title: Fetal mustache in early pregnancy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to determine the incidence in an unselected population of a rod-like structure on the fetal upper lip (called a 'mustache') which we had previously observed as an incidental finding. A secondary aim was to determine whether this was associated with any abnormalities or abnormal outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective non-randomized study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three thousand consecutive fetuses from an unselected population were scanned by one sonologist.
  
  
  METHODS
  Transvaginal ultrasound examinations were performed at 14-16 weeks' gestation. Repeat sonographic examinations were performed at 20-22 weeks' gestation in cases where a mustache was detected, and these neonates were examined by a pediatrician after delivery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seven of 3000 fetuses had a mustache-like structure on the upper lip. The 'mustache' disappeared later in gestation. No anomaly of the upper lip was detected after birth in these fetuses.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A mustache-like structure on the fetal upper lip in early pregnancy probably represents a normal variant of lip development. It is likely to represent a delay in the normal process of lip fusion during embryonic life.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bronshtein
authors.forename: E Z
authors.initials: EZ
authors.lastname: Zimmer
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Offir
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Blazer
mesh_terms: D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008046:Lip / Q000196:embryology*; D008445:Maxillofacial Development; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal