Overview
Oculocerebrocutaneous syndrome (OCCS), also known as Delleman syndrome or Delleman-Oorthuys syndrome, is an extremely rare congenital disorder characterized by a triad of abnormalities affecting the eyes (ocular), brain (cerebral), and skin (cutaneous). The condition is typically apparent at birth and involves a combination of distinctive malformations across multiple organ systems. The ocular features are among the most prominent and may include orbital cysts, microphthalmia (abnormally small eyes) or anophthalmia (absence of one or both eyes), and eyelid colobomas. Neurological abnormalities frequently include cerebral malformations such as agenesis of the corpus callosum, intracranial cysts (particularly arachnoid or porencephalic cysts), and significant intellectual disability. Cutaneous findings include focal areas of skin aplasia or hypoplasia, skin appendages (skin tags), and periorbital or other facial skin defects. Additional features may include seizures, facial asymmetry, and occasionally skeletal or cardiovascular anomalies. The exact cause of oculocerebrocutaneous syndrome remains unclear, though it is generally considered to occur sporadically, with most cases arising as isolated events without a family history. No specific gene has been definitively identified as causative. There is no cure for OCCS, and management is supportive and symptomatic, often requiring a multidisciplinary team including ophthalmologists, neurologists, dermatologists, and developmental specialists. Surgical interventions may be needed for orbital cysts, skin abnormalities, or other structural defects. Early intervention programs and therapies are important for addressing developmental delays.
Also known as:
Clinical phenotype terms— hover any for plain English:
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Neonatal
Begins at or shortly after birth (first 4 weeks)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Oculocerebrocutaneous syndrome.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Oculocerebrocutaneous syndrome.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Oculocerebrocutaneous syndrome.
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Common questions about Oculocerebrocutaneous syndrome
What is Oculocerebrocutaneous syndrome?
Oculocerebrocutaneous syndrome (OCCS), also known as Delleman syndrome or Delleman-Oorthuys syndrome, is an extremely rare congenital disorder characterized by a triad of abnormalities affecting the eyes (ocular), brain (cerebral), and skin (cutaneous). The condition is typically apparent at birth and involves a combination of distinctive malformations across multiple organ systems. The ocular features are among the most prominent and may include orbital cysts, microphthalmia (abnormally small eyes) or anophthalmia (absence of one or both eyes), and eyelid colobomas. Neurological abnormalitie
How is Oculocerebrocutaneous syndrome inherited?
Oculocerebrocutaneous syndrome follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Oculocerebrocutaneous syndrome typically begin?
Typical onset of Oculocerebrocutaneous syndrome is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.