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High-resolution sonography of the abnormal cranial suture
D Soboleski1, B Mussari, D McCloskey
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Kingston General Hospital, 76 Stuart St., Kingston, Ontario K7L 2V7, Canada.
Pediatric Radiology
|April 16, 1998
Summary
High-resolution sonography effectively identifies abnormal cranial sutures, distinguishing synostosis from molding. This non-invasive imaging can aid in diagnosing conditions like plagiocephaly and assessing intracranial pressure.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Neuroimaging
- Craniofacial Surgery
Background:
- Abnormalities in major cranial sutures can lead to significant developmental issues.
- Accurate diagnosis of suture abnormalities is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the sonographic characteristics of abnormal major cranial sutures.
- To correlate sonographic findings with other imaging modalities and histology.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution sonography was used to evaluate eight excised synostosed suture specimens.
- Sonographic findings were compared with histological sections, plain radiographs, CT, and MRI.
- Diastatic and molded sutures were also assessed sonographically.
Main Results:
- Synostosed sutures showed a loss of the echo-poor fibrous gap, irregular margins, or loss of the beveled edge.
- Cranial molding presented as overlapping echogenic bony plates.
- Increased sutural width on sonography correlated with elevated intracranial pressure.
Conclusions:
- Sonography is a valuable, radiation-free tool for differentiating synostosis from molding in cases of plagiocephaly.
- High-resolution sonography allows for assessment of sutural width, potentially indicating increased intracranial pressure.
- This modality offers an inexpensive and accessible method for evaluating cranial suture abnormalities.