Arachnodactyly

Arachnodactyly ("spider fingers") is a condition in which the fingers and toes are abnormally long and slender, in comparison to the palm of the hand and arch of the foot. Also, the individual's thumbs tend to be pulled inwards towards the palm.[1] It can be present at birth or develop in later life.

Arachnodactyly
Other namesAchromachia
Arachnodactyly
SpecialtyMedical genetics 

Causes

This feature can occur on its own, with no underlying health problems. However, it can also be associated with certain medical conditions. Examples include Marfan syndrome,[2] Ehlers-Danlos syndrome,[3] Loeys–Dietz syndrome, congenital contractural arachnodactyly,[1] and homocystinuria.

Arachnodactyly has been linked to mutations in both fibrillin-1 and fibrillin-2 genes.

Notable cases

It remains unconfirmed whether composer Sergei Rachmaninoff's abnormally large reach on a piano was a result of arachnodactyly due to Marfan syndrome, as the pianist exhibited no other signs of the disease.[4]

See also

References
  1. Viljoen, D. (1994). "Congenital contractural arachnodactyly (Beals syndrome)". Journal of Medical Genetics. 31 (8): 640–643. doi:10.1136/jmg.31.8.640. PMC 1050028. PMID 7815423.
  2. Buntinx, I. M.; Willems, P. J.; Spitaels, S. E.; Van Reempst, P. J.; De Paepe, A. M.; Dumon, J. E. (April 1991). "Neonatal Marfan syndrome with congenital arachnodactyly, flexion contractures, and severe cardiac valve insufficiency". Journal of Medical Genetics. 28 (4): 267–273. doi:10.1136/jmg.28.4.267. ISSN 0022-2593. PMC 1016831. PMID 1856834.
  3. Keer, Rosemary; Grahame, Rodney (2003-06-27). Hypermobility syndrome: Recognition and management for physiotherapists. ISBN 978-0-7506-5390-9.
  4. http://www.rachmaninoff.org/board/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=480
Classification
External resources


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