Aplasias of the Anterior Thoracic Wall, the Pectoral Muscles, and the Breast

Abstract

On the basis of 12 cases observed clinically, the various types of aplasia of the thoracic wall and their similarities are mentioned. Treatment of thoracic ectopia cordis was attempted. Aplasia of the pectoral muscles and ipsilateral syndactyly is described and the incidence is estimated. In one case of complete absence of the breast with smultaneous aplasia of the pectoral musculature in an adult female, a procedure for reconstruction of a breast is described. Various types of aplasia of the pectoral muscles are demonstrated and, in addition, one case of unilateral isolated absence of the mammary gland is reported. The very few published cases of familial incidence of aplasia on the thorax are reviewed. It is suggested that these deformities are closely related and a hypothesis is propounded concerning a common pathogenesis.