Isotretinoin embryopathy is an association of malformations caused by the teratogenic effect of isotretinoin, an oral synthetic vitamin A derivative, which is used to treat severe recalcitrant cystic acne. Exposure to isotretinoin during the first trimester of pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of spontaneous abortions and severe birth defects including serious craniofacial (microcephaly, asymmetric crying facies, microphthalmia, developmental abnormalities of the external ear, ocular hypertelorism), cardio vascular (conotruncal heart defects, aortic arch abnormalities), and central nervous system (hydrocephalus, microcephaly, lissencephaly, Dandy-Walker malformation, cognitive deficit) anomalies and thymic aplasia. Isoretinoin is contraindicated during pregnancy.

Asymmetry observed in the face of a neonate or infant whose face appears symmetric at rest and asymmetric during crying as the mouth is pulled downward on one side while not moving on the other side.