Athelia: case report and review of the literature

Br J Plast Surg. 2005 Sep;58(6):833-7. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2005.01.018.

Abstract

The absence of nipple-areola complex is a rare entity and is always associated with other anomalies. This paper described a case of bilateral athelia without other alterations. The atrophy of the dense mesenchyme due to absence of parathyroid hormone-related protein produced in epithelium may lead to nipple involution. Further cases should be studied to corroborate this theory.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Choanal Atresia / etiology
  • Dermoid Cyst / etiology
  • Ear / abnormalities
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Nipples / abnormalities*
  • Nipples / surgery
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods*
  • Poland Syndrome / genetics
  • Scalp / abnormalities
  • Skin Transplantation / methods
  • Syndrome