Yellow nail syndrome (YNS) is classically considered to comprise a clinical triad of yellow nails, lymphedema, and respiratory tract involvement. Two of these symptoms are required for the diagnosis, since the complete triad is only observed in about one-third of patients. Onset is usually after puberty (Hoque et al., 2007).

Lymphedema-distichiasis syndrome (referred to as LDS in this GeneReview) is characterized by lower-limb lymphedema, and distichiasis (aberrant eyelashes ranging from a full set of extra eyelashes to a single hair). Lymphedema typically appears in late childhood or puberty, is confined to the lower limbs with or without involvement of the external genitalia, and is often asymmetric; severity varies within families. Males develop edema at an earlier age and have more problems with cellulitis than females. Distichiasis, which may be present at birth, is observed in 94% of affected individuals. About 75% of affected individuals have ocular findings including corneal irritation, recurrent conjunctivitis, and photophobia; other common findings include varicose veins and ptosis.

Primary lymphedema is caused by anatomic or functional defects in the lymphatic system, resulting in chronic swelling of body parts. There may be accompanying nail and skin changes, such as nail dysplasia or papillomatosis. Onset is usually at birth or in early childhood but can occur later, and the severity is variable (summary by Gordon et al., 2013 and Balboa-Beltran et al., 2014). Genetic Heterogeneity of Lymphatic Malformation Primary lymphedema is genetically heterogeneous: see also LMPHM2 (611944), which maps to chromosome 6q16.2-q22.1; LMPHM3 (613480), caused by mutation in the GJC2 gene (608803) on chromosome 1q42; LMPHM4 (615907), caused by mutation in the VEGFC gene (601528) on chromosome 4q34; LMPHM5 (153200); LMPHM6 (616843), caused by mutation in the PIEZO1 gene (611184) on chromosome 16q24; LMPHM7 (617300), caused by mutation in the EPHB4 gene (600011) on chromosome 7q22; LMPHM8 (618773), caused by mutation in the CALCRL gene (114190) on chromosome 2q31; LMPHM9 (619319), caused by mutation in the CELSR1 gene (604523) on chromosome 22q13; LMPHM10 (610369), caused by mutation in the ANGPT2 gene (601922) on chromosome 8p23; LMPHM11 (619401), caused by mutation in the TIE1 gene (600222) on chromosome 1p34; LMPHM12 (620014), caused by mutation in the MDFIC gene (614511) on chromosome 7q31; LMPHM13 (620244), caused by mutation in the THSD1 gene (616821) on chromosome 13q14; and LMPHM14 (620602), caused by mutation in the ERG gene (165080) on chromosome 21q22. Lymphedema can also be a feature of syndromic disorders such as lymphedema-distichiasis syndrome (153400), which is caused by mutation in the FOXC2 gene (602402), and various forms of nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF; see 236750).

Hypotrichosis-lymphedema-telangiectasia syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by these 3 features, which begin at birth or in early childhood and are progressive (summary by Irrthum et al., 2003).

ADCADN is an autosomal dominant neurologic disorder characterized by adult onset of progressive cerebellar ataxia, narcolepsy/cataplexy, sensorineural deafness, and dementia. More variable features include optic atrophy, sensory neuropathy, psychosis, and depression (summary by Winkelmann et al., 2012).

Primary lymphedema is caused by anatomic or functional defects in the lymphatic system, resulting in chronic swelling of body parts. There may be accompanying nail and skin changes, such as nail dysplasia or papillomatosis. Onset is usually at birth or in early childhood but can occur later, and the severity is variable (summary by Gordon et al., 2013 and Balboa-Beltran et al., 2014). For a discussion of the genetic heterogeneity of lymphocytic malformation, see 153100.

Lymphatic malformation-9 (LMPHM9) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the onset of lower-extremity lymphedema in the first decades of life. Imaging may show lymph backflow and defects in lymph channel valves. There is variable expressivity and incomplete penetrance; female mutation carriers are more likely to show disease manifestations than male carriers (summary by Erickson et al., 2019). For a discussion of genetic heterogeneity of lymphatic malformation, see 153100.