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Question 32#

Which one of the following statements regarding Poland's syndrome is false?

A. It was first described by Alfred Poland in 1841
B. It is more common in men
C. A pedicled latissimus flap is suitable for reconstruction of the anterior axillary fold
D. A wide range of deformities of the breasts, thoracic wall, pectoralis major, upper limbs and hands is possible
E. Its incidence is 1:2500 live births

Correct Answer is E

Comment:

Its incidence is 1:2500 live births. E is false. Poland’s syndrome is a rare congenital anomaly characterised by unilateral chest wall hypoplasia and ipsilateral hand abnormalities. Literary data suggest its sporadic nature. The prevailing theory of its cause is hypoplasia of the subclavian artery or its branches, which may lead to a range of developmental changes. The incidence of Poland’s syndrome varies between groups (e.g. male versus female patients, congenital versus familial cases) and ranges from 1 in 7,000 to 1 in 100,000 live births.

References:

1. Fokin AA, Robicsek F. Poland's syndrome revisited. Ann Thorac Surg 2002; 74(6): 2218-25.