Clinical research status of asymmetric crying facies

Abstract

Asymmetric crying facies (ACF) is congenital hypoplasia of the depressor anguli oris muscle characterized by asymmetry of lower lip depression during crying. ACF is often associated with other malformations such as congenital heart diseases. If ACF is complicated with other malformations, then it is called asymmetric crying syndrome. Clinicians should pay attention to the difference of central facial palsy caused by birth injury or abnormal development in the diagnosis of ACF. For children with ACF, it is necessary to be vigilant about the possibility of complicated organ malformations. It is advised to carry out systemic physical examinations to discover the complicated organ malformations in time and give early medical treatment to reduce the harm caused by organ malformations. Previous studies have reported that ACF is related to 22q11.2 chromosome deletion. There is less report on ACF in China, and the understanding of this disease is still not enough. Therefore, the authors intend to expound the clinical research status of the incidence, etiology, clinical manifestation, diagnosis and treatment of ACF, and put forward corresponding suggestions according to the authors′ clinical experience, aiming at improving the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Key words: Asymmetric crying facies; Facial asymmetry; Chromosome deletion; Congenital abnormalities; 22q11.2 chromosome; Facial paralysis; Diagnosis, differential; Child