Causes, Risk Factors & Associated Conditions

Overgrowth syndromes

Overgrowth syndromes are conditions causing excessive growth of body tissues, among the genetic syndromes associated with Chiari malformation.

In short: Overgrowth syndromes

They are conditions causing excessive tissue or body growth.
Some affect the head and skull base.
They are among the syndromes associated with Chiari.
Their presence prompts evaluation for Chiari.

What it is

Overgrowth syndromes are a group of genetic conditions characterized by excessive growth of body tissues — which may involve the whole body or specific regions, including the head. They are among the syndromes that have been found associated with Chiari malformation, particularly in syndromic cases.

Understanding Overgrowth syndromes

In overgrowth syndromes, abnormal growth can affect the skull and brain, and in some cases the relationship between brain size and the posterior fossa, contributing to Chiari-like crowding and tonsillar descent. Studies of syndromic Chiari have found overgrowth syndromes among the more common identifiable genetic associations. When a child has an overgrowth syndrome, evaluation for Chiari may be warranted, especially if there are symptoms, and any Chiari is managed within the child's comprehensive care. Recognizing overgrowth syndromes as an associated category helps ensure Chiari is considered in affected children. Understanding overgrowth syndromes and Chiari clarifies a group of genetic conditions linked to the malformation.

Why it matters

Understanding overgrowth syndromes and Chiari helps families see that conditions causing excessive growth are among those associated with Chiari, and why evaluation for Chiari may be considered in affected children.

Common questions

What are overgrowth syndromes?

Genetic conditions causing excessive growth of body tissues.

How do they relate to Chiari?

They are among the syndromes associated with Chiari.

What do they prompt?

Consideration of evaluation for Chiari in affected children.

Bottom line

Overgrowth syndromes are conditions of excessive tissue growth, among the genetic syndromes associated with Chiari, prompting evaluation in affected children.

More terms in Causes, Risk Factors & Associated Conditions

Craniosynostosis (and Chiari)Craniosynostosis is premature fusion of the skull bones that can crowd the posterior fossa and be associated with Chiari malformation.
Hydrocephalus (as cause or association)Hydrocephalus is a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid that can be associated with Chiari malformation, particularly type II, and influences its management.
Spina bifida (myelomeningocele)Spina bifida is a birth defect of the spine that, in its most significant form, is almost always associated with Chiari malformation type II.
Neural tube defectA neural tube defect is a birth defect of the brain or spine, the category that includes the spina bifida associated with Chiari malformation type II.
Tethered cord syndromeTethered cord syndrome is abnormal fixation of the spinal cord that can coexist with Chiari malformation and may need to be addressed.

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