Branchial arch syndromes

Physiopathologic Bases of Moebius Syndrome: Combining Genetic, Vascular, and Teratogenic Theories

Moebius syndrome (MBS) is a congenital cranial dysinnervation disorder (CCDD) characterized by a bilateral palsy of abducens and facial cranial nerves, which may coexist with other cranial nerves palsies, mostly those found in the dorsal pons and medulla oblongata. MBS is considered a "rare" disease, occurring in only 1:50,000 to 1:500,000 live births, with no gender predominance. Three independent theories have been described to define its etiology: the vascular theory, which talks about a transient blood flow disruption; the genetic theory, which takes place due to mutations related to the facial motor nucleus neurodevelopment; and last, the teratogenic theory, associated with the consumption of agents such as misoprostol during the first trimester of pregnancy. Since the literature has suggested the existence of these theories independently, this review proposes establishing a theory by matching the MBS molecular bases. This review aims to associate the three etiopathogenic theories at a molecular level, thus submitting a combined postulation. MBS is most likely an underdiagnosed disease due to its low prevalence and challenging diagnosis. Researching other elements that may play a key role in the pathogenesis is essential. It is common to assume the difficulty that patients with MBS have in leading an everyday social life. Research by means of PubMed and Google Scholar databases was carried out, same in which 94 articles were collected by using keywords with the likes of "Moebius syndrome," "PLXND1 mutations," "REV3L mutations," "vascular disruption AND teratogens," and "congenital facial nerve palsy." No exclusion criteria were applied.

Surgical Microtia Reconstruction in Hemifacial Microsomia Patients: Current State and Future Directions

Background:

Hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is one of the most common congenital craniofacial disorders. Among many other features, microtia is present in the large majority of these patients. However, mainly due to the unilateral hypoplastic anatomy, microtia reconstruction among this patient population remains a reconstructive challenge for plastic surgeons. Given that no clear standards exist, an evidence-based synthesis of the literature was devised.

Methods:

A systematic search of Pubmed, Medline, and Embase was carried out, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Studies discussing surgical microtia reconstruction for HFM patients were retained. Qualitative data regarding study design, challenges addressed, specific recommendations, and their respective strengths/limitations were extracted from each. Retrieved recommendations were consolidated and assigned a level of evidence grade.

Results:

Although only 11 studies were included in this review, these provided 22 main recommendations regarding the eight HFM-specific challenges identified, which were of either grade C (n = 5) or D (n = 17). Included studies addressed construct location (n = 7), the low hairline (n = 6), soft tissue construct coverage (n = 6), earlobe reconstruction (n = 6), construct projection (n = 5), anomalies of the relevant neurovascular systems (n = 2), retroauricular construct coverage (n = 2), and sizing of the construct (n = 2).

Conclusions:

Given the many persisting reconstructive challenges regarding surgical microtia reconstruction for HFM patients, the authors present a comprehensive and evidence-based consolidation of recommendations specific to these challenges. The authors hope this systematic review can appropriately guide plastic surgeons and will ultimately improve care for this patient population.

Comprehensive consideration and design with the virtual surgical planning-assisted treatment for hemifacial microsomia in adult patients

PURPOSE

Hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is a frequently encountered congenital malformation syndrome involving both hard and soft tissue. Various surgical methods have been described to correct the deformities of HFM in the literature. This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy for HFM with the assistance of virtual surgical planning (VSP) and 3-dimensionally printed surgical templates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2010 to January 2016, a total of 46 patients were referred to the study. Different surgical procedures under the guidance of VSP and 3-dimensionally printed surgical templates combined with orthodontic treatment were used to correct the deformities. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by comparing the differences of affected-side ramus height, occlusal cant degrees and chin point deviation between the preoperative VSP and postoperative surgical results.

RESULTS

Satisfactory facial contour and occlusion were achieved with the combination of orthognathic and orthodontic treatment. Postoperative examination results showed that VSP was accurately transferred into actual surgery. The difference between the preoperative design and the postoperative outcome was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

VSP and 3-dimensionally printed surgical templates serve as a reliable method and show great value in improving the accuracy and efficacy of surgical treatment of HFM.

Update on 13 Syndromes Affecting Craniofacial and Dental Structures

Care of individuals with syndromes affecting craniofacial and dental structures are mostly treated by an interdisciplinary team from early childhood on. In addition to medical and dental specialists that have a vivid interest in these syndromes and for whom these syndromes are of evident interest, experts of scientific background-like molecular and developmental geneticists, but also computational biologists and bioinformaticians-, become more frequently involved in the refined diagnostic and etiological processes of these patients. Early diagnosis is often crucial for the effective treatment of functional and developmental aspects. However, not all syndromes can be clinically identified early, especially in cases of absence of known family history. Moreover, the treatment of these patients is often complicated because of insufficient medical knowledge, and because of the dental and craniofacial developmental variations. The role of the team is crucial for the prevention, proper function, and craniofacial development which is often combined with orthognathic surgery. Although the existing literature does not provide considerable insight into this topic, this descriptive review aims to provide tools for the interdisciplinary team by giving an update on the genetics and general features, and the oral and craniofacial manifestations for early diagnosis. Clinical phenotyping together with genetic data and pathway information will ultimately pave the way for preventive strategies and therapeutic options in the future. This will improve the prognosis for better functional and aesthetic outcome for these patients and lead to a better quality of life, not only for the patients themselves but also for their families. The aim of this review is to promote interdisciplinary interaction and mutual understanding among all specialists involved in the diagnosis and therapeutic guidance of patients with these syndromal conditions in order to provide optimal personalized care in an integrated approach.