Grebe dysplasia - prenatal diagnosis based on rendered 3-D ultrasound images of fetal limbs

Pediatr Radiol. 2017 Jan;47(1):108-112. doi: 10.1007/s00247-016-3705-9. Epub 2016 Sep 27.

Abstract

Grebe dysplasia is a rare skeletal dysplasia characterized by severe acromesomelic shortening of the long bones in a proximal to distal gradient of severity, with bones of the hands and feet more severely affected than those of the forearms and legs, which in turn are more severely affected than the humeri and femora. In addition, the bones of the lower extremities tend to be more severely affected than the bones of the upper extremities. Despite the severe skeletal deformities, the condition is not lethal and surviving individuals can have normal intelligence. Herein we report a case of Grebe dysplasia diagnosed at 20 weeks of gestation. Rendered 3-D ultrasound images of the fetal limbs, particularly of the characteristic tiny and globular-looking fingers and toes, were instrumental in accurately characterizing the phenotype prenatally.

Keywords: Fetus; Grebe dysplasia; Limbs; Prenatal diagnosis; Skeletal dysplasia; Three-dimensional; Ultrasound.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Fetal Death
  • Humans
  • Musculoskeletal Abnormalities / diagnostic imaging*
  • Osteochondrodysplasias / diagnostic imaging*
  • Phenotype
  • Pregnancy
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal*

Supplementary concepts

  • Chondrodysplasia, Grebe type