Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, distal, X-linked

The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs.

X-linked distal arthrogryposis multiplex congenital (SMAX2) is a rare form of spinal muscular atrophy characterized by the neonatal onset of severe hypotonia, areflexia, profound weakness, multiple congenital contractures, facial dysmorphic features (myopathic face with open, tent-shaped mouth), cryptorchidism, and mild skeletal abnormalities (i.e. kyphosis, scoliosis), that is often preceded by polyhydramnios and reduced fetal movements in utero and followed by bone fractures shortly after birth. SMAX2 patients often have a limited life span, often succumbing to the disease within 2 years, as muscle weakness is progressive and chest muscle involvement eventually leads to ventilatory insufficiency and respiratory failure.

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Last updated: 9/1/2015

Making a diagnosis for a genetic or rare disease can often be challenging. Healthcare professionals typically look at a person’s medical history, symptoms, physical exam, and laboratory test results in order to make a diagnosis. The following resources provide information relating to diagnosis and testing for this condition. If you have questions about getting a diagnosis, you should contact a healthcare professional.

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If you can’t find a specialist in your local area, try contacting national or international specialists. They may be able to refer you to someone they know through conferences or research efforts. Some specialists may be willing to consult with you or your local doctors over the phone or by email if you can't travel to them for care.

You can find more tips in our guide, How to Find a Disease Specialist. We also encourage you to explore the rest of this page to find resources that can help you find specialists.

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.