The portrayal of dwarfism without skeletal dysplasia in art: Proportionate short stature due to growth hormone deficiency and other disorders

Am J Med Genet C Semin Med Genet. 2021 Jun;187(2):186-191. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31916. Epub 2021 May 16.

Abstract

In this article, we analyze several works of art which portray individuals with short stature ("dwarfism"). We have focused on eight individuals who we believe have short stature due to growth hormone deficiency (GHD) or closely related disorders, rather than skeletal dysplasia. We discuss them individually, suggest the potential diagnosis, review the characteristics of their life and personal history, and briefly outline the artistic framework in which these works of art were created. This work is a posthumous tribute to the people with short stature portrayed in these works of art, who likely experienced harassment and inappropriate treatment by others and called by derogatory names. We have tried to acknowledge their identities with the respect they deserve.

Keywords: art; combined pituitary hormone deficiency; genetic diseases; growth hormone deficiency; isolated growth hormone deficiency; short stature.

MeSH terms

  • Body Height
  • Dwarfism, Pituitary*
  • Growth Disorders
  • Human Growth Hormone*
  • Humans
  • Osteochondrodysplasias*

Substances

  • Human Growth Hormone