Intracranial Volume Post Cranial Expansion Surgery Using Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Scan Imaging in...

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Pediatric Surgery
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Craniosynostosis is a congenital condition where skull sutures fuse prematurely, impacting cranial shape and volume.
• Cranial vault reshaping surgery aims to correct skull deformities and increase intracranial volume (ICV).

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate ICV changes after cranial vault reshaping surgery in craniosynostosis patients.
• Compare ICV changes between syndromic and nonsyndromic craniosynostosis.
• Determine factors influencing postoperative ICV changes.
• Assess the resolution of the copper beaten sign and neurodevelopmental delay post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study of 14 craniosynostosis patients undergoing cranial vault reshaping with or without FOA.
• 3D computed tomography (CT) imaging used for preoperative and postoperative ICV measurements.
• Analysis of demographic, clinical, and radiological findings.

Main Results:

• Mean ICV increased significantly from 880 mL to 1081 mL (P < 0.001).
• Syndromic synostosis patients showed a greater mean ICV increment (282 mL) compared to nonsyndromic (120 mL) (P < 0.004).
• 100% improvement in copper beaten sign observed, but neurodevelopmental delay showed no significant improvement.

Conclusions:

• Cranial vault reshaping surgery effectively increases ICV and improves head shape in craniosynostosis.
• Syndromic craniosynostosis patients experience a more substantial ICV increase post-surgery compared to nonsyndromic cases.