Clinical autonomic research : official journal of the Clinical Autonomic Research Society
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A case of hemifacial atrophy (Parry-Romberg disease) is discussed. Electrophysiological and immunological studies were performed. ⋯ Immunological evidence favoured this possibility and demonstrated possible involvement of the noradrenergic system. Hyperactivity of the brain stem sympathetic centres, possibly caused by an autoimmune process, may be the primary cause of the cutaneous and subcutaneous atrophy in Parry-Romberg disease.