Distichiasis-lymphedema syndrome: tetralogy of Fallot, chylothorax, and neonatal death.

We describe a newborn female with a severe presentation of distichiasis-lymphedema syndrome (McKusick 15340). She was initially evaluated because of a phenotype suggestive of Ullrich-Turner or Noonan syndrome (low posterior hairline, cupped ears, severe pterygium colli, heart murmur, and pectus excavatum). Distichiasis was noted at age 6 weeks. Subsequent to surgery for tetralogy of Fallot, patent ductus arteriosus, and branch pulmonic stenosis, she developed persistent chylothorax and sepsis. She died at 3 months. Family history indicated segregation of distichiasis-lymphedema syndrome. She was the sixth member in her family to have this disorder and was the most severely affected.