The isotretinoin teratogen syndrome

Abstract

Two infants with prominent frontal bossing, hydrocephalus, microphthalmia, and small, malformed, low-set, undifferentiated ears were born to mothers who had taken isotretinoin in the first trimester of pregnancy. A Dandy-Walker malformation, microcephaly, hypertelorism, small ear canals, cleft palate, small mouth, and congenital heart disease were also observed. Isotretinoin is a potent teratogen in man; maternal ingestion early in pregnancy leads to a distinct clinical pattern of anomalies.