Oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum: associated anomalies, functional deficits and possible developmental risk factors

Goldenhar syndrome with limbal neoformation, microtia and skeletal deformities: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

To report a case of a 4-year-old patient with Goldenhar syndrome.

CASE PRESENTATION

The author presents a rare case report involving a 4-year-old boy with multiple malformations. A comprehensive examination showed that the patient primarily had a limbal dermoid. He also has bilateral microtia and ear canal deformities. The skull CT scan and spine X-ray showed Maxillofacial Abnormalities and scoliosis. Whole Exome Sequencing revealed potential gene variations related to microtia. Although certain circumstances prevented us from initiating follow-up treatment for the patient, we have provided a detailed account of the diagnostic methodologies used for this condition.

CONCLUSIONS

Goldenhar syndrome is a congenital condition, predominantly presenting as sporadic cases. Its diagnosis and management typically necessitate the involvement of multiple disciplines, including otolaryngology and craniofacial surgery. The syndrome encompasses a variety of craniofacial features, which can facilitate early diagnosis and guide subsequent therapeutic interventions.

Velopharyngeal insufficiency, speech, and language impairment in craniofacial microsomia: a scoping review

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the literature on velopharyngeal insufficiency, associated anomalies, and speech/language impairment in patients with craniofacial microsomia (CFM). A systematic search of the literature was conducted to identify records on VPI and speech impairment in CFM from their inception until September 2022 within the databases Embase, PubMed, MEDLINE, Ovid, CINAHL EBSCO, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. Seventeen articles were included, analysing 1,253 patients. Velopharyngeal insufficiency results in hypernasality can lead to speech impairment. The reported prevalence of both velopharyngeal insufficiency and hypernasality ranged between 12.5% and 55%, while the reported prevalence of speech impairment in patients with CFM varied between 35.4% and 74%. Language problems were reported in 37% to 50% of patients. Speech therapy was documented in 45.5% to 59.6% of patients, while surgical treatment for velopharyngeal insufficiency consisted of pharyngeal flap surgery or pharyngoplasty and was reported in 31.6% to 100%. Cleft lip and/or palate was reported in 10% to 100% of patients with CFM; these patients were found to have worse speech results than those without cleft lip and/or palate. No consensus was found on patient characteristics associated with an increased risk of velopharyngeal insufficiency and speech/language impairment. Although velopharyngeal insufficiency is a less commonly reported characteristic of CFM than other malformations, it can cause speech impairment, which may contribute to delayed language development in patients with CFM. Therefore, timely recognition and treatment of speech impairment is essential.

Interrater Reliability for Classifying Craniofacial Microsomia Severity: A Call for Objective Evaluation

OBJECTIVE

The severity of craniofacial microsomia (CFM) is generally classified using the Orbit, Mandible, Ear, Soft tissue, Nerve (OMENS) classification score. The global assessment of the Phenotypic Assessment Tool for Craniofacial Microsomia (PAT-CFM), is a pictorial modification of the OMENS classification. The aim of this study was to assess the interrater reliability of the PAT-CFM global assessment score.

DESIGN

In this prospective cohort study, three clinicians completed the global assessment form of the PAT-CFM. The mandible was classified based on orthopantomogram- and/or computed tomography images.

PARTICIPANTS

Consecutive patients with CFM or microtia.

Interrater agreement was calculated using the weighted Krippendorff alpha (α), with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

In total, 53 patients were included (106 hemifaces). The reliabilities of the main classification components ranged from high for the mandible (α = 0.904 [95% CI 0.860-0.948]) and ear (α = 0.958 [95% CI 0.934-0.983]) subscales, to tentative for the orbital summary score (α = 0.682 [0.542-0.821]), and nerve summary score (α = 0.782 [0.666-0.900]) subscales.

CONCLUSIONS

The reliability of the ear and radiographic mandible scales of the PAT-CFM global classification were high, while the orbit, facial nerve and soft tissue subscales may have limited reliability. Research focusing on radiographic severity scores for hypoplasia of the orbits and soft tissues, as well as objective measures for overall facial hypoplasia using non-ionizing forms of imaging for early classification, are warranted.

Focuses, Trends, and Developments in Craniofacial Microsomia From 1992 to 2022: A Bibliometric Analysis

There is a current lack of scientific bibliometric analyses in craniofacial microsomia (CFM) and relevant fields. Craniofacial microsomia is a congenital disease resulting from a series of structural malformations involving the first and second branchial arches. Craniofacial microsomia and related fields have attracted the attention of clinicians and interested researchers worldwide. This study summarizes the research status and focuses to help researchers fully grasp the current research situation of CFM and relevant fields in the past three decades and drive future research into new publications. Literature data were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Results Analysis and Citation Report of Web of Science, and CiteSpace software were used to evaluate and visualize the results, including publication characteristics, disciplines, journals, literature, countries/regions, institutions, authors, research focuses, etc. A total of 949 original articles and reviews were included after manual screening, and the overall trend of the number of annual publications and citations was increasing. According to the analysis, the description of the clinical characteristics of CFM, the classification of CFM, and mandibular distraction osteogenesis have always been the focus of research in this field. Besides, with the continuous progress of new technologies such as gene sequencing and the expansion of researchers' understanding of diseases, research on genetics and etiology related to CFM has been a developing trend.

Distribution and Phenotype of Goldenhar Syndrome and Its Association With Other Anomalies

The purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution and phenotype of Goldenhar syndrome (GS) and its association with other anomalies. The samples consisted of 18 GS patients (6 males and 12 females; mean age at investigation, 7.4 ± 4.8 y) who were treated or followed up at the Department of Orthodontics, Seoul National University Dental Hospital between 1999 and 2021. The prevalence of side involvement and degree of mandibular deformity (MD), midface anomalies, and association with other anomalies were evaluated using statistical analysis. The prevalence of unilateral and bilateral MD did not differ (55.6% versus 44.4%). In unilateral MD cases, there was a tendency for higher prevalence of more severe Pruzansky-Kaban types than mild ones (type I, 10%; type IIa, 10%; type IIb, 50%; type III, 30%). Despite hypoplasia of the condyle/ramus complex, compensatory mandibular body growth occurred in 33.3% of GS patients (more severe side in bilateral MD cases, 37.5%, and ipsilateral side in unilateral MD cases, 30%). Class II molar relation was more prevalent than class I and class III molar relations (72.2% versus 11.1% versus 16.7%, P <0.01). Al total of 38.9% of patients had congenitally missing tooth. #7 facial cleft was found in 44.4% of patients. In midface anomalies, ear problem was the most common anomaly, followed by hypoplasia/absence of zygomatic arch and eye problem (88.9% versus 64.3% versus 61.1%, P <0.01). Association with the midface, spine, cardiovascular, and limb anomalies did not differ between unilateral and bilateral MD cases. These results might provide a basic guideline for diagnosis and treatment planning for GS patients.

Evaluating International Diagnostic, Screening, and Monitoring Practices for Craniofacial Microsomia and Microtia: A Survey Study

To (1) appraise current international classification and clinical management strategies for craniofacial microsomia (CFM) and microtia, and (2) to assess agreement with the European Reference Network "European Guideline Craniofacial Microsomia" recommendations on screening and monitoring.

This was a cross-sectional online survey study. The survey consisted of 44 questions on demographics, diagnostics and classification, obstructive sleep apnea, feeding difficulties, speech and language development, hearing, ocular abnormalities, visual development, orthodontic screening, genetic counselling, psychological wellbeing, and extracraniofacial anomalies.

Respondents were participants of 3 international cleft and craniofacial conferences, members of the American Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Association and members of the International Society for Auricular Reconstruction. Respondents were requested to complete 1 questionnaire per multidisciplinary team.

Fifty-seven responses were received from 30 countries (response rate ∼3%).The International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement diagnostic criteria were used by 86% of respondents, though 65% considered isolated microtia a mild form of CFM. The Orbit, Mandible, Ear, Facial Nerve and Soft Tissue classification system was used by 74% of respondents. Agreement with standardized screening and monitoring recommendations was between 61% and 97%. A majority of respondents agreed with screening for extracraniofacial anomalies (63%-68%) and with genetic counselling (81%).

This survey did not reveal consistent agreement on the diagnostic criteria for CFM. Respondents mostly supported management recommendations, but frequently disagreed with the standardization of care. Future studies could focus on working towards international consensus on diagnostic criteria, and exploring internationally feasible management strategies.

Open Bite Malocclusion and Orofacial Dysfunction in Patients with Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Open bite (OB) is a common malocclusion in individuals with orofacial dysfunction and syndromes, especially in neuromuscular diseases.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives were to explore the prevalence of OB in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and to create and compare orofacial dysfunction profiles.

METHODS

In this database study, 143 individuals with DM1 and 99 with DMD were included. The Mun-H-Center questionnaire and observation chart were used together with the Nordic Orofacial Test -Screening (NOT-S) to create orofacial dysfunction profiles. OB was categorised as: lateral (LOB); anterior (AOB); severe anterior (AOBS); or both types of anterior OB (AOBTot). Descriptive and multivariate statistics were used to compare the OB prevalence and to study associations with orofacial variables, respectively.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant difference in OB prevalence between the DM1 (37%) and DMD (49%) groups (p = 0.048). LOB was seen in < 1% of DM1 and 18% of DMD. LOB was associated with macroglossia and closed mouth posture, AOB with hypotonic lips, and open mouth posture and AOBS with hypotonic jaw muscles. The orofacial dysfunction profiles showed similar patterns, although the mean NOT-S total scores for DM1 and DMD were 4.2±2.8 (median 4.0, min-max 1-8) and 2.3±2.0 (median 2.0, min-max 0-8), respectively.

LIMITATIONS

The two groups were not age- or gender-matched.

CONCLUSION

OB malocclusion is common in patients with DM1 and DMD and is associated with different types of orofacial dysfunction. This study highlights the need for multi-disciplinary assessments to support tailored treatment strategies that improve or sustain orofacial functions.

Avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder in a male patient with Goldenhar syndrome

BACKGROUND

Goldenhar syndrome (GS) is a rare congenital condition characterized by the underdevelopment of structures deriving from the first and second branchial arches. Clinical phenotype might encompass extra-craniofacial abnormalities, and patients may experience neuropsychiatric disorders with a higher prevalence than healthy controls. To the best of our knowledge, an association between GS and Feeding and Eating Disorders (FED) has never been reported in the literature.

CASE REPORT

A 15-year-old boy with GS was referred to our outpatient clinic due to severe underweight (BMI of 12.7 kg/m2) and food intake disorder with avoidant restrictive features. After a diagnosis of avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) was made, an inpatient multidisciplinary intervention and outpatient follow-up program were provided, which resulted in the improvement of the boy's weight and FED psychopathology.

CONCLUSIONS

The current report describes the first case of a young male with GS and ARFID. We suggest that ARFID may present itself as part of the spectrum of neuropsychiatric disorders associated with the syndrome; since traumatic experiences and gastrointestinal discomfort play a pivotal role in the development of ARFID among children, attention should be paid to those affected by GS that involves crucial structures in the swallowing process. Further literature evidence will help portray the complex relationship between ARFID and GS more precisely.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V, case report.

Three-Dimensional Morphology and Configuration Analyses of the Craniovertebral Junction in Children with Hemifacial Microsomia

STUDY DESIGN

Observational and morphological study with three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) analysis.

OBJECTIVE

To discover the morphology and configuration deformities of craniovertebral junction (CVJ) and upper cervical spine in children with unilateral hemifacial microsomia (HFM). To determine whether there are specific HFM patients who are at higher risk of certain cervical vertebral anomaly.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The evaluation for cervical vertebrae anomaly in HFM children, especially in CVJ region, is underreported.

METHODS

Eighty-eight unilateral HFM children (64 males, 24 females) with four Pruzansky-Kaban types (I, Ila, Ilb, and III) underwent cranial and cervical CT scanning from skull to C5 in neutral position. The 3D morphology and configuration of the occipital condyle, atlas, and axis, etc. were evaluated on the presence of deformed detailed structures of CVJ region.

RESULTS

No C1 deformation was found in type I group. Six (14.3%) type Ila cases, seven (33.3%) type IIb cases, and six (37.5%) type Ill cases had lateral masses asymmetry of C1 (P  < 0.05). Five (55.6%) type I cases, 17 (40.5%) type Ila cases, 12 (57.1%) type Ilb cases, and 10 (62.5%) type Ill cases had C2 anomaly (P > 0.05). The incidence rate of C1-C2 instability for four groups were 33.3% (type I), 33.3% (type IIa), 33.3% (type IIb), and 31.3% (type Ill), respectively (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

For HFM children, the incidence of C1 deformation increased from type I to type Ill. The probability of C2 anomaly and C1-C2 instability in children with different types of HFM is nearly the same. The craniovertebral junction of every HFM child must be monitored carefully for C1-C2 instability before any surgical procedure to avoid atlantoaxial dislocation and spinal cord injury.Level of Evidence: N/A.

A new association of Oculoauriculovertebral spectrum and persistent fifth aortic arch -double lumen aorta: a case report

Background

Oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum is a heterogeneous group of genetic disorder, also known as Goldenhar Syndrome, which has several phenotypic features including craniofacial anomalies, cardiac, vertebral and central nervous system defects. Cardiovascular anomalies include ventricular septal defects, atrial septal defects, patent ductus arteriosus, Tetralogy of Fallot, double outlet right ventricle, aberrant right subclavian artery, coarctation of aorta, transposition of the great arteries, double inlet left ventricle, cor triatriatum, pulmonary artery stenosis, aortic stenosis, persistent left superior vena cava, partially or totally abnormal pulmonary venous return and bicuspid aortic valve. Persistent fifth aortic arch, also named as double lumen aortic arch, is a very rare cardivascular anomaly and usually associate other cardiac defects.

Case presentation

We present a 7 month old patient with oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum signs as facial asymmetry, short neck, choanal atresia, cleft palate, bilateral preauricular skin tags, bilateral hypoplastic ear lobes, epibulbar dermoid cyst, rib, vertebrae and cardiovascular anomalies. Cardiovascular anomalies detected with echocardiography and computed tomography were malalignment ventricular septal defect and double lumen aorta, known as persistent fifth aortic arch.

Conclusion

Various cardiovascular anomalies may accompany Goldenhar Syndrome. We present a case with persistent fifth aortic arch and Oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum and this is a new association that was not reported before in the literature.

Proposed clinical approach and imaging studies in families with oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum to assess variable expressivity

A diagnosis of oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum (OAVS) is established when microtia is present in association with hemifacial hypoplasia (HH) and/or ocular, vertebral, and/or renal malformations. There is no consensus on which imaging studies should be used to rule out variable expressivity and distinguish "sporadic" from "familial" patients. This observational and descriptive study was performed in a Mexican population of 51 patients (32 males, 19 females, 0-18 years old) with microtia/OAVS, and their available parents. A clinical history, genealogy, and physical examination were obtained from all included patients, as were a computed tomography (CT) scan of the ear, audiological evaluation, orthopantomography, complete spine radiography, and renal ultrasound. The same approach was completed in their available parents (51 mothers and 40 fathers), excluding the CT scan and audiological evaluation. By genealogy, 53% of patients were classified as "sporadic"; of the "familial" patients, at least 79.1% had suggestion of a multifactorial inheritance. In the available parents, orthopantomography, complete spine X-ray, and renal ultrasound identified the following OAVS-related manifestations: HH (16.2%, n = 14/86), vertebral alterations (10.9%, n = 10/91), and renal anomalies (2.2%, n = 2/90). Our evaluation of the parents allowed three patients to be reclassified from "sporadic" to "familial" (5.8%, n = 3/51). Our proposed clinical and imaging approach allowed the identification of variable expressivity that more clearly distinguished between "sporadic" and "familial" OAVS patients, which is of utmost importance in providing proper genetic counseling to these families.

Oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum: new genes and literature review on a complex disease

Oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum (OAVS) or Goldenhar syndrome is due to an abnormal development of first and second branchial arches derivatives during embryogenesis and is characterised by hemifacial microsomia associated with auricular, ocular and vertebral malformations. The clinical and genetic heterogeneity of this spectrum with incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity, render its molecular diagnosis difficult. Only a few recurrent CNVs and genes have been identified as causatives in this complex disorder so far. Prenatal environmental causal factors have also been hypothesised. However, most of the patients remain without aetiology. In this review, we aim at updating clinical diagnostic criteria and describing genetic and non-genetic aetiologies, animal models as well as novel diagnostic tools and surgical management, in order to help and improve clinical care and genetic counselling of these patients and their families.

Community participation in youth with craniofacial microsomia

PURPOSE

To examine differences in community participation and environmental support for youth with and without craniofacial microsomia.

METHODS

This study involved secondary analyses of a subset of data (n = 396) from a longitudinal cohort study. Multiple linear and Poisson regression analyses and Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney tests were used to estimate differences in community participation and environmental support between youth with craniofacial microsomia and youth without craniofacial microsomia, stratified based on their history of education and health-related service use. Chi-square analyses were used to explore item-level group differences in change desired across community activities.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences were found in community participation frequency (ES = -0.52; p < 0.001), level of involvement (r = -0.16; p = 0.010), and desire for change in participation when comparing youth with craniofacial microsomia and non-affected peers not receiving services (p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences between youth with craniofacial microsomia and non-affected peers receiving services.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest lower community participation in youth with craniofacial microsomia as compared to non-affected peers not receiving services. This may suggest opportunities for designing and testing interventions to promote community participation among youth with craniofacial microsomia, so as to support their transition to adulthood.Implications for rehabilitationYouth with craniofacial microsomia may have unmet rehabilitation needs related to their community participation.Rehabilitation professionals should pay attention to participation of youth with craniofacial microsomia in activities that place a higher demand on involvement with others.Rehabilitation professionals should appraise participation frequency and involvement of youths with craniofacial microsomia to gain accurate insight into their current community participation.

Multiple congenital anomalies and adverse developmental outcomes are associated with neonatal intensive care admission and unilateral hearing loss

AIM

To determine congenital and developmental outcomes of children with Unilateral Hearing Loss (UHL) who were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

METHOD

Retrospective, single-site study that followed 25 children with permanent congenital UHL and a NICU admission to a NICU of Nottingham University Hospital. Birth and two-year developmental follow-up data were collected. They were compared to matched control group who had a NICU admission but no hearing loss (matched on gestational age, weight and sex).

RESULTS

The median birthweights, gestational ages and number of days spent on the NICU for the UHL population were 2510 g, 36 weeks, and 12 days respectively. Most children (20/25; 80%) with UHL and a NICU admission were diagnosed with a congenital anomaly within the first two years of life. Only half (13/25) of these children were diagnosed with a congenital anomaly at discharge. Children with UHL and a NICU admission were more likely than the matched group (NICU admission only; p < .001) to have multiple congenital anomalies. We found a positive association between multiple congenital anomalies and developmental impairment for the NICU graduates with UHL (p = .019). This UHL-NICU group were also more likely than the matched NICU children to have developmental impairment (7/25 vs. 0/25; p = .01), speech and language therapy (13/25 vs. 1/25; p < .001), inner ear malformations (14/25 vs. 0/25, p < .001) or craniofacial anomalies (12/25 vs. 2/25; p = .004).

INTERPRETATION

Children with UHL and a NICU admission were at high risk of congenital anomalies and certain adverse developmental outcomes. Improved congenital anomaly screening is needed at birth for this population. Having multiple congenital anomalies suggests closer developmental monitoring is needed. This study contributes towards producing clinical screening and management guidelines to ensure consistent high-quality care for this unique population.

A unique case of progressive hemifacial microsomia or Parry-Romberg syndrome associated with limb and brain anomalies with normal neurological findings: A review of the literature

In this report, we describe an unusual case of progressive hemifacial atrophy or Parry-Romberg syndrome in a 10-year-old girl with progressive hemifacial microsomia and limb anomalies who had brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of white matter hyper-intensities. Patients typically present with neurological manifestations such as epilepsy, facial pain, and migraines and ophthalmological symptoms in conjunction with white matter lesions. The patient demonstrated normal cognition and psychomotor development despite the presence of white matter lesions in her frontal lobe that is commonly associated with neurological symptoms. This report brings attention to the complicated relationship between facial, limb and brain imaging findings in Parry-Romberg syndrome and differentiates it from hemifacial microsomia syndrome.

Ocular and adnexal anomalies in craniofacial microsomia: Type and prevalence in a multicentre cohort study

The aim of this multicentre retrospective cohort study was to describe and categorize the types of ocular and adnexal anomalies seen in patients with craniofacial microsomia (CFM) and to determine their prevalence. In addition, the relationship between the OMENS-Plus and Pruzansky-Kaban classification for each patient and the presence of ocular anomalies was investigated. A total of 881 patients with CFM from four different craniofacial centres were included. Data on ocular anomalies were gathered from the patient charts. Ocular anomalies were present in 33.9% of patients. Four subgroups of ocular and adnexal anomalies were identified. Type I ocular anomalies were present in 22.2%, type II in 19.0%, type III in 18.4%, and type IV in 14.5%. Several potentially preventable and treatable ocular anomalies were identified. Higher OMENS-Plus classification orbit and soft tissue scores and Pruzansky-Kaban classification mandible scores were associated with an increased risk of ocular anomalies. Based on these results and the clinical implications ocular anomalies may have, we underline the importance of targeted ophthalmological screening in CFM. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the possibility of ocular anomalies in these patients, especially during the critical period for visual development.

Caregiver Perspectives on School Participation Among Students With Craniofacial Microsomia

Importance: Knowledge of unmet school participation needs for students with craniofacial microsomia (CFM) can inform decisions regarding intervention support.

Objective: To compare students with and without CFM on school participation (i.e., frequency, involvement, desire for participation to change) and caregivers’ perceptions of environmental support for participation in occupations.

Design: Cross-sectional design using secondary analyses of a subset of data.

Setting: Multisite cohort study.

Participants: Caregivers of students with CFM (n = 120) and of students without CFM (n = 315), stratified by history of education- and health-related service use.

Outcomes and Measures: School participation and environmental support, obtained with the Participation and Environment Measure–Children and Youth.

Results: Significant group differences were found in frequency of school participation (effect size [ES] = −0.38, 95% confidence interval [−0.64, −0.12], p = .005), level of involvement (ES = −0.14, p = .029), and desired change (p = .001), with students with CFM exhibiting greater participation restriction than students without CFM and no history of service use. No statistically significant group differences were found in environmental support for participation in the school setting. Item-level findings showed statistically significant higher desire for participation to change in three of five school occupations (odds ratio = 1.77–2.39, p = .003–.045) for students with CFM compared with students without CFM and no history of service use.

Conclusions and Relevance: The results suggest that students with CFM experience restriction in participation at school.

What This Article Adds: Students with CFM may benefit from targeted school-based interventions to optimize their inclusion.

Hemifacial microsomia: skeletal abnormalities evaluation using CBCT (case report)

The article presents a case report and literature review of hemifacial microsomia with cervical vertebral anomalies. Unilateral hypoplasia of the mandible, congenital anomalies of the external ear and cervical spine pathology identified in this case are common major signs/symptoms of Goldenhar (Goldenhar-Gorlin) syndrome. Complete fusion of bodies and spinous processes of the second and third cervical vertebrae as well as atlantooccipital assimilation and anterior cleft of the atlas were also found. All abnormalities were accidentally identified and not accompanied by clinical symptoms.

Speech, Language, and Communication Skills of Adolescents With Craniofacial Microsomia

Purpose Youth with craniofacial microsomia (CFM) have anomalies and comorbidities that increase their risk for speech, language, and communication deficits. We examined these outcomes in youth with and without CFM and explored differences as a function of CFM phenotype and hearing status. Method Participants included youth ages 11-17 years with CFM (n = 107) and demographically similar controls (n = 306). We assessed speech intelligibility, articulation, receptive and expressive language, and parent and teacher report measures of communication. Hearing status was also screened at the study visit. Group differences were estimated using linear regression analyses with standardized effect sizes (ES) adjusted for demographic characteristics (adjusted ES) or negative binomial regression. Results Youth with CFM scored lower than unaffected peers on most measures of intelligibility, articulation, expressive language, and parent- and-teacher-rated communication. Differences were most pronounced among participants with CFM who had mandibular hypoplasia plus microtia (adjusted ES = -1.15 to -0.18). Group differences were larger in youth with CFM who failed the hearing screen (adjusted ES = -0.73 to 0.07) than in those who passed the hearing screen (adjusted ES = -0.34 to 0.27). Conclusions Youth with CFM, particularly those with mandibular hypoplasia plus microtia and/or hearing loss, should be closely monitored for speech and language concerns. Further research is needed to identify the specific needs of youth with CFM as well as to document the course of speech and language development in children with CFM.

Oculo-Auriculo-Vertebral Dysplasia With Craniocervical Instability and Occult Tethered Cord Syndrome. An Addition to the Spectrum? First Case Report and Review of the Literature

Oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum (OAVS) is an uncommon congenital disorder of abnormal development of the first and second pharyngeal arches. This spectrum is characterized by craniofacial microsomia, epibulbar dermoids, ear abnormalities, renal and cardiac defects, and a wide range of vertebral segmentation and formation disorders. Frequently, the cervicothoracic spine is involved. Only recently, the morbidity attributed to the spinal abnormalities has gained attention. Strategy and timing of spine surgery has become increasingly important in patients with OAVS. Here, we report a case of OAVS with characteristic vertebral cervical and thoracic involvement and its sequelae requiring multiple spinal procedures, further complexed by an unprecedented occult tethered cord syndrome, which was successfully treated by surgical detethering. In this context, the recent literature on spinal anomalies is reviewed.

Goldenhar Syndrome: A Case Report

BACKGROUND

Goldenhar syndrome is a multiple congenital disorder with classic characteristics regarding the face, eyes, ears. The incidence of this case is between 1:3.500 to 1:5.600. Early detection and good management can have good outcomes. A newborn with this condition can have a normal life and intelligence.

CASE PRESENTATION

A baby girl was born spontaneously at Wangaya General Hospital with APGAR minutes 1, 5, and 10 scores respectively 3, 5, and 8. Infant birth weight was 2.600 grams, body length was 47 cm, and head circumference was 31 cm with estimated age 32-34 weeks. Clinically showing an asymmetrical face, mouth toward the right side without hypoplasia, the eyelids appear asymmetrical with the right eyelid not open when the left eyelid is open, and the two ears not fully formed and diagnosed as Goldenhar Syndrome. From the physical examination, the ear canal is not formed, intact palate, normal eyeball no abnormalities in the spine and found murmur during the systolic-diastolic phase of the heart. Evaluation of the function of vision and hearing has not been concluded. Abdominal ultrasound showed first-degree picture of bilateral hydronephrosis, and from echocardiography, a PDA was found. TORCH profiles in infant were positive for IgG anti-CMV, IgG anti-rubella, and IgG anti-HSV 1. The prognosis, in this case, is good and periodic evaluation needs to be done in 6 months.

CONCLUSION

Multidisciplinary examination and management, in this case, are needed so that appropriate therapeutic planning can be carried out as well as periodic evaluations in monitoring the child's growth and development.

Novel De Novo EFTUD2 Mutations in 2 Cases With MFDM, Initially Suspected to Have Alternative Craniofacial Diagnoses

We report 2 cases of mandibulofacial dysostosis with microcephaly (MFDM) with different and novel de novo mutations in the elongation factor Tu GTP binding domain containing 2 gene. Both cases were initially thought to have alternative disorders but were later correctly diagnosed through whole-exome sequencing. These cases expand upon our knowledge of the phenotypic spectrum in patients with MFDM, which will aid in defining the full phenotype of this disorder and increase awareness of this condition.

Severe Kyphoscoliosis in a Patient with Goldenhar Syndrome: A Case Report

Introduction: Goldenhar syndrome includes a wide spectrum of congenital anomalies involving structures arising from the first and second branchial arches. It is characterized by impaired development of structures such as eyes, ears (with or without hearing loss), lip, tongue, palate, mandible, maxilla, and deformations of vertebrae. The etiology of this syndrome is unclear since it varies genetically and is linked to a plethora of reasons. Case Report: A 13-year-old male presented to the Orthopedic Department with complaints of back bulge with bilateral microtia since birth. X-ray and computed tomography revealed severe congenital kyphoscoliosis. Posterior vertebral column resection surgery with instrumentation and anterior cage support with bone graft fusion were performed. A postoperative plain X-ray film demonstrated a good correction rate. His follow-up was asymptomatic and well balanced in the sagittal and coronal planes at 6 months following operation. Systemic involvement was clinically and radiographically assessed. Conclusion: Patients with Goldenhar syndrome due to a large variety of abnormalities and different severity of symptoms pose a challenge for clinicians. All of this necessitates an individual approach to each single patient and involvement of a team of specialists in treatment planning. Although complex scoliosis surgery could be achieved safely in Goldenhar syndrome patients, careful preoperative management is required.

Behavioral-Social Adjustment of Adolescents with Craniofacial Microsomia

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to assess differences in psychosocial adjustment between adolescents with and without craniofacial microsomia (CFM).

DESIGN

This is a case-control follow-up study in adolescents with and without CFM.

SETTING

Participants were originally recruited as infants from 26 cities across the United States and Canada.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants included 142 adolescents with CFM (cases) and 316 peers without CFM (controls), their caregivers, and their teachers.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Social and behavior measures from the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessments (ASEBA), the PedsQL: Core Version, and the Children's Communication Checklist-2nd edition (CCC-2) were used. Linear regression was used to estimate case-control differences and corresponding standardized effect sizes (ES) and 95% confidence intervals after adjustment for sociodemographic confounds. We also examined case-control differences by facial phenotype and hearing status.

RESULTS

The magnitude and direction of case-control differences varied across assessment and respondent, but were generally modest (ES = -0.4 to 0.02, P values ranged from .003 to .85). There was little evidence for variation in case-control differences across different facial phenotypes or as a function of hearing status.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that in spite of multiple risk factors, adolescents with CFM exhibit behavior problems no more frequently than their peers without CFM. Future studies of individuals with CFM should focus on resilience and social coping mechanisms, in addition to maladjustment.

Evaluation of Swallow Function in Patients with Craniofacial Microsomia: A Retrospective Study

Craniofacial microsomia (CFM) is characterized by underdevelopment of the structures derived from the first and second pharyngeal arches resulting in aesthetic, psychological, and functional problems including feeding and swallowing difficulties. The aim of this study is to gain more insight into swallowing difficulties in patients with CFM. A retrospective study was conducted in the population of patients diagnosed with CFM at three major craniofacial units. Patients with feeding difficulties and those who underwent video fluoroscopic swallow (VFS) studies were included for further analyses. The outcome of the VFS-studies was reviewed with regard to the four phases of swallowing. In our cohort, 13.5% of the 755 patients were diagnosed with swallowing difficulties. The outcome of the VFS-studies of 42 patients showed difficulties in the oral and pharyngeal phases with both thin and thick liquids. Patients with more severe mandibular hypoplasia showed more difficulties to form an appropriate bolus compared to patients who were less severely affected. This is the first study to document swallowing problems in patients with CFM. Difficulties were seen in both the oral and pharyngeal phases. We recommend routine screening for swallowing issues by a speech and language therapist in all patients with CFM and to obtain a VFS-study in patients with a type III mandible.

Goldenhar syndrome: current perspectives

BACKGROUND

Progress in medical branches that has taken place since the first child with Goldenhare syndrome (GS) had been described in 1952 by Maurice Goldenhar, facilitated better understanding of this congenital defect. It also gave new perspectives and the opportunity to achieve satisfactory treatment results, mainly due to development of surgical techniques.

DATA SOURCES

Based on the literature and own experience, we discussed the phenotype of presentation of GS, ethiopathogenesis, genetic counselling and treatment with particular emphasis on surgery correction of hemifacial microsomia.

RESULTS

The spectrum of GS abnormalities ranges from mild to severe ones and include patients with barely noticeable facial asymmetry to very pronounced facial defect with more or less severe abnormalities of internal organs and/or skeleton. It is characterized most commonly by impaired development of eyes, ears, lips, tongue, palate, mandible, maxilla, zygomatic and orbital structures and deformations of the teeth structures. Ethiopathogenesis is multifactorial and dependent on genetic and environmental factors but there are still many unknowns about the syndrome which should be revealed.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with GS due to a large variety of abnormalities and different severity of symptoms pose a challenge for clinicians. All of this necessitate an individual approach to each single patient and involvement a team of specialists in treatment planning. It is a complex, long-lasting, multidisciplinary process and should be divided into stages, according to patient's age, as well as the extent and severity of observed abnormalities. Neonatologists and pediatricians are involved in care of these patients from the onset.

A Constellation of Rare Findings in a Case of Goldenhar Syndrome

An 18-month-old child presented with right macrostomia, bilateral preauricular skin tags, bilateral CTEV, squint in bilateral eyes, thoracic vertebral anomalies, right sided aortic arch, and associated left pulmonary agenesis. The patient did not have any associated respiratory symptoms. Ipsilateral pulmonary agenesis is considered as a rare association with Goldenhar syndrome and a case of contralateral pulmonary aplasia has been described as an even rarer association.

Prevalence of Auditory Problems in Children With Feeding and Swallowing Disorders

PURPOSE

Although an interdisciplinary approach is recommended for assessment and management of feeding or swallowing difficulties, audiologists are not always included in the interdisciplinary team. The purpose of this study is to report the prevalence of middle ear and hearing problems in children with feeding and swallowing disorders and to compare this prevalence with that in typical children.

METHOD

A total of 103 children were included in the study: 44 children with feeding and swallowing disorders and 59 children without any such disorders. Audiological examinations included case-history information, visualization of the ear canals through otoscopy, middle ear evaluation through tympanometry, and hearing screenings using an audiometer.

RESULTS

The odds of excessive cerumen (p = .0000, small effect size), middle ear dysfunction (p = .0148, small effect size), and hearing screening failure (p = .0000, large effect size) were 22.14%, 2.97%, and 13.5% higher, respectively, in children with feeding and swallowing disorders compared with typically developing children.

CONCLUSION

The significantly higher prevalence of hearing problems in children with feeding and swallowing disorders compared with typically developing children suggests that inclusion of an audiologist on the interdisciplinary team is likely to improve overall interventional outcomes for children with feeding and swallowing disorders.

Goldenhar Syndrome with Dextrocardia and Right Pulmonary Hypoplasia: An Unusual Association

Goldenhar syndrome (GS), a rare condition, occurring due to defect in development of first and second branchial arches, is characterized by a combination of various anomalies involving face, eyes, ears, vertebrae, heart, and lungs. The etiology of GS is not fully known, although various hypotheses have been proposed along with its genetic association and many other causes. Facial asymmetry and hypoplasia of the mandible are characteristic features of GS along with microtia and preauricular appendages and pits. Dextrocardia or pulmonary hypoplasia in GS has previously been reported separately. We report a 7-year-old female child of GS with combination of anomalies, dextrocardia, and pulmonary hypoplasia, which is a rare association.

Hearing characterization in oculoauriculovertebral spectrum: A prospective study with 10 patients

Oculoauriculovertebral spectrum (OAVS), also known as Goldenhar syndrome, is considered a condition associated to failing of embryogenesis involving the first and second branchial arches, leading to structural abnormalities arising from it. The aim of this study is to verify the hearing features presented by patients with OAVS and provide additional information that may contribute to improvement of speech therapy. The sample consisted of 10 individuals diagnosed with OAVS and cared for by the Clinical Genetics Service. All patients underwent objective assessment of auditory function through tonal and vocal audiometry. This evaluation was completed using TOAE and BERA. The patient's age ranged from 1 year and 9 months to 27 years and 4 months. At physical examination it was found that 10 had microtia, 7 preauricular tags, 6 low-set ears, 6 ear canal atresia, and 2 preauricular pits. Among the patients, five presented with abnormal hearing. Three patients had conductive hearing loss ranging from mild to moderate, and two patients had sensorineural hearing loss from mild to profound. Three patients had hearing loss in both ears. Speech-language disorders are common in children with OAVS. Thus, the referral to the audiologist and speech pathologist is indicated as soon as possible. Early recognition and detailed understanding of aspects related to the etiology, clinical features, and outcome of patients with OAVS are essential for their proper management. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Stress in Parents of a Child with Hemifacial Microsomia: The Role of Child Characteristics and Parental Coping Strategies

OBJECTIVE

Examine stress levels of parents of children with hemifacial microsomia (HFM) and the relationship of parental stress to child characteristics and cognitive coping strategies.

DESIGN

Prospective cross-sectional study.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

Parents with a child (age 3-19 years) with HFM (N = 31) were recruited through the Department of Orthodontics and the Craniofacial Center, Sophia-Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Intervention and Outcome Measures: The adapted and shortened Dutch version of the parental stress index (NOSI-K) was used to measure parental stress, and the cognitive emotion-regulation questionnaire was used to measure cognitive coping strategies. Pearson correlations and a multiple regression analysis were performed.

RESULTS

The hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed associations between increased parental stress and learning difficulties and use of acceptance as a coping strategy. This suggests that problems other than the characteristic visual appearance of the child's face in HFM have a greater influence on parental stress.

CONCLUSIONS

Learning difficulties of the child with HFM and parental acceptance affect stress in parents with a child with HFM the most and are important in the search for a targeted tailoring of intervention for parents with high levels of parental stress.

Clinical description of 41 Brazilian patients with oculo-auriculo-vertebral dysplasia

OBJECTIVE

To describe the most prominent clinical features of a cohort of patients with oculo-auriculo-vertebral (OAV) dysplasia in Brazil.

METHOD

A review of medical records of patients with diagnosis of OAV from 1990 to 2010 was performed in a medical genetics center.

RESULTS

41 patients were included in the study. Their average age at diagnosis was 2y 10mo (34,4±48,8 months) and the female proportion was 53.7%. Mean maternal age at patient's birth was 28.5y (min: 17, max: 46y) for mothers and 31.4y (min: 21, max: 51y) for fathers. Most patients (97.5%) had auricular involvement, with facial manifestation in 90.2%, spinal in 65.9%, ocular in 53.7%, 36.6% with cardiovascular involvement, 29.3% urogenital, and 17% of the cases with central nervous system (CNS) involvement. The classic OAV triad was present in only 34%. All patients except one had concomitant problems in other organs or systems.

CONCLUSION

Since the diagnosis of OAV dysplasia relies only on a comprehensive medical evaluation, it is imperative that clinicians be aware of the most common presentation of the syndrome. Once suspected, every patient should undergo a complete medical evaluation of multiple systems including complementary exams. Treatment of these patients is based on surgical correction of malformations and rehabilitation.

Neurotrophic keratopathy secondary to trigeminal nerve aplasia in patient with Goldenhar syndrome

CASE REPORT

A 4-year-old male diagnosed with Goldenhar syndrome, with an unremarkable ophthalmic history, develops a neurotrophic ulcer secondary to trigeminal nerve aplasia. It was treated with multilaminar amniotic membrane transplantation.

DISCUSSION

Trigeminal nerve aplasia is not usually reported in Goldenhar syndrome. Therefore, it seems necessary to perform routine eye examinations, from an early age, to prevent serious complications associated with corneal anaesthesia.

Isolated Microtia With Anterior Hemispheric Polymicrogyria

We report on a male infant who presented with neonatal clonic seizure and was found to have isolated left-sided microtia on clinical examination. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed extensive polymicrogyria over the bilateral perisylvian and frontal cortex. He had no other associated anomaly on physical examination, genetics, metabolic, and radio imaging studies. The study of the data collected from the Italian Birth Defect Registry reported the incidence of microtia-anotia as 1.46/10 000. Microtia-anotia can also be found in association with other anomalies that characterizes oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum. Although oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum has been associated with various cerebral malformations, isolated microtia usually does not have such association. We could not find any report of polymicrogyria in a case of isolated microtia.

Speech, eating and saliva control in rare diseases - a database study

The aim was to study the background to and the manifestations of affected intelligibility of speech and reported difficulty with eating and saliva control in rare diseases. In Sweden, a disease or disorder is defined as rare when it affects no more than 100 individuals per million population and leads to a marked degree of disability. In 1996-2008, 1703 individuals with 169 rare diseases (3-67 years) answered a questionnaire about oral health and oro-facial function and 1614 participated in a clinical examination. A control group of 135 healthy children was included. Oromotor impairment was a frequent finding (43%) and was absent among the controls. Half the children in the youngest age group (3-6 years) had moderate/severely affected intelligibility or no speech compared with one-third in the other age groups. The most frequent eating difficulties were related to chewing and were found in approximately 20% of the individuals in the study group. Artificial nutrition was most common in children aged 3-6 years (9·2%), followed by children aged 7-12 years (4·9%), adolescents aged 13-19 years (3·3%) and adults (1·4%). Impaired saliva control was common (31·2%) and strongly and significantly correlated with oromotor dysfunction, intellectual disability, open mouth at rest and epilepsy. In conclusion, oromotor impairment and oro-facial dysfunctions, such as affected intelligibility, eating difficulties and impaired saliva control, are frequent in individuals with rare diseases. There is a strong correlation between oromotor impairment and affected intelligibility, eating difficulties and impaired saliva control in individuals with rare diseases.

Congenital upper eyelid coloboma: embryologic, nomenclatorial, nosologic, etiologic, pathogenetic, epidemiologic, clinical, and management perspectives

Purpose:

To review the recent literature and describe the authors’ experience with congenital upper eyelid coloboma.

Methods:

In this review, we will summarize the embryologic and etiopathogenetic bases of congenital upper eyelid coloboma, and study the published clinical reports. We will also attempt to briefly shed some light on the rarer syndromic curiosities associated with upper eyelid coloboma.

Results:

Congenital upper eyelid colobomas are one of the few nontraumatic oculoplastic emergencies that may occasionally present in the first few days of life with a corneal ulcer and may even present with impending perforation. They can present with or without corneopalpebral adhesions, may be isolated findings or a part of a larger spectrum of congenital anomalies as in the case of Fraser syndrome or Goldenhar syndrome, or could be associated with other rare curiosities that could challenge the clinician with a huge diagnostic dilemma.

Conclusions:

Existing literature dealing with congenital colobomas of the upper eyelid is fraught with nosologic problems, confusing etiologies, and overlapping clinical features. We attempted to clarify the salient clinical features, outline the management principles, and until a time in the not-so-distant future where advances in molecular genetic testing would help redefine the etiology and the diverse clinical spectrum of genetic diseases associated with upper eyelid colobomas, we propose a simplified classification scheme based on the relation of the coloboma to the cornea, the presence or absence of systemic features, and all the syndromic and nonsyndromic associations of congenital coloboma of the upper eyelid known today.

In this review, the authors will describe the pathogenesis of upper eyelid coloboma, suggest a new simplified classification system, describe the clinical picture in detail, clarify the various syndromic associations of upper eyelid coloboma, and lay out the basic surgical principles of management.

Audiological findings in patients with oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum

Introduction Oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum, also referred to as Goldenhar syndrome, is a condition characterized by alterations involving the development of the structures of the first and second branchial arches. The abnormalities primarily affect the face, the eyes, the spine, and the ears, and the auricular abnormalities are associated with possible hearing loss.

Objective To analyze the audiological findings of patients with oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum through liminal pure-tone audiometry and speech audiometry test.

Methods Cross-sectional study conducted on 10 patients with oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum and clinical findings on at least two of the following areas: orocraniofacial, ocular, auricular, and vertebral. All patients underwent tonal and vocal hearing evaluations.

Results Seven patients were male and three were female; all had ear abnormalities, and the right side was the most often affected. Conductive hearing loss was the most common (found in 10 ears), followed by sensorineural hearing loss (in five ears), with mixed hearing loss in only one ear. The impairment of the hearing loss ranged from mild to moderate, with one case of profound loss.

Conclusions The results show a higher frequency of conductive hearing loss among individuals with the oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum phenotype, especially moderate loss affecting the right side. Furthermore, research in auditory thresholds in the oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum is important in speech therapy findings about the disease to facilitate early intervention for possible alterations.

Clinical and cytogenetic features of a Brazilian sample of patients with phenotype of oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum: a cross-sectional study

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE

Oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum (OAVS) is considered to be a defect of embryogenesis involving structures originating from the first branchial arches. Our objective was to describe the clinical and cytogenetic findings from a sample of patients with the phenotype of OAVS.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Cross-sectional study in a referral hospital in southern Brazil.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 23 patients who presented clinical findings in at least two of these four areas: orocraniofacial, ocular, auricular and vertebral. The patients underwent a clinical protocol and cytogenetic evaluation through high-resolution karyotyping, fluorescence in situ hybridization for 5p and 22q11 microdeletions and investigation of chromosomal instability for Fanconi anemia.

RESULTS

Cytogenetic abnormalities were observed in three cases (13%) and consisted of: 47,XX,+mar; mos 47,XX,+mar/46,XX; and 46,XX,t(6;10)(q13; q24). We observed cases of OAVS with histories of gestational exposition to fluoxetine, retinoic acid and crack. One of our patients was a discordant monozygotic twin who had shown asymmetrical growth restriction during pregnancy. Our patients with OAVS were characterized by a broad clinical spectrum and some presented atypical findings such as lower-limb reduction defect and a tumor in the right arm, suggestive of hemangioma/lymphangioma.

CONCLUSIONS

We found a wide range of clinical characteristics among the patients with OAVS. Different chromosomal abnormalities and gestational expositions were also observed. Thus, our findings highlight the heterogeneity of the etiology of OAVS and the importance of these factors in the clinical and cytogenetic evaluation of these patients.

Genetics of hearing loss in Africans: use of next generation sequencing is the best way forward

Hearing loss is the most common communication disorder affecting about 1-7/1000 births worldwide. The most affected areas are developing countries due toextensively poor health care systems. Environmental causes contribute to 50-70% of cases, specifically meningitis in sub-Saharan Africa. The other 30-50% is attributed to genetic factors. Nonsyndromic hearing loss is the most common form of hearing loss accounting for up to 70% of cases. The most common mode of inheritance is autosomal recessive. The most prevalent mutations associated with autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss (ARNSHL) are found within connexin genes such as GJB2, mostly in people of European and Asian origin. For example, the c.35delG mutation ofGJB2 is found in 70% of ARNSHL patients of European descentand is rare in populations of otherethnicities. Other GJB2 mutations have been reported in various populations. The second most common mutations are found in theconnexin gene, GJB6, also with a high prevalencein patients of European descent. To date more than 60 genes have been associated with ARNSHL. We previously showed that mutations in GJB2, GJB6 and GJA1 are not significant causes of ARNSHL inpatients from African descents, i.e. Cameroonians and South AfricansIn order to resolve ARNSHL amongst sub-Saharan African patients, additional genes would need to be explored. Currently at least 60 genes are thought to play a role in ARNSHL thus the current approach using Sanger sequencing would not be appropriate as it would be expensive and time consuming. Next Generation sequencing (NGS) provides the best alternative approach. In this review, we reported on the success of using NGSas observed in various populations and advocate for the use of NGS to resolve cases of ARNSHL in sub-Saharan African populations.