Poland's syndrome: clinical analyses of 15 cases with review of literature

Objective To summarize the clinical characteristics of 15 cases of Poland's syndrome and to explore the suitable treatment strategies. Methods A retrospective study of 15 adult patients with Poland's syndrome was conducted and the related literature was reviewed. According to the development of pectoralis muscles and breast, chest deformities were classified into 2 grades: mild and severe. Mild form was limited to absence of partial pectoralis major muscle, with variable hypoplasia of other minor components (such as the size of breast and the size and position of the nipple-areola complex), leading to a mild chest wall asymmetry. Severe form was characterized by absence or severe hypoplasia of the pectoralis major muscle and mammary gland with an evident chest wall asymmetry. Combined with gender, adult patients were divided into 4 types: female mild, female severe, male mild, and male severe. Each type had its own treatment strategies based on its anatomic features: silicone implant insertion for female mild type;latissimus dorsi muscular flap transposition and silicone implant insertion for female severe type;fat injection for male mild type;latissimus dorsi muscular flap transposition for male severe type of the patients. From 2003 to 2008, 15 adult cases were admitted to our ward, aged from 16 to 34 years.The case number of each type was 6, 6, 2 and 1, respectively. One severe female patients rejected any surgical interventions;the others were all treated as the above. Results Follow-up periods ranged from 6 months to 4 years. This series had got satisfactory results with good breast symmetry and natural texture. All the latissimus dorsi muscular flaps survived well. No postoperative complications, such as implant capsular contracture or implant displacement, were observed. Conclusion The manifestations of Poland's syndrome are extremely varied. This classification method is simple but useful, which could effectively direct the individualized treatment for the complete and adequate rehabilitation. Latissimus dorsi muscular flap, pedicled or free transplanted, pulsing silicone implant in females, are the first choices for severe chest deformations of this syndrome. Key words: Mammaplasty; Poland's syndrome; Breast dysplasia