Phenotypic effects of inherited balanced translocation.

We report two cases of inherited balanced translocation with severe CNS abnormalities and a number of other physical findings. In both cases a multiple congenital anomalies/mental retardation (MCA/MR) syndrome was suspected. However, in one case, parturitional and neonatal complications probably resulted in brain damage; in the other, prenatal brain damage due to intoxication from a dead twin or porencephalic cysts due to vascular accidents remain unconfirmed hypotheses. It is concluded that no MCA/MR syndrome was present and that the inherited balanced translocation was a coincidental finding in these two brain-damaged, mentally retarded children.