What is the risk of being a carrier of Kessler Vance syndrome?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: January 20, 2026View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Kessler Vance Syndrome Does Not Exist as a Recognized Medical Condition

There is no medical literature, genetic database, or clinical guideline that describes "Kessler Vance syndrome" as a recognized genetic or medical disorder. Therefore, carrier risk cannot be calculated or assessed.

Critical Clarification

The evidence provided contains no references to "Kessler Vance syndrome." The search results include:

  • Kearns-Sayre syndrome (KSS): A rare mitochondrial disease caused by deletions in mitochondrial DNA, characterized by onset before age 20, chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia, and pigmentary retinopathy 1, 2, 3

  • Nievergelt syndrome: A dominantly inherited mesomelic dwarfism, as illustrated by the historical case of Alice Vance 4

  • Various other genetic conditions: Including Tay-Sachs disease, Familial Dysautonomia, Costello syndrome, and Noonan syndrome 5

Possible Explanations

If You Meant Kearns-Sayre Syndrome (KSS)

Carrier risk does not apply to KSS because it is not inherited in a traditional Mendelian pattern. KSS results from spontaneous deletions in mitochondrial DNA that typically occur de novo (new mutations) 1, 2, 3.

  • KSS is caused by large deletions (commonly 2-10 kb) in mitochondrial DNA 2
  • Most cases arise sporadically without family history 3
  • The condition is not passed from carrier parents in the traditional sense
  • Mean age at presentation is 17 years, though diagnosis often occurs later at mean age 26 years 3

If You Meant Nievergelt Syndrome

Nievergelt syndrome follows autosomal dominant inheritance. If one parent has the condition, each child has a 50% risk of inheriting the mutation 4. The concept of "carrier" status does not apply to dominant conditions—individuals either have the mutation and manifest the disease or do not have it.

Recommendation

Clarify the exact syndrome name with the patient or referring provider. If genetic counseling is needed for a family member with a confirmed diagnosis, refer to a medical geneticist who can provide accurate recurrence risk based on the specific confirmed genetic condition and inheritance pattern.

References

Related Questions

What is the management plan for Kearns-Sayre syndrome (KSS)?
What is the diagnosis and treatment for Sayer syndrome?
What is the best treatment plan for a patient with Type 2 diabetes mellitus, mixed hyperlipidemia, erectile dysfunction, diabetic polyneuropathy, allergic rhinitis, essential hypertension, male hypogonadism, stage 3a chronic kidney disease (CKD), and vitamin D deficiency, who is currently taking Cetirizine HCl (Hydroxyzine), Mounjaro (Tirzepatide), Farxiga (Dapagliflozin), Viagra (Sildenafil), Losartan Potassium, Atorvastatin Calcium, Januvia (Sitagliptin), Neurontin (Gabapentin), and Fluticasone Propionate, and needs to discontinue Januvia and find an alternative to Farxiga due to cost concerns?
What is the appropriate management for a patient presenting with respiratory system issues and general malaise, potentially with underlying conditions such as pneumonia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), or asthma?
What are the guidelines for managing a patient with a ruptured left posterior communicating artery (PCA) aneurysm and an unruptured ophthalmic artery aneurysm?
What is the appropriate management for a patient with elevated inflammatory markers, such as C-Reactive Protein (CRP) or Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), and a history of chronic inflammatory conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)?
What treatment should be given in acute illness when the cause cannot be determined?
What are the vaccination recommendations for a 2-year-old child who has recently recovered from encephalitis?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.