Dyskeratosis congenita (DKC), also called Zinsser-Cole-Engman syndrome, is a rare progressive congenital disorder which results in premature aging similar to what is seen in progeria. The disease mainly affects the integumentary system with a major consequence being anomalies of the bone marrow.
DKC can be characterized by cutaneous pigmentation, premature graying, dystrophy of the nails, leukoplakia of the oral mucosa, continuous lacrimation due to atresia of the lacrimal ducts, often thrombocytopenia, anemia, testicular atrophy in the male carriers, and predisposition to cancer. Many of these symptoms are characteristic of geriatrics, and those carrying the more serious forms of the disease often have significantly shortened lifespans.
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