[Primary congenital ectropion. Apropos of 2 cases]

Congenital lid ectropion is a rare anomaly. In the usual classification, primary ectropion caused by tightening of the anterior lamella may sometimes be confused with secondary ectropion, especially with blepharophimosis syndrome or euryblepharon.

Through analysis of two representative cases of congenital ectropion and review of literature we discuss similarities and differences between primary and secondary ectropion including blepharophimosis and euryblepharon.

Horizontal narrowing of palpebral fissure and inversus epicanthal folds are the main clinical feature to be considered when differential diagnosis is difficult between primary forms and blepharophimosis, as ptosis is often an underlying abnormaly in both cases.

To be effective, the surgical management of congenital lid ectropion requires precise clinical examination, clear understanding of causative factors and several procedures.