McCune Albright Syndrome

Important
It is possible that the main title of the report McCune Albright Syndrome is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Synonyms

MAS
Albright Syndrome
Osteitis Fibrosa Disseminata
Polyostotic, Fibrous Dysplasia
PFD
Precocious Puberty with Polyostotic Fibrosis and Abnormal Pigmentation
POFD

Disorder Subdivisions

None

General Discussion

McCune-Albright Syndrome (MAS) is a rare multisystem disorder characterized by (1) replacement of normal bone tissue with areas of abnormal fibrous growth (fibrous dysplasia); (2) patches of abnormal skin pigmentation (i.e., areas of light-brown skin [cafe-au-lait spots] with jagged borders); abnormalities in the glands that regulate the body’s rate of growth, its sexual development, and certain other metabolic functions (multiple endocrine dysfunction). Depending on the number and location of the skeletal abnormalities, mobility may be impaired, as well as vision and/or hearing, and the individual may experience substantial pain. Malfunctioning endocrine glands can result in the development of secondary sexual characteristics at an age younger than normal (precocious puberty).

McCune-Albright Syndrome is the result of a genetic change (mutation) that occurs randomly, for no apparent reason (sporadic). In individuals with the disorder, this sporadic genetic mutation is present in only some of the body's cells (mosaic pattern). The symptoms and physical characteristics associated with the disorder vary greatly from case to case, depending upon the specific body cells and tissues that are affected by the genetic mutation. This mutation occurs after fertilization (postzygotic somatic mutation). It is not inherited from the parents.

The range of severity of the disorder is very broad: some children are diagnosed in early infancy with obvious anomalies of bone and increased hormone production by one or more of the endocrine glands; others show no evidence of bone, skin or endocrine malfunction in childhood and may enter puberty at an appropriate age.
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Resources

MAGIC Foundation for Children's Growth
6645 W. North Avenue
Oak Park, IL 60302
Tel: (708)383-0808
Fax: (708)383-0899
Tel: (800)362-4423
Email: mary@magicfoundation.org
Internet: http://www.magicfoundation.org

Paget Foundation for Paget's Disease of Bone and Related Disorders
120 Wall Street
Suite 1602
New York, NY 10005
Tel: (212)509-5335
Fax: (212)509-8492
Tel: (800)237-2438
Email: pagetfdn@aol.com
Internet: http://www.paget.org

NIH/National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse
1 AMS Circle
Bethesda, MD 20892-3675
USA
Tel: 3014954484
Fax: 3017186366
Tel: 8772264267
TDD: 3015652966
Email: NIAMSinfo@mail.nih.gov
Internet: http://www.niams.nih.gov

NIH/National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
31 Center Dr
Building 31, Room 2A32
MSC2425
Bethesda, MD 20892
Tel: (301)496-5133
Fax: (301)496-7101
Internet: http://www.nih.gov/hichd/

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.
It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.
For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org
Last Updated: 8/7/2007
Copyright 1986, 1987, 1988, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2002, 2007 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

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