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In two infants with recurrent lower respiratory tract infections starting within a few weeks of birth, dynamic electromyographic studies of sucking and swallowing evidenced a disorder of lingual and pharyngeal activities responsible for the episodes of aspiration. The central location of the anomaly was demonstrated by the absence of peripheral neuromuscular anomalies and by the presence of impaired blinking reflexes and brain stem potential anomalies. These neurofunctional anomalies improved over time and magnetic resonance imaging failed to disclose and structural anomalies of the central nervous system. The occurrence of the swallowing disorder as an isolated manifestation and its long duration, with follow-ups of 23 months and 4 years, are two unique features in these cases. Neurophysiologic investigations are essential for documenting the neurologic etiology of the swallowing disorders, demonstrating their location above or within the medulla oblongata, and differentiating functional and organic anomalies.

Studies of congenital toxoplasmosis in twins confirm the definite role of the placenta in the modalities and mechanism of fetal contamination. In single-chorion twin pregnancies, clinical manifestations are generally identical in both infants. Conversely, twins from double-chorion pregnancies usually have different clinical patterns; occasionally, only one of the twins is affected (1 case). The diagnosis can be ascertained antenatally by sampling blood from each of the fetuses (2 cases). The cases reported herein illustrate some of the diagnostic pitfalls that may lead to inappropriate discontinuation of monitoring and treatment: negative placental studies, absence of specific IgM antibodies, transient fall in IgG antibody titers, delayed fetal contamination after a negative fetal blood study, and need for routine tests for increased CSF albumin levels.