Pterygium Syndrome

Pterygium syndrome (pterygium-syndromum; from the Greek "pterygion" - something similar to a wing) is a rare congenital disease characterized by abnormal development of the skin and soft tissues in the neck, resembling a wing.

Synonyms: flight membrane, pterygium, pterygoid syndrome, pterygoid neck.

The main signs of pterygium syndrome:

1. A fold of skin on the side of the neck that resembles a bat's wing.

2. Limited mobility and neck asymmetry.

3. Impaired lymphatic drainage due to compression of the lymphatic vessels.

4. Cosmetic defect.

The causes of pterygium syndrome have not been fully established. A disorder of embryogenesis is suspected, leading to abnormal development of the skin and soft tissues of the neck.

Diagnosis is based on the clinical picture and data from ultrasound, MRI and CT of the neck. Surgical treatment involves excision of excess skin and soft tissue. The prognosis is favorable with timely surgical treatment.

Pterygia (Greek πτερίγιον, “porch, interception”) is a protrusion of the conjunctiva of the eye, characterized by the formation of a corneal fold at the posterior edge of the cornea, usually along the upper edge of the eye. Pterygium is so named because of its appearance, which resembles the wings of a bird. In the pathological form of pterygia, not only tissues, but also the bones of the orbit take part in its formation, which makes the clinical picture of the disease special. Sometimes pterygiums accompany severe pathological conditions of the lacrimal organs (blepharospasm, sclerosis of the eyelids, increased eye fatigue); infiltrates sometimes form under them in children. Treatment of pterygium is not always effective; constant monitoring is necessary. The development of pterygium is extremely dangerous because it can cause the growth of mucous membrane on the surface of the cornea. The pterygous pathway is mainly characteristic of 4-