Compression of superior sagittal sinus by neonatal calvarial molding

Compression of the superior sagittal sinus may result from overlapping of the parietal and occipital bones in the newborn infant. Such compression has been documented angiographically and the resultant decreased blood flow confirmed with a Doppler ultrasound probe. This compression may increase intracerebral venous pressures and thereby contribute to the high incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage in premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome.