[Clinical importance of chromosomal translocations (author's transl)]

5835 chromosomal analyses were performed between May 1, 1962 and December 31, 1978. We found 68 translocations (1.1%). 36 translocation carriers were identified as being chromosomally balanced, of whom 24 were healthy and 12 clinically abnormal (5 showed centric fusions - 3 x D/D, 2 x D/G - and 7 other chromosomal rearrangements). 32 translocation carriers were chromosomally non-balanced, among them 28 patients with centric fusions (12 x G/G, 2 x D/D, 14 x D/G) and 4 with other rearrangements combined with characteristic clinical features. A review of the chromosomal translocations found in our laboratory is presented. The relation between clinical appearance and chromosomal rearrangement is discussed.