Abstract

The case presented here shows the rare diagnosis of fetal otocephaly with lethal prognosis due to impossible airway management after birth. Otocephaly is characterised by fetal agnathia, microstomia and synotia. As in our case, otocephaly is usually not recognised until the third trimester and leads to challenging clinical situations and decision making.

A woman in her 30s presented to our tertiary hospital at 27 weeks of gestation because of an unexplained polyhydramnios. 3D imaging illustrated the complex syndrome of otocephaly and helped understand the present disease patterns. After premature birth, palliative care was agreed on and the newborn was able to pass away peacefully in the arms of his parents.

We recommend the implementation of 3D imaging into routine scans for the assessment of the fetal face and ears, especially in situations of unexplained polyhydramnios.