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Updated: Sep 12, 2026
Assessing Signaling Properties of Ectodermal Epithelia During Craniofacial Development
Published on: March 24, 2011
Craniofacial Microsomia
Craig Birgfeld1, Carrie Heike2
1Pediatric Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, 4800 Sand Point Way, M/S OB.9.520, PO Box 5371, Seattle, WA 98105, USA.
Abstract:
Clinicians use different diagnostic terms for patients with underdevelopment of facial features arising from the embryonic first and second pharyngeal arches, including first and second branchial arch syndrome, otomandibular dysostosis, oculoauriculovertebral syndrome, and hemifacial microsomia. Craniofacial microsomia has become the preferred term. Although no diagnostic criteria for craniofacial microsomia exist, most patients have a degree of underdevelopment of the mandible, maxilla, ear, orbit, facial soft tissue, and/or facial nerve. These anomalies can affect feeding, compromise the airway, alter facial movement, disrupt hearing, and alter facial appearance.
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