The relationship between isolated pes equinovarus and aneuploidies and perinatal outcomes: Results of a tertiary center.

OBJECTIVE: Congenital pes equinovarus (PEV) is the most common congenital deformity of the foot, characterized by plantar flexion with a frequency of 0.2-0.3%. It can be diagnosed from the 12th week of pregnancy. Non-isolated cases tend to be syndromic and complex. We aimed to evaluate the results of perinatally diagnosed isolated PEV.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted between March 2015-March 2020. Women who presented for fetal anomaly screening or were referred due to any suspected fetal anomaly were subjected to detailed fetal anomaly scans and checked for the presence of PEV. Karyotype analysis was discussed for patients with PEV. Pregnancy termination was recommended for those with chromosomal/life-threatening anomalies. The diagnosis was confirmed by postnatal examination/autopsy. Postnatal diagnosis was accepted as false-positive in those with no PEV.

RESULTS: One-hundred thirty-eight patients were found to have PEV, 41 (29.7%) of which were isolated. In the isolated group, the false-positive rate in the first trimester was significantly higher compared with the second trimester, 50%/15.3%, respectively (p<0.05). Chromosomal anomalies were detected in 2 (4.8%) patients in the isolated group. Termination was performed to 1 (2.4%) patients due to trisomy 21. In the non-isolated group, chromosomal anomalies were detected in 13 (13.4%) patients, and termination was recommended. Termination was also recommended to 18 (18.5%) patients due to anomalies incompatible with life. In the postnatal evaluation, the surgical treatment rate in the isolated/non-isolated groups was 6%/39.7% (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION: When PEV is diagnosed, detailed fetal anomaly screening must be performed, patients should be informed about the chromosomal anomaly risk. High false-positive rates in the first trimester should be kept in mind for diagnosis. Karyotype analysis should be recommended also to isolated cases. It should be remembered that some neuromuscular/skeletal system anomalies may occur for the first time in the postnatal period in isolated cases.