Reviewed March 2008
What is enlarged parietal foramina?
Enlarged parietal foramina is an inherited condition of impaired skull development. It is characterized by enlarged openings (foramina) in the two bones (parietal bones) that form the top and sides of the skull. This condition is due to problems with bone formation (ossification) within the parietal bones. The openings are symmetrical and circular in shape, with variable size ranging from a few millimeters to several centimeters wide. Parietal foramina are a normal feature of fetal development, but they usually close by the fifth month of pregnancy.
The area covering the parietal foramina is soft to the touch. Pressure applied to the openings can lead to severe headaches. People with enlarged parietal foramina usually do not have any related medical problems; however, scalp defects, seizures, and structural brain abnormalities have been noted in a small percentage of affected people. The risk of brain damage may be increased if any trauma is experienced in the area of the openings.
How common is enlarged parietal foramina?
The incidence of enlarged parietal foramina is estimated to be between 1 in 15,000 and 25,000 individuals.
What genes are related to enlarged parietal foramina?
Mutations in the ALX4 and MSX2 genes cause enlarged parietal foramina.
The MSX2 and ALX4 genes provide instructions for producing proteins called transcription factors, which are required for proper development throughout the body. Transcription factors attach (bind) to specific regions of DNA and help control the activity of particular genes.
Mutations in either MSX2 or ALX4 can disrupt a number of necessary cell functions. The cells involved in skull development seem to be particularly sensitive to these disruptions.
If the condition is caused by a mutation in the MSX2 gene it is called enlarged parietal foramina type 1. A mutation in the ALX4 gene causes enlarged parietal foramina type 2. There appears to be no difference in the size of the openings between enlarged parietal foramina types 1 and 2.
Read more about the ALX4 and MSX2 genes.
How do people inherit enlarged parietal foramina?
This condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder.
In most cases, an affected person has one parent with the condition. A small number of cases may result from new mutations in the gene. These cases occur in people with no history of the disorder in their family.
Where can I find information about treatment for enlarged parietal foramina?
These resources address the management of enlarged parietal foramina and may include treatment providers.
You might also find information on treatment of enlarged parietal foramina in
Educational resources and Patient support.
Where can I find additional information about enlarged parietal foramina?
You may find the following resources about enlarged parietal foramina helpful. These materials are written for the general public.
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- Educational resources - Information pages
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You may also be interested in these resources, which are designed for healthcare professionals and researchers.
What other names do people use for enlarged parietal foramina?
- Catlin marks
- cranium bifidum
- foramina parietalia permagna
- FPP
- PFM
What if I still have specific questions about enlarged parietal foramina?
Where can I find general information about genetic conditions?
The Handbook provides basic information about genetics in clear language.
These links provide additional genetics resources that may be useful.
What glossary definitions help with understanding enlarged parietal foramina?
The resources on this site should not be used as a substitute for
professional medical care or advice. Users seeking information about
a personal genetic disease, syndrome, or condition should consult with a qualified
healthcare professional.
See How can I find a genetics professional in my area? in the Handbook.