Electron Microscopic Studies of Harlequin Fetuses

Abstract: Four cases of harlequin fetus of various estimated gastational ages (16, 20, 21, 24 weeks) were examined by light and electron microscopy. When the epidermis was keratinized the following features were commonly found: hyperkeratosis with or without granular cells; dilated hair follicles with plugged keratin; a large number of dense or particle‐cored granules In the upper malpighlan layer; absence of cementsomes (lamellar bodies); large vacuotes with peripherally located laminations; large mitochondria with vesicular or membranous cristae; and early formation of the marginal band in keratinocytea and abnormal formotion of the same in luminal cells of the acrosyringlum. A 16‐week specimen had no sign of karatinization, which made It difficult to detect these abnormalities; however, it did have large mitochondria in the keratlnocytes. The mucous membrane of the lip was thickened but not keratinized. Copyright © 1993, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reservedSCOPUS: ar.j