New Method and Approach to the Genetics of Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate

¹ Zoller Memorial Dental Clinic, University of Chicago, and Dept. of Orthodontics, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.

Frontal laminagraphic X-ray technique was introduced as a new tool in the diagnosis of non-visible irregularities in nasopalatal bone structures presumed to be connected with congenital cleft lip and palate deformities. Eccentricities in the shape of the nostrils were noted. Even if these two manifestations of congenital malformation ("forme fruste" or microform) are accepted as evidence identifying the carrier status for this heritable deformity, the mode of inheritance is still in doubt.

Data from 13 families, with all parents and siblings examined laminagraphically, were presented. The findings imply that cleft lip, with or without cleft palate, is heritable dominantly rather than recessively. It was suggested that this technique, X-ray laminagraphy of nasopalatal bone structures, in addition to the observation of the shape of nostrils, should be applied to broader studies of a sufficient number of affected families as well as a control group.

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