[Cleft lip and palate: indications for radiological postnatal explorations]

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Genetics
• Pediatric Surgery

Context:

• Cleft lip and palate (CLP) are common congenital conditions.
• Accurate diagnosis and identification of associated anomalies are crucial for management.
• Prenatal diagnosis via ultrasound is increasingly common.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of systematic neonatal radiological explorations in identifying anomalies in isolated cleft lip and palate cases.
• To compare the diagnostic yield of radiological investigations with clinical examinations.
• To assess the necessity of extensive neonatal investigations.

Summary:

• This study analyzed 20 cases of isolated cleft lip and palate.
• Thirteen cases had prenatal ultrasound diagnosis, and seven were diagnosed neonatally.
• Systematic neonatal radiological explorations did not reveal additional findings beyond clinical examination.
• Chromosomal testing showed normal results in most cases, but some had associated anomalies.

Impact:

• Findings suggest that systematic neonatal radiological explorations may not be cost-effective for isolated cleft lip and palate.
• Highlights the importance of prenatal chromosomal testing due to the elevated risk of chromosomal abnormalities in infants with CLP.
• Informs clinical practice regarding the diagnostic workup for neonates with cleft lip and palate.