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Simian crease

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Simian crease
Simian crease

Alternative Names    Return to top

Single palmar crease; Transverse palmar crease; Palmar crease

Definition    Return to top

A simian crease is a single line that runs across the palm of the hand. People normally 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.

Considerations    Return to top

Strong lines (called palmar flexion creases) appear on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The palm normally 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.

Causes    Return to top

A single palmar crease is often a normal finding. However, it may also be associated with:

What to Expect at Your Office Visit    Return to top

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:

Based on the answers to these questions, the medical history, and the results of the physical exam, further testing may be necessary.

Update Date: 5/12/2009

Updated 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.

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