Computed tomography in the preoperative assessment of Poland's syndrome.

Four cases of Poland's syndrome were investigated with thoracic computed tomography (CT) to determine the precise extent of the upper limb girdle abnormalities. CT confirmed in all cases the absence of the sternocostal head of pectoralis major and clearly showed associated abnormalities of pectoralis minor, serratus anterior and latissimus dorsi as well as bony structures. In view of the importance of latissimus dorsi in reconstructive surgery, we believe that a limited thoracic CT scan provides useful information in patients with Poland's syndrome requesting anterior axillary reconstruction and breast mound formation.