Otorhinolaryngological Complications of Progressive Facial Hemiatrophy (Romberg's Disease)

Progressive facial hemiatrophy (PFH) is characterized by slowly progressive atrophy of subcutaneous tissue. Bone, muscles, nerves, the eye, and the brain may be affected by atrophy. Four patients suffering from various otorhinolaryngological complications of PFH or Romberg's disease are reported. Unilateral hearing loss could be located in the inner ear of one patient by audiologic examination. Localized bone destruction and disintegration of a portion of the anterior wall of the frontal sinus were observed in a patient after more than three decades. Marked shrinking of the homolateral parotid gland and homolateral masticatory spasm are reported as further otorhinolaryngological manifestations. The various complications of PFH call for close interdisciplinary cooperation.