U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

GTR Home > Conditions/Phenotypes > Rett syndrome

Rett syndrome

Synonyms
Autism, dementia, ataxia, and loss of purposeful hand use; Classic Rett Syndrome; Rett's disorder
Modes of inheritance
X-linked dominant inheritance (Orphanet)

Summary

Excerpted from the GeneReview: MECP2 Disorders
The spectrum of MECP2-related phenotypes in females ranges from classic Rett syndrome to variant Rett syndrome with a broader clinical phenotype (either milder or more severe than classic Rett syndrome) to mild learning disabilities; the spectrum in males ranges from severe neonatal encephalopathy to pyramidal signs, parkinsonism, and macroorchidism (PPM-X) syndrome to severe syndromic/nonsyndromic intellectual disability. Females: Classic Rett syndrome, a progressive neurodevelopmental disorder primarily affecting girls, is characterized by apparently normal psychomotor development during the first six to 18 months of life, followed by a short period of developmental stagnation, then rapid regression in language and motor skills, followed by long-term stability. During the phase of rapid regression, repetitive, stereotypic hand movements replace purposeful hand use. Additional findings include fits of screaming and inconsolable crying, autistic features, panic-like attacks, bruxism, episodic apnea and/or hyperpnea, gait ataxia and apraxia, tremors, seizures, and acquired microcephaly. Males: Severe neonatal-onset encephalopathy, the most common phenotype in affected males, is characterized by a relentless clinical course that follows a metabolic-degenerative type of pattern, abnormal tone, involuntary movements, severe seizures, and breathing abnormalities. Death often occurs before age two years.
Full text of GeneReview (by section):
Summary
GeneReview Scope
Diagnosis
Clinical Characteristics
Genetically Related (Allelic) Disorders
Differential Diagnosis
Management
Genetic Counseling
Resources
Molecular Genetics
Chapter Notes
References
Authors:
Simranpreet Kaur
John Christodoulou
view full author information

Available tests

139 tests are in the database for this condition.

Check Related conditions for additional relevant tests.

Clinical tests (139 available)

Molecular Genetics Tests

Genes See tests for all associated and related genes

  • Also known as: AUTSX3, MRX16, MRX79, MRXS13, MRXSL, PPMX, RS, RTS, RTT, MECP2
    Summary: methyl-CpG binding protein 2

Clinical features

Help
Imported from Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO)

Show allHide all

IMPORTANT NOTE: NIH does not independently verify information submitted to the GTR; it relies on submitters to provide information that is accurate and not misleading. NIH makes no endorsements of tests or laboratories listed in the GTR. GTR is not a substitute for medical advice. Patients and consumers with specific questions about a genetic test should contact a health care provider or a genetics professional.