Alopecia–contractures–dwarfism mental retardation syndrome (ACD syndrome; OMIM 203550) is a very rare genetic disorder with
distinct features. To our knowledge, there have been four cases documented to date. In addition, another three patients, previously
described as having IFAP syndrome (OMIM %308205), may also have ACD syndrome. We report on one patient with short stature,
total alopecia, ichthyosis, photophobia, seizures, ectrodactyly, vertebral anomalies, scoliosis, multiple contractures, mental
retardation, and striking facial and other features (e.g. microdolichocephaly, missing eyebrows and eyelashes, long nose,
large ears) consistent with ACD syndrome. Results of laboratory testing in the literature case reports were normal, although
in none of them, array-CGH (microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization) analysis was performed. In conclusion, the
combination of specific features, including total alopecia, ichthyosis, mental retardation, and skeletal anomalies are suggestive
of ACD syndrome. We propose that children with this syndrome undergo a certain social pediatric protocol including EEG diagnostics,
ophthalmological investigation, psychological testing, management of dermatologic and orthopedic problems, and genetic counseling.
Keywords ACD syndrome - Total alopecia - Ichthyosis - Ectodermal dysplasia - Contractures - Skeletal anomalies