Hemifacial microsomia associated with vascular malformation of vertebral: A case report

Hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is a complex congenital facial anomaly characterized by a wide spectrum of clinical features, which encompass the facial skeleton and other organ systems. Currently, there is no evidence to suggest an association between Hemifacial Microsomia and vascular malformations, whether of the vertebral or any other kind.

Reporting a case of a 12-year-old male diagnosed with Hemifacial Microsomia (HFM) and left Microtia. The patient had previously undergone left auricle reconstruction; however, unfortunately, the flap resulted in necrosis. In our next step, we intend to proceed with further reconstruction. Before this, we plan to perform CT angiography to identify viable flap options for effectively closing the auricular defect. During this evaluation, we identified an anomaly structure in the vertebral vascularization.

During the CT angiography, we found a vascular malformation in the vertebral region. This anomaly manifested as tortuosity in the left vertebral vein, with the diameter on the left side being larger than that on the right. Additionally, the diameter of the left internal jugular artery was found to be smaller than its counterpart on the right. The maxillary artery of the left side was larger than the right. Notably, there was an absence of a submental artery on the left side, and a hypoplasia of the left angularis artery was observed.

Hemifacial microsomia could be associated with other malformations. Despite the fact that vertebral artery anomaly is not considered common anomaly in HFM, it is mandatory to perform CT angiography before reconstructive surgery, considering the possibility of massive bleeding during the operation.