Simian Crease
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Definition
A simian crease is a single line that runs across the palm of the hand. People usually have three creases in their palms.
The term "simian crease" is not used much anymore since it tends to have a negative meaning (it refers to monkey or ape). The crease is usually just referred to as a single palmar crease.
Alternative Names
Single palmar crease; Transverse palmar crease; Palmar crease
Considerations
Strong lines (called palmar flexion creases) appear on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The palm usually has three of these creases. But sometimes, the horizontal creases join together to form a single one.
Palmar creases develop while the baby is growing in the womb, usually by the 12th week of gestation.
A single palmar crease appears in approximately 1 out of 30 people. Males are twice as likely as females to have this condition. Some palmar creases indicate problems with development and are associated with disorders like Down syndrome.
Common Causes
A single palmar crease is often a normal finding. However, it may also be associated with:
- Down syndrome
- Aarskog syndrome
- Cohen syndrome
- Fetal alcohol syndrome
- Trisomy 13
- Rubella syndrome
- Turner syndrome
- Klinefelter syndrome
- Pseudohypoparathyroidism
- Gonadal dysgenesis
- Cri du chat syndrome
Review Date: 5/1/2011
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Alternative Names
Single palmar crease; Transverse palmar crease; Palmar crease
What to expect at your health care provider's office
An infant with a single palmar crease may have other symptoms and signs that, when taken together, define a specific syndrome or condition. Diagnosis of that condition is based on a family history, medical history, and complete physical exam.
Your doctor may ask questions such as:
- Is there a family history of Down syndrome or other disorder associated with a single palmar crease?
- Does anyone else in the family have a single palmar crease without other symptoms?
- Did the mother use alcohol while pregnant?
- What other symptoms do you have?
Based on the answers to these questions, the medical history, and the results of the physical exam, further testing may be necessary.
Review Date: 5/1/2011
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Review Date: 5/1/2011
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.