Asplenia syndrome. Report of two cases

Two babies with asplenia syndrome are described. Both presented with the severe cardiovascular anomalies found in this syndrome and had Howell-Jolly bodies in peripheral blood smears. The chest X-rays showed dextrocardia, decreased pulmonary circulation and a horizontal symmetrical liver, and were helpful in the clinical diagnosis. Additional findings at autopsy included a mobile cecum and bilateral trilobed lungs with bilateral eparterial bronchi.