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X-linked intellectual deficit, Van Esch type is characterized by mild to moderate intellectual deficit associated with low birth weight, short stature, microcephaly and variable hypergonadotropic hypogonadism.
Features include always present findings: Intellectual disability, Microcephaly, and Global developmental delay; and very common findings: Short stature. 45 total HPO annotations.
Organ System | Phenotype Count | Example Features |
|---|---|---|
Brain and nerves | 7 | Seizure, Intellectual disability, Brain shrinkage (cerebral atrophy) |
POLA1 function has not been fully characterized.
X-linked intellectual disability, van Esch type is associated with mutations in the POLA1 gene on chromosome X.
Genetic testing for POLA1 is available. Testing is considered confirmatory for diagnosis.
Phenotype severity distribution: 3 always present features, 1 very common feature, 2 common features.
Estimated prevalence: <1 in 1,000,000 (VERY_RARE).
Data assembled from 5 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 18, 2026, 7:49 PM UTC
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
European rare disease database
Genetic and Rare Diseases Info Center
Common questions about X-linked intellectual disability, van Esch type
Growth and development
3 |
Short stature, Intrauterine growth retardation, Growth delay |
Muscles | 3 | Shrinkage of the cerebellum (cerebellar atrophy), Low muscle tone (hypotonia), Brain shrinkage (cerebral atrophy) |
Lungs and breathing | 2 | Pulmonary valve atresia, Pulmonary artery stenosis |
Heart and blood vessels | 2 | Ventricular septal defect, Atrial septal defect |
Head and neck | 2 | Microcephaly, Long face |
Digestive system | 2 | Feeding difficulties, Esophageal atresia |
Arms and legs | 2 | Short middle phalanx of finger, Clinodactyly of the 5th finger |
Hormones | 1 | Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism |
Blood and immune system | 1 | Recurrent infections |
Bones and joints | 1 | Sideways curvature of the spine (scoliosis) |