Ocular Manifestations of the Fetal Hydantoin Syndrome

Abstract

Eleven per cent of infants exposed to hydantoins in utero have a recognizable pattern of abnormalities with serious clinical consequences. This report of a child born to a mother taking diphenylhydantoin emphasized the ocular findings. At birth and subsequent 8-month exam, a girl was noted to have microphthalmus, prominent iris vessels, and an inferior iris and choroidal colobma. Relation of these anomalies to teratogenic properties of diphenylhydantoin is discussed.