Temporal bone pathology in fetuses exposed to isotretinoin.

Isotretinoin can be teratogenic, affecting many tissues, including the ear. However, there are only two histopathologic studies of the temporal bone in affected humans, and neither describes the findings in early gestation. We had the opportunity to study both temporal bones in each of two fetuses (22 and 24 weeks) exposed to isotretinoin in early gestation. One of the fetuses had a dilated IVth ventricle and a hypoplastic cerebellar vermis, while no dysmorphic features were seen in the other. In both infants the external ears were not noticeably abnormal. Histologically, anomalies of the middle ear included medial deviation of the malleus, forward displacement of the incus, and a small tympanic cavity (4/4); unilateral absence of the stapes (1/4); single "columella" crus and hypoplastic footplate (3/4); and unilateral dehiscence of the facial canal in one infant. Autolysis limited the examination of the labyrinth, but there was reduction in the number of cochlear spirals, and dilatation of the saccule in both infants. Anomalies of the middle and inner ear can be present without anomalies of the external ear or the central nervous system, and may be found even after relatively short exposures. These anomalies are similar to those detected in experimental exposure to isotretinoin, and are consistent with altered expression of the goosecoid gene.