IN 1956, Prader et al1 described a syndrome characterized by mental retardation, muscular hypotonia, obesity, short stature, and hypogonadism. In 1961, Prader and Willi2 noted a marked tendency to develop diabetes mellitus. Forssman and Hagberg3 observed that acromicria was such a constant feature that it should be considered characteristic of the syndrome. Approximately 70 cases have been documented to date. The preponderance of males (3:1) probably reflects the easy recognition of the rudimentary scrotum. That the disorder ever occurs in females has been questioned.4 It has been suggested that the syndrome is more common than would appear from the number of reported cases.2,3,5,6
Report of Cases
Case 1.—The patient was a grossly obese, 15-year-old white boy, 155 cm (5 ft ¼ inches) tall. During the past year, his weight had increased from 74.8 to 92.0 kg (165 to 225 lb) with no apparent increase in