Fetal tongue posture associated with micrognathia: An ultrasound marker of cleft secondary palate?

ABSTRACT

Cleft lip and cleft palate (CP) are the most common facial malformations. Two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound (US) is the first-line examination in the prenatal diagnosis of CP. Three-dimensional, four-dimensional US and MRI provide a better detection of facial clefts. We present two fetuses with micrognathia and suspected secondary CP on 2D US fetal tongue appeared in an unusual position (low tip and high dorsum position) and showed uncoordinated movements. MRI did not confirm the US suspicion, but at birth the two fetuses were affected by Pierre Robin sequence.