Craniosynostosis

Craniosynostosis
Other namesCraniostenosis[1]
Child with premature closure (craniosynostosis) of the lambdoid suture. Notice the swelling on the right side of the head
SpecialtyMedical genetics
ComplicationsIncreased intracranial pressure
Usual onsetduring young age

Craniosynostosis is a condition in which one or more of the fibrous sutures in a young infant's skull prematurely fuses by turning into bone (ossification),[2] thereby changing the growth pattern of the skull.[3] Because the skull cannot expand perpendicular to the fused suture, it compensates by growing more in the direction parallel to the closed sutures.[3] Sometimes the resulting growth pattern provides the necessary space for the growing brain, but results in an abnormal head shape and abnormal facial features.[3] In cases in which the compensation does not effectively provide enough space for the growing brain, craniosynostosis results in increased intracranial pressure leading possibly to visual impairment, sleeping impairment, eating difficulties, or an impairment of mental development combined with a significant reduction in IQ.[4]

Craniosynostosis occurs in one in 2000 births. Craniosynostosis is part of a syndrome in 15% to 40% of affected patients, but it usually occurs as an isolated condition.[5][6] The term is from cranio, cranium; + syn, together; + ost, relating to bone; + osis, denoting a condition. Craniosynostosis is the opposite of metopism.

  1. ^ Khanna PC, Thapa MM, Iyer RS, Prasad SS (January 2011). "Pictorial essay: The many faces of craniosynostosis". The Indian Journal of Radiology & Imaging. 21 (1): 49–56. doi:10.4103/0971-3026.76055. PMC 3056371. PMID 21431034.
  2. ^ Silva S, Jeanty P (1999-06-07). "Cloverleaf skull or kleeblattschadel". TheFetus.net. MacroMedia. Archived from the original on 2007-01-07. Retrieved 2007-02-03.
  3. ^ a b c Slater BJ, Lenton KA, Kwan MD, Gupta DM, Wan DC, Longaker MT (April 2008). "Cranial sutures: a brief review". Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 121 (4): 170e–8e. doi:10.1097/01.prs.0000304441.99483.97. PMID 18349596. S2CID 34344899.
  4. ^ Gault DT, Renier D, Marchac D, Jones BM (September 1992). "Intracranial pressure and intracranial volume in children with craniosynostosis". Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 90 (3): 377–81. doi:10.1097/00006534-199209000-00003. PMID 1513883.
  5. ^ Bannink N, Nout E, Wolvius EB, Hoeve HL, Joosten KF, Mathijssen IM (February 2010). "Obstructive sleep apnea in children with syndromic craniosynostosis: long-term respiratory outcome of midface advancement". International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 39 (2): 115–21. doi:10.1016/j.ijom.2009.11.021. PMID 20056390.
  6. ^ Kimonis V, Gold JA, Hoffman TL, Panchal J, Boyadjiev SA (September 2007). "Genetics of craniosynostosis". Seminars in Pediatric Neurology. 14 (3): 150–61. doi:10.1016/j.spen.2007.08.008. PMID 17980312.