Poland Anomaly
Poland Syndactyly
Poland Sequence
Unilateral Defect of Pectoralis Muscle and Syndactyly of the Hand


Disorder Subdivisions:


Abstract (General Discussion)
The information contained in the Rare Disease Database (RDB) is provided for educational purposes only. It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes. If you order the full text version of this report from NORD, you can contact the agencies listed in the Resources section for more detailed information and avenues to support. In addition, your personal physician may be able to provide details specific to your case.

PRELIMINARY DRAFT
This preliminary draft has not been approved by our medical advisors; therefore, its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Verification of medical accuracy is pending. This is the most current information that NORD has available at this time.

Poland Syndrome is an extremely rare developmental disorder that is present at birth (congenital). It is characterized by absence (agenesis) or underdevelopment (hypoplasia) of certain muscles of the chest (e.g., pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, and/or other nearby muscles), and abnormally short, webbed fingers (symbrachydactyly). Additional findings may include underdevelopment or absence of one nipple (including the darkened area around the nipple [areola]) and/or patchy hair growth under the arm (axilla). In females, one breast may also be underdeveloped (hypoplastic) or absent (amastia). In some cases, affected individuals may also exhibit underdeveloped upper ribs and/or an abnormally short arm with underdeveloped forearm bones (i.e., ulna and radius) on the affected side (ipsilateral). In most cases, physical abnormalities are confined to one side of the body (unilateral). In approximately 75 percent of the cases, the right side of the body is affected. The range and severity of symptoms may vary from case to case. The exact cause of Poland Syndrome is not known.

Resources
(Please note that some of these organizations may provide information concerning certain conditions potentially associated with this disorder [e.g., abnormalities of the hands, shortened limbs, etc.].)



**IMPORTANT**
The information contained in the Organizational Database (ODB) is provided for informational purposes only. There is no implied endorsement by NORD. NORD does not promote or endorse participation in any specific organization. The information is subject to change without notice. Every effort is made to ensure that the details for each entry are as current as possible.

For more information on Poland Syndrome, please contact:

National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.(NORD)
P.O. Box 8923
New Fairfield, CT 06812-8923
Telephone: (203) 746-6518
Fax: (203) 746-6481
Toll free: (800) 999-6673
TDD: (203) 746-6927
e-mail: orphan@nord-rdb.com
Home Page: http://www.nord-rdb.com/~orphan

NIH/National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse
One AMS Circle
Bethesda, MD 20892--3675
(301) 495-4484



NIH/National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
9000 Rockville Pike
Building 31 Rm 2A32
MSC 2425
Bethesda, MD 20892
(301) 496-5133
Home Page: http://www.nih.gov/nichd/