MURCS Association

Important
It is possible that the main title of the report MURCS Association is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Synonyms

Mullerian Duct Aplasia-Renal Aplasia-Cervicothoracic Somite Dysplasia
Mullerian-Renal-Cervicothoracic Somite Abnormalities
Mullerian Duct-Renal-Cervicothoracic-Upper Limb Defects
Mullerian Duct and Renal Agenesis with Upper Limb and Rib Anomalies

Disorder Subdivisions

None

General Discussion

MURCS association is a very rare developmental disorder that affects only females. The acronym MURCS stands for (MU)llerian, (R)enal, (C)ervicothoracic (S)omite abnormalities. This rare disorder is characterized by the absence of the uterus, cervix, and upper part of the vagina (mullerian aplasia); kidney (renal) abnormalities, including absent (agenic) and/or improperly positioned (ectopic) kidneys; and/or malformations of the spinal column, ribs, and/or arms. Some affected females may exhibit additional physical abnormalities, such as malformations of the head and facial (craniofacial) area. In individuals with MURCS association, symptoms vary from case to case.

MURCS association appears to occur randomly, with no apparent cause (sporadic). Some researchers suggest that the malformations associated with this disorder may result from abnormal changes in cellular material (blastema) in portions of the embryo that later develop into the arms, certain bones (vertebrae) in the spinal column, the kidneys, and adjacent structures (e.g., fallopian tubes).
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Resources

National Kidney Foundation
30 East 33rd Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212)889-2210
Fax: (212)689-9261
Tel: (800)622-9010
Email: info@kidney.org
Internet: http://www.kidney.org

NIH/National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse
3 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3580
Tel: (800)891-5390
Email: nkudic@info.niddk.nih.gov
Internet: http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/

Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
PO Box 8126
Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126
Tel: (301)251-4925
Fax: (301)251-4911
Tel: (888)205-2311
TDD: (888)205-3223
Email: ordr@od.nih.gov
Internet: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/Default.aspx

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org

Last Updated: 4/25/2008
Copyright 1996, 2003 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

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