Asymmetric Crying Facies and Congenital Hypothyroidism

Abstract

A congenital asymmetric crying facies (ACF) is caused by congenital hypoplasia or agenesis of the depressor anguli oris muscle. Associations of this facial defect with major congenital anomalies have been reported, most commonly in the cardiovascular system and less frequently involving the genitourinary, musculoskeletal, cervicofacial, respiratory, and rarely, the endocrine system. It is also well known that congenital hypothyroidism may be associated with other congenital malformations, especially with cardiac defects. Two newborn infants who had ACF associated with congenital heart defect and congenital hypothyroidism are described. To the best of our knowledge the association of ACF and congenital hypothyroidism has not previously been published.