Dubowitz syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder that leads to
growth retardation (intrauterine, postnatal),
mental retardation, a peculiar face,
microcephaly, behavioral problems and
eczema. The peculiar face of individuals with
Dubowitz syndrome includes sparse hair and eyebrows, low-set ears,
blepharophimosis, bilateral ptosis, a flat nasal bridge with a broad nasal root and
micrognathia.
Airway management of such individuals might be difficult due to craniofacial anomalies, such as
micrognathia,
cleft palate, tooth problems and craniocervical anomalies. In addition,
anesthetic management may be complicated by other systemic illnesses. We report the uneventful
anesthetic management of a 16-year-old girl with
Dubowitz syndrome who underwent a total abdominal
hysterectomy after a pelvic examination under
general anesthesia. We report this case of
Dubowitz syndrome with a review of the relevant literature.