Combined metopic and unilateral coronal synostoses: a phenotypic conundrum
Tina M Sauerhammer1, Kamlesh Patel, Albert K Oh
1From the Departments of *Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and †Neurosurgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA.
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
|January 23, 2014
Summary
Combined metopic and unilateral coronal synostoses present a rare cranial deformity. Early intervention can improve outcomes, but surgical revisions are often necessary for this complex condition.
Area of Science:
- Craniofacial Surgery
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Medical Genetics
Background:
- Craniosynostosis typically causes predictable cranial shape changes.
- Combined metopic and unilateral coronal synostoses present an anomalous phenotype.
- Understanding this rare condition is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the clinical and radiographic features of combined metopic and unilateral coronal synostoses.
- To better understand the phenotype of this rare craniosynostosis.
- To inform treatment strategies for affected individuals.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of a craniofacial database.
- Inclusion of patients with combined metopic and unilateral coronal synostoses.
- Collection of demographic, physical, radiographic, genetic, and treatment data.
Main Results:
- Only 3 patients identified with this rare synostosis.
- Distinct phenotypic features include forehead narrowing, brow retrusion, and ear displacement.
- Genetic analysis revealed TWIST gene mutations in 2 patients, consistent with Saethre-Chotzen syndrome.
- Treatment outcomes varied, with some requiring revision surgery despite early intervention.
Conclusions:
- Combined metopic and unilateral coronal synostoses exhibit a rare and unusual phenotype.
- Early intervention is beneficial but often necessitates revisional procedures.
- Further research may elucidate optimal management strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Sutures of the Skull
13.8K
The human skull is composed of several bones that come together to protect the brain and support the structures of the face. The junctions where these bones meet are called sutures.
Sutures are immobile joints between adjacent bones of the skull. The narrow gap between the bones is filled with dense, fibrous connective tissue that unites the bones. The long sutures located between the skull bones are not straight but instead follow irregular, tightly twisting paths. These twisting lines tightly...
Sutures are immobile joints between adjacent bones of the skull. The narrow gap between the bones is filled with dense, fibrous connective tissue that unites the bones. The long sutures located between the skull bones are not straight but instead follow irregular, tightly twisting paths. These twisting lines tightly...
13.8K
Cranial Bones: Lateral View
6.8K
The lateral view of the cranium is dominated by temporal, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones.
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
6.8K
Structural Joints: Cartilaginous Joints
4.4K
As the name indicates, at a cartilaginous joint, the adjacent bones are united by cartilage, a tough but flexible type of connective tissue. Unlike synovial joints, these types of joints lack a joint cavity and involve bones joined together by either hyaline cartilage or fibrocartilage.
There are two types of cartilaginous joints:
Synchondrosis
A synchondrosis ("joined by cartilage") is a cartilaginous joint where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage. Synchondrosis may be temporary...
There are two types of cartilaginous joints:
Synchondrosis
A synchondrosis ("joined by cartilage") is a cartilaginous joint where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage. Synchondrosis may be temporary...
4.4K
Cranial Bones: Superior and Posterior View
7.6K
The superior view of the cranium shows the frontal and paired parietal bones.
The frontal bone is the single bone that forms the forehead. At its anterior midline, between the eyebrows, there is a slight depression called the glabella. The frontal bone also forms the supraorbital margin of the orbit. Near the middle of this margin is the supraorbital foramen, the opening that provides passage for a sensory nerve to the forehead. The frontal bone is thickened just above each supraorbital margin,...
The frontal bone is the single bone that forms the forehead. At its anterior midline, between the eyebrows, there is a slight depression called the glabella. The frontal bone also forms the supraorbital margin of the orbit. Near the middle of this margin is the supraorbital foramen, the opening that provides passage for a sensory nerve to the forehead. The frontal bone is thickened just above each supraorbital margin,...
7.6K
Cohesins
4.5K
Cohesin protein complexes are a molecular glue that holds two sister chromatids together. They play an important role both in mitosis and meiosis. In mitosis, all cohesin complexes present on the chromosomes are removed before the start of the anaphase stage.
Cohesin complexes in Meiotic Division
Meiosis involves two distinct rounds of chromosomal segregation and cell divisions— Meiosis I followed by Meiosis II – producing four daughter cells. Meiosis I includes the separation of...
Cohesin complexes in Meiotic Division
Meiosis involves two distinct rounds of chromosomal segregation and cell divisions— Meiosis I followed by Meiosis II – producing four daughter cells. Meiosis I includes the separation of...
4.5K
Pleiotropy
31.2K
Pleiotropy is the phenomenon in which a single gene impacts multiple, seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits. For example, defects in the SOX10 gene cause Waardenburg Syndrome Type 4, or WS4, which can cause defects in pigmentation, hearing impairments, and an absence of intestinal contractions necessary for elimination. This diversity of phenotypes results from the expression pattern of SOX10 in early embryonic and fetal development. SOX10 is found in neural crest cells that form melanocytes,...
31.2K


