Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model
Published on: November 4, 2025
Prenatal diagnostics of cleft deformities and its significance for parent and infant care
Annegret Heinrich1, Peter Proff, Thomas Michel
1Department of Orthodontics, Preventive and Pediatric Dentistry, Ernst Moritz Arndt University of Greifswald, Germany. annehein@uni-greifswald.de
Insights
Prenatal ultrasound accurately diagnosed cleft lip and alveolar process in fetuses. However, diagnosing secondary palate clefts remains challenging, impacting prenatal care coordination.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Prenatal Diagnosis
- Craniofacial Anomalies
Background:
- Cleft lip and palate are common congenital anomalies.
- Prenatal diagnosis aims to improve outcomes and parental preparation.
- Evaluating the accuracy of ultrasound for these conditions is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the accuracy of prenatal ultrasound in detecting secondary palate clefts in fetuses with known cleft lip.
- To evaluate the significance of ultrasound in coordinating care for affected infants and parents.
Main Methods:
- Sonographic examination of 7 fetuses with cleft deformities between 20-25 weeks gestation.
- Comparison of ultrasound findings with postnatal clinical diagnosis by an orthodontist.
- Utilized 2D ultrasound devices (Acuson, Toshiba) by experienced examiners.
Main Results:
- Ultrasound correctly identified cleft lip and alveolar process in 3 cases.
- The extent of clefts was underestimated in 3 fetuses.
- One suspected cleft was not confirmed postnatally.
Conclusions:
- Experienced sonographers can accurately diagnose cleft lip and alveolar process prenatally.
- Prenatal ultrasound faces challenges in detecting secondary palate clefts.
- Improved prenatal diagnosis is vital for effective management and parental support.
Introduction:
This study aimed to demonstrate clefts of the secondary palate in embryos found to have cleft lip in order to evaluate the validity of prenatal ultrasound examination and, thus, to assess the significance of this diagnostic method for coordination and care of parents and infant.
Patients And Methods:
Over a period of 2.5 years, 7 fetuses with cleft deformities were examined sonographically during the 20th and 25th gestational week. The results were compared to postnatal clinical diagnosis. This study was made by two experienced examiners using 2D ultrasound devices (Acuson 128 XP-10/ C7; Toshiba Aplio XV). Postnatal clinical diagnosis was made by an orthodontist.
Results:
Three of the ultrasound-based diagnoses coincided with the postnatal result. In three of the examined cases the extent of the cleft was underestimated, whereas a greater extent suspected in one patient could not be confirmed clinically.
Conclusion:
The results of the present study support the propositions of current literature: Diagnosis of a cleft of the lip and the alveolar process could correctly be made by an experienced ultrasound diagnostician. However, problems arise with clefts of the secondary palate.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
01:30Neurulation