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1923 Methimazole embryofetopathy

definition

Methimazole embryopathy is a teratogenic embryofetopathy that results from maternal exposition to methimazole (MMI; or the parent compound carbimazole) in the first trimester of pregnancy. MMI is an antithyroid thionamide drug used for the treatment of Graves' disease. In the infant, MMI may result in choanal atresia, esophageal atresia, omphalocele, omphalomesenteric duct anomalies, congenital heart disease (such as ventricular septal defect), renal system malformations and aplasia cutis (see these terms). Additional features that may be observed include facial dysmorphism (short upslanting palpebral fissures, a broad nasal bridge with a small nose and a broad forehead) and athelia/hypothelia.