Velo-cardio-facial syndrome: language and psychological profiles

Abstract

The velo-cardio-facial syndrome (VCF) has been delineated as a relatively common recurrent-pattern malformation syndrome of clefting. As originally described, the syndrome's major features are clefting of the secondary palate, cardiac anomalies, characteristic facies, learning disabilities, and speech disorders. As characteristic of the syndrome, however, is a rather distinctive pattern of language disorders and personality characteristics that has not been previously described. The purpose of this report is to add to the phenotype of the velo-cardio-facial syndrome by providing a description of the language, academic, and psychological profiles of 26 patients. This information would prove useful in the process of differential diagnosis. Striking observations concerning changes manifest during the course of development from initial language acquisition through childhood and adolescence will also add to the information regarding this syndrome's natural history and prognosis.