U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Format

Send to:

Choose Destination

Primary ciliary dyskinesia 2(CILD2)

MedGen UID:
338258
Concept ID:
C1847554
Disease or Syndrome
Synonyms: CILIARY DYSKINESIA, PRIMARY, 2, WITH OR WITHOUT SITUS INVERSUS; Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia 2: DNAAF3-Related Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia
 
Gene (location): DNAAF3 (19q13.42)
 
Monarch Initiative: MONDO:0011718
OMIM®: 606763

Definition

Primary ciliary dyskinesia is a disorder characterized by chronic respiratory tract infections, abnormally positioned internal organs, and the inability to have children (infertility). The signs and symptoms of this condition are caused by abnormal cilia and flagella. Cilia are microscopic, finger-like projections that stick out from the surface of cells. They are found in the linings of the airway, the reproductive system, and other organs and tissues. Flagella are tail-like structures, similar to cilia, that propel sperm cells forward.

In the respiratory tract, cilia move back and forth in a coordinated way to move mucus towards the throat. This movement of mucus helps to eliminate fluid, bacteria, and particles from the lungs. Most babies with primary ciliary dyskinesia experience breathing problems at birth, which suggests that cilia play an important role in clearing fetal fluid from the lungs. Beginning in early childhood, affected individuals develop frequent respiratory tract infections. Without properly functioning cilia in the airway, bacteria remain in the respiratory tract and cause infection. People with primary ciliary dyskinesia also have year-round nasal congestion and a chronic cough. Chronic respiratory tract infections can result in a condition called bronchiectasis, which damages the passages, called bronchi, leading from the windpipe to the lungs and can cause life-threatening breathing problems.

Approximately 12 percent of people with primary ciliary dyskinesia have a condition known as heterotaxy syndrome or situs ambiguus, which is characterized by abnormalities of the heart, liver, intestines, or spleen. These organs may be structurally abnormal or improperly positioned. In addition, affected individuals may lack a spleen (asplenia) or have multiple spleens (polysplenia). Heterotaxy syndrome results from problems establishing the left and right sides of the body during embryonic development. The severity of heterotaxy varies widely among affected individuals.

Some individuals with primary ciliary dyskinesia have abnormally placed organs within their chest and abdomen. These abnormalities arise early in embryonic development when the differences between the left and right sides of the body are established. About 50 percent of people with primary ciliary dyskinesia have a mirror-image reversal of their internal organs (situs inversus totalis). For example, in these individuals the heart is on the right side of the body instead of on the left. Situs inversus totalis does not cause any apparent health problems. When someone with primary ciliary dyskinesia has situs inversus totalis, they are often said to have Kartagener syndrome.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia can also lead to infertility. Vigorous movements of the flagella are necessary to propel the sperm cells forward to the female egg cell. Because their sperm do not move properly, males with primary ciliary dyskinesia are usually unable to father children. Infertility occurs in some affected females and is likely due to abnormal cilia in the fallopian tubes.

Another feature of primary ciliary dyskinesia is recurrent ear infections (otitis media), especially in young children. Otitis media can lead to permanent hearing loss if untreated. The ear infections are likely related to abnormal cilia within the inner ear.

Rarely, individuals with primary ciliary dyskinesia have an accumulation of fluid in the brain (hydrocephalus), likely due to abnormal cilia in the brain. [from MedlinePlus Genetics]

Clinical features

From HPO
Infertility disorder
MedGen UID:
43876
Concept ID:
C0021359
Finding
Inability to conceive for at least one year after trying and having unprotected sex. Causes of female infertility include endometriosis, fallopian tubes obstruction, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Causes of male infertility include abnormal sperm production or function, blockage of the epididymis, blockage of the ejaculatory ducts, hypospadias, exposure to pesticides, and health related issues.
Dextrocardia
MedGen UID:
4255
Concept ID:
C0011813
Congenital Abnormality
The heart is located in the right hand sided hemithorax. That is, there is a left-right reversal (or "mirror reflection") of the anatomical location of the heart in which the heart is locate on the right side instead of the left.
Situs inversus
MedGen UID:
1642262
Concept ID:
C4551493
Congenital Abnormality
A left-right reversal (or "mirror reflection") of the anatomical location of the major thoracic and abdominal organs.
Hearing impairment
MedGen UID:
235586
Concept ID:
C1384666
Disease or Syndrome
A decreased magnitude of the sensory perception of sound.
Bronchiectasis
MedGen UID:
14234
Concept ID:
C0006267
Disease or Syndrome
Persistent abnormal dilatation of the bronchi owing to localized and irreversible destruction and widening of the large airways.
Primary ciliary dyskinesia
MedGen UID:
3467
Concept ID:
C0008780
Disease or Syndrome
Primary ciliary dyskinesia is a disorder characterized by chronic respiratory tract infections, abnormally positioned internal organs, and the inability to have children (infertility). The signs and symptoms of this condition are caused by abnormal cilia and flagella. Cilia are microscopic, finger-like projections that stick out from the surface of cells. They are found in the linings of the airway, the reproductive system, and other organs and tissues. Flagella are tail-like structures, similar to cilia, that propel sperm cells forward.\n\nIn the respiratory tract, cilia move back and forth in a coordinated way to move mucus towards the throat. This movement of mucus helps to eliminate fluid, bacteria, and particles from the lungs. Most babies with primary ciliary dyskinesia experience breathing problems at birth, which suggests that cilia play an important role in clearing fetal fluid from the lungs. Beginning in early childhood, affected individuals develop frequent respiratory tract infections. Without properly functioning cilia in the airway, bacteria remain in the respiratory tract and cause infection. People with primary ciliary dyskinesia also have year-round nasal congestion and a chronic cough. Chronic respiratory tract infections can result in a condition called bronchiectasis, which damages the passages, called bronchi, leading from the windpipe to the lungs and can cause life-threatening breathing problems.\n\nApproximately 12 percent of people with primary ciliary dyskinesia have a condition known as heterotaxy syndrome or situs ambiguus, which is characterized by abnormalities of the heart, liver, intestines, or spleen. These organs may be structurally abnormal or improperly positioned. In addition, affected individuals may lack a spleen (asplenia) or have multiple spleens (polysplenia). Heterotaxy syndrome results from problems establishing the left and right sides of the body during embryonic development. The severity of heterotaxy varies widely among affected individuals.\n\nSome individuals with primary ciliary dyskinesia have abnormally placed organs within their chest and abdomen. These abnormalities arise early in embryonic development when the differences between the left and right sides of the body are established. About 50 percent of people with primary ciliary dyskinesia have a mirror-image reversal of their internal organs (situs inversus totalis). For example, in these individuals the heart is on the right side of the body instead of on the left. Situs inversus totalis does not cause any apparent health problems. When someone with primary ciliary dyskinesia has situs inversus totalis, they are often said to have Kartagener syndrome.\n\nPrimary ciliary dyskinesia can also lead to infertility. Vigorous movements of the flagella are necessary to propel the sperm cells forward to the female egg cell. Because their sperm do not move properly, males with primary ciliary dyskinesia are usually unable to father children. Infertility occurs in some affected females and is likely due to abnormal cilia in the fallopian tubes.\n\nAnother feature of primary ciliary dyskinesia is recurrent ear infections (otitis media), especially in young children. Otitis media can lead to permanent hearing loss if untreated. The ear infections are likely related to abnormal cilia within the inner ear.\n\nRarely, individuals with primary ciliary dyskinesia have an accumulation of fluid in the brain (hydrocephalus), likely due to abnormal cilia in the brain.
Respiratory distress
MedGen UID:
96907
Concept ID:
C0476273
Sign or Symptom
Respiratory distress is objectively observable as the physical or emotional consequences from the experience of dyspnea. The physical presentation of respiratory distress is generally referred to as labored breathing, while the sensation of respiratory distress is called shortness of breath or dyspnea.
Immotile cilia
MedGen UID:
383738
Concept ID:
C1855672
Finding
Recurrent respiratory infections
MedGen UID:
812812
Concept ID:
C3806482
Finding
An increased susceptibility to respiratory infections as manifested by a history of recurrent respiratory infections.
Absent inner and outer dynein arms
MedGen UID:
868587
Concept ID:
C4022986
Finding
Complete absence of the dynein arms of respiratory motile cilia, that is, absence of the inner and the outer dynein arms, which normally are situated inside and outside of the peripheral microtubules of motile cilia. This feature is usually appreciated by electron microscopy.
Otitis media
MedGen UID:
45253
Concept ID:
C0029882
Disease or Syndrome
Inflammation or infection of the middle ear.
Sinusitis
MedGen UID:
20772
Concept ID:
C0037199
Disease or Syndrome
Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses owing to a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection, allergy, or an autoimmune reaction.
Nasal polyposis
MedGen UID:
6524
Concept ID:
C0027430
Anatomical Abnormality
Polypoidal masses arising mainly from the mucous membranes of the nose and paranasal sinuses. They are freely movable and nontender overgrowths of the mucosa that frequently accompany allergic rhinitis.

Term Hierarchy

Professional guidelines

PubMed

Wang R, Yang D, Tu C, Lei C, Ding S, Guo T, Wang L, Liu Y, Lu C, Yang B, Ouyang S, Gong K, Tan Z, Deng Y, Tan Y, Qing J, Luo H
Front Med 2023 Oct;17(5):957-971. Epub 2023 Jun 13 doi: 10.1007/s11684-023-0988-8. PMID: 37314648
Barber AT, Shapiro AJ, Davis SD, Ferkol TW, Atkinson JJ, Sagel SD, Dell SD, Olivier KN, Milla CE, Rosenfeld M, Li L, Lin FC, Sullivan KM, Capps NA, Zariwala MA, Knowles MR, Leigh MW
Ann Am Thorac Soc 2023 Mar;20(3):397-405. doi: 10.1513/AnnalsATS.202206-487OC. PMID: 36342963Free PMC Article
Lobo J, Zariwala MA, Noone PG
Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2015 Apr;36(2):169-79. Epub 2015 Mar 31 doi: 10.1055/s-0035-1546748. PMID: 25826585Free PMC Article

Recent clinical studies

Etiology

Varagur K, Sanka SA, Strahle JM
Neurosurg Clin N Am 2022 Jan;33(1):67-79. doi: 10.1016/j.nec.2021.09.006. PMID: 34801143Free PMC Article
Guan Y, Yang H, Yao X, Xu H, Liu H, Tang X, Hao C, Zhang X, Zhao S, Ge W, Ni X
Chest 2021 May;159(5):1768-1781. Epub 2021 Feb 10 doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2021.02.006. PMID: 33577779Free PMC Article
McConnachie DJ, Stow JL, Mallett AJ
Am J Kidney Dis 2021 Mar;77(3):410-419. Epub 2020 Oct 9 doi: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2020.08.012. PMID: 33039432
Lucas JS, Davis SD, Omran H, Shoemark A
Lancet Respir Med 2020 Feb;8(2):202-216. Epub 2019 Oct 14 doi: 10.1016/S2213-2600(19)30374-1. PMID: 31624012
Guerri G, Maniscalchi T, Barati S, Dhuli K, Busetto GM, Del Giudice F, De Berardinis E, De Antoni L, Miertus J, Bertelli M
Acta Biomed 2019 Sep 30;90(10-S):75-82. doi: 10.23750/abm.v90i10-S.8764. PMID: 31577259Free PMC Article

Diagnosis

Shoemark A, Griffin H, Wheway G, Hogg C, Lucas JS; Genomics England Research Consortium, Camps C, Taylor J, Carroll M, Loebinger MR, Chalmers JD, Morris-Rosendahl D, Mitchison HM, De Soyza A; Genomics England Research Consortium:, Brown D, Ambrose JC, Arumugam P, Bevers R, Bleda M, Boardman-Pretty F, Boustred CR, Brittain H, Caulfield MJ, Chan GC, Fowler T, Giess A, Hamblin A, Henderson S, Hubbard TJP, Jackson R, Jones LJ, Kasperaviciute D, Kayikci M, Kousathanas A, Lahnstein L, Leigh SEA, Leong IUS, Lopez FJ, Maleady-Crowe F, McEntagart M, Minneci F, Moutsianas L, Mueller M, Murugaesu N, Need AC, O'Donovan P, Odhams CA, Patch C, Perez-Gil D, Pereira MB, Pullinger J, Rahim T, Rendon A, Rogers T, Savage K, Sawant K, Scott RH, Siddiq A, Sieghart A, Smith SC, Sosinsky A, Stuckey A, Tanguy M, Taylor Tavares AL, Thomas ERA, Thompson SR, Tucci A, Welland MJ, Williams E, Witkowska K, Wood SM
Eur Respir J 2022 Nov;60(5) Epub 2022 Nov 17 doi: 10.1183/13993003.00176-2022. PMID: 35728977
Guan Y, Yang H, Yao X, Xu H, Liu H, Tang X, Hao C, Zhang X, Zhao S, Ge W, Ni X
Chest 2021 May;159(5):1768-1781. Epub 2021 Feb 10 doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2021.02.006. PMID: 33577779Free PMC Article
Lucas JS, Davis SD, Omran H, Shoemark A
Lancet Respir Med 2020 Feb;8(2):202-216. Epub 2019 Oct 14 doi: 10.1016/S2213-2600(19)30374-1. PMID: 31624012
Guerri G, Maniscalchi T, Barati S, Dhuli K, Busetto GM, Del Giudice F, De Berardinis E, De Antoni L, Miertus J, Bertelli M
Acta Biomed 2019 Sep 30;90(10-S):75-82. doi: 10.23750/abm.v90i10-S.8764. PMID: 31577259Free PMC Article
Lobo J, Zariwala MA, Noone PG
Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2015 Apr;36(2):169-79. Epub 2015 Mar 31 doi: 10.1055/s-0035-1546748. PMID: 25826585Free PMC Article

Therapy

Ringshausen FC, Shapiro AJ, Nielsen KG, Mazurek H, Pifferi M, Donn KH, van der Eerden MM, Loebinger MR, Zariwala MA, Leigh MW, Knowles MR, Ferkol TW; CLEAN-PCD investigators and study team
Lancet Respir Med 2024 Jan;12(1):21-33. Epub 2023 Aug 31 doi: 10.1016/S2213-2600(23)00226-6. PMID: 37660715
LaDuca H, Farwell KD, Vuong H, Lu HM, Mu W, Shahmirzadi L, Tang S, Chen J, Bhide S, Chao EC
PLoS One 2017;12(2):e0170843. Epub 2017 Feb 2 doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170843. PMID: 28152038Free PMC Article
Lobo J, Zariwala MA, Noone PG
Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2015 Apr;36(2):169-79. Epub 2015 Mar 31 doi: 10.1055/s-0035-1546748. PMID: 25826585Free PMC Article
Boon M, Jorissen M, Proesmans M, De Boeck K
Eur J Pediatr 2013 Feb;172(2):151-62. Epub 2012 Jul 10 doi: 10.1007/s00431-012-1785-6. PMID: 22777640
Afzelius BA
J Pathol 2004 Nov;204(4):470-7. doi: 10.1002/path.1652. PMID: 15495266Free PMC Article

Prognosis

Ringshausen FC, Shapiro AJ, Nielsen KG, Mazurek H, Pifferi M, Donn KH, van der Eerden MM, Loebinger MR, Zariwala MA, Leigh MW, Knowles MR, Ferkol TW; CLEAN-PCD investigators and study team
Lancet Respir Med 2024 Jan;12(1):21-33. Epub 2023 Aug 31 doi: 10.1016/S2213-2600(23)00226-6. PMID: 37660715
Walton T, Gui M, Velkova S, Fassad MR, Hirst RA, Haarman E, O'Callaghan C, Bottier M, Burgoyne T, Mitchison HM, Brown A
Nature 2023 Jun;618(7965):625-633. Epub 2023 May 31 doi: 10.1038/s41586-023-06140-2. PMID: 37258679Free PMC Article
LaDuca H, Farwell KD, Vuong H, Lu HM, Mu W, Shahmirzadi L, Tang S, Chen J, Bhide S, Chao EC
PLoS One 2017;12(2):e0170843. Epub 2017 Feb 2 doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170843. PMID: 28152038Free PMC Article
Honoré I, Burgel PR
Rev Mal Respir 2016 Feb;33(2):165-89. Epub 2015 Dec 1 doi: 10.1016/j.rmr.2015.10.743. PMID: 26654126
Lobo J, Zariwala MA, Noone PG
Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2015 Apr;36(2):169-79. Epub 2015 Mar 31 doi: 10.1055/s-0035-1546748. PMID: 25826585Free PMC Article

Clinical prediction guides

Ringshausen FC, Shapiro AJ, Nielsen KG, Mazurek H, Pifferi M, Donn KH, van der Eerden MM, Loebinger MR, Zariwala MA, Leigh MW, Knowles MR, Ferkol TW; CLEAN-PCD investigators and study team
Lancet Respir Med 2024 Jan;12(1):21-33. Epub 2023 Aug 31 doi: 10.1016/S2213-2600(23)00226-6. PMID: 37660715
Walton T, Gui M, Velkova S, Fassad MR, Hirst RA, Haarman E, O'Callaghan C, Bottier M, Burgoyne T, Mitchison HM, Brown A
Nature 2023 Jun;618(7965):625-633. Epub 2023 May 31 doi: 10.1038/s41586-023-06140-2. PMID: 37258679Free PMC Article
Shoemark A, Griffin H, Wheway G, Hogg C, Lucas JS; Genomics England Research Consortium, Camps C, Taylor J, Carroll M, Loebinger MR, Chalmers JD, Morris-Rosendahl D, Mitchison HM, De Soyza A; Genomics England Research Consortium:, Brown D, Ambrose JC, Arumugam P, Bevers R, Bleda M, Boardman-Pretty F, Boustred CR, Brittain H, Caulfield MJ, Chan GC, Fowler T, Giess A, Hamblin A, Henderson S, Hubbard TJP, Jackson R, Jones LJ, Kasperaviciute D, Kayikci M, Kousathanas A, Lahnstein L, Leigh SEA, Leong IUS, Lopez FJ, Maleady-Crowe F, McEntagart M, Minneci F, Moutsianas L, Mueller M, Murugaesu N, Need AC, O'Donovan P, Odhams CA, Patch C, Perez-Gil D, Pereira MB, Pullinger J, Rahim T, Rendon A, Rogers T, Savage K, Sawant K, Scott RH, Siddiq A, Sieghart A, Smith SC, Sosinsky A, Stuckey A, Tanguy M, Taylor Tavares AL, Thomas ERA, Thompson SR, Tucci A, Welland MJ, Williams E, Witkowska K, Wood SM
Eur Respir J 2022 Nov;60(5) Epub 2022 Nov 17 doi: 10.1183/13993003.00176-2022. PMID: 35728977
Guan Y, Yang H, Yao X, Xu H, Liu H, Tang X, Hao C, Zhang X, Zhao S, Ge W, Ni X
Chest 2021 May;159(5):1768-1781. Epub 2021 Feb 10 doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2021.02.006. PMID: 33577779Free PMC Article
LaDuca H, Farwell KD, Vuong H, Lu HM, Mu W, Shahmirzadi L, Tang S, Chen J, Bhide S, Chao EC
PLoS One 2017;12(2):e0170843. Epub 2017 Feb 2 doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170843. PMID: 28152038Free PMC Article

Recent systematic reviews

Hine C, Desai M, Davies J, Sapey E, Nagakumar P
Respir Med 2022 Sep;201:106937. Epub 2022 Jul 21 doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2022.106937. PMID: 35926429
Spencer S, Donovan T, Chalmers JD, Mathioudakis AG, McDonnell MJ, Tsang A, Leadbetter P
Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2022 Jan 5;1(1):CD013254. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD013254.pub2. PMID: 34985761Free PMC Article
Adil EA, Kawai K, Dombrowski N, Irace AL, Cunningham MJ
Laryngoscope 2017 Jan;127(1):6-13. Epub 2016 Jun 16 doi: 10.1002/lary.26070. PMID: 27312809
Goutaki M, Meier AB, Halbeisen FS, Lucas JS, Dell SD, Maurer E, Casaulta C, Jurca M, Spycher BD, Kuehni CE
Eur Respir J 2016 Oct;48(4):1081-1095. Epub 2016 Aug 4 doi: 10.1183/13993003.00736-2016. PMID: 27492829
Collins SA, Gove K, Walker W, Lucas JS
Eur Respir J 2014 Dec;44(6):1589-99. Epub 2014 Oct 16 doi: 10.1183/09031936.00088614. PMID: 25323224

Supplemental Content

Table of contents

    Clinical resources

    Practice guidelines

    • PubMed
      See practice and clinical guidelines in PubMed. The search results may include broader topics and may not capture all published guidelines. See the FAQ for details.

    Recent activity

    Your browsing activity is empty.

    Activity recording is turned off.

    Turn recording back on

    See more...