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Any Ritscher-Schinzel syndrome in which the cause of the disease is a mutation in the CCDC22 gene.
Features include always present findings: Poor speech, Upslanted palpebral fissure, Prominent fingertip pads, and Wide anterior fontanel and others; and common findings: Ventricular septal defect, Dandy-Walker malformation, Intellectual disability, and Cryptorchidism and others. 36 total HPO annotations.
Organ System | Phenotype Count | Example Features |
|---|---|---|
Arms and legs | 5 | Prominent fingertip pads, Camptodactyly of finger, Short distal phalanx of finger |
Brain and nerves | 3 | Poor speech, Intellectual disability, Global developmental delay |
Head and neck | 2 | Relative macrocephaly, High palate |
Heart and blood vessels | 2 | Ventricular septal defect, Atrial septal defect |
Muscles | 1 | Low muscle tone (hypotonia) |
Growth and development | 1 | Postnatal growth retardation |
Bones and joints | 1 | Sideways curvature of the spine (scoliosis) |
Lungs and breathing | 1 | Pulmonary artery hypoplasia |
Eyes | 1 | Glaucoma |
Digestive system | 1 | Intestinal malrotation |
Ritscher-Schinzel syndrome (RSS) is relatively rare but is a clinically recognizable condition that includes characteristic dysmorphic facial and skeletal features. This disorder is associated with variable degrees of developmental delay and intellectual disability. Malformations have involved many organs and systems including the eye, central nervous system (CNS), and cardiovascular and skeletal systems. Cardinal features include craniofacial features, cerebellar defects, and cardiovascular malformations resulting in the alternate diagnostic name of 3C syndrome. The following clinical information is based on numerous published reports [, , , , , , , , ].
Source: GeneReviews — "Ritscher-Schinzel Syndrome"
CCDC22 encodes CCC complex scaffolding subunit CCDC22 (627 aa). Component of the commander complex that is essential for endosomal recycling of transmembrane cargos; the Commander complex is composed of composed of the CCC subcomplex and the retriever subcomplex. Highest expression in Spleen (36.3 TPM) and Brain Cerebellum (34.2 TPM).
Ritscher-Schinzel syndrome 2 has been associated with mutations in the CCDC22 gene on chromosome X.
The CCDC22 protein participates in CRL1 E3 ubiquitin ligase:COMMDs:CCDC22 pathway.
CCDC22 is classified as a druggable target (Kinase category) with score 0.0.
Consensus clinical diagnostic criteria for Ritscher-Schinzel syndrome (RSS) have not been established. suggested minimal clinical diagnostic criteria based on 28 affected individuals reported in the literature. They proposed that the following three criteria all be met:
Congenital heart malformation(s) other than patent ductus arteriosus alone
Dandy-Walker malformation, cerebellar vermis hypoplasia, or enlarged cisterna magna
Cleft palate OR ocular coloboma OR four of the following:
Prominent occiput
Prominent forehead
Downslanted palpebral fissures
Widely-spaced eyes
Depressed nasal bridge
Micrognathia
However, these clinical criteria would exclude affected individuals who may not exhibit cerebellar or cardiac malformations in whom Ritscher-Schinzel syndrome has been molecularly confirmed.
Source: GeneReviews — "Ritscher-Schinzel Syndrome"
6p25 deletion (OMIM 612582). Individuals with a chromosome 6p25 deletion have features that can overlap with Ritscher-Schinzel Syndrome (RSS) . 6p25 deletion syndrome shares the following features with RSS: intellectual disability, Dandy-Walker malformation, hydrocephalus, congenital heart defects, anomalies of the anterior chamber of the eye, and craniofacial findings (prominent forehead, midface hypoplasia, downslanting palpebral fissures, hypertelorism, epicanthal folds, ptosis, proptosis, external ear anomalies, flat nasal bridge, short or smooth philtrum, and a high arched palate). 6p25 deletion can be distinguished from RSS by the presence of the 6p25 deletion on chromosomal microarray analysis and an overall craniofacial gestalt distinct from RSS. Other chromosome anomalies may be also be associated with intellectual disability, congenital heart defects, and craniofacial dysmorphisms and can be distinguished by the presence of a chromosome abnormality. Table 2. Disorders to Consider in the Differential Diagnosis of Ritscher-Schinzel Syndrome
DiffDx Disorder | Gene(s) | MOI | Clinical Features of DiffDx Disorder |
|---|---|---|---|
Genetic testing for CCDC22 is available. Testing is considered supportive for diagnosis.
Biomarker and diagnostic research for Ritscher-Schinzel syndrome 2 has been reported in the published literature.
No approved treatments are currently available for Ritscher-Schinzel syndrome 2. The disease remains an area of unmet medical need.
Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis To establish the extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with Ritscher-Schinzel syndrome (RSS), the evaluations summarized (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to the diagnosis) are recommended. Table 3. Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis in Individuals with Ritscher-Schinzel Syndrome
System | Evaluation | Comment |
|---|---|---|
Constitutional | Measure growth parameters. | To assess for short stature /or obesity |
Respiratory | Consider polysomnogram. | In those w/obesity symptoms of sleep apnea |
Craniofacial | Clinical assessment for cleft palate /or micrognathia | Consider referral to craniofacial clinic. |
Eyes | Ophthalmology eval | To evaluate for eye anomalies visual acuity |
Cardiovascular | Echocardiogram to screen for congenital heart defects | Consider referral to cardiologist. Lipid profile1 |
Renal |
Source: GeneReviews — "Ritscher-Schinzel Syndrome"
View trials for Ritscher-Schinzel syndrome 2
Table 5. Recommended Surveillance for Individuals with Ritscher-Schinzel Syndrome
System/Concern | Evaluation | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Eyes | Ophthalmology eval | Annually or as clinically indicated |
Cardiovascular | Lipid profile1 | Periodically2 |
Constitutional | Measurement of growth parameters, esp weight | At each visit Respiratory |
Source: GeneReviews — "Ritscher-Schinzel Syndrome"
Phenotype severity distribution: 20 always present features, 5 common features.
No clinical trials have been registered for Ritscher-Schinzel syndrome 2.
2 publications have been identified in PubMed for Ritscher-Schinzel syndrome 2. Research spans Diagnostic / Biomarker (50%) and Basic Science / Preclinical (50%).
Singla A (2025). [PMID: 40448120](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40448120/). *BMC medical genomics*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Taniguchi K (2025). [PMID: 40078074](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40078074/). *Molecular genetics & genomic medicine*. [Diagnostic / Biomarker]
Data assembled from 7 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 19, 2026, 1:11 PM UTC
Patient Advocacy Groups (PAGs) provide support, resources, and community for patients and caregivers.
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
Genetic and Rare Diseases Info Center
Common questions about Ritscher-Schinzel syndrome 2
Joubert Syndrome |
30 genes1 |
AR(XL, digenic)2 |
ID; Hypoplasia of the cerebral vermis; Ocular colobomas |
EVC2 | AR | CHD; Dandy-Walker malformation; Limb palate anomalies | Polydactyly; Short ribs; Absence of characteristic RSS facial features Cornelia de Lange syndrome |
SMC3 | AD3XL | ID; CHD; Craniofacial dysmorphisms; Distal limb anomalies | Absence of cerebellar hypoplasia; Characteristic facial features CHARGE syndrome |
CHD7 | AD3 | ID; Dysmorphic facial features; Coloboma; Palate anomalies; CHD | Choanal atresia; Inner-ear dysgenesis; Facial nerve palsies; Pituitary dysfunction; Absence of characteristic RSS facial features Kabuki syndrome |
KMT2D | ADXL4 | ID; Coloboma; Palate anomalies; Dysmorphic craniofacial features | Characteristic facial features; Persistence of fetal fingertip pads Frontonasal dysplasia(OMIM PS136760) |
ALX4 | AR | ID; Dysmorphic craniofacial features; Hypertelorism; Palate anomalies; Distal limb anomalies | Encephalocele; Nasal clefting; Distinctive craniofacial features RSS-like syndrome5 |
VPS35L | AR | ID; Dysmorphic craniofacial features; CHD; Coloboma; Cerebellar vermis hypoplasia | Severe growth restriction; Microphthalmia; Periventricular nodular heterotopia; Chondrodysplasia punctata; Mesomelia of upper extremities Loucks-Innes syndrome6 |
DPH1 | AR | ID; Short stature; Dandy-Walker malformation, cerebellar vermis hypoplasia, posterior fossa cyst; CHD ... | — |
Source: GeneReviews — "Ritscher-Schinzel Syndrome"
Renal ultrasound
To evaluate for structural renal anomalies |
Neurologic | Neurologic eval | Brain MRI, if not performed as part of initial investigations |
Development | Developmental assessment | To incl motor, adaptive, cognitive, speech/ language eval; Eval for early intervention/ special education Psychiatric/ |
Behavioral | Neuropsychiatric eval | For persons age 12 mo; Particularly useful at school entry to help formulate an appropriate education plan |
Immunologic | Immunologic screening2 | In those w/repeated bacterial infections; Consider referral to immunologist. Miscellaneous/ |
Other | Consultation w/clinical geneticist /or genetic counselor | To incl genetic counseling Family support/resources |
Treatment of Manifestations in Individuals with Ritscher-Schinzel Syndrome Manifestation/Concern | Treatment | Considerations/Other |
Obesity | Standard treatment | Incl referral to nutritional specialists to monitor food intake weight |
Obstructive sleep apnea | Standard treatment | May incl weight control, removal of tonsils/adenoids, /or CPAP |
Cleft palate | Standard surgical treatment, ideally by a specialized craniofacial team | — |
Congenital heart defects | Standard treatment | — |
Hypercholesterolemia | Standard treatment incl consideration of oral HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins)1 | Other considerations incl optimizing weight, physical activity, optimizing dietary fiber intake |
Renal anomalies | Standard treatment per urologist /or nephrologist | — |
Immunodeficiency | Standard treatment per immunologist | Family/Community |