Abstract

Nablus mask-like facial syndrome is a microdeletion syndrome triggered by a deletion at chromosome 8 q22.1 that causes a mask-like facial appearance in those affected.

It is characterized by a narrowing of the eyes, tight, glistening facial skin, and a flat, broad nose. Other features of the syndrome include malformed ears, unusual hair patterns on the scalp, bent fingers and toes and joint deformities in the hands and feet, unusual teeth, mild developmental delay, cryptorchidism, and a generally happy disposition. It is a rare genetic disorder by inheritance found in Palestinian people named after Nablus city in the West Bank. It is part of many new genetic disorders of newborns that is increasing exponentially in Arabs in recent years as reported by Centre for Arab Genomic Studies in Dubai.