Learning objectives
To characterize the main findings in craniosynostosis.
To highlight potential pitfalls.
To describe habitual post surgical findings.
Background
Craniosynostosis is a condition characterized by a premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures resulting in skull shape and facial deformities (Fig.
1) that could lead to functional consequences such increased intracranial pressure (ICP),
visual impairment and developmental delay [1].
There are some specific genes mutations implicated in an abnormal proliferation,
differentiation and apoptosis of the osteoblasts located at the edges of the sutures,
causing their premature closure [2].
There are also mutations in genes involved in the coding of proteins that control the...
Findings and procedure details
Computed tomography (CT) is the technique of choice in the evaluation of craniosynostosis.
It has high sensitivity and specificity,
especially with the use of 3D reconstructions [5].
CT also provides information regarding brain parenchyma and intracranial abnormalities.
Judicious utilization of CT imaging and the use of appropriate low dose techniques protocols is essential to limit radiation risk in children.
Radiography has traditionally been the first-line study when non-syndromic craniosynostosis is suspected.
However,
it has low sensitivity in the first three months of life,
due to...
Conclusion
In this presentation we emphasize the role of images by means of radiographic and tomographic characterization of the different cranial deformities and their associated facial alterations,
post-surgical control,
main differential diagnoses and potential pitfalls.
Personal information
Contact details:
Dr.
Pablo Alvayay Quilodrán
Neuroradiology Section.
Department of Radiology,
Clínica Alemana de Santiago.
Chile.
Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana-Universidad del Desarrollo,
Santiago,
Chile.
Email:
[email protected]
Dr.
Valeria Schonstedt Geldres
Neuroradiology Section.
Department of Radiology,
Clínica Alemana de Santiago.
Chile.
Email:
[email protected]
Dr.Ximena Stecher Guzmán
Neuroradiology Section.
Department of Radiology,
Clínica Alemana de Santiago.
Chile.
Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana-Universidad del Desarrollo,
Santiago,
Chile.
Email:
[email protected]
References
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What the Radiologist Needs to Know.
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Khanna PC,
Thapa MM,
Iyer RS,
et al.
Pictorial essay: The many faces of craniosynostosis.
Indian J Radiol Imaging 2011;21: 49–56.
Rich PM,Cox TC,Hayward RD.The jugular foramen in complex and syndromic craniosynostosis and its relationship to raised intracranial pressure.
AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2003;24: 45–51.
Benson ML,
Oliverio PJ,
Yue NC,
et al.
Primary craniosynostosis: imaging features.
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1996; 166:...