Spondylothoracic dysplasia. A report of ten cases with follow-up.

Details of ten new cases of spondylothoracic dysplasia (the Jarcho-Levin syndrome) are presented. During follow-up, lasting between 8 and 21 years, two children in this group died. Our observations did not confirm Heilbronner's theory concerning the existence of two distinctive types of this syndrome: Type 1 or fatal, and Type 2, with a normal longevity. From the two illustrative cases presented in some detail, and the pertinent literature review, familiarity with spondylothoracic dysplasia is necessary in order to avoid an unjustifiably pessimistic prognosis and to permit correct parent counseling.