Geometric Facial Erosions on a Newborn

When a newborn exhibits dermal aplasia and linear erosions on the face and neck, especially if there are ocular anomalies, further investigation is needed to determine if he or she has MiDAS (microphthalmia, dermal aplasia, and sclerocornea) or other syndromes with associated skin findings. MiDAS syndrome or MLS (microphthalmia with linear skin defect) is an X-linked dominant genodematosis characterized by cutaneous, ocular, central nervous system, and cardiac defects. It is essential to diagnose MiDAS syndrome early in life to allow for a thorough workup. This workup is to determine if there are any associated abnormalities in the child that require a multidisciplinary approach for diagnosis and treatment. While the skin lesions of MiDAS syndrome heal spontaneously, other associated abnormalities require early intervention and can be life threatening. This case report describes the work up, diagnosis, etiology, potential complications, and necessary follow up of MiDAS syndrome in a new born African American female.