Otocephaly-midline malformation association.

Otocephaly ("agnathia") is a developmental field complex with structural defects limited to the craniofacial region. Previously, two infants with otocephaly, situs inversus totalis, renal defects, and vertebral and rib abnormalities were reported by Pauli et al. [Teratology 23:85-93, 1981].

Ivemark's "asplenia" syndrome: a single gene disorder.

Congenital heart defects as a group represent a significant proportion of congenital malformations. Most are isolated and multifactorially determined; a relatively small proportion are due to a single gene defect, and result in an increased risk of recurrence among first-degree relatives. We have reported the cases of three male siblings with Ivemark's "asplenia" syndrome to support an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance.