sindrome

A syndrome is a recognizable group of signs, symptoms, and findings that occur together and characterize a particular condition or process. The term comes from the Greek syn, meaning together, and drome, meaning running or occurring. A syndrome describes a pattern rather than a single disease, and it may have multiple possible underlying causes.

Syndromes are not diagnoses in themselves; rather, they point to a set of features that prompts further investigation to determine the etiology. Some syndromes are named after their discoverers or defining characteristics, such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Turner syndrome (monosomy X), or metabolic syndrome (a cluster of metabolic risk factors). Others are descriptive, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or chronic fatigue syndrome, where the pattern of symptoms guides management even when a precise cause is not fully established.

Syndromes can be congenital or acquired, and they may involve a single organ system or multiple systems. They are classified by their etiology (genetic, infectious, endocrine, autoimmune, metabolic, etc.), by the body systems involved, or by clinical course. Diagnostic workup typically combines clinical criteria with laboratory tests, imaging, and sometimes genetic analysis to identify the underlying disorder and tailor treatment.

Management focuses on treating or mitigating the root cause when possible, and on alleviating symptoms and preventing complications. Prognosis varies widely, reflecting the heterogeneity of syndromes and their diverse etiologies.