Cyclopia

Last revised by Andrew Murphy on 10 Oct 2018

Cyclopia refers to a rare fetal malformation characterized by a single palpebral fissure and a single midline orbit. This orbit may contain either a single globe or two separate globe.

The condition is thought to affect approximately 1 in 40,000 to 95,000 births (inclusive of stillbirths)  

It results from a deficient development of the superior precordial segment with an associated underdevelopment of the oro-nasal cavity 5. There is a severe error in prosencephalic development. 

Cyclopia can also occur as part of the spectrum of 

May be seen with targeted imaging of the fetal face where a common orbit may be seen in the upper half of the face.  

Cyclopia is essentially incompatible with life 1

Derived from the Greek word 'cyclopes' meaning 'ring-eyed' 4.

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