3D morphometric facial analysis in Williams, Noonan and DiGeorge syndrome patients

The aim of the thesis was to evaluate facial dysmorphism in Williams (WBS), Noonan (NS) and DiGeorge syndrome (DGS) patients and also to evaluate changes in the morphology of the face during growth. In total 57 3D facial scans of patients of all ages were analysed, including 12 WBS, 20 NS, 25 DGS and 31 scans of control subjects. The evaluation has been carried out using methods of geometric morphometry, namely by coherent point drift - dense correspondence analysis, superprojection of mean faces, per vertex t-test and principal component analysis. Statistically significant differences in the facial morphology were shown for all the syndromes vs. control. Observed dysmorphies in WBS (narrow forehead, bitemporal narrowing, periorbital fullness, bulbous and anteverted nasal tip, malar flattening, protrusion of both lips, pointed chin) mostly confirmed existing knowledge of the typical phenotype. The morphology in WBS is thus strongly specific and manifested in most of the patients. During ontogeny, the dysmorphic features associated with increased facial convexity become pronounced, while the other typical features remain relatively stable. In contrast to the control, the retrusion of the chin occurs during the development. Observed dysmorphic traits in NS (less prominent supraorbital ridges,..