Asymmetric crying facies: an index of other malformations.

Congenital hypoplasia or absence of the depressor anguli oris muscle is a minor congenital anomaly causing asymmetrical crying facies (ACF). The interesting aspect of this abnormality lies in the frequently associated abnormalities. Cardiac, urogenital, musculoskeletal, respiratory and cervicofacial defects have been described in cases with ACF. Therefore it is suggested that ACF can be used as an index of other congenital malformations. We report three cases with ACF who had varied congenital anormalites.