[Synpolydactyly: unusual features and variable expression in 5 generations of an Italian family]

The Authors report a family with synpolydactyly (or syndactyly type II) present in eleven out of thirty four members in five generations. Affected members do not show any other anomalies so that chromosomal or other genetic syndromes may be excluded. The possible mode of inheritance, the variability in expression, the penetrance in five generations are discussed. The peculiar bone deformities of hands and feet already reported by Cross et Al. are confirmed. The Authors presume that the present report is the first observation of synpolydactyly in an Italian family.