Hemifacial hypertrophy: A rare case report

Abstract

Asymmetric variations of the contralateral structures of the head and face occur commonly in the general population and are an accepted feature of morphogenesis. A gross asymmetry characterized by marked unilateral overdevelopment of hard and soft tissues of head and face is a rare congenital malformation and has been termed as hemifacial hypertrophy (HFH). The etiology is unknown, but several theories have been proposed including hormonal imbalances, diseases involving the neural system, vascular conditions, lymphatic abnormalities, mechanical influences and congenital syphilis. Generally, treatment is not indicated for HFH unless cosmetic considerations are involved. An 8 years old boy reported to the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology with the characteristic features of HFH. The case is presented to supplement existing clinical knowledge.

Keywords

• Facial hemihypertrophy
• Hemifacial hyperplasia
• Asymmetry
• Congenital anomaly