Definition
Cyclopia is a rare congenital anomaly, characterized by the presence of a single orbital cavity, more or less complete, in the middle of the forehead.
This malformation is caused by genetic disorders or exposure to teratogenic substances during morphogenesis.
Cyclopia is an extreme case of holoprosencephaly, in which the correct division of the two eye sockets during embryonic development is unsuccessful. Usually, the nose is missing or replaced by a non-functioning structure that looks like a small proboscis.
Cyclopia is often associated with other malformations incompatible with life, as happens in trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome) or in trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome). Sometimes, this anomaly can occur in the fetus when rubella is contracted by a woman during pregnancy (congenital rubella syndrome).
Possible Causes * of Cyclopia
- Rubella
- Trisomy 13
- Trisomy 18
