What Is Hidden Behind Microform Cleft Lip: A Case-Control Study Based on Ultrasound Imaging

Area of Science:

• Plastic surgery
• Medical imaging
• Pediatric dermatology

Background:

• Microform cleft lip presents subtle yet distinct features, including a notched Cupid's bow and a philtral groove that deepens with puckering.
• The underlying cause of this dynamic philtral depression in microform cleft lip remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the etiology of dynamic philtral depression in microform cleft lip.
• To assess the utility of ultrasound in diagnosing microform cleft lip.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study compared 20 microform cleft lip patients with 20 healthy controls.
• Ultrasound examinations were performed in static and puckering states.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and pathological examinations were utilized for further validation.

Main Results:

• A hypoechoic band was detected in 95% of microform cleft lip patients via ultrasound.
• This band increased in thickness and prominence during puckering in affected individuals.
• Pathological analysis revealed the band comprised abnormal skin appendages and collagen.

Conclusions:

• The ultrasound-detected hypoechoic band is a common finding in microform cleft lip.
• This band directly correlates with the dynamic philtral deformity observed in patients.
• Ultrasound serves as a reliable diagnostic aid for microform cleft lip.