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Living with Pseudoleprechaunism syndrome, Patterson type

A very rare genetic hormone condition with bronzed skin, loose skin on hands and feet, large features, and severe intellectual disability.

Understanding Pseudoleprechaunism syndrome, Patterson type

Pseudoleprechaunism syndrome, Patterson type, is a rare genetic disorder of the adrenal glands that is present from birth.

Features include bronze-colored skin, loose, wrinkled skin on the hands and feet, large hands, feet, nose, and ears, extra body hair, and severe intellectual disability. People may also have high adrenal hormone activity, diabetes, and bone differences that progress with age. GARD says it hasn't been described in the literature since 1981.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Bronze-colored skin
  • Loose, wrinkled skin on palms and soles
  • Excess body hair (hirsutism)
  • Severe intellectual disability
  • Diabetes
  • Seizures

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 and hormone 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); Hormone specialists (endocrinologists)
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
Is genetic testing available to find the cause?
How should blood sugar and adrenal hormones be monitored?
Which specialists should be on our care team?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startduring Pregnancy and as a Newborn

GARD says gene changes cause this condition. It doesn't name a gene or describe inheritance yet.

GeneticEndocrine

Also known as: patterson pseudoleprechaunism syndrome; patterson syndrome; pseudoleprechaunism syndrome patterson type

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Pseudoleprechaunism syndrome, Patterson typeGARD ID 4259 · 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 Pseudoleprechaunism syndrome, Patterson type.

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