Craniosynostosis: imaging review and primer on computed tomography

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Radiology
• Craniofacial Surgery
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Craniosynostosis involves premature fusion of pediatric skull sutures, leading to deformities.
• It occurs as isolated or syndromic forms, often associated with other craniofacial abnormalities.
• Differentiating primary from secondary causes and positional mimics is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the classification, embryopathogenesis, and epidemiology of craniosynostosis.
• To detail the radiologic appearance and differential diagnoses of craniosynostosis.
• To emphasize the role of 3-D CT in diagnosis and management while minimizing radiation.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on craniosynostosis classification, pathogenesis, and epidemiology.
• Detailed description of radiologic findings on 3-D CT.
• Analysis of differential diagnoses for craniosynostosis.

Main Results:

• Craniosynostosis classification includes isolated and syndromic types, with deformity linked to suture involvement and fusion order.
• Syndromic forms present with additional craniofacial deformities.
• 3-D CT is vital for diagnosis and management planning, necessitating optimized techniques to reduce radiation.

Conclusions:

• Understanding craniosynostosis subtypes and their embryopathogenesis aids diagnosis.
• Radiologic evaluation, particularly 3-D CT, is key for accurate assessment and treatment planning.
• Careful CT technique selection is paramount to limit radiation exposure in pediatric patients.