Which of the following is a feature of fetal alcohol syndrome?

Which of the following is a feature of fetal alcohol syndrome?

• A. Clinodactyly
• B. Macrocephaly
• C. Hearing loss
• D. Micrognathia

Answer: (A)

Fetal alcohol syndrome often presents with growth restriction, neurodevelopmental problems, and subtle congenital anomalies, including limb differences. Clinodactyly, a curved or bent little finger, is a recognized minor anomaly that can appear in individuals with prenatal alcohol exposure, making it a plausible and characteristic finding within the FAS spectrum. Macrocephaly would be unlikely because FAS more commonly involves a smaller head size (microcephaly). Hearing loss is not a defining feature of FAS, though congenital problems can occur in other contexts. Micrognathia (a small jaw) isn’t a hallmark feature of FAS and is less characteristic than the presence of limb anomalies like clinodactyly.

Fetal alcohol syndrome often presents with growth restriction, neurodevelopmental problems, and subtle congenital anomalies, including limb differences. Clinodactyly, a curved or bent little finger, is a recognized minor anomaly that can appear in individuals with prenatal alcohol exposure, making it a plausible and characteristic finding within the FAS spectrum.

Macrocephaly would be unlikely because FAS more commonly involves a smaller head size (microcephaly). Hearing loss is not a defining feature of FAS, though congenital problems can occur in other contexts. Micrognathia (a small jaw) isn’t a hallmark feature of FAS and is less characteristic than the presence of limb anomalies like clinodactyly.