Hemifacial Microsomia

Abstract

Hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is a congenital nonheritable condition affecting the first and second pharyngeal arches, with dysmorphology and underdevelopment of requisite craniofacial structures [1–4]. A number of names have been designated to describe this process and associated constellation of findings [5, 6]. Bilateral craniofacial or bifacial microsomia is used when both sides are involved. This primarily unilateral birth defect can affect the skeletal, nerve, and soft tissues related to the first and second branchial arches with various gradations. Furthermore, broad-spectrum HFM can lead to ocular, renal, cardiac, and spinal aberrations [7, 8]. Gorlin et al. and Peterson-Falzone provide an extensive overview of the wide range of anomalies witnessed in HFM [2, 9].