The fetal face: ultrasound examination

Abnormalities of the fetal face were identified by ultrasound in five cases. Abnormalities such as cleft lip and palate, cyclopia, and forms of holoprosencephaly were diagnosed prenatally. Two of the fetuses had trisomy 13. When facial abnormalities are identified a careful search of the fetus for associated anomalies is indicated; amniocentesis for genetic study may be desirable. In addition, evaluation of the fetal face may be useful when other fetal abnormalities are present.