title: Midface anomalies in children.
abstract: A variety of congenital midface anomalies occur in children. High-resolution computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging have proved helpful in determining the nature and extent of dysplasia, thereby facilitating treatment planning. A classification system has been developed that groups these anomalies into four categories based on embryogenesis and anatomic location. These categories comprise anomalies that are related to the nasal cavity, nasofrontal region, nasolacrimal apparatus, and craniofacial syndromes. CT is the imaging modality of choice in children with possible choanal atresia, pyriform aperture stenosis, or anomalies of the nasolacrimal duct (eg, nasolacrimal duct stenosis, dacryocystoceles). MR imaging is the modality of choice in patients with congenital midface masses (eg, dermoid and epidermoid cysts, nasal gliomas, encephaloceles) and craniofacial syndromes (eg, Apert syndrome, Crouzon syndrome, Treacher Collins syndrome). In many cases, however, both CT and MR imaging are required to adequately evaluate midface anomalies. Familiarity with the characteristic imaging features of these anomalies along with knowledge of midface embryogenesis and normal developmental anatomy is essential to prevent misinterpretation of anatomic variations that may simulate disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Vanderbilt Children's Hospital, Nashville, TN 37232-2675, USA. lisa.lowe@mcmail.vanderbilt.edu
authors.forename: L H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Lowe
authors.forename: T N
authors.initials: TN
authors.lastname: Booth
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Joglar
authors.forename: N K
authors.initials: NK
authors.lastname: Rollins
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019465:Craniofacial Abnormalities / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000196:embryology; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D005624:Frontal Bone / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000196:embryology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000196:embryology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009295:Nasal Bone / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000196:embryology; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000196:embryology; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D013577:Syndrome; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed