We read with interest the article by Bartoshesky et al1 on ophthalmic and lethal cardiac malformations in the newborn exposed to diphenylhydantoin in utero. The article makes an important point about previously undescribed clinical features of fetal hydantoin syndrome and emphasizes the generalized effect of diphenylhydantoin as a teratogen. To elaborate further on this point, we wish to share our clinical observations in two patients with fetal hydantoin syndrome.
One patient,2 a male (Figure), showed subcutaneous vascular abnormalities (cystic hygromas, telangiectasias, and capillary phlebectasias) on the anterior neck and both axillae, in addition to developmental delay, esotropia, epicanthal folds, high palate, triphalangeal thumbs, hypoplastic nails, inguinal hernia, and seven arches on the fingertips.
Developmental Delay and in Utero Phenytoin Exposure