What is Polish syndrome?

Poland’s syndrome, known clinically as Poland’s syndrome, is a rare clinical condition in which the main clinical manifestations are absence of the pectoralis major muscle on one side and deformities of the ipsilateral hand or chest wall. The incidence of Poland’s syndrome is three times higher in men than in women, and 75% of patients have right-sided involvement. Some patients also have ipsilateral hand bone hypoplasia, such as short middle finger deformity with syndactyly and congenital absence of fingers. Other clinical manifestations vary according to the type of deformity and the population affected. In female patients, asymmetrical breast development may occur. In patients with chest wall bone defects resulting in pulmonary hernia, patients are prone to abnormal respiratory activity, mainly coughing and crying, which can be detected in childhood. Some of the symptoms may worsen with age, and symptoms such as panic, shortness of breath, hypoxia, and chest pain may occur. For example, rib deformity can be repaired with autologous bone, sternal plate reversal can be used for patients with larger defects, and plastic surgery can be done for patients with juxtaposed finger deformity.