Abstract
Progressive hemifacial atrophy is a rare degenerative condition characterized by progressive atrophy of facial tissues. Atrophy involves the skin, subcutaneous fat, muscle, and bone. Because of the prolonged therapeutic process, it is important to evaluate temporal maxillofacial changes based on an objective approach. We report a case of progressive hemifacial atrophy in which we performed stellate ganglion block therapy and evaluated the clinical course by MRI and electromyography (EMG) analysis.
A 47-year-old man was given a diagnosis of progressive hemifacial atrophy at our department and received stellate ganglion block therapy. We evaluated the progression of the atrophy by comparing the muscle volume by MRI analysis before and after treatment. In addition, we measured the muscle activity of masticatory muscles by EMG. We conclude that MRI and EMG analysis can be useful for evaluating changes in maxillofacial tissues and thereby make an objective diagnosis, as well as for assessing therapeutic effects and disease progression.
