Enlargement and distortion of facial bones, giving one the appearance of a lion. It can occur as a complication of hyperparathyroidism, Paget’s disease, uremia, and other conditions.
This isn’t a specific disease but rather a term used to describe a single symptom—the enlargement of one or more facial bones. In severe cases, this enlargement can distort the entire face, giving it a somewhat lion-like appearance. Typically, this condition begins in childhood and can result from factors such as widespread bone inflammation due to severe dental infections or other bone-related diseases. In adults, a similar facial appearance can be caused by conditions like Paget’s disease, syphilis affecting the bones, or tumors in the nose and sinus areas. This condition is occasionally observed in individuals with leprosy and is also known as Virchow’s disease.