosomy 22

Create a living journal that talks back

HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Monosomy 22 experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.

Start your Monosomy 22 journal

Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.