Low nasal bridge
Saddle noseA low nasal bridge is the flattening of the top part of the nose.
Considerations
Genetic diseases or infections may cause decreased growth of the bridge of nose.
A decrease in the height of the bridge of nose is best seen from a side view of the face.
Causes
Causes may include:
- Cleidocranial dysostosis
Cleidocranial dysostosis
Cleidocranial dysostosis is a disorder involving the abnormal development of bones in the skull and collar (clavicle) area.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Congenital syphilis
Congenital syphilis
Congenital syphilis is a severe, disabling, and often life-threatening infection seen in infants whose mothers were infected with syphilis and not fu...
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Down syndrome
Down syndrome is a genetic condition in which a person has 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Normal variation
- Other syndromes that are present at birth (congenital)
- Williams syndrome
Williams syndrome
Williams syndrome is a rare disorder that can lead to problems with development.
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When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your health care provider if you have questions about the shape of your child's nose.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
The provider will do a physical exam. The provider may ask questions about your child's family and medical history.
Laboratory studies may include:
- Chromosome studies
Chromosome studies
Karyotyping is a test to examine chromosomes in a sample of cells. This test can help identify genetic problems as the cause of a disorder or diseas...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Enzyme assays (blood tests to measure specific enzyme levels)
Enzyme
Enzymes are complex proteins that cause a specific chemical change. For example, they can help break down the foods we eat so the body can use them....
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- X-rays
References
Farrior EH. Special rhinoplasty techniques. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 32.
Haddad J, Dodhia SN. Congenital disorders of the nose. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 404.
Madan-Khetarpal S, Arnold G, Ortiz D. Genetic disorders and dysmorphic conditions. In: Zitelli BJ, McIntire SC, Nowalk AJ, Garrison J, eds. Zitelli and Davis' Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 1.
Slavotinek AM. Dysmorphology. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 128.
The face - illustration
The physical landmarks of the human face are very similar from one face to another.
The face
illustration
Low nasal bridge - illustration
A low or absent nasal bridge can occur in association with infectious diseases or genetic diseases.
Low nasal bridge
illustration
Review Date: 2/17/2024
Reviewed By: Charles I. Schwartz, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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