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Living with Ring chromosome 12

A rare chromosome change with slow growth after birth, developmental delay, a small head, and distinctive facial features.

Understanding Ring chromosome 12

Ring chromosome 12 syndrome is a rare chromosome condition that varies a lot from person to person.

It mainly causes slow growth after birth, developmental delay, intellectual disability, a small head, and distinct facial features. Other features reported include chest and finger differences, heart defects, undescended testes, café-au-lait spots, and epilepsy. It starts in the newborn and infant years.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Global developmental delay
  • Slow growth
  • Small head size (microcephaly)
  • Curved finger (clinodactyly)
  • Distinct facial shape
  • Unusual fingerprint patterns

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
Should the heart be checked for defects?
Is there a risk of seizures, and what are the signs?
What therapies can support learning and growth?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant

It is a chromosome change in which chromosome 12 forms a ring. GARD does not name a gene or list an inheritance pattern.

Genetic

Also known as: ring 12; ring chromosome 12 syndrome; ring chromosome type 12

Patient organizations

Broader rare-disease groups

Source: NIH GARD · Ring chromosome 12GARD ID 1325 · 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 Ring chromosome 12.

Explore the Ring chromosome 12 blog

Explore research for Ring chromosome 12

Explore actively recruiting Ring chromosome 12 studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Ring chromosome 12 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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