McCune-Albright Syndrome
By: Victoria S.
What is McCune-Albright Syndrome?
Need More Facts?
How or when does this disease occur?
People are not sure how often McCune-Albright Syndrome occurs, but it does not seem to be inherited. It affects both males and females of all backgrounds.What tests are done to diagnose this?
Many different types of medical tests are done to confirm a diagnosis of McCune-Albright syndrome. Blood tests are done to check for abnormally high levels of sex hormones (in precocious puberty), and growth hormone. Thyroid hormone levels are checked as well, and X-rays are done to look for fibrous dysplasia (McCune-Albright Syndrome) and fractured bones. A biopsy may be taken of bone tissue and any bumps in the thyroid gland.
Is it life threatening?
Tests were done to prove that this disease is non-fatal.
How is the patients life affected?
This disease impacts their life so much. It is very hard for people with disease to walk, and many times have to be immobilized. Some people that are lucky, like Lauren Ruotolo (see below), get to live out a close-to-normal life. This disease is very hard to live out normally because as the patient grow older, they obviously are going to gain weight, and with that weight comes more pressure on the bones. When the bones are pressured they snap, and that's how most people with McCune-Albright Syndrome fracture bones.
"McCune-Albright Syndrome." About.com Rare Diseases. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2013. <http://rarediseases.about.com/od/rarediseases1/a/mccunealbright.htm>.
Symptoms
-Fractured bones
-Gigantism (an abnormally large growth)
- Bone deformities in the face
- Large patchy cafe-au-lait spots (birth mark) especially found on the back
Symptoms of McCune-Albright Syndrome
Skeletal Changes
Abnormal curvature to the spine. (Scoliosis)
Arm Affected by McCune-Albright Syndrome
The arm has an uneven growth as result of the McCune-Albright disease.
Skin Pigmantation
Patch of skin that turned brown- on the shoulder down to the chest.
Some Support Groups
- Magic Foundation for Children's Growth
"Magic Foundation for Children's Growth : McCune-Albright Syndrome." Site. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2013. <http://www.magicfoundation.org/www/docs/109/>.
- Making Contact.org (Website for people to share there own McCune-Albright stories)
- Kennedy Krieger Institute
Lauren Ruotolo's Story
Read more: McCune Albright Syndrome - High Heels - Lauren Ruotolo - Marie Claire - See more at: http://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/trends/mccune-albright-high-heels-lauren-ruotolo#sthash.uQGNu4uW.dpuf
"Get Shorty." Marie Claire. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2013.
Any More Questions?
2. "McCune-Albright Syndrome." About.com Rare Diseases. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2013. <http://rarediseases.about.com/od/rarediseases1/a/mccunealbright.htm>.
3.Board, A.D.A.M. Editorial. McCune-Albright Syndrome. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 18 Jan. 0001. Web. 27 Feb. 2013. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002197/>.