Congenital Scalp Defects in Twin Sisters

Abstract

CONGENITAL DEFECT of the scalp presents diagnostic problems in the neonate, where it appears as a superficially ulcerated lesion which may be associated with a defect in the underlying bone. The observation of scalp defects in identical twin girls at birth afforded an opportunity to document the natural course of this condition. Report of Cases RK (L.A.G.H. 226-73-07), a 5 lb 4 oz (2,380 gm) female, was born the first of twins, at 42 weeks gestation, of a 20-year-old Caucasian mother and a 22-year-old Caucasian father. The mother had no prenatal care and the pregnancy was complicated by preeclampsia. The mother, maternal grandfather, and maternal great-grandfather were each one of fraternal twins. There was no family history of skin defects or other congenital anomalies. At the time of delivery, the patient was noted to have three small circumscribed raw areas in the scalp at the vertex. She was admitted to