Potentially deadly syndrome affects only females

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. – A condition called Turner Syndrome affects over 70,000 women and girls in the United States

Twenty-two year old Brittany Hinsey was diagnosed with Turner Syndrome at the age of 9, when she suddenly stopped growing.

“I had no idea what turner syndrome was sitting there with the doctor is was kind of going over my head just trying to process everything,” said Stacy Hinsey, Brittany’s mom.

Broward Health cardiologist Dr. Kenneth Herskowitz said Turner Syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality that only occurs women in one out of about 2,500 live births.

Along with growth issues, Turner Syndrome can lead to hearing problems.

“I see an ENT, I’ve gotten multiple ear surgeries and ear tubes,” Brittany said.

Girls and women with Turner Syndrome also suffer from hypertension, and develop heart defects that can cause the aortic valve to burst.

“Typically 75 percent of patients will die within the first 24 hours if they’re not treated surgically so it is a surgical emergency,” Herskowitz said.