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L J Lo

Publications and source records attributed to L J Lo.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

The craniofacial anomalies archive at St. Louis Children's Hospital: 20 years of craniofacial imaging experience.

This article describes how the Craniofacial Imaging Laboratory at the Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Deformities Institute, St. Louis Children's Hospital, Washington University Medical Center, has developed an electronic archive for the storage of computed tomography image digital data that is independent of scanner hardware and independent of units of storage media (i.e., floppy disks and optical disks). The archive represents one of the largest repositories of high-quality computed tomography data of children with craniofacial deformities in the world. Archiving reconstructed image data is essential for comparative imaging, surgical simulation, quantitative analysis, and use with solid model fabrication (e.g., stereolithography). One tertiary craniofacial center's experience in the establishment and maintenance of such an archive through three generations of storage technology is reported. The current archive is housed on an external 35-GB hard drive attached to a Windows-based desktop server. Data in the archive were categorized by specific demographics into groups of patients, number of scans, and diagnoses. The Craniofacial Imaging Laboratory archive currently contains computed tomography image digital data for 1827 individual scans. The earliest scan was done in 1980; the most recently stored scan for the purposes of this report occurred in May of 2000. The average number of scans archived per complete year was 94, with a range of 59 to 138. Of the 1827 total scans, 74 percent could be classified into specific diagnostic categories. The majority of the archive (55 percent) is composed of the following five diagnoses: sagittal synostosis (17 percent), unilateral coronal synostosis (11 percent), hemifacial microsomia (10 percent), plagiocephaly without synostosis (10 percent), and metopic synostosis (7 percent). Storage of computed tomography image data in a digital archive currently allows for continuous upgrading of image display and analysis and facilitates longitudinal and cross-sectional studies, both intramural and extramural. Internet access for clinical and research purposes is feasible, but contingent on protection of patient confidentiality. The future of digital imaging regarding craniofacial computed tomography scan storage and processing is also discussed.

Child↗
PubMed2001

Craniofacial surgical simulation: application of three-dimensional medical imaging and rapid prototyping models.

BACKGROUND: Adequate assessment of the deformity, formulation of good treatment planning, and sufficient rehearsal of procedures before actually performing surgery ensure successful craniofacial surgery. Three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) imaging and facsimile models were used in combination to evaluate their function in craniofacial surgery. METHODS: Three-dimensional imaging and facsimile models were used for reconstruction of craniofacial deformity. CT data were acquired, processed, and reconstructed to display 3-dimensional images. The images were used for evaluation of the deformity. The images were then manipulated to create multiple osseous objects. Surgical simulation was performed by moving the computer images. The image processing and manipulation were achieved using the AnalyzePC program. The raw CT data were transformed into a readable format and transferred to produce facsimile models using rapid prototyping technology. The skull models were used for evaluation and surgical simulation. Both methods were compared and used to assist in surgery, which was performed according to the simulations. RESULTS: Three-dimensional CT imaging and facsimile models were helpful for simulation of craniofacial surgery. The actual surgery results were satisfactory without complications. Particular advantages were the unlimited trials with the imaging method, and the feeling of reality with the model method. CONCLUSIONS: Craniofacial surgery is facilitated by preoperative simulation of procedures. Both 3-dimensional CT imaging and facsimile models are helpful for craniofacial surgical simulation.

Craniofacial Abnormalities↗
PubMed2000

Temporal expression and T3 induction of thyroid hormone receptors alpha1 and beta1 during early embryonic and larval development in zebrafish, Danio rerio.

The effects of thyroid hormones on metabolism and development are mediated by thyroid hormone receptors (TRs). We report the cloning and characterization of a TR beta1 cDNA from zebrafish. Southern blot analysis revealed that there is a single genomic locus for the TR beta gene, while the TR alpha gene potentially has two loci. Multiple TR alpha and TR beta transcripts were detected in adult tissues. Using a semiquantitative RT-PCR assay, zygotic expression of TR alpha1 and TR beta1 were shown to occur before the midblastula transition stage. In transiently transfected HeLa cells, TR alpha1 displayed constitutive transactivation in the absence of ligands, which was slightly enhanced by triiodothyronine (T3). The transactivating activity of TR beta1 was strictly ligand-dependent and repressed in the absence of T3. Finally, the T3 induction of TR alpha1 and TR beta1 mRNAs was demonstrated in zebrafish embryos and larvae. The auto-induction of TR alpha1 and TR beta1 may serve a regulatory role during the embryonic and larval development of zebrafish.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2000

The course of the inferior alveolar nerve in the normal human mandibular ramus and in patients presenting for cosmetic reduction of the mandibular angles.

This study was undertaken to quantify the path of the inferior alveolar nerve in the normal human mandible and in the mandibles of patients presenting for cosmetic reduction of the mandibular angles. The goals were: (1) to provide normative information that would assist the surgeon in avoiding injury to the nerve during surgery; (2) to characterize gender differences in the normal population; and (3) to compare the course of the nerve in the normal population to its course in a group of patients who presented with a complaint of "square face." The study was based upon the computerized tomographic scans of 10 normal patients (six men, four women) and 8 patients (all women) complaining of "square face." Using AnalyzePC 2.5 imaging software, the mandibles were segmented and the position of the nerve was recorded within its osseous canal in the mandibular ramus on each axial slice in which it was identifiable. Distances were calculated between the nerve and the anterior, posterior, lateral, and medial cortices. The positions of the lateral ramus prominence and the lowest point on the sigmoid notch were also recorded. The position of the mental foramen was recorded in relation to the nearest tooth, and the three-dimensional surface distances from the foramen to the alveolar bone, the inferior border of the mandible, and the mandibular symphysis were determined. The distances from the entrance of the nerve into the mandible to the lateral ramus prominence and the lowest point on the sigmoid notch were calculated. Summary statistics were obtained, comparing differences in gender. The nerve was identifiable in each ramus over a mean distance of 12.7 mm. On average, the lateral ramus prominence was 0.3 mm higher on the caudad-cephalad axis than the point at which the nerve entered the bone, whereas the location of the lowest point on the sigmoid notch was 16.6 mm above the nerve. The average distances from the nerve to the anterior, posterior, medial, and lateral cortices were 11.6, 12.1, 1.8, and 4.7 mm, respectively. Gender differences were significant for all of these except the medial cortex to nerve distance. On average, the mental foramen exited the body of the mandible immediately below the second premolar and the average surface distances from the foramen to the symphysis, the most cephalad alveolar bone, and the inferior border of the body were 30.9, 14.2, and 19.3 mm, respectively. With regard to the patients presenting for mandibular angle reduction, there were a few statistically significant but small scalar differences from normal controls.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

The effect of hamulus fracture on the outcome of palatoplasty: a preliminary report of a prospective, alternating study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether, in performing palatoplasty, fracture of the pterygoid hamulus is beneficial, detrimental, or neutral with respect to intraoperative and perioperative complications, hearing outcome, and speech outcome. DESIGN: Prospective, alternating. SETTING: Institutional, tertiary cleft palate center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 173 patients enrolled in the study, of whom 161 had charts available for analysis. INTERVENTIONS: During the performance of palatoplasty, 85 patients received hamulus fracture and 76 patients did not. All palatoplasties were performed by the same surgeon. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: (1) Surgical outcomes, including patient demographic data, palatoplasty type and duration, blood loss, incidences of oronasal fistulae, temporary mucosal dehiscence, and postoperative bleeding; (2) otolaryngological outcomes, including hearing results as judged by auditory brainstem response testing, myringotomy tube data describing rates of tube extrusion, and culture results from sampled effusions; and (3) preliminary speech outcomes as described by judgments of overall velopharyngeal function from perceptual speech samples. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences in any of the measured surgical, otolaryngological, or preliminary speech outcomes were found between the groups who did and did not receive hamulus fracture. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of these results, we are unable to advocate the performance of hamulus fracture as an operative maneuver during the performance of primary palatoplasty. The historical rationale and theoretical advantage of this maneuver have not been demonstrated here nor have any detrimental effects of the maneuver been measured.

Chi-Square Distribution↗
PubMed2000

Major hematological diseases associated with cleft lip and palate.

OBJECTIVE: Cleft lip and palate is among the most common congenital anomalies. Its association with major blood disorders has rarely been reported. The purpose of this study was to report two patients who had major blood diseases associated with cleft lip and palate. PATIENTS AND RESULTS: From June 1995 to December 1997, there were 2700 patients with cleft lip, cleft palate, or both who received treatment at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Two of them were found to have major hematological disorders. In both cases, the disorder was detected by preoperative blood cell counts and white cell differentiation. Case 1 was a 21-year-old woman patient with repaired right cleft lip. She was admitted for alveolar bone grafting and closure of oronasal fistula. Abnormal presentation of blast cells was found, and subsequent bone marrow study confirmed acute lymphocytic leukemia. Case 2 was a 26-year-old man with left secondary cleft lip nasal deformity scheduled to receive staged reconstructive operations. An elevated platelet count was found and subsequently confirmed to represent essential thrombocytosis. In both cases, reconstructive operations for the cleft-related deformities were performed. CONCLUSIONS: Association of major hematological disorders and cleft lip, palate, or both is rare and is reported herein.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Quantitative measurement on three-dimensional computed tomography: an experimental validation using phantom objects.

BACKGROUND: The use of 3-dimensional computed tomography (CT) imaging has been applied to the craniofacial region as well as to many other parts of the human body. Quantitative measurements have frequently been performed on the 3-dimensional images. However, critical validation of the measurement has been insufficient in the literature. This study was designed to evaluate the errors of the 3-dimensional measurements. METHODS: Four phantom objects, a cube, a sphere, a cylinder, and a life-size adult skull model, were scanned using standard CT acquisition protocol. The data were transferred, reformatted, and displayed on an IBM-compatible personal computer running AnalyzePC 2.5 software. Linear, area, and volume measurements were obtained using one of the two methods. The first was physical measurement of the phantom objects using a caliper for linear measurement and mathematical calculations for area and volume measurements. The second was done by computer measurement on 3-dimensional images using the AnalyzePC 2.5 program. Each measurement was performed twice. The differences were compared between the repeated measurements and between the two methods. RESULTS: The images were displayed according to standard 3-dimensional CT protocol. The differences between the measurements were insignificant and ranged from 0.00 to 2.57%. CONCLUSION: This study validated the accuracy of the quantitative measurements on 3-dimensional CT images.

Humans↗
PubMed1999

Palatoalveolar outcome at 18 months following simultaneous primary cleft lip repair and posterior palatoplasty.

It is frequently reported that early repair of the soft palate induces narrowing of the remaining palatal cleft and thus facilitates later hard palate closure. However, to the best of our knowledge, there have been no comparative studies to test this hypothesis. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the change of palatoalveolar morphology following primary lip repair and posterior palatoplasty. Dental plaster models of patients with complete unilateral cleft of lip and palate (UCLP) were used to measure the width of the cleft and palatal arch. Twenty-six patients received simple posterior palatoplasty (PP group) simultaneous with primary lip repair, and 20 patients did not (NPP group). The dental models included one preoperative cast at 2 months (T1) and two or three casts at 6 (T2), 12 (T3), and 18 (T4) months before final palate closure. The linear measurements performed were width of alveolar cleft (Ca); width of palatal cleft between the canines (Cc), molars (Cm), and tuberosities (Ct); the palatal arch distance between the canines (Dc); the widest distance between molars (Dm) and the tuberosities (Dt); and the palatal height between the canines (Hc) and tuberosities (Ht). The raw measurements and the calculated cleft-to-arch ratios of Cc/Dc, Cm/Dm, and Ct/Dt were compared between the two groups. The results showed gradual narrowing of the width of cleft from T1 to T4. Narrowing of alveolar cleft width (Ca) from T1 to T2 was dramatic. The palatal arch (Dc, Dm, Dt) showed no change to mild increase in width. The cleft-to-arch ratios decreased with time. The palatal height remained the same or slightly increased over time. There were no significant differences observed between the PP and NPP groups among these measurements except for the Ct and Ct/Dt at T4. In conclusion, after initial lip repair, there was a decrease of the width of cleft in patients with complete UCLP during the 18-month period, and simple posterior palatoplasty did not further narrow the cleft nor influence palatal arch development.

Chi-Square Distribution↗
PubMed1999

Airway obstruction in severe syndromic craniosynostosis.

Airway obstruction is frequent in patients with severe syndromic craniosynostosis, and must be treated for successful, complete care. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence and the management of airway obstruction in patients with severe craniosynostosis. All patients with complex syndromic craniosynostosis at Chang Gung Craniofacial Center were evaluated retrospectively. Criteria for inclusion of patients were the presence of adequate follow-up and documentation. A total of 40 patients were included, of whom 13 had Apert's syndrome and 27 had Crouzon's disease. Clinical symptoms and signs related to airway obstruction and its treatment were evaluated carefully, and were verified further by telephone inquiry. The status of the airway was categorized into one of three groups: no obstruction; mild obstruction, for which positioning and medical treatment were needed; and severe obstruction, for which surgical intervention was needed. The results showed that 24 patients (60%) did not have airway obstruction, 11 patients (27.5%) had mild obstruction, and 5 patients (12.5%) had severe obstruction. There was no significant difference in the distribution of airway status between patients with Apert's syndrome and Crouzon's disease. Causes for the 5 patients with severe obstruction were midface hypoplasia, lower airway obstruction, tonsillar and adenoid hypertrophy, and choanal atresia. Tracheostomy was performed to control airway in 3 patients, and 1 patient died. Midface anterior distraction helped to decannulate 1 patient. In conclusion, airway obstruction was observed in 40% of patients with severe craniosynostotic syndromes. Most of them could be managed successfully with conservative or medical treatment, and surgical intervention should be considered on the basis of each patient's individual condition.

Acrocephalosyndactylia↗
PubMed1999

Three-dimensional computed tomographic analysis of the primary nasal deformity in 3-month-old infants with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the geometry of the primary cleft lip nasal deformity using three-dimensional computerized tomography in a group of 3-month-old infants with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate before surgical intervention. Coordinates and axes were reconfigured after the three-dimensional image was oriented into neutral position (Frankfurt horizontal, true anteroposterior, and vertical midline). Display and measurement of skin surface and osseous tissues were achieved by adjusting the computed tomographic thresholds. S-N, N-ANS, S-N-O, and S-N-ANS were measured from true lateral views. Biorbital (LO-LO), interorbital (MO-MO), intercanthal (en-en), and nasal (al-al) widths were measured from the anteroposterior view. The bony alveolar cleft width was measured from the inferior view. The study group was divided into two groups on the basis of skeletal alveolar cleft width: six patients with clefts narrower than 10 mm and six patients with clefts wider than 10 mm. Only the S-N-ANS angle differed between the two groups, i.e., it was greater in the group with the wider clefts (p < 0.05). Coordinates of six landmarks at the base of the nose [sellion (se), subnasale (sn), cleft-side and noncleft-side subalare (sbal-cl and sbal-ncl), and the most posterior point on the lateral piriform margins (PPA-CL and PPA-NCL)] were obtained for analysis of the nasal deformity. On average, the subnasale point was anterior to sellion and deviated to the noncleft side; the cleft-side sbal point was more medial, posterior, and inferior than the noncleft-side sbal point; and the PPA point on the cleft-side piriform margin was more lateral, posterior, and inferior than the PPA point on the noncleft side. These discrepancies were not universally observed. However, in all patients, four findings were observed without exception (p < 0.01): (1) subnasale (sn) was deviated to the noncleft side (mean distance from midline, 5.0 mm; range, 2 to 9.5 mm), (2) the cleft-side alar base (sbal-cl) was more posterior than the noncleft-side alar base (sbal-ncl) (mean difference, 3.6 mm; range, 1 to 5.5 mm), (3) the noncleft-side alar base (sbal-ncl) was further from the midline than the cleft-side alar base (sbal-cl) (mean difference in lateral distances of sbal-ncl and sbal-cl from the midline, 2.8 mm; range, 0.5 to 7 mm), and (4) the cleft-side piriform margin (PPA-CL) was more posterior than the noncleft side piriform margin (PPA-NCL) (mean difference, 2.1 mm; range, 0.5 to 4 mm). In conclusion, the nasal deformity in unilateral cleft lip and palate that has not been operated on is characterized by these four features and increased S-N-ANS angle with increased alveolar cleft width.

Cephalometry↗
PubMed1999

Cleft of the lip and palate in twins.

BACKGROUND: Cleft lip and palate is one of the most common congenital anomalies in Taiwan. Its etiology remains unknown for the majority of the patients. The study of twins is a classic method for evaluating the relative roles of genetic and environmental factors in the formation of the anomaly. METHODS: In this study, 37 pairs of twins and one set of triplets with cleft lip and palate were evaluated. Clinical data were collected for zygosity determination and analysis of etiologic factors. The concordance rate and heritability index were assessed. RESULTS: The results showed that the concordance rate was 26% for all twins and 57% among the monozygotic pairs, which is higher than those rates for the Caucasian population. The heritability index was 53%, higher than the other reports as well. The influence of the environment could not be ruled out. CONCLUSION: The results confirm a strong genetic role in the etiology of clefts in our patients. Environmental factors were acting as well. The findings in this study support the multifactorial threshold model in the development of cleft lip and palate.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Bilateral coronoid process hyperplasia with limitation on mouth opening: case report.

Coronoid process hyperplasia with limitation of mouth opening is rare. The pathology is often ignored, but it can be easily detected using dental panoramic view of x-ray films. Definition of the coronoid process hyperplasia can be made by measuring the height of coronoid process and the ratio of coronoid/condyle height on lateral cephalometric x-ray film. Etiology of the coronoid process hyperplasia can be congenital or acquired. Differentiation of the diagnosis may be difficult. The congenital type occurs at early age with clinical manifestations. Proposed hypotheses for the formation of coronoid process hyperplasia include increased activity within the temporalis muscle from conditions such as functional stress, compression, and tension. For patients with coronoid process hyperplasia and restriction on mouth opening, conservative treatment should first be attempted. Surgical treatment is considered if conservative treatment fails. Coronoidectomy with early mobilization and aggressive physiotherapy corrects the problem. We present a patient with coronoid process hyperplasia with limitation of mouth opening who was successfully treated.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed1999

Maxillary growth after palatal denudation: an animal experiment.

BACKGROUND: Palate surgery at an early age may cause retardation of maxillary growth. The second intention healing of the raw bone surface created on the palate is considered to be the cause of the growth retardation. The animal experiment in this study was designed to evaluate this effect. METHODS: Four-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups. In the first group, a strip of mucoperiosteum was excised on both sides of the hard palate. A second group of rats received a sham surgery in which bilateral mucoperiosteal flaps were raised and redraped. The third group served as controls with no surgery. Flap elevation with and without excision was performed under an operative microscope to facilitate the delicate manipulation of tissue and to avoid injury to the underlying bone. The animals were killed 11 weeks later and the skulls were prepared for measurements, which included the palatal inter-molar width, maxillary height, and maxillary length. RESULTS: The results revealed statistically significant decreases in palatal width and maxillary length in the experimental group (excision of mucoperiosteum). No differences were observed in the vertical height of the maxilla. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that surgically created bone denudation of the palate causes maxillary growth disturbances.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

A comparative study of various fixation methods for mandibular fracture.

BACKGROUND: Internal rigid fixation for mandibular fractures has been recognized as a reliable method for obtaining osteosynthesis. It may allow for early active physiotherapy and resumption of normal function. However, few studies have compared the various fixation methods. METHODS: From January 1993 through December 1997, 101 patients with mandibular fractures, who were selected for study, received treatment using various fixation methods at the Craniofacial Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. The fixation methods included plate fixation in 44 patients, lag screw fixation in 30, combined plate and lag screw fixation in 15, and wire fixation in 12. Clinical data assessment was performed by reviewing hospital records. For assessment of the long-term surgical results, the patients were asked to complete a questionnaire including questions which specifically targeted history regarding occlusion, mastication, facial asymmetry, width of mouth opening, and general appearance. RESULTS: The outcome assessment showed statistically different results among the groups. The wire group required intermaxillary fixation more often and for a longer duration compared to the groups using plates and/or lag screws. The plate, lag screw, and combined plate and lag screw fixation groups had better total outcome scores, in particular for long-term dental occlusion and mastication function. CONCLUSION: This study shows that for mandible fractures, the more rigid types of fixation methods, i.e., plates and screws or lag screws, can offer better short and long-term outcomes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

The Le Fort I-palatal split approach for skull base tumors: efficacy, complications, and outcome.

The Le Fort I, split-palate approach provides intraoral surgical access to a region of the midline skull base ranging from the upper clivus to the second cervical vertebra. Although this approach provides perhaps the largest exposure of all the intraoral techniques, there is little concerning it in the literature. Furthermore, there are no detailed descriptions of case histories, complications, and outcome. The purpose of this study was to evaluate this procedure's effectiveness and identify associated complications as well as outcome. Seven cases of patients who underwent eight skull base surgeries using the Le Fort I, split-palate approach were evaluated retrospectively. Particular attention was paid to postoperative occlusion, speech, mouth opening, infection, tumor recurrence, postoperative recovery period, and viability of maxillary bone and teeth. Follow-up ranged from 4 months to 7 years with a mean of 3.9 years. Pathologic diagnoses included three chordomas (two recurrent), one recurrent meningioma, one liposarcoma, one chondrosarcoma, and one inflammatory mass. One patient with chordoma underwent a second operation using the same approach. No deaths or major neurologic problems related to the procedure occurred. One patient who had known local metastases at the time of operation died several months after surgery. All other patients are still living. Duration of hospital stay ranged from 5 to 53 days with a mean of 25.4 days. Postoperative complications included one case of meningitis with an associated cerebrospinal fluid leak, three cases of malocclusion, one case of velopharyngeal insufficiency, and one extracranial soft-tissue infection. The case of meningitis was successfully treated by antibiotics. The malocclusions were corrected by conservative treatment. No problems with mouth opening or bone or tooth viability occurred. Tumor recurred in both cases in which malignancy was involved, whereas only one recurrence was noted among the benign cases. It is concluded that the Le Fort I-palatal split technique is a relatively safe and effective means for approaching midline skull base tumors. Several modifications to the surgical protocol and surgical technique are detailed herein.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Relationship between bone and muscles of mastication in hemifacial microsomia.

The relationship between the bone and muscles of mastication in hemifacial microsomia was studied using three-dimensional volumetric computed tomography scans and image processing techniques. High resolution head computed tomography scans were obtained from 31 patients with unilateral hemifacial microsomia and eight normal patients. Using three-dimensional volume renderings of bone, mandibular deformities in patients with hemifacial microsomia were classified using the Pruzansky system. For each patient, specific craniofacial bones (temporal bone, maxilla mandible) and the muscles of mastication (masseter, temporalis and lateral and medial pterygoid) were segmented bilaterally from the image volume for independent display and volume measurement. Volumes were expressed as the ratio of the affected: unaffected sides. For the masseter and temporalis, the relationship between muscular hypoplasia and osseous hypoplasia in its origin and insertion was studied by plotting affected:unaffected bone volume as a function of affected:unaffected muscle volume for each muscle, bone of origin, bone of insertion triplet. The volumes of the pterygoid muscles were compared with hemimandibular volumes. The precision of object segmentations was examined by repetitive definition tasks, whereas the accuracy of volume measurement was tested by scanning custom-made phantom objects and comparing digital to physical object volume measurements. Volume measurements performed using these techniques were both accurate and precise. In hemifacial microsomia, the extent of hypoplasia of specific muscles of mastication predicted the extent of dysplasia in their osseous origin and insertion. However, the reverse was not true. The extent of hypoplasia of the facial bones did not necessarily predict the extent of hypoplasia in the attached muscles of mastication. Pruzansky grade of the mandible described the degree of mandibular hypoplasia on the affected side, but was inconsistent in its prediction of volume decrease of the other facial bones.

Facial Asymmetry↗
PubMed1997

Infantile myofibromatosis: a solitary lesion involving the upper lip.

Infantile myofibromatosis is a rare disease characterized by myofibroblastic proliferation, and typically occurs in early infancy. There is a wide spectrum of clinical presentation, which may involve various kinds of tissues in the body. Skin and subcutaneous lesions were the types of tissue most often seen. Although a multicentric form may behave aggressively, a solitary form of the tumor is benign with the possibility of spontaneous regression. Conservative management is justified after proper pathological diagnosis if the tumor involves an aesthetically important area. A case of solitary infantile myofibromatosis involving the upper lip is presented. Partial excision for biopsy was performed and long-term observation was undertaken. The tumor disappeared 3 years postoperatively.

Actins↗