Table 1. Demographics, autistic behavioral domains and main physical features of the patients.

^*According to the ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised) or the ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) algorithm, the DSM-IV and the ICD-10 diagnostic criteria for autistic disorder are fulfilled when the total scores of each domain reach the cut-off.

^**YES: Limited expressive language and severe delay.

^***NL: normal; PS: pulmonary stenosis; S for SVAS: supravalvular aortic stenosis. Patient 6 had also a ventricular septal defect, an aortic coartation, a patent ductors arteriosus and a mitral insufficiency. Patient 7 had also a mitral stenosis and a tricuspid endocarditis with valvular involvment.

^****NL: normal; TRI: terminal renal insufficiency.