The characteristic facial changes in a patient diagnosed with thalassemia major include hypertrophy of maxilla, widely spared eyes, and prominent cheekbones. This is the result of:

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Thalassemia major is a condition where there is a decreased production of hemoglobin, leading to expansion of the marrow space in the bones as the body attempts to compensate. This results in characteristic facial changes such as hypertrophy of the maxilla, prominent cheekbones, and widely spaced eyes. Extramedullary hematopoiesis, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, and an increase in hemoglobins are not associated with these facial changes.

The Characteristic Facial Changes in a Patient Diagnosed with Thalassemia