Delayed-Onset Familial Sagittal Suture Synostosis

Area of Science:

• Craniofacial Surgery
• Genetics
• Pediatric Neurology

Background:

• Sagittal craniosynostosis, the most common type, typically presents with scaphocephaly.
• Atypical forms may involve developmental delays and hyperactivity, complicating diagnosis.
• Delayed-onset craniosynostosis is rare and challenging to distinguish from congenital cases.

Observation:

• The report focuses on two brothers with atypical sagittal synostosis.
• Neither brother displayed typical scaphocephaly; the younger exhibited delayed-onset symptoms.
• Similar cranial features were noted in their father and paternal grandmother.

Findings:

• Atypical sagittal synostosis can present without classic scaphocephaly.
• Delayed-onset sagittal synostosis occurred in one sibling.
• The familial pattern suggests a hereditary component in atypical sagittal synostosis.

Implications:

• This case highlights the variability of sagittal synostosis presentation.
• The findings support the investigation of genetic factors in atypical craniosynostosis.
• Recognizing familial patterns is crucial for diagnosing and managing delayed-onset craniosynostosis.