OBJECTIVE: To present a rare case of fetal nonfamilial proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD) diagnosed as early as 21 weeks' gestation. CASE REPORT: A 32-year-old woman was referred to our hospital at 21 weeks' gestation. An ultrasound examination revealed isolated unilateral short femur (right femur = 27.3 mm and left femur = 37.9 mm). The measurements of all the remaining long bones were within the normal range. The facial profile was unremarkable. Results of amniocentesis revealed a normal 46,XX female karyotype. A follow-up ultrasound 2 weeks later demonstrated further discrepancy in femoral length. A diagnosis of PFFD was made. The parents were well informed about the treatment options and after counseling they decided to terminate the pregnancy. A postmortem X-ray examination confirmed the diagnosis of PFFD. CONCLUSION: We have to measure both sides of extremities according to the ultrasound scan guidelines so as not to overlook any possible case of skeletal dysplasia. An advanced three-dimensional (3D) and 4D ultrasound evaluation of the bony structures and carefully observing the range of mention of the affect limbs will provide proper information to formulate a further therapeutic plan.
OBJECTIVE: To present a rare case of fetal nonfamilial proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD) diagnosed as early as 21 weeks' gestation. CASE REPORT: A 32-year-old woman was referred to our hospital at 21 weeks' gestation. An ultrasound examination revealed isolated unilateral short femur (right femur = 27.3 mm and left femur = 37.9 mm). The measurements of all the remaining long bones were within the normal range. The facial profile was unremarkable. Results of amniocentesis revealed a normal 46,XX female karyotype. A follow-up ultrasound 2 weeks later demonstrated further discrepancy in femoral length. A diagnosis of PFFD was made. The parents were well informed about the treatment options and after counseling they decided to terminate the pregnancy. A postmortem X-ray examination confirmed the diagnosis of PFFD. CONCLUSION: We have to measure both sides of extremities according to the ultrasound scan guidelines so as not to overlook any possible case of skeletal dysplasia. An advanced three-dimensional (3D) and 4D ultrasound evaluation of the bony structures and carefully observing the range of mention of the affect limbs will provide proper information to formulate a further therapeutic plan.