Combination of gothic palate and pes cavus — pattern or coincidence?

Currently, there is no conclusive evidence confirming a direct relationship between the development of a high-arched (gothic) palate and pes cavus in patients with signs of connective tissue dysplasia or genetic disorders. However, the fact that both anomalies are often observed together in many systemic diseases, or exacerbate each other’s clinical course, necessitates a revision of strategies for prevention and early diagnosis of congenital and acquired developmental pathologies. Objective. To confirm or refute the association between the development of a gothic palate and pes cavus within the context of systemic diseases. This review analyzed 8 literature reviews and 23 randomized studies, published on Russian and international scientific and medical platforms. The coexistence of gothic palate and pes cavus is observed in numerous genetic and systemic disorders, including Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Steinert’s disease, among others. Both features result from impaired connective tissue development, muscle imbalance, and biomechanical changes caused by genetic mutations or neurological conditions. These deformities often occur together, highlighting a common pathogenetic mechanism and the need for a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.