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Updated: May 22, 2026
Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model
Published on: November 4, 2025
Brain anomalies in 121 children with non-syndromic single suture craniosynostosis by MR imaging
A Hukki1, V Koljonen, A Karppinen
1Cleft Lip and Palate and Craniofacial Centre, Department of Plastic Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland. ada.hukki@gmail.com
Insights
Pre-operative MRI in children with non-syndromic single suture craniosynostosis rarely reveals significant intracranial abnormalities. Most detected anomalies, like Chiari 1 malformation, do not require further surgery, limiting routine MRI
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Craniofacial Surgery
- Neuroradiology
Background:
- Non-syndromic single suture craniosynostosis affects skull development in infants.
- Cranial vault remodeling surgery is a common treatment.
- Pre-operative imaging is used to assess intracranial structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of intracranial abnormalities in children with non-syndromic single suture craniosynostosis.
- To evaluate the utility of pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in identifying these abnormalities.
- To investigate potential associations between patient factors and abnormal findings.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 129 pediatric patients undergoing craniofacial surgery for non-syndromic single suture craniosynostosis.
- Review of pre-operative brain MRI studies.
- Statistical analysis of potential predisposing factors.
Main Results:
- Abnormal brain findings were noted in 15% of patients.
- Chiari 1 malformation was the most frequent anomaly (9% of all patients, 61% of anomalies).
- No statistical significance was found for any predisposing factors, and no additional surgical procedures were needed for the identified anomalies.
Conclusions:
- Intracranial abnormalities in this cohort appear coincidental and not regularly associated with specific craniosynostosis types.
- Routine pre-operative MRI has limited value for detecting intracranial malformations requiring intervention in non-syndromic single suture craniosynostosis.
- Current findings suggest a selective approach to pre-operative imaging may be appropriate.
Introduction:
The aim of this study was to evaluate prevalence of intracranial abnormalities in children with non-syndromic single suture craniosynostosis scheduled for cranial vault remodelling surgery using pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging.
Patients And Methods:
A retrospective analysis of brain magnetic resonance imaging studies of 129 non-syndromic single suture craniosynostosis children undergoing craniofacial surgery between January, 2004-October, 2010 was conducted. Statistical analysis was performed for child, maternal and sibling related predisposing factors for abnormal brain magnetic resonance imaging findings. The mean age of these 121 patients at the time of imaging was 21.6 months. The majority, 78% were males and 74% of the patients were scaphocephalic.
Results:
In 18 (15%) patients abnormal brain findings were noted. The most common finding was Chiari 1 malformation in 11 (9%). Chiari 1 malformation comprised over half (61%) of the brain anomalies identified. None of these findings required any additional surgical procedures. None of the statistical analysis reached statistical significance.
Conclusions:
Brain anomalies in connection with non-syndromic single suture craniosynostosis patients seem to be a coincidental event. We did not establish any specific craniosynostosis form to be regularly associated with abnormal brain magnetic resonance imaging findings. The routine use of pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging in non-syndromic single suture craniosynostosis patients seems to be of limited value in the search for associated intracranial malformations necessitating additional interventions.
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