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Living with Trisomy 22

A chromosome condition with an extra copy of chromosome 22 that affects the face, heart, and growth before birth.

Understanding Trisomy 22

Trisomy 22 is a chromosome condition in which an extra, third copy of chromosome 22 is present in every cell.

Common features include an underdeveloped midface with a flat, broad nasal bridge, ears with pits or tags, cleft palate, wide-set eyes, a small head, heart disease present at birth, genital differences, and slow growth before birth.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list a separate symptom list. The summary describes these common features:

  • Underdeveloped midface with a flat nasal bridge
  • Ears with pits or tags
  • Cleft palate
  • Wide-set eyes (hypertelorism)
  • Small head (microcephaly)
  • Heart disease present at birth

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

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
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
Which tests confirmed the extra chromosome 22?
Which specialists should be on our care team?
Would genetic counseling help our family?

Quick facts

It is caused by an extra, third copy of chromosome 22 in every cell of the body.

Also known as: complete trisomy 22 syndrome

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Trisomy 22GARD ID 5335 · 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 Trisomy 22.

Explore the Trisomy 22 blog

Explore research for Trisomy 22

Explore actively recruiting Trisomy 22 studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Trisomy 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

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I can help you find recruiting Trisomy 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.

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