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Metatropic dysplasia (MTD) is a rare spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia characterized by a long trunk and short limbs in infancy followed by severe and progressive kyphoscoliosis causing a reversal in proportions during childhood (short trunk and long limbs) and a final short stature in adulthood.
Features include always present findings: Enlarged joints, Hypoplasia of the odontoid process, Flexion contracture, and Dumbbell-shaped metaphyses and others; and very common findings: Flared iliac wing, Cupped ribs, Narrow chest, and Short ribs. 48 total HPO annotations.
Organ System | Phenotype Count | Example Features |
|---|---|---|
Bones and joints | 9 | Enlarged joints, Kyphoscoliosis, Delayed skeletal maturation |
TRPV4 function has not been fully characterized.
Metatropic dysplasia is associated with mutations in the TRPV4 gene on chromosome 12.
In general, specific sets of TRPV4 pathogenic variants have been associated with either neuromuscular disorders or skeletal dysplasias. However, overlap phenotypes may occur , making genotype-phenotype correlations difficult . Moreover, pathogenic variants associated with TRPV4-related neuromuscular disease can cause any of the recognized subtypes, with different presentations even within families. Functional studies suggest that TRPV4 pathogenic variants associated with neuromuscular disorders and short-stature skeletal dysplasias cause a gain of channel function [, , , , , , ], whereas there are reports of both loss-of-function and gain-of-function features in pathogenic variants associated with familial digital arthropathy with brachydactyly . TRPV4-related neuromuscular disorders.
Suggestive Findings
An autosomal dominant TRPV4-related neuromuscular disease should be suspected in individuals with the following clinical findings based on phenotype and family history.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2, TRPV4-related (CMT2C)
Source: GeneReviews — "Autosomal Dominant TRPV4-Related Disorders"
No approved treatments are currently available for metatropic dysplasia. The disease remains an area of unmet medical need.
No clinical practice guidelines for autosomal dominant TRPV4-related disorders have been published. In the absence of published guidelines, the following recommendations are based on the authors' personal experience managing individuals with this disorder.
To establish the extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with an autosomal dominant TRPV4-related neuromuscular disorder, the evaluations summarized (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to the diagnosis) are recommended.
Table 8a. Autosomal Dominant TRPV4-Related Neuromuscular Disorder: Recommended Surveillance
System/Concern |
|---|
No clinical trials have been registered for metatropic dysplasia.
8 publications have been identified in PubMed for metatropic dysplasia. Research spans Review / Meta-Analysis (38%), Basic Science / Preclinical (38%), and Epidemiology / Natural History (25%).
Dong L (2026). [PMID: 41263626](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41263626/). *Clin Genet*. [Epidemiology / Natural History]
Vialle R (2026). [PMID: 40976314](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40976314/). *Orthop Traumatol Surg Res*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Liu Y (2025). [PMID: 40258774](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40258774/). *Medicine (Baltimore)*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Harissa Z (2025). [PMID: 40019039](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40019039/). *Am J Physiol Cell Physiol*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Robles-Espinoza K (2025). [PMID: 41097048](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41097048/). *Int J Mol Sci*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Data assembled from 7 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 19, 2026, 1:05 PM UTC
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
European rare disease database
Genetic and Rare Diseases Info Center
Growth and development |
3 |
Severe short stature, Disproportionate short-trunk short stature, Disproportionate short-limb short stature |
Brain and nerves | 2 | Peripheral axonal neuropathy, Depressed nasal bridge |
Muscles | 2 | Flexion contracture, Joint stiffness present at birth (arthrogryposis multiplex congenita) |
Arms and legs | 2 | Short finger, Disproportionate short-limb short stature |
Lungs and breathing | 2 | Respiratory failure, Difficulty breathing (respiratory insufficiency) |
Pregnancy and birth | 2 | Fetal akinesia sequence, Decreased fetal movement |
The two groups of disorders and the phenotypes comprising autosomal dominant TRPV4-related disorders are the following:
Neuromuscular disorders (See .)
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2, TRPV4-related (CMT2C)
Scapuloperoneal spinal muscular atrophy, TRPV4-related (TRPV4-SPSMA)
Congenital distal spinal muscular atrophy, TRPV4-related (TRPV4-CDSMA)
Skeletal dysplasias, listed from mildest to most severe (See .)
Familial digital arthropathy with brachydactyly, TRPV4-related
Brachyolmia, TRPV4-related
Spondylometaphyseal dysplasia, TRPV4-related (Kozlowski type)
Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, TRPV4-related (Maroteaux type)
Metatropic dysplasia, TRPV4-related
Source: GeneReviews — "Autosomal Dominant TRPV4-Related Disorders"
Source: GeneReviews — "Autosomal Dominant TRPV4-Related Disorders"
TRPV4-related neuromuscular disorders. Penetrance is reduced with the neuromuscular disease-associated pathogenic variants. Autosomal dominant TRPV4-related skeletal dysplasias. In contrast, penetrance of the skeletal dysplasia phenotype appears to be high; however, intra- and interfamilial variability is significant .
Source: GeneReviews — "Autosomal Dominant TRPV4-Related Disorders"
Autosomal dominant TRPV4-related neuromuscular disorders resemble several other disorders . Note: See Charcot-Marie-Tooth Hereditary Neuropathy Overview for a general overview of CMT2.
Table 4.
Autosomal Dominant TRPV4-Related Neuromuscular Disorders: Differential Diagnosis
Gene | MOI | Phenotype(s)
| XL | Adult-onset distal motor neuropathy resembling CMT (See ATP7A-Related Copper Transport Disorders.)
| AD | Lower extremity-predominant SMA (OMIM 615290)
| AD | Variants of CMT2; dHMN (See BSCL2-Related Neurologic Disorders/ Seipinopathy.)
| AD | Distal HMN characterized by bilateral vocal cord palsy progressive atrophy weakness of facial distal limb muscles (See DCTN1-Related Neurodegeneration.)
| AD | Motor axonal...
Source: GeneReviews — "Autosomal Dominant TRPV4-Related Disorders"
Genetic testing for TRPV4 is available. Testing is considered confirmatory for diagnosis.
Table 6a.
TRPV4-Related Neuromuscular Disorder: Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis
System/Concern | Evaluation | Comment
| Physical/neurologic exam | To determine extent of weakness atrophy, pes cavus, gait stability, sensory loss
EMG w/NCV | As needed to document status of neuropathy
Referral to physiatry, PT, OT, speech therapy |
| Video laryngoscopy | As needed to document status of vocal folds
| • Pulmonary function testing dynamic breathing chest radiograph
Sleep study
| As needed to assess pulmonary respiratory function presence of sleep apnea
| Hearing assessment | See Genetic Hearing Loss Overview for different types of hearing assessment.
| Skeletal radiographs | To identify any associated scoliosis or skeletal dysplasia features
Growth/
| Assess weight, height, weight-for-height. |
Genetic
Source: GeneReviews — "Autosomal Dominant TRPV4-Related Disorders"
In general, obesity is to be avoided because it makes walking more difficult for individuals with neuropathy, skeletal dysplasia, or both.
For neuromuscular disorders
Preventive health care to avoid diabetes-related complications is recommended.
Neurotoxic medications should be avoided. Medications that are toxic or potentially toxic to persons with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) comprise a spectrum of risk ranging from definite high risk to negligible risk. See the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association website (pdf) for an up-to-date list. See also the Inherited Neuropathy Consortium website for additional information.
Upper respiratory tract infections can cause vocal fold swelling and worsen upper airway obstruction.
For skeletal dysplasias
In individuals with odontoid hypoplasia, avoid extreme neck flexion and extension.
Avoid activities and occupations that place undue stress on the spine and weight-bearing joints.
Source: GeneReviews — "Autosomal Dominant TRPV4-Related Disorders"
have reviewed the future of therapeutic options in CMT. Preclinical studies in knock-in mouse models of TRPV4-related neuromuscular disease have shown that small-molecule TRPV4 (transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 4) ion channel antagonists result in improvement in disease phenotypes . Based on these studies and the known mechanism of disease, TRPV4-specific ion channel antagonists are under study as a potential therapy for TRPV4-related neuromuscular disease. Search ClinicalTrials.gov in the US and EU Clinical Trials Register in Europe for access to information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions. Note: There may not be clinical trials for this disorder.
Source: GeneReviews — "Autosomal Dominant TRPV4-Related Disorders"
View trials for metatropic dysplasia
Evaluation
Frequency |
|---|
Neuropathy | Neurologic exam to determine extent of weakness atrophy, sensory loss | Annually PT exam to monitor feet to determine need for bracing, special shoes, /or surgery Vocal cord involvement |
Constitutional | Assess weight, height, weight-for-height. | At each visit ENT = otolaryngology; PT = physical therapy; SNHL = sensorineural hearing loss Table 8b. |
Autosomal Dominant TRPV4-Related Skeletal Dysplasia: Recommended Surveillance System/Concern | Evaluation | Frequency |
Musculoskeletal | Assessment for development of joint pain scoliosis | Annually Cervical spinal films to assess for clinically significant odontoid hypoplasia |
SNHL | Hearing assessment | Annually |
Constitutional | Assess weight, height, weight-for-height | At each visit SNHL = sensorineural hearing loss |
Source: GeneReviews — "Autosomal Dominant TRPV4-Related Disorders"
Phenotype severity distribution: 12 always present features, 4 very common features, 13 common features.
Estimated prevalence: <1 in 1,000,000 (VERY_RARE).
Güneş N (2025). [PMID: 39825918](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39825918/). *Pediatr Radiol*. [Epidemiology / Natural History]
Wei P (2024). [PMID: 38292178](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38292178/). *Genes Dis*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]