Jarcho-Levin syndrome term baby with recurrent apnea

Jarcho-Levin syndrome or spondylocostal dysostosis, is a rare axial skeleton anomaly due to mutation in genes involved in somitic segmentation during embryogenesis. We describe a term, newborn baby with antenatally detected midthoracic lordotic deformity with skeletal features of multiple rib anomalies and vertebral defects, but with normal limb lengths. Baby had recurrent apnea requiring non-invasive ventilation and was successfully weaned to room air within 2 days. This syndrome is underdiagnosed and we wish to highlight the simple process involved in making a clinico-radiological diagnosis.