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Epicanthal folds

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• Treatment

Definition:

An epicanthal fold is skin of the upper eyelid -- from the nose to the inner side of the eyebrow -- that covers the inner corner (canthus) of the eye.

Alternative Names:

Plica palpebronasalis

Considerations:

The presence of an epicanthal fold is normal in people of Asiatic descent. An epicanthal fold is also common in children with Down syndrome . Epicanthal folds may also be seen in young children of any race before the bridge of the nose begins to elevate.

Common Causes:

Epicanthal folds may be normal for people of Asiatic descent and some non-Asian infants. However, it may also be due to certain medical conditions, including:

• Down syndrome
• Fetal alcohol syndrome
• Turner syndrome
• Phenylketonuria (PKU)
• Williams syndrome
• Noonan syndrome
• Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome
• Blepharophimosis syndrome

• Review Date: 2/14/2007
• Reviewed By: Leisha M. Andersen, M.D., Private Practice specializing in Pediatrics, Denver, CO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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