Prenatal diagnosis of Poland-Möbius syndrome by multimodality fetal imaging

Pediatr Radiol. 2023 Sep;53(10):2144-2148. doi: 10.1007/s00247-023-05712-8. Epub 2023 Jul 10.

Abstract

We describe prenatal diagnosis of Poland-Möbius syndrome using a combination of ultrasound and MRI. Poland syndrome was diagnosed based on absence of the pectoralis muscles associated with dextroposition of the fetal heart and elevation of the left diaphragm. Associated brain anomalies that led to the diagnosis of Poland-Möbius syndrome, included ventriculomegaly, hypoplastic cerebellum, tectal beaking, and a peculiar flattening of the posterior aspect of the pons and medulla oblongata, which has been reported by postnatal diffusion tensor imaging studies as a reliable neuroimaging marker for Möbius syndrome. Since abnormalities of cranial nerves VI and VII may be difficult to detect prenatally, careful attention to the appearance of the brain stem as illustrated in the current report may aid in the prenatal diagnosis of Möbius syndrome.

Keywords: Absent pectoralis muscle; Brain stem; Fetal MRI; Medulla; Möbius; Poland; Pons; Prenatal diagnosis.

MeSH terms

  • Diffusion Tensor Imaging
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mobius Syndrome* / diagnostic imaging
  • Poland Syndrome* / diagnostic imaging
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Diagnosis