Leber's congenital amaurosis--a new syndrome with a cardiomyopathy.

Seven members of four families had nystagmus noted by 4 months of age, poor vision, photophobia, and a markedly reduced or absent electroretinogram. Six of these patients had a life threatening episode of cardiac failure in infancy. There were also two neonatal deaths, and one of the affected children died at 2 years and one at 19 years. The five surviving children are well, remain with nystagmus, and have visual acuities of less than 6/60, with the eldest two having lost perception of light. They have a short obese habitus distinct from that of their unaffected siblings and parents.