Clefts

Velocardiofacial Syndrome

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

Velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS) -- also known as Shprintzen syndrome, DiGeorge syndrome or 22q11 Deletion -- is a complex syndrome generally involving palatal (roof of the mouth) defects, heart defects, learning disabilities, depression of the immune system and distinct facial features. It has been associated with over 30 different characteristics. The severity of VCFS varies widely, and the syndrome is autosomal dominant, which means that an individual with the syndrome has a one in two chance of passing it on to their child.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 8, 2007