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Intracranial volume change in craniosynostosis
S Sgouros1, A D Hockley, J H Goldin
1Department of Craniofacial Surgery and Institute of Child Health, Birmingham Children's Hospital, United Kingdom. S.Sgouros@bham.ac.uk
Journal of Neurosurgery
|October 3, 1999
Summary
Intracranial volume in craniosynostosis patients normalizes by six months, with growth patterns aligning with healthy children thereafter. Measuring intracranial volume can help optimize surgical timing and predict recurrence in children with craniosynostosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Craniofacial Surgery
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Controversy exists regarding optimal surgical timing for craniosynostosis.
- Previous research focused on intracranial pressure, neglecting intracranial volume dynamics.
- Understanding intracranial volume changes is crucial for managing craniosynostosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze intracranial volume changes in children with craniosynostosis compared to healthy controls.
- To investigate the influence of age and gender on intracranial volume in craniosynostosis.
- To assess the utility of intracranial volume measurement in surgical decision-making.
Main Methods:
- Intracranial volume was measured using CT scan segmentation in 84 children with craniosynostosis.
- Volume changes were calculated and compared to a normal growth model.
- Postoperative volumes were analyzed in a subset of patients.
Main Results:
- Craniosynostosis patients exhibit normal intracranial volume by six months, following typical growth thereafter.
- Gender differences in head growth emerge after 12 months.
- Children presenting late with recurrent craniosynostosis had smaller initial intracranial volumes.
Conclusions:
- The primary mechanism of head volume constriction in craniosynostosis appears to diminish within the first few months of life.
- Intracranial volume measurement can aid in optimizing surgical timing for craniosynostosis.
- Intracranial volume assessment may help predict recurrence in late-presenting cases.