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Living with Prieto syndrome

An X-linked genetic condition with intellectual disability, brain changes, dental differences and distinctive facial features.

Understanding Prieto syndrome

Prieto syndrome is an X-linked genetic condition that includes intellectual disability and several physical differences.

Features include shrinking of part of the brain (subcortical cerebral atrophy), dental differences, a kneecap that slips out of place, a skin dimple in the lower back and distinctive facial features. It is usually noticed in childhood.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Intellectual disability
  • Low muscle tone
  • Loss of brain tissue (cerebral atrophy)
  • Kneecap that slips out of place
  • Club feet
  • Crossed eyes and drooping eyelids

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. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in WNK3 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

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
Should we have genetic testing for WNK3, and should female relatives be tested?
Which therapies can support learning and movement?
What orthopedic care is recommended for the feet and kneecaps?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startChild
InheritanceX-Linked
GenesWNK3

Changes in the WNK3 gene cause this condition. It is X-linked, meaning the gene is on the X chromosome.

GeneticNeurological

Also known as: prieto syndrome, x-linked recessive; prieto-badia-mulas syndrome; x-linked intellectual disability-dysmorphism-cerebral atrophy syndrome

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Prieto syndromeGARD ID 4482 · 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 Prieto syndrome.

Explore the Prieto syndrome blog

Explore research for Prieto syndrome

Explore actively recruiting Prieto syndrome studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Prieto 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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