Absent latissimus dorsi muscle and anhidrotic axilla in Poland's syndrome. Case report

The case of an 18-year-old female with absence of the right breast, sternocostal part of the major pectoral muscle and total absence of the minor pectoral muscle and the latissimus dorsi muscle, is presented. She also had decreased sweating capacity and absence of terminal hairs in the central part of her right axilla. Histological examination of skin specimens from this area of the axilla demonstrated hypoplasia of the apocrine sweat glands, but normal eccrine sweat glands, indicating an apocrine dependent axillary sweating function. The breast was constructed using a direct subcutaneous prosthesis implant, giving a final result that was good in regard to shape and softness. This provides grounds for reconsidering the use of the latissimus dorsi muscle flap in breast constructions in Poland's syndrome.