Saethre Chotzen Syndrome

Saethre Chotzen syndrome is a rare craniofacial syndrome which primarily affects the skull

and facial bones. It frequently leads to fusion of the coronal sutures, resulting in a very characteristic skull shape. Saethre Chotzen syndrome is estimated to occur in one in 25,000-50,000 births.

Cause of Saethre Chotzen Syndrome

Saethre Chotzen syndrome is caused by a gene mutation that occurs randomly. We don’t fully understand what causes this mutation, but it doesn’t appear that the mutation occurs as a result of something either parent does or fails to do. Most parents who have a baby with Saethre Chotzen syndrome likely have normal genes.

People with Saethre Chotzen syndrome can pass the gene on to their children, however.   Only one copy of the gene needs to be passed on for the new baby to have this syndrome.   A parent with Saethre Chotzen syndrome has a 50-50 chance of having a baby that also has this condition. Anyone with Saethre Chotzen syndrome who wishes to have children should consider meeting with a geneticist in order to discuss the risks and make a thoughtful, informed decision.

Characteristic Traits

The skull is comprised of a number of plates of bone, joined together at specialized joints called sutures. These sutures act like expansion joints, allowing the skull to get larger as your child grows and his developing brain pushes outward. In Saethre Chotzen syndrome, some of the sutures fuse too soon, preventing the child’s skull from growing normally. Since the brain can’t push all parts of the skull outward as it grows, the brain pushes outward and upward where these expansion joints are functioning. This leads to an abnormally shaped skull which tends to be shortened front to back and perhaps taller than it should be.

In addition to fused sutures, children with Saethre Chotzen syndrome also have a characteristic low-set hairline, a “beaked” nose and short stature. These children also may have webbed appearing fingers, especially between the index and middle fingers. Children with Saethre Chotzen syndrome generally have normal intelligence and lead normal lives.

Diagnosis

Most often, the diagnosis of Saethre Chotzen syndrome is suspected based on the abnormal skull shape and characteristic facial features.  The suspected diagnosis is confirmed by a blood test to check for the gene mutation. This genetic work-up is often overseen by a geneticist who is familiar with craniofacial syndromes.

Surgical Treatment

The treatment of Saethre Chotzen syndrome is focused on correction of the abnormal skull shape and mirrors the treatment of craniosynostosis.  Surgical correction is most often done between 6 and 12 months of age.  

Following surgery, your baby will spend at least one night in the pediatric intensive care unit prior to being transferred to a regular pediatric bed.  You can anticipate that your baby will spend anywhere from 2-5 days in the hospital following surgery.