Multiple hand anomalies with unusual dermatoglyphic pattern in a Nigerian female

Abstract

Congenital hand anomalies of the hand is a myriad of deformities resulting from gene mutation and intrauterine environmental insult occurring during the period of limb embryogenesis. Each entity may exhibit a peculiar dermatoglyphic pattern which is genetically predetermined.

During routine embryology practical demonstration, we came across a 20 year old female medical student with bilateral post axial polydactyly, bilateral incomplete simple syndactyly between the middle, ring and little fingers and non aligned ulnar border of the hand. Dermatoglyphic studies revealed abnormally high Total Finger Ridge Count (TFRC), abnormally high atd angle, occurrence of whorl & twin whorl patterns in all but one fingers and palmar crease lines on the thenar eminence, longitudinal to the thumb.

Knowledge of anomalies of the hand, their combination and genetic basis is important for improving the outcome of surgical correction and genetic counseling.

Keywords: Multiply hand anomalies, Dermatoglyphic patterns, Syndactyly, Polydactyly.