Craniofacial morphology in Turner syndrome

The aim of the present investigation was to analyze craniofacial morphology in adults with Turner syndrome and to compare the morphology in patients with 45,X karyotypes to that found in subjects with other X-chromosome aberrations. A comparison between 41 Turner patients and a control group of 51 normal adult women revealed significant differences regarding craniofacial size and morphology. The calvarium, maxilla, and mandible were smaller in Turner syndrome patients and the cranial base was shorter and flattened. The maxilla and the mandible were retrognathic and posteriorly inclined in relation to the cranial base. Sagittal jaw relationship and overjet was greater in Turner syndrome. In the craniocervical area seven syndrome patients presented anomalies. Craniofacial morphology did not differ in 45,X cases and Turner patients with other X-chromosome aberrations. It was concluded that the posterior inclination and retrognathism of the maxilla and the mandible in Turner syndrome could be related to the altered shape of the cranial base.