Pathology
Images
Fetopathology and developmental pathology of the embryo and fetus
Marta Ježová, Josef Feit et al.
×
+ Introduction
+ Support
+ Atlas of fetal pathology
Thanatophoric dysplasia
Introduction
  • The most common form of lethal skeletal dysplasia.
  • The name is derived from Greek thanatos (death) and phorus (seeking).
Etiology, pathogenesis
  • mutations of the fibroblastic growth factor 3 (FGFR3)
  • mutations of the same gen were also identified in achondroplasia and hypochondroplasia which are compatible with normal survival
  • sporadic dominant mutations (AD)
  • thanatophoric dysplasia common type
  • thanatophoric dysplasia with cloverleaf skull: generalized skeletal dysplasia identical to the common form and a craniosynostosis with abnormal skull configuration, severe hydrocephalus is present
Clinical signs
  • stillbirth
  • death at birth or early after birth due to respiratory insufficiency
Macroscopic appearance
  • relatively large head
  • short limbs (micromelia)
  • narrow thorax
  • RTG: severe platyspondyly, short ribs, bowing of the shortened femurs (telephone receiver femur)
Histology

Severely disturbed enchondral ossification.