Three-dimensional imaging of hemifacial microsomia: a case report

Introduction The first and second branchial arches are responsible for the development of various facial structures like the maxilla, mandible, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), zygomatic bone and ear (1). The formation and development of these branchial arches is carried out by various neural crest cells and any damage to these cells can result in abnormalities of various associated facial structures (1). The unilateral underdevelopment of hard and soft tissues, characterized by a wide range of anomalies, is called hemifacial microsomia (HFM). The term HFM was coined by Carl Ferdinand von Arlt in 1881. The first case was reported in 1960s with developmental defects in aural, oral and mandibular regions (2). HFM is reported to be the second most common developmental craniofacial anomaly with an incidence between 1 in 3000 or 5600 births, after cleft lip and palate (3). This craniofacial disorder includes the underdevelopment of various skeletal tissues (like the maxilla, mandible, temporal and zygomatic bones) and soft tissues such as the external and middle ear, leading to conductive hearing loss in patient (4). Besides the clinical presentation, radiographic investigations are required to confirm the diagnosis of HFM. Various radiographic investigations have been attempted for a long time to determine the exact diagnosis of this pathology. These include routine investigations like panoramic radiograph, lateral and posterioanterior skull view. Whereas, advanced radiographic investigations like computed tomography, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), and magnetic resonance Three-dimensional imaging of hemifacial microsomia: a case report