What is the Difference Between Apert and Crouzon Syndrome?

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Apert and Crouzon syndromes are both craniosynostosis syndromes caused by a mutated FGFR2 gene. However, there are differences between the two:

  1. Severity: Apert syndrome is similar to Crouzon syndrome but more severe.
  2. Craniofacial Characteristics: Both syndromes affect the development of the skull and facial bones, but the physical characteristics can vary from mild to severe. In Apert syndrome, the craniofacial features of Crouzon syndrome are present, but the severity and asymmetry are more pronounced.
  3. Hand and Foot Abnormalities: Apert syndrome is characterized by fused or webbed fingers and toes, short fingers, and broad thumbs and big toes. Crouzon syndrome does not have these hand and foot abnormalities.
  4. Intellectual Disability: Intellectual disability is more common in Apert syndrome.
  5. Ophthalmic Sequelae: Exotropia is found in Crouzon syndrome, whereas the V pattern is more characteristic in Apert syndrome with divergent up gaze and esotropic downgaze.

In summary, Apert and Crouzon syndromes share some similarities but differ in terms of severity, craniofacial characteristics, hand and foot abnormalities, intellectual disability, and ophthalmic sequelae.

Comparative Table: Apert vs Crouzon Syndrome

Apert and Crouzon syndromes are both types of craniosynostosis syndromes, which are characterized by the premature closure of one or more sutures of the skull, resulting in abnormal brain and skull development. Both syndromes are caused by mutations in the FGFR2 gene. However, there are some differences between the two:

Feature Apert Syndrome Crouzon Syndrome
Severity Very severe Less severe
Intellectual Disability Common Rare
Cervical Fusion Fusion of cervical vertebrae in 68% of patients, most commonly C5-C6 fusion Cervical fusion in 25% of patients, most commonly involving C2-C3
Orbital Characteristics Shortened bony orbit, reduced orbital and orbital soft-tissue volumes, and increased globe volume Shortened bony orbit, reduced orbital and orbital soft-tissue volumes, and increased globe volume
MaxillaCharacteristics Hypoplastic in all dimensions and retruded, decreasing the anteroposterior length of the orbital floor Narrowed and retruded, resulting in a class III malocclusion
Mandible Characteristics May be affected by the downward and backward rotation of the mandible due to the malar and chin hypoplasia May be affected by the downward and backward rotation of the mandible due to the malar and chin hypoplasia

In summary, Apert syndrome is a more severe form of craniosynostosis syndrome compared to Crouzon syndrome, and it commonly causes intellectual disabilities. Both syndromes have similar craniofacial characteristics, but there are differences in the cervical fusion patterns and the severity of the orbital and maxillary deformities.