Taurodontism, an isolated trait associated with syndromes and X-chromosomal aneuploidy.

A review of the literature on teeth with enlarged pulp chambers and apical displacement of the bifurcation or trifurcation of roots (taurodontism) and investigation of the association of this trait with X-chromosomal aneuploidy shows that: (1) Taurodontism is not a rare trait in modern man, as indicated by the majority of recent reports, but occurs in approximately 2.5% of adult Caucasians. (2) Taurodontism occurs in syndromes, particularly in those having an ectodermal defect. (3) Among 12 patients showing taurodontic teeth radiographically, all had normal karyotypes. (4) Among 12 patients showing various combinations of X-chromosomal aneuploidy, 11 had taurodontic molars. (5) Patients with a female habitus and X-chromosomal aneuploidy as well as patients with a male habitus and X-chromosomal states have taurodontic teeth. (6) There is no simple association of the degree of taurodontism and the number of X chromosomes, but, in general, patients with the more severe forms of the trait--meso- or hypertaurodontism--are more likely to have X-chromosomal aneuploidy. While taurodontism may be viewed as an extension of a continuous trait of pulp chamber size, the extreme shape may arise when conditions disturbing the epithelial-derived root sheath produce a generalized amplified instability of development, as has been suggested from tissue culture studies of X-chromosomal aneuploid cells.