Poland Syndrome and Pregnancy

Abstract

Poland syndrome is a rare congenital disorder presenting with absence of unilateral thoracic muscles. Upper extremity, rib and connective tissue deformities usually accompany muscle agenesis or hypoplasia on the same side. Although its etiology remains unknown, inadequate perfusion is suspected for related regional tissue hypoplasia/aplasia. There is scarce information about possible cardiopulmonary function involvement due to abnormal thoracic muscle and tissues. A slight change in this function may be worsened in pregnancy affecting maternal and fetal health. Here we present a 30 weeks pregnant patient with Poland syndrome who developed severe shortness of breath and eventually had to have iatrogenic preterm delivery. Rare syndromes compatible with life and reproduction can be a challenge for clinicians especially during pregnancy due to unpredictable effects on gestational physiologic adaptation processes. Therefore, case reports or series regarding pregnancy complications of these rare syndromes provide valuable information for possible complications and their management options.