What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Hemihyperplasia

What is Hemihypertrophy? (Definition/Background Information)

• Hemihypertrophy is a condition in which there is excessive (hyper) growth (trophy) of only one side (hemi) of the body, the right side or the left side
• Overgrowth may affect only one part of the body, such as a leg or arm, or several different areas of the body. It may not be apparent at birth, but becomes most noticeable as the child grows
• Hemihypertrophy can be isolated or may be part of a genetic syndrome, like Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
• In most cases, the cause of isolated Hemihypertrophy is unknown. In cases where the condition is part of a genetic syndrome, the cause depends on the specific syndrome
• Treatment may include surgery to correct the differences in the affected body part(s)

(Source: Hemihypertrophy; Genetic and Rare Disease Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Science (NCATS), USA.)

Who gets Hemihypertrophy? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Hemihypertrophy is a rare congenital disorder. The presentation of symptoms may occur at birth, but may become more apparent in childhood
• Both males and females may be affected
• Worldwide, individuals of all racial and ethnic groups may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Hemihypertrophy? (Predisposing Factors)

• A positive family history may be an important risk factor, since Hemihypertrophy can be inherited
• Currently, no other risk factors have been clearly identified for the disorder

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Hemihypertrophy? (Etiology)

• The genetic cause of Hemihypertrophy, when it is not part of a syndrome, is not known in most cases
• Hemihypertrophy can also occur as part of a syndrome, such as Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. In such cases, the genetic cause and mode of inheritance are determined by the type of the underlying syndrome

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Hemihypertrophy?

Hemihypertrophy involves overgrowth of one side of the body. The signs and symptoms may be apparent on the whole side, or parts of one side, and may include:

• Asymmetry of face
• Overgrowth of one or both limbs on one side of the body

How is Hemihypertrophy Diagnosed?

Hemihypertrophy is diagnosed on the basis of the following information:

• Complete physical examination
• Thorough medical history evaluation
• Assessment of signs and symptoms
• Laboratory tests
• Imaging studies
• Biopsy studies, if necessary

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Hemihypertrophy?

The complications of Hemihypertrophy may include:

• Difficulty in chewing and swallowing
• Respiratory distress due to over-development of tissues on one side of the body
• Low self-esteem and emotional stress due to one’s appearance

Complications may occur with or without treatment, and in some cases, due to treatment also.

How is Hemihypertrophy Treated?

There is no cure for Hemihypertrophy, since it is a genetic condition. The treatment is usually given to manage the signs and symptoms and any complication that develops.

How can Hemihypertrophy be Prevented?

Hemihypertrophy may not be preventable, since it is reportedly a genetic disorder.

• Genetic testing of the expecting parents (and related family members) and prenatal diagnosis (molecular testing of the fetus during pregnancy), if available, may help in understanding the risks better during pregnancy
• If there is a family history of the condition, then genetic counseling will help assess risks, before planning for a child
• Active research is currently being performed to explore the possibilities for treatment and prevention of inherited and acquired genetic disorders

Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with tests and physical examinations are recommended.

What is the Prognosis of Hemihypertrophy? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Hemihypertrophy is dependent upon the severity of the signs and symptoms and associated complications, if any
• Individuals with mild conditions have better prognosis than those with severe symptoms and complications
• If Hemihypertrophy is associated with a syndrome, then the prognosis may be determined by the severity of that disorder
• Typically, the prognosis may be assessed on a case-by-case basis

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Hemihypertrophy:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/rare-disorders/