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Macrocephaly with head growth parallel to normal growth pattern: neurological, developmental, and computerized
Insights
Macrocephaly in infants often presents with rapid head growth. Computerized tomography (CT) scans showing ventricular dilation and widened subarachnoid spaces can indicate a benign condition in infants with normal neurological exams.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neuroradiology
Background:
- Macrocephaly, defined as head circumference exceeding 2 standard deviations above normal, is a common concern in infants.
- Understanding the neuroimaging findings associated with macrocephaly is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
Observation:
- Fifteen infants with macrocephaly and a specific head growth pattern were studied.
- Computerized tomography (CT) scans were analyzed in relation to neurological and developmental examinations.
Findings:
- Eight infants with normal neurological and developmental exams showed slight ventricular dilation and widened subarachnoid spaces on CT.
- Seven infants with abnormal exams had varied CT findings, including some similar to the normal group.
- None of the infants required surgical intervention (shunting).
Implications:
- A CT pattern of ventricular dilation and widened subarachnoid space in infants with macrocephaly can be associated with both normal and abnormal neurological findings.
- Infants presenting with this CT pattern and normal neurological/developmental assessments likely have a benign condition, avoiding unnecessary interventions.
Abstract:
Fifteen infants with macrocephaly had a head growth pattern parallel to 2 SDs above normal. In eight patients with initial and subsequent normal findings on neurological and developmental examinations, computerized tomography (CT) showed slight ventricular dilation and increased width of the subarachnoid space anteriorly. The other seven patients had abnormal results from neurological or developmental examinations. The CT findings in two were similar to those in the first group; in four, other abnormalities were observed; and one had a normal scan. None of the 15 infants required shunting. In infants with this head growth pattern, a similar CT scan with ventricular dilation and widened subarachnoid space could be found in patients with normal or abnormal results from neurological and developmental examinations. Those infants with this CT scan pattern and normal neurological and developmental findings appear to have a benign condition.