Moon facies

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Synonyms and keywords: moon face, Cushingoid appearance

Moon facies refers to a round, full, puffy face due to extra fluid or fat around the sides of the face.

Fluid and fat deposits along the sides of the face make it look rounder. The fat deposition may be due to obesity or excess cortisol released by the adrenal glands (hyperadrenocorticalism or hypercortisolism).

• ACTH releasing pituitary tumor or tumor in the thymus, lung or pancreas
• Adrenal gland tumors that release cortisol
• Allergies
• Cushing’s syndrome
• Obesity
• Steroids such asprednisone. It is more common with oral than with injected or inhaled steroids

The face is round, full and puffy and the ears may not be visible when looking at the front of the face.