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A rare multiple congenital anomalies syndrome characterized by greater height, mild to moderate intellectual disability and distinctive facial appearance like round face, heavy, horizontal eyebrows and narrow palpebral fissures.
Features include always present findings: Epicanthus, Everted upper lip vermilion, Deep philtrum, and Anteverted nares and others; and very common findings: Tall stature. 37 total HPO annotations.
Organ System | Phenotype Count | Example Features |
|---|---|---|
Brain and nerves | 5 | Seizure, Enlarged brain ventricles (ventriculomegaly), Intellectual disability |
Head and neck | 4 | Everted upper lip vermilion, Sagittal craniosynostosis, Round face |
Heart and blood vessels | 3 | Ventricular septal defect, Mitral regurgitation, Atrial septal defect |
Muscles | 1 | Low muscle tone (hypotonia) |
Pregnancy and birth | 1 | Fetal distress |
Growth and development | 1 | Tall stature |
Bones and joints | 1 | Sideways curvature of the spine (scoliosis) |
Eyes | 1 | Optic nerve hypoplasia |
The cardinal features of Tatton-Brown-Rahman syndrome (TBRS) are overgrowth and mild-to-severe intellectual disability. Other common features include joint hypermobility, obesity/ increased weight, hypotonia, behavioral/psychiatric problems, kyphoscoliosis, and seizures. To date, more than 90 individuals with a pathogenic variant in DNMT3A have been reported [, , , , , , , , , , , ]. The following description of the phenotypic features associated with this condition is based on these reports and the authors' personal communications with the families. Table 2. Select Features of Tatton-Brown-Rahman Syndrome
Feature | % of Persons w/Feature | Comment |
|---|---|---|
Intellectual disability | 100% | Most often in mild-to-moderate range |
Overgrowth1 | 80% |
DNMT3A encodes DNA methyltransferase 3 alpha (912 aa). Required for genome-wide de novo methylation and is essential for the establishment of DNA methylation patterns during development. DNA methylation is coordinated with methylation of histones. Highest expression in Brain Cerebellum (20.9 TPM) and Brain Cerebellar Hemisphere (18.9 TPM).
Tatton-Brown-Rahman overgrowth syndrome is caused by mutations in the DNMT3A gene on chromosome 2.
The DNMT3A protein participates in CBX4 (Pc2) SUMOylates DNMT3A with SUMO1, DNMT3A:DNMT3L methylates cytosine in DNA, and DNMT3A:DNMT3L in nascent RNA transcript:MeR-PIWIL4:2'-O-methyl-piRNA:SPOCD1:DNMT3A:DNMT3L methylates cytosine in DNA pathways.
DNMT3A is classified as a druggable target (Clinically Actionable, Druggable Genome, and Enzyme categories) with score 1.9.
Malignancy. As in the case of sporadic, nonsyndromic malignancies , the most commonly observed pathogenic variants in individuals with TBRS who develop malignancy (n=8) are missense variants affecting the arginine residue at position 882 (Arg882 or R882), present in five of the eight affected individuals in whom malignancy occurred. This suggests that germline pathogenic variants affecting this residue may be particularly associated with an increased risk of malignancy . Psychiatric issues. While there are relatively few reports of psychotic symptoms in individuals with TBRS, when psychotic symptoms have been reported, the majority of individuals (4/5) have pathogenic missense variants clustering within the methyltransferase domain of DNMT3A .
Source: GeneReviews — "Tatton-Brown-Rahman Syndrome"
No consensus clinical diagnostic criteria for Tatton-Brown-Rahman syndrome (TBRS) have been published.
TBRS should be considered in individuals with the following clinical findings and family history.
Clinical findings
Generalized overgrowth (length/height and/or head circumference ≥2 standard deviations above the mean for age and sex)
Mild-to-severe developmental delay (DD) or intellectual disability (ID)
AND
Source: GeneReviews — "Tatton-Brown-Rahman Syndrome"
Table 3. Disorders with Overgrowth and Intellectual Disability in the Differential Diagnosis of Tatton-Brown-Rahman Syndrome
Gene(s) | Disorder | MOI | Clinical Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
BRWD3 | BRWD3-related OGID (OMIM 300659) | XL | Macrocephaly; Obesity; Mild-to-moderate ID; Tall chin, prognathism, broad forehead, prominent supraorbital ridge |
CHD8 | CHD8-related OGID (See CHD8-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder with Overgrowth.) |
Genetic testing for DNMT3A is available. Testing is considered confirmatory for diagnosis.
Biomarker and diagnostic research for Tatton-Brown-Rahman overgrowth syndrome has been reported in the published literature.
No approved treatments are currently available for Tatton-Brown-Rahman overgrowth syndrome. The disease remains an area of unmet medical need.
No clinical practice guidelines for Tatton-Brown-Rahman syndrome (TBRS) have been published. Since the majority of individuals with TBRS are in good general health, the authors recommend a pragmatic approach to management, consisting of a series of initial assessments at diagnosis, patient/family education about potential complications, and regular symptom review with treatment as required . Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis To establish the extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with TBRS, the evaluations summarized (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to diagnosis) are recommended. Table 4. Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis in Individuals with Tatton-Brown-Rahman Syndrome
System/Concern | Evaluation | Comment |
|---|---|---|
Constitutional | Measurement of weight, length/height, head circumference | To assess for macrosomia |
Development | Developmental assessment | To incl motor, adaptive, cognitive, speech-language eval; Eval for early intervention/ special education Neurobehavioral/ |
Psychiatric | Neuropsychiatric eval | For persons age 12 mos: screening for concerns incl sleep disturbances, ADHD, anxiety, /or findings suggestive of ASD |
Neurologic | Neurologic eval | Consider brain MRI if indicated by clinical symptoms.; Consider EEG if seizures are a concern. |
Musculoskeletal | Orthopedics / physical medicine rehab/ PT OT eval |
Source: GeneReviews — "Tatton-Brown-Rahman Syndrome"
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 — "Tatton-Brown-Rahman Syndrome"
View trials for Tatton-Brown-Rahman overgrowth syndrome
Table 6.
Recommended Surveillance for Individuals with Tatton-Brown-Rahman Syndrome
System/Concern | Evaluation | Frequency
| Measurement of growth parameters incl head circumference in infancy childhood | At each visit
| Monitor developmental progress educational needs.
Neurobehavioral/
| Assessment for anxiety, ADHD, aggression, self-injury
| • Monitor those w/seizures as clinically indicated.
Assess for new manifestations such as seizures changes in tone.
| Physical medicine, OT/PT assessment of mobility self-help skills
| Assess for signs symptoms of sleep apnea.
Hematologic/
| Assess for signs symptoms of hematologic malignancy, w/low threshold for CBC w/differential further investigations if clinically indicated.
Family/
| Assess family need for social work support (e.g., palliative/respite care, home nursing, other local resources) care coordination.
| Echocardiogram to assess aortic root indices | Ongoing surveillance to be determined by size of aortic root, advice of cardiologist, health care framework, data from longitudinal studies
ADHD = attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; CBC = complete blood count; OT = occupational therapy; PT = physical therapy
Source: GeneReviews — "Tatton-Brown-Rahman Syndrome"
Phenotype severity distribution: 20 always present features, 1 very common feature, 2 common features.
Estimated prevalence: <1 in 1,000,000 (VERY_RARE).
No clinical trials have been registered for Tatton-Brown-Rahman overgrowth syndrome.
52 publications have been identified in PubMed for Tatton-Brown-Rahman overgrowth syndrome. Research spans Case Report / Case Series (50%), Epidemiology / Natural History (19%), and Review / Meta-Analysis (12%).
Research Type | Count | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
Patient case studies | 26 | 50% |
Disease patterns and progression | 10 | 19% |
Research summaries | 6 | 12% |
Other research | 4 | 8% |
Laboratory research | 4 | 8% |
Testing and diagnosis research | 1 | 2% |
New treatment approaches | 1 | 2% |
Datta AN (2026). [PMID: 41854408](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41854408/). *Epileptic Disord*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Ferreira L (2026). [PMID: 41764803](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41764803/). *Cancer Genet*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Das S (2026). [PMID: 41518027](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41518027/). *Pediatr Blood Cancer*. [Other]
Mehta SG (2026). [PMID: 41741684](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41741684/). *Eur J Hum Genet*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Kashimura Y (2026). [PMID: 41625052](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41625052/). *Cureus*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Semyachkina AN (2026). [PMID: 41917976](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41917976/). *J Med Case Rep*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Dutta D (2026). [PMID: 41751622](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41751622/). *Genes (Basel)*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Khan A (2026). [PMID: 41486098](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41486098/). *Am J Med Genet A*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Hart SA (2026). [PMID: 41457053](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41457053/). *Mol Genet Genomic Med*. [Epidemiology / Natural History]
Akcan N (2026). [PMID: 39616994](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39616994/). *Horm Res Paediatr*. [Epidemiology / Natural History]
Data assembled from 8 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 19, 2026, 9:43 PM UTC
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Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
European rare disease database
Genetic and Rare Diseases Info Center
Common questions about Tatton-Brown-Rahman overgrowth syndrome
Tall stature (height ≥2 SD above mean) in ~70%
Macrocephaly (head circumference ≥2 SD above mean) in ~50% Joint hypermobility | ~75% | — |
Overweight2 | ~65% | — |
Hypotonia | ~55% | — |
Behavioral/psychiatric issues | ~50% | Most commonly autism spectrum disorder |
Kyphoscoliosis | ~30% | — |
Seizures | ~20% | — |
Cryptorchidism | ~20% of males | — |
Cardiovascular disease | ~10% | Most commonly congenital heart disease, although aortic root dilatation also observed |
Ventriculomegaly | 10% | — |
Chiari malformation | 10% | — |
Malignant tumors | ~5% | Most commonly acute myeloid leukemia3 SD = standard deviation(s) 1. Defined as length/height and/or head circumference ≥2 SD above the mean for age and sex 2. Defined as weight ≥2 SD above the mean for age and sex 3. Growth. Overgrowth is present in more than 80% of affected individuals. |
Source: GeneReviews — "Tatton-Brown-Rahman Syndrome"
AD
Frontal bossing, downslanted palpebral fissures, high hairline; Tall stature; Macrocephaly; Variable ID; Hypotonia |
EED | Cohen-Gibson syndrome (See EED-Related Overgrowth.) | AD | Hypertelorism, round face, "stuck-on" chin; Tall stature; Macrocephaly; Scoliosis; Ligamentous laxity; Hypotonia at birth |
EZH2 | EZH2-related Weaver syndrome (See EZH2-Related Overgrowth.) | AD | Broad forehead, widely spaced eyes, almond-shaped palpebral fissures; Tall stature; Macrocephaly; Variable ID (some w/normal intellect); Umbilical hernia; Camptodactyly, boutonniere deformity, talipes equinovarus; Advanced bone age |
FMR1 | Fragile X syndrome (See FMR1 Disorders.) | XL | Macrocephaly; ID; Prominent jaw forehead GPC3 GPC4 |
Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome | XL | Macrocephaly; Coarse facial features; Macrostomia, macroglossia, palatal abnormalities; Polydactyly; Supernumerary nipples; Diastasis recti; Pectus excavatum NFIX | — |
NFIX-related Malan syndrome | AD | Sotos syndrome-like condition; Tall stature; Variable ID; Ophthalmologic abnormalities are common.; Growth frequently normalizes in teenagers young adults. NSD1 | — |
Sotos syndrome | AD | Broad/prominent forehead, dolichocephaly, bitemporal narrowing w/sparse frontotemporal hair, downslanted palpebral fissures, malar flushing (in children), long prominent chin; Pre- postnatal overgrowth; Variable ID; Advanced bone age; Scoliosis; Joint hypermobility | — |
SUZ12 | SUZ12-related OGID (OMIM 618786) | AD | Tall stature; Macrocephaly; Scoliosis; Joint hypermobility AD = autosomal dominant; ID = intellectual disability; MOI = mode of inheritance; OGID = overgrowth with intellectual disability; XL = X-linked |
Source: GeneReviews — "Tatton-Brown-Rahman Syndrome"
To incl assessment of:; Gross motor fine motor skills; Joint hypermobility /or kyphoscoliosis; Mobility, ADL, need for adaptive devices; Need for PT (to improve gross motor skills) /or OT (to improve fine motor skills)
Cardiovascular | Baseline echocardiogram | To assess for structural heart defects aortic dilatation |
Respiratory | Polysomnography | To assess for sleep apnea if suggested by clinical symptoms |
Genitourinary | Exam for cryptorchidism in males | Consider assessment for vesicoureteral reflux1 in those w/history of recurrent urinary tract infections. Hematologic/ |
Lymphatic | Consider CBC w/differential | Inform patients/families of potential risk of hematologic malignancy, w/emphasis on symptom awareness.; There is no evidence-based screening regimen, but low threshold should be adopted for investigation for malignancy in case of symptoms. Genetic |
counseling | By genetics professionals2 | To obtain a pedigree inform affected persons their families re nature, MOI, implications of TBRS to facilitate medical personal decision making Family support resources |
Treatment of Manifestations in Individuals with Tatton-Brown-Rahman Syndrome Manifestation/Concern | Treatment | Considerations/Other |
Obesity | Referral to dietician accompanying lifestyle advice recommended | Developmental delay/ |
Intellectual disability | See . | Behavioral/ |
psychiatric diagnoses | Standard treatment per psychologist/psychiatrist | — |
Epilepsy | Standardized treatment w/ASM by experienced neurologist | Many ASMs may be effective; none has been demonstrated effective specifically for TBRS.; Education of parents/caregivers1 |
Joint hypermobility | Standard treatment incl PT /or OT | — |
Kyphoscoliosis | Standard treatment per orthopedist | Congenital heart defects/ |
Aortic dilatation | Standard treatment per cardiologist | — |
Sleep apnea | Standard treatment per otolaryngologist /or sleep medicine specialist | — |
Cryptorchidism | Standard treatment per urologist | — |
Acute leukemia | Standard treatment per hematologist/oncologist | Family/Community |