ABSTRACT
Facial clefts are usually isolated but may be associated with other medical conditions such as chromosomal abnormality, genetic syndromes, and a family history of facial clefts. Cleft lip is associated with a cleft palate in the majority of cases. The “equals sign” could help in evaluation of the soft palate in the event of a cleft lip and palate. Visualization of the equals sign proves an intact palate. Absence of the equals sign indicates a cleft palate and should prompt further examination of the soft palate in a median sagittal section. Cleft palate can be confirmed when the soft palate cannot be visualized. Median and bilateral cleft lip/alveolus are associated with a higher risk of underlying chromosomal abnormality or midline structural abnormalities of the brain. A profile view shows “pre-maxillary protrusion” in cases of bilateral cleft lip/alveolus. Pre-natal diagnosis of cleft palate without cleft lip/alveolus is extremely difficult.
