Progressive facial atrophy: a rare case of Parry-Romberg syndrome in an active-duty soldier

Parry-Romberg syndrome (PRS) describes a progressive form of facial atrophy, generally progressing over two decades before spontaneously halting. The prevalence of PRS is estimated at 1 per 700 000 persons, with a female predominance, and is most commonly considered idiopathic, although familial cases are found in the literature. The disease is characterised by progressive hemifacial soft tissue atrophy, most common on the left side, with rare cases extending into deeper anatomy, including underlying bone and brain parenchyma. Facial atrophy generally follows trigeminal nerve branches, potentially causing neurological signs and symptoms mimicking stroke, Ramsey-Hunt syndrome, or Bell’s palsy.1