Growth and Symmetry of the Levator Veli Palatini Muscle Within the First Two Years of Life.

Objective: To quantify differences in levator veli palatini (LVP) muscle dimensions based on age, sex, and race and determine the typical range of asymmetry between the left and right sides of the LVP under age 2.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Children's tertiary care hospital.

Growth Effects on Velopharyngeal Anatomy Within the First 2 Years of Life.

Purpose: Limited quantitative data exist regarding growth of the velopharynx within the first 2 years of life. The purpose of this study was to (a) quantify changes in velopharyngeal structures due to growth during the first 2 years of life, (b) examine the impact of sex and race within this age range, and (c) provide normative measures for comparison to individuals with cleft palate.

Method/description: A retrospective chart review was completed of all patients up to 24 months of age that underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the head for medical necessity within the past 18 months using a three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence.