Proteus Syndrome

Also known as: Proteus syndrome

What is proteus syndrome?

Proteus syndrome is a congenital disorder that causes an overgrowth of tissue.

The syndrome may affect:

The skin
Bones
Fatty tissues
Blood and lymphatic vessels

It is a progressive condition which means children are usually born without obvious physical signs of the syndrome. As patients age, tumors begin to form and the skin and bones begin to grow in an asymmetric pattern. The severity of these growths range from mild to severe and can affect various locations of the body, but typically affect the skull, one or more limbs and the soles of the feet.

What are the signs and symptoms of proteus syndrome?

Due to the disfiguring consequences and excess weight of enlarged limbs, symptoms of arthritis, muscle pain, and difficulty walking may be present. Because blood vessels are affected, premature death may result due to deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Though the disorder itself does not directly cause learning disabilities, the tumors may cause secondary damage to the nervous system leading to cognitive disability.