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Arachnodactyly

• Overview

Definition:

Arachnodactyly is a physical condition in which the fingers are long, slender, and curved, resembling a spider's legs.

Alternative Names:

Dolichostenomelia; Spider fingers; Achromacria

Considerations:

Long, slender fingers can be normal and not associated with any medical problems. However, in some cases, the tendency to develop spider fingers can indicate an underlying disease.

Common Causes:

• Marfan's syndrome
• Homocystinuria
• Spondylocostal dysostosis

Note: Long, slender fingers may be normal.

• Review Date: 5/10/2006
• Reviewed By: Daniel Rauch, MD, FAAP, Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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