Werner's syndrome (adult onset progeria) is a rare form of autosomal recessive 
genodermatosis associated in almost 80% of cases with mutation of the WRN gene. 
This prototype of rapid ageing syndromes is characterized by short stature with 
skin and hair anomalies (early graying of the hair, alopecia, depilation, 
sclerosed skin), orthopedic complications (flat foot, hallux valgus and other 
joint deformations) as well as systemic signs (early cataract, premature and 
diffuse atherosclerosis, endocrinopathies) and high risk of certain types of 
cancer (sarcomas, myeloid blood dyscrasias). Death occurs around the age of 40 - 
50 years mainly as a result of cardiovascular accident or development of a 
malignant tumour. Signs of early aging should evoke this basic diagnosis and 
arrangements should be made for appropriate follow-up with screening for and 
treatment of systemic complications.