Related Experiment Videos
Infantile cortical hyperostosis and facial nerve palsy
M Challapalli1, D G Cunningham, S C Varnado
1Department of Pediatrics, Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
Insights
Infantile cortical hyperostosis can cause facial nerve palsy in infants. Early suspicion is key for children with facial swelling and nerve issues, even before bone changes are visible.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Pediatric Radiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Infantile cortical hyperostosis (ICH), also known as Caffey disease, is a rare disorder characterized by bone overgrowth.
- Facial nerve palsy is a sudden weakness or paralysis of facial muscles.
- The association between ICH and facial nerve palsy is not widely recognized, particularly in young children.
Observation:
- A 13-month-old child presented with facial nerve palsy.
- Facial palsy preceded radiographic evidence of mandibular hyperostosis.
- Concurrent hyperostosis of multiple other bones was observed.
Findings:
- The case highlights a potential link between infantile cortical hyperostosis and facial nerve palsy.
- Facial nerve involvement can occur before or alongside other radiographic signs of ICH.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider ICH in infants and children with unexplained facial swelling and facial nerve palsy.
- Prompt diagnosis of ICH is crucial for appropriate management and to prevent potential complications.
Abstract:
Facial nerve palsy was diagnosed in a 13-month-old child with infantile cortical hyperostosis. Facial palsy preceded the roentgenographic evidence of mandibular hyperostosis but there was concurrent evidence of hyperostosis of multiple other bones. This case exemplifies the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for infantile cortical hyperostosis in infants and children presenting with facial swelling and facial nerve palsy.