Diagnostic value of high-frequency ultrasound for Poland syndrome

Abstract

Background The imaging diagnosis of Poland syndrome is mostly computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), whereas high-frequency ultrasound for the diagnosis of Poland syndrome is relatively rare. Purpose To investigate the diagnostic value of high-frequency ultrasound for Poland syndrome. Material and Methods A retrospective analysis of 15 patients diagnosed with Poland syndrome was performed, and the characteristics of ultrasound images were summarized. Results High-frequency ultrasound clearly depict the anatomical structures of each layer of the chest wall in patients with Poland syndrome. Ultrasonography mainly showed partial or total absence of the pectoralis major muscle on the affected side, and some of which were combined with the absence of the pectoralis minor muscle. The difference was statistically significant in the thickness of the affected chest wall compared with the healthy side ( P < 0.01). Out of 15 cases with Poland syndrome, 11 were associated with ipsilateral brachydactyly or syndactyly, and high-frequency ultrasonography showed that the bifurcation position of the common palmar digital artery on the affected finger was lower than that on the healthy side. Conclusion High-frequency ultrasound is an effective imaging method for the diagnosis of Poland syndrome.