The fragile X-syndrome: Clinical and medicolegal aspects relating to case surveys

The Authors provide an account of the case of two brothers subjected to medicolegal observation for the purpose of ascertaining civil disability. The two persons in question were affected by the fragile X-chromosome syndrome (S.M.B.X.), a rare hereditary disease producing mental retardation and etiologically due to a cytogenetic anomaly, the presence of a chromosomic break at the level of the interface between Xq 27 and Xq 28. After examining thoroughly the cytogenetic and clinical aspects of the syndromes with X-linked mental retardation, the Authors take advantage of the case in question to make a series of observations on the disabling aspects of mental deficiencies and in particular on the medicolegal criteria to be applied in assessing civil disability.