Lateral nasal proboscis: antenatal diagnosis and counseling.

Abstract

Lateral nasal proboscis is a rare anomaly resulting in incomplete formation of one side of the nose and other variable abnormalities in the adjoining regions of the face, without associated brain malformations. We report a case diagnosed antenatally and confirmed after birth of the infant. A 32-year-old white gravida 2 para 1 was referred for a comprehensive fetal ultrasound at 30.5 weeks to evaluate a facial anomaly seen on an ultrasound done to evaluate decreased fetal movements. A fingerlike projection was seen in the left inner eye area with visualization of one nostril and a small nose. After a spontaneous delivery at term, a 3845-g healthy female infant with lateral nasal proboscis and other locally associated anomalies was born and is doing well at 9 months. Reconstructive surgery was done at 3 and 6 months. Accurate antenatal diagnosis of lateral nasal proboscis is possible with ultrasound, which is important because its prognosis and management are different from other types of proboscides.