Goldenhar's syndrome. Oculoauriculo-vertebral dysplasia

Abstract

Three cases of Goldenhar's syndrome diagnosed over a 4-year period in the newborn nursery all showed epibulbar dermoids, auricular appendices, and vertebral anomalies which are considered to be the hallmarks of the syndrome. The infants were small-for-dates and showed feeding difficulties, which may be features of the condition. A variety of other malformations was present. The aetiology of the syndrome remains obscure. The importance of differentiating Goldenhar's syndrome from mandibulofacial dysostosis, hemifacial microsomia, and the various first arch syndromes is stressed.