Bosma Arhinia Microphthalmia Syndrome (BAMS): First Report from Vietnam

Bosma arhinia microphthalmia syndrome (BAMS) is a rare condition, with about 100 cases identified worldwide. It is characterized by nasal and ophthalmic abnormalities, as well as disturbances in puberty and sexual development. The cardinal sign is arhinia, though some cases have partial aplasia of the external nose. In addition, several reports have revealed abnormal brain structure, including changes to the olfactory bulbs. This case describes a 29-year-old female who has suffered from BAMS since birth. On presentation, she was noted to have congenital arhinia, bilateral microphthalmia, vision loss, mouth-breathing, an unclear speaking voice, a high arched or cleft palate, and a hypoplastic maxilla. Her paranasal sinuses were ossified and underdeveloped. This syndrome occurs rarely, both within Vietnam and worldwide. It is characterized by four major features: arrhinia, complete absence of the paranasal sinuses, eye defects, and absent sexual maturation. This case report describes the presentation of the disorder to improve otolaryngologists’ understanding of BAMS. Criteria for diagnosis consist of arhinia, midface hypoplasia (with a hypoplastic maxilla), hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and normal intellectual abilities. Additional important findings are microphthalmia with or without coloboma, anosmia, maxillary hypoplasia, a high-arched palate, and absence of paranasal sinuses and olfactory bulbs.