Patients with Werner syndrome demonstrate
progeria, showing loss of subcutaneous fat, prominent scalp veins, short
stature, weight loss, sclerodermoid skin changes, mottled pigmentation, and
freckling. Hair loss and premature graying are features. Patients frequently
demonstrate premature aging only in their third decade. Development of
endocrine disturbance with diabetes and early atherosclerosis occur, as well
as osteoporosis, hypofertility, hypogonadism, amyotrophy, and retinal
degeneration. Most patients die in their fourth or fifth decade from
malignancy (10% of cases; osteosarcoma and meningioma especially).