Transvaginal sonographic diagnosis of fetal finger abnormalities in early gestation

The prenatal sonographic diagnosis of fetal finger abnormalities was recorded in a study population of 20,000 pregnant patients. All scans were performed with a vaginal transducer at 13 to 17 weeks' gestation. The following abnormalities were observed: six cases of polydactyly, three of syndactyly, nine cases of overlapping fingers, two cases of cleft hands, two cases of adactyly, one case of aphalangia, and one case of clasped thumb. In 15 of the 25 fetuses with finger abnormalities, we observed associated malformations or chromosomal disorders, or both. We therefore recommend that examination of the fingers and hands should become an integral part of the early ultrasonographic evaluation of the fetus.