The antenatal ultrasonographic detection of the Holt-Oram syndrome.

Abstract

The Holt-Oram syndrome is an autosomal dominant disease with 100% penetrance. No correlation exists between the maternal clinical expression and that of the affected offspring. The syndrome includes a wide range of cardiac and skeletal malformations. Real-time ultrasound, with a detailed study of the fetal heart and skeletal system, can play a crucial role in the counselling of affected pregnant women. This study describes the ultrasonographic findings of 2 affected fetuses at risk (at 34 and 14 weeks' gestational age). Ultrasonography detected and correctly estimated the severity of the cardiac and skeletal expressions.