Axial mesodermal dysplasia spectrum.

We report on a 4-month-old boy with manifestations of both the oculo-auriculovertebral spectrum and the caudal regression sequence. He has preauricular appendages, thoracic and lumbar hemivertebrae, anomalies of the ribs, dextrocardia, sacral "dysplasia," dislocated hips, bilateral talipes equinovarus, imperforate anus, recto-vesical fistula, malformed scrotum, and undescended testes. As suggested by Russell et al. [1981], who reported a patient with similar anomalies, the spectrum of anomalies probably is due to a generalized alteration in mesodermal cell migration during the primitive streak period. The term "axial mesodermal dysplasia spectrum" best describes the widespread anomalies in the cranial and caudal regions.