Cockayne's syndrome: report of two cases

Aims: To report cases of Cockayne syndrome in two siblings, describing the clinical presentation and evolution. Case description: We describe the cases of two siblings, an 8 years old girl and a 13 years old boy, both with global developmental disability, microcephaly, dwarfism and peculiar facies (triangular face, microphthalmia, microstomia and micrognathia). New problems emerged during follow-up: sensorineural hearing loss, hypermetropia and photosensitivity. Clinical features suggested Cockayne syndrome, which was confirmed by molecular genetic testing. Conclusions: Cockayne's syndrome is a rare (1/100,000), recessive autosomal disorder. Its diagnosis may be delayed because the signs and symptoms arise gradually and slowly. Obtaining the diagnostic criteria can take years and clinical suspicion is extremely important.