Which are the symptoms of Carney Complex?

Symptoms of Carney Complex

Carney Complex is a rare genetic disorder that affects multiple organ systems in the body. It is characterized by the development of various tumors and other clinical features. The symptoms of Carney Complex can vary widely from person to person, and not all individuals with the condition will experience the same symptoms or severity of symptoms.

Cardiac Manifestations

One of the key features of Carney Complex is the presence of cardiac myxomas, which are benign tumors that develop in the heart. These myxomas can cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Heart murmurs: Abnormal sounds heard during a heartbeat.


• Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless even with minimal exertion.


• Chest pain: Discomfort or pressure in the chest.


• Fatigue: Feeling excessively tired or lacking energy.

Endocrine Abnormalities

Carney Complex can also affect the endocrine system, leading to various hormonal imbalances. Some of the endocrine manifestations include:

• Cushing syndrome: Excessive production of cortisol hormone, resulting in weight gain, high blood pressure, and other symptoms.


• Acromegaly: Overproduction of growth hormone, causing enlarged hands, feet, and facial features.


• Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD): A condition characterized by the development of small nodules in the adrenal glands, leading to hormonal imbalances.

Cutaneous Signs

Carney Complex can present with various skin-related symptoms, including:

• Spotty skin pigmentation: Areas of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation on the skin.


• Blue nevi: Multiple blue or blue-gray moles on the skin.


• Myxomas of the skin: Benign tumors that develop in the skin.

Other Manifestations

In addition to the above symptoms, Carney Complex may also involve other clinical features, such as:

• Large-cell calcifying Sertoli cell tumors: Tumors that develop in the testicles and can cause hormonal imbalances.


• Psammomatous melanotic schwannomas: Rare tumors that affect the nerves and may cause neurological symptoms.


• Thyroid nodules: Abnormal growths in the thyroid gland.


• Breast myxomatosis: Benign tumors that develop in the breast tissue.

It is important to note that the presence of one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily confirm a diagnosis of Carney Complex. A comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, including genetic testing, is required to confirm the diagnosis.