The dominant and recessive forms of cutis laxa.

Cutis laxa is a very rare, genetically determined disorder of elastin, characterized clinically by a tendency of the skin to hang in loose folds, with the production of a typical grotesque facies and the appearance of premature ageing. These changes may be present at birth or may develop during infancy. Systemic ramifications may be widespread and, in particular, the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems may be involved. Although less than 30 genuine cases have been reported there have been several instances of serious disability or death from cardiorespiratory complications. On the other hand, a significant proportion of the affected patients have lived comparatively normal existences. In the course of a recent survey, in which complete ascertainment of all affected individuals in England and Wales was attempted, it became apparent that there were two forms of the condition,