Background: Congenital palate perforation is extremely rare. There is controversy about its exact etiology and appropriate management. Here, a case of congenital palatal perforation is reported. The diagnosis and treatment of the disease are summarized.
Case summary: A full-term neonate boy was referred for oral and craniomaxillofacial surgery with a finding of a hole in the palate at birth. The operation was postponed after pediatric consultation because of the patient's poor nutrition and underweight for his age. At the age of 10 mo, the patient underwent modified von Langenbeck palatoplasty. He was followed for four years after surgery without any signs of re-rupture. His speech was satisfactory.
Conclusion: Considering the anatomy and etiology, congenital palate perforation can be classified as isolated or associated with submucous cleft palate, and the treatment procedure should be altered accordingly.
Keywords: Congenital; Craniomaxillofacial; Palate; Perforation; Submucous cleft palate etiology; von Langenbeck palatoplasty.
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