Prenatal diagnosis of harlequin ichthyosis. Case report

Abstract

Harlequin ichthyosis, also known as diffuse fetal keratosis, is an extremely rare and phenotypically severe hereditary skin disorder with autosomal recessive inheritance. This disease is caused by mutations in the adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter protein (ABCA12) gene. Prenatal ultrasonography and genetic analysis are important for prenatal diagnosis. Prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis is difficult, and findings include ectropion plates, an abnormal auricular pinna, a flat nose, thickened skin with an armor-like appearance, thickened lips with sustained open mouth (fish mouth) status, and flexion fixation of the extremities. These are usually found during the third trimester. Three-dimensional ultrasonography contributes to the evaluation of facial morphology. The prognosis is generally poor. Affected neonates usually do not survive beyond the first days of life. A case of prenatal diagnosis of harlequin ichthyosis is presented.