Minimal cleft lip. Comparison of associated abnormalities.

The literature relevant to minimal forms of cleft lip (CL(M)) has been reviewed. CL(M) has been defined as a cleft which does not extend past the vermilion. 20 patients with CL(M) (18 unilateral, 2 bilateral) were studied. Clinical and roentgenological findings from the lip, nose, alveolar ridge, teeth and palate were compared. All patients had some degree of nasal deformity; 13 of 15 patients had dental and 6 of 20 alveolar ridge deformities. Among 20 patients, there was 1 bifid uvula, 2 submucous cleft palate, and 1 cleft of the soft palate. 3 patients had several other abnormalities. A positive family history of clefts in relatives was noted in 2 cases. The severity of the dento-alveolar deformity did not seem to correlate with the severity of the nasal or the lip deformity, but the nasal deformity directly correlated with the lip deformity. Thus, the present CL(M) patients can be regarded as having actual clefts, although some may be normal variations.