Williams-Beuren syndrome

Characteristic features of the face:

• Get wide

• Small nose and nostrils

• Full cheeks

• Wide mouth and full lips

• Large eyes and blue or "star" shaped eyelids

Cognitive and behavioral characteristics:

• Cognitive retardation (generally mild to moderate)

• Strong social skills and friendliness

• An abnormally high level of verbal ability

• Excellent musical perception and sense of rhythm

• Increased attention and anxiety problems

Cardiovascular problems:

• Supravalvular aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aorta)

• Other cardiovascular problems (coarctation of the aorta, pulmonary stenosis)

Endocrine and metabolic problems:

• Hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood)

• Thyroid problems

• Increased risk of diabetes

Digestive and nutritional problems:

• Food intolerances

• Constipation

Skeletal and musculoskeletal problems:

• Slim body

• Slightly decreased muscle tone (hypotonia)

• Curved spine (scoliosis)

Sensorimotor problems:

• Strabismus in the eyes (crossed eyes)

• Mild hearing problems