Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita in Identical Twins

IDENTICAL twins afflicted with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita have never before been described in medical literature to our knowledge. In an excellent review article in 1951, James1stated that two cases had never been reported in the same family. A recent report cited two sets of probably authentic identical twins, each of which consisted of one normal and one affected infant.2On the basis of such observations, much speculation as to the etiology has been presented in the past. The knowledge that arthrogryposis multiplex congenita can occur in identical twins is therefore of importance and will be briefly discussed as it relates to etiologic considerations. REPORT OF A CASE Twin girls were born to a multiparous mother on Dec. 29, 1952, terminating an uncomplicated pregnancy. The first infant (R. E. R.) was delivered at 10:25 a. m. after a cephalic presentation. She weighed 2700 gm. and was normal except