Related Experiment Videos
Persistent open anterior fontanelle in a healthy 32-month-old boy
Hilda M De Gaetano1, Joseph S De Gaetano
1Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33328, USA.
Insights
Delayed anterior fontanelle closure can indicate serious conditions like increased intracranial pressure or hypothyroidism. However, a persistently open anterior fontanelle may also be a normal variation in some infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neonatology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- The anterior fontanelle typically closes between 4 and 26 months of age.
- Delayed closure can be linked to significant underlying medical conditions.
Observation:
- Common causes of delayed fontanelle closure include increased intracranial pressure, hypothyroidism, and skeletal anomalies.
- A thorough medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests are crucial for diagnosis.
Findings:
- While often indicative of pathology, a persistent open anterior fontanelle can represent a normal variant after ruling out other disorders.
- This highlights the importance of comprehensive evaluation.
Implications:
- Recognizing normal variation prevents unnecessary investigations and parental anxiety.
- Accurate diagnosis ensures appropriate management of infants with delayed fontanelle closure.
Abstract:
Delayed closure of the anterior fontanelle is often associated with significant disease entities. Range of normal closure of the anterior fontanelle is 4 to 26 months. Increased intracranial pressure, hypothyroidism, and skeletal anomalies are common etiologic factors. History, physical examination, and diagnostic testing rule out most disorders. Once these disorders have been ruled out, it is important for the physician to realize that a persistent open anterior fontanelle beyond the accepted ranges of closure can be a normal outlier.