Dermatoglyphics in Congenital Heart Malformations

Abstract

Dermatoglyphic patterns were analyzed in 141 patients with congenital heart malformations not associated with a major non-cardiac malformation, and 100 control children. The results were compared and, where possible, combined with those of other series. In the combined series, the aortic stenosis group had an increase in whorls and arches, and a decrease in ulnar loops. Patent ductus arteriosus cases showed a decrease in whorls and an increase in arches. The pulmonic stenosis group had an increase in arches. However these differences are so small that they are not diagnostically useful, and may represent nothing more than inadequate matching with controls. There were no significant differences in finger patterns in cases with tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great vessels, ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect and coarctation of the aorta. There was no significant difference in frequency of bilateral simian crease in congenital heart disease. A probable increase in height of the axial palmar triradius was found in cases of tetralogy of Fallot, and there was a highly significant increase in hypothenar patterns in cases of pulmonic stenosis, aortic stenosis and transposition of the great vessels.