A longitudinal evaluation of craniofacial growth in a patient with Kabuki make-up syndrome: a case report

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the craniofacial growth of a patient diagnosed with Kabuki make-up syndrome (KMS). Craniofacial growth was assessed by analysing lateral cephalometric radiographs with an interval of 12-15 months. They were taken from 6 years 9 months to 14 years 2 months. Angular and linear measurement analyses of the craniofacial complex showed a hypoplastic maxilla and a constricted maxillary basal arch width. The mandibular size was relatively large and had started to increase from 13 years 4 months. This resulted in a prognathic face caused by forward growth of the mandible and insufficient growth of the maxilla. The skeletal pattern was Class III. Open bite morphology with a steep mandibular plane (SN-MP), a relatively short ramus, and a large gonial angle were also observed. In this subject, the facial dysmorphism found in the maxilla and mandible may have been influenced by several factors. Connective tissue disorder, macroglossia, lower tongue posture, and tongue thrust swallowing have been identified as possible aetiological factors that may determine dysmorphism in the craniofacial complex in this KMS patient.