Prenatal diagnosis of ectrodactyly: the 'lobster claw' anomaly

Ectrodactyly is a rare condition characterized by absence of digits, ranging from single absence of a finger to the split hand/foot deformity. This anomaly has been reported as sporadic and in association with a number of genetic and non-genetic syndromes, such as the autosomal dominant ectrodactyly and the ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia-cleft palate (EEC) syndromes. In this report we present two cases of ectrodactyly prenatally diagnosed by ultrasonography during the second trimester of pregnancy. Routine examination of fetal hands and feet during second-trimester ultrasonography should make the detection of hand and foot malformations more frequent.

Congenital heart disease in spondylothoracic dysostosis: two familial cases

Two familial cases of spondylothoracic dysostosis are reported. Both cases had severe congenital heart disease in addition to the skeletal malformations which are characteristic of the condition.