Morphological and Functional Findings in a Case of First and Second Branchial Arch Syndrome

Abstract

First and Second Branchial Arch Syndrome is one of the congenital diseases with the deformities of the organs or the tissues derived from the corresponding portions of an embryo. It is differentiated from other syndromes such as Treacher Collins or Goloenhar according to its different clinical findings.
We obtained several interesting findings about facial and mandibular morphology and the stomatognathic function in the case of a 7 year old girl diagnosed as First and Second Branchial Arch Syndrome, who visited the Pediatric Dental Clinic of Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital. The Findings were as follows;
1) Craniofacial asymmetry because of under-developed maxilla, zygoma, temporale and mandible.
2) Deep over bite and disto-occlusion because of micrognathia (Bird-like face).
3) Closure of the left external auditory canal and deformity of left pinna, extra ear tag and conductive deafness.
4) Partial defects of the mandibular ramus and chewing muscles on the left side.
5) The electromyogram of the chewing muscles (temporal and masetteric)showed an inactive and irregular pattern of activities on the left side.
6) Mandible was shifted to the left side during the movement and retracted severely due to the deformities.
Considering the mandibular growth, function and psychological aspect, we need to make proper reconstruction of the mandibular joint and the ramus, and to improve its occlusion in future by cooperating with other specialities.