What is asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy?
Asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy, also known as Jeune syndrome, is an inherited disorder of bone growth characterized by a small chest, short ribs, and shortened bones in the arms and legs. Additional skeletal abnormalities can include unusually shaped pelvic bones and extra fingers and/or toes (polydactyly). Infants with this condition are born with an extremely narrow, bell-shaped chest that can restrict the growth and expansion of the lungs. Life-threatening problems with breathing often result, and most people with asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy live only into infancy or early childhood. Some people with asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy experience only mild breathing difficulties, such as rapid breathing or shortness of breath. These individuals may live into adolescence or adulthood. After infancy, people with this condition often develop life-threatening kidney (renal) abnormalities that cause the kidneys to malfunction or fail. Heart defects and a narrowing of the airway (subglot
