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Widened sutures in childhood meningitis: unrecognized sign of an acute illness

R D Holmes, L R Kuhns, W J Oliver

    AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
    |June 1, 1977
    PubMed

    Insights

    Sutural widening in children with meningitis can occur as early as 2 days after symptom onset, challenging previous beliefs about the timeline for increased intracranial pressure effects. Skull X-rays may aid in diagnosing this condition.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Neurology
    • Neuroradiology

    Background:

    • Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in children can lead to sutural widening.
    • The exact timing of sutural widening in response to elevated ICP remains debated.

    Observation:

    • Twenty-four children (2 months to 4 years) with acute meningitis underwent skull radiography.
    • Nine of these children presented with pre-existing sutural widening upon hospital admission.

    Findings:

    • Sutural widening was observed as early as 2 days following the onset of meningitis.
    • Skull films can provide diagnostic evidence for meningitis in pediatric cases.

    Implications:

    • This study suggests a potentially earlier onset of sutural widening than previously recognized.
    • Radiographic evidence of sutural widening may be an important early indicator in pediatric meningitis.

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