Otodental syndrome

Otodental syndrome, also known as otodental dysplasia, is an exceptionally rare disease that is distinguished by a specific phenotype known as globodontia, that in rare cases can be associated with eye coloboma and high frequency hearing loss. Globodontia is an abnormal condition that can occur in both the primary and secondary dentition, except for the incisors which are normal in shape and size. This is demonstrated by significant enlargement of the canine and molar teeth. The premolars are either reduced in size or are absent. In some cases, the defects affecting the teeth, eye and ear can be either individual or combined. When these conditions are combined with eye coloboma, the condition is also known as oculo-otodental syndrome. The first known case of otodental syndrome was found in Hungary in a mother and her son by Denes and Csiba in 1969. Prevalence is less than 1 out of every 1 million individuals. The cause of otodental syndrome is considered to be genetic. It is an autosomal dominant inheritance and is variable in its expressivity. Haploinsufficiency in the fibroblast growth factor 3 (FGF3) gene (11q13) has been reported in patients with otodental syndrome and is thought to cause the phenotype. Both males and females are equally affected. Individuals diagnosed with otodental syndrome can be of any age; age is not a relevant factor. Currently there are no specific genetic treatments for otodental syndrome. Dental and orthodontic management are the recommended course of action.