There are two reasons that infants with Cri-du-chat syndrome are thought to have a cat-like cry. The first reason has to do with the shape of the airway. The larynx (the tube connecting the mouth to the lungs) can be small and shaped like a diamond in individuals with Cri-du-chat syndrome. Additionally, the epiglottis (the flap that covers the airway when swallowing food or water) can be small and weak. These physical changes in the airway may contribute to the cat-like cry typical in infants with Cri-du-chat syndrome.
Additionally, it is thought that differences in the brain of individuals with Cri-du-chat syndrome may cause the person to not make a typical crying sound.
Other Questions About Cri-du-chat syndrome
- Why do infants with Cri-du-chat syndrome have a cat-like cry?
- Who else in my family should I test for Cri-du-chat syndrome?
- Where do I find other people with Cri-du-chat syndrome?
- What specialist doctors should I see with Cri-du-chat syndrome?
- What other tests or evaluations may be done to monitor the care of a child with Cri-du-chat syndrome?
