Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026
State of the Art Cranial Ultrasound Imaging in Neonates
Published on: February 2, 2015
Primary craniosynostosis: imaging features
M L Benson1, P J Oliverio, N C Yue
1Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
Insights
Craniosynostosis, a skull growth abnormality, requires early diagnosis and imaging for optimal surgical outcomes. Computed tomography (CT) with 3D reconstruction aids in evaluating these infant skull deformities.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Craniofacial Surgery
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Craniosynostosis, defined by Virchow in 1851, involves abnormal calvarial growth, typically evident in infancy.
- Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for improving outcomes in affected children.
- Radiologic evaluation is essential for characterizing skull deformities and guiding surgical planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To illustrate the imaging findings of primary craniosynostosis.
- To detail the nomenclature and associated abnormalities of craniosynostosis.
- To highlight the role of CT in evaluating craniosynostosis.
Main Methods:
- This pictorial essay reviews imaging findings from radiologic evaluations.
- Computed tomography (CT) with three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction is emphasized.
- The study correlates imaging findings with clinical presentation and surgical considerations.
Main Results:
- CT with 3D reconstruction effectively visualizes the degree of sutural involvement in craniosynostosis.
- Imaging can identify associated facial and intracranial abnormalities.
- The essay categorizes various types of primary craniosynostosis based on imaging characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Early and accurate diagnosis of craniosynostosis through advanced imaging is vital.
- CT with 3D reconstruction provides comprehensive assessment for surgical planning.
- Understanding imaging findings aids in managing diverse craniosynostosis presentations.
Abstract:
In 1851, Virchow introduced the term craniosynostosis to describe a variety of abnormalities in calvarial growth. These skull deformities are usually apparent in infancy. When an abnormal calvarial configuration is detected, a radiologic evaluation is necessary to characterize the deformity and to guide the corrective surgical procedure. Affected children are believed to have an improved outcome when diagnosis and surgical intervention occur at an early age. CT with three-dimensional reconstruction optimally evaluates the presence and degree of sutural involvement and assesses associated facial and intracranial abnormalities. This pictorial essay illustrates the imaging findings, nomenclature, and associated abnormalities of the various types of primary craniosynostosis.
More Related Videos
07:43Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
08:03Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model
Published on: November 4, 2025
Related Concept Videos
01:14Cranial Bones: Superior and Posterior View
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,...
01:27Cranial Bones: Lateral View
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...
01:14Brain Imaging
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).