PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “CRANIOSYNOSTOSES”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 577 records · Page 32Linked to original sources

Histopathological and biochemical changes in the sutural region in craniosynostosis.

OBJECT: Histopathological observations and biochemical analysis of sutural bones in nine patients with craniosynostosis were compared with control subjects of the same age range. METHODS: Microscopic examination in craniosynostosis showed formation of an active osseous front, with higher osteoblastic activity than in controls. Biochemical analysis revealed higher calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, phospholipids and chondroitin sulphate-A contents in sutural bones of the same patients. CONCLUSIONS: The present study systematically establishes a premature increase in osteogenesis in the sutures of craniosynostosis patients.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Sagittal synostosis: results of surgical treatment in 210 patients.

From 1977 to 1996, 210 patients suffering from scaphocephaly, have been operated on in our institutions. The surgical technique depended on the patients age. Single wide sagittal synostectomy was performed in 155 babies aged less than 3 months, obtaining good cosmetic results. Patients older than 3 months needed more complex and aggressive procedures to achieve similar results. The conclusions is that sagittal suturectomy is the proper treatment in younger patients under 3 months of age, and that a greater effort must be made to diagnose and treat these patients early.

Anthropometry↗

Visual failure caused by raised intracranial pressure in craniosynostosis.

Craniosynostosis, the premature fusion of one or multiple cranial sutures, can be complicated by visual failure resulting from raised intracranial pressure (ICP). Of the 290 children operated on at the Birmingham Children's Hospital between 1978 and 1995 for craniosynostosis, 9 were found to have defective visual acuity attributable to raised ICP. Mean age at presentation was 3.11 years (range: 1-6 years) and mean follow-up, 7.33 years (range: 1.5-16 years). All these patients presented significantly later than usual, and 5 of them developed recurrent craniosynostosis. At the initial examination bilateral papilloedema was seen in 4 patients, unilateral disc oedema in 1 patient, bilateral optic atrophy in 3 patients and unilateral optic atrophy in 1 patient. Following decompressive craniofacial surgery, the visual outcome was good in 4 out of 5 patients with papilloedema and poor in all patients with optic atrophy. visual failure resulting from raised ICP in craniosynostosis is a devastating complication, which appears to be associated with late presentation and recurrent craniosynostosis.

Blindness↗

Anomalous venous drainage in a case of non-syndromic craniosynostosis.

The authors describe the clinical and radiological findings in a case of non-syndromic craniosynostosis affecting multiple sutures, in which the intracranial venous drainage was grossly anomalous. Investigation by magnetic resonance imaging and angiography revealed that almost all of the intracranial venous blood was draining from the dural sinuses transosseoussly via enlarged emissary veins to the external jugular veins and the vertebral veins. Although present, both internal jugular veins were small. This discovery represented a contraindication for the vault expansion surgery that had been recommended as treatment for the patient's raised intracranial pressure, and it has important implications for the management of all types of craniosynostosis.

Cerebral Angiography↗

Antley-Bixler syndrome. Description of two new cases and a review of the literature.

Antley-Bixler syndrome was first described in 1975, and to date 20 cases have been reported. In addition to brachycephaly, the syndrome is associated with midface hypoplasia, often with choanal stenosis or atresia, bilateral radiohumeral synostosis, multiple joint contractures, femoral bowing and long bone fractures, "pear-shaped" nose, dysplastic ears and, occasionally, urogenital or cardiac defects. Survival is closely linked to upper airway obstruction. This, in addition to craniosynostosis, also affects mental prognosis. The cluster of malformations and their severity are variable, and while numerous children have died early from respiratory distress, one third of them are alive and have had quite satisfactory development. With early and effective prevention of respiratory complications and early treatment of craniosynostosis, the overall prognosis can be favorable. The mode of inheritance is probably autosomal recessive, and midtrimester prenatal diagnosis is feasible. Genetic counseling depends on accurate prognostic and therapeutic data. We describe two new cases, a 4-year-old boy with unilateral coronal synostosis and radiohumeral synostosis on the same side and an 18-month-old girl with brachycephaly and imperforate anus.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

A rabbit model of human familial, nonsyndromic unicoronal suture synostosis. I. Synostotic onset, pathology, and sutural growth patterns.

Poswillo has stated, "The more severe anomalies of the calvaria, such as plagiocephaly, Crouzon [syndrome], and Apert syndrome still defy explanation, in the absence of an appropriate animal system to study" (p. 207). This two-part study reviews data from a recently developed colony of New Zealand white rabbits with familial, nonsyndromic unilateral coronal suture synostosis. Part 1 presents pathological findings and compensatory sutural growth data from 109 normal rabbits and 82 craniosynostotic rabbits from this colony. Synostotic foci, onset, and progression were described in the calvariae from 102 staged (fetal days 21, 25, 27, 33; term = 30 days) fetuses (39 normal, 63 synostosed). Calvarial suture growth patterns from 10 to 126 days of age were assessed from serial radiographs obtained from 89 rabbits (70 normal rabbits and 19 rabbits with unicoronal suture synostosis) with amalgam bone marker implants. Perinatal results revealed that by fetal day 25 the synostotic focal point in synostotic rabbits consistently originated from the endocortical surface of the calvaria in the middle of the coronal suture at a presumed high-tension, interdigitating zone. Histological analysis revealed hyperostotic osteogenic fronts on the affected side compared with the unaffected side. Postnatal sutural growth data revealed a predictable pattern of plagiocephaly (contralateral coronal sutures growing more than ipsilateral sutures and ipsilateral frontonasal and anterior lambdoidal sutures growing more than contralateral sutures), which resulted in early cranial vault deformities and a double "S" shape torquing towards the affected side. The advantages and disadvantages of these rabbits as a model for human familial, nonsyndromic unicoronal suture synostosis are discussed, especially in light of recent cytokine and genetic findings from human craniosynostotic studies.

Animals↗

A rabbit model of human familial, nonsyndromic unicoronal suture synostosis. II. Intracranial contents, intracranial volume, and intracranial pressure.

This two-part study reviews data from a recently developed colony of New Zealand white rabbits with familial, nonsyndromic unilateral coronal suture synostosis, and this second part presents neuropathological findings and age-related changes in intracranial volume (ICV) and intracranial pressure (ICP) in 106 normal rabbits and 56 craniosynostotic rabbits from this colony. Brain morphology and anteroposterior length were described in 44 rabbit fetuses and perinates (27 normal; 17 synostosed). Middle meningeal artery patterns were qualitatively assessed from 2-D PCC MRI VENC scans and endocranial tracings from 15, 126-day-old rabbits (8 normal, 7 rabbits with unicoronal synostosis). Brain metabolism was evaluated by assessing 18F-FDG uptake with high-resolution PET scanning in 7, 25-day-old rabbits (3 normal, 4 with unicoronal or bicoronal synostosis). Intracranial contents and ICV were assessed using 3-D CT scanning of the skulls of 30 rabbits (20 normal,10 with unicoronal synostosis) at 42 and 126 days of age. Serial ICP data were collected from 66 rabbits (49 normal; 17 with unicoronal synostosis) at 25 and 42 days of age. ICP was assessed in the epidural space using a Codman NeuroMonitor microsensor transducer. Results revealed that cerebral cortex morphology was similar between normal and synostosed fetuses around the time of synostosis. Significantly (P<0.05) decreased A-P cerebral hemisphere growth rates and asymmetrical cortical remodeling were noted with increasing age in synostotic rabbits. In addition, rabbits with unicoronal suture synostosis exhibited asymmetrical middle meningeal artery patterns, decreased and asymmetrical brain metabolism, a "beaten-copper" intracranial appearance, significantly (P<0.05) decreased ICV, and significantly (P<0.01) elevated ICP compared with normal control rabbits. The advantages and disadvantages of these rabbits as a model for human familial, nonsyndromic unicoronal suture synostosis are discussed, especially in light of recent clinical neuropathological, ICV, and ICP findings recorded in human craniosynostotic studies.

Animals↗

Perioperative specific management of blood volume loss in craniosynostosis surgery.

Accurate assessment and replacement of blood loss and fluid-electrolyte deficit during craniosynostosis repair is difficult owing to patient size and the diversity of surgical technique. Forty-three patients undergoing primary craniosynostosis repair over a 10-year period were studied retrospectively to determine blood loss and fluid deficit and to assess blood transfusion practices during both intraoperative and postoperative periods. Blood loss was calculated on the basis of estimated red cell mass (ERCM) and fluid-electrolyte imbalance was investigated with blood samplings. Blood transfusion was considered appropriate if the postoperative or posttransfusion ERCM was within 12% of the preoperative value. Estimated fluid requirement (EFR) was used in 4 ml kg(-1) h(-1) except for neonates. Intraoperatively, 80% of all patients were appropriately managed with respect to blood transfusion and EFR. Postoperatively only 20% of the patients receiving transfusions were transfused appropriately. In 23.3% of these patients (10/43) unexpected respiratory distress developed immediately after their recovery from the anesthesia. With the measurement of estimated blood volume and allowable blood loss, appropriate transfusion could be achieved for the successful treatment of the primary craniosynostosis.

Blood Loss, Surgical↗

Raised intracranial pressure in minimal forms of craniosynostosis.

Most cases of craniosynostosis are diagnosed during early infancy, but occasionally craniosynostosis evolves with minimal cranial involvement and goes unnoticed until late childhood. Seemingly these mild forms of craniosynostosis cause few, if any, symptoms of neurological involvement. We describe the cases of a 9-year-old girl and a 6-year-old boy who presented with evident signs of raised intracranial pressure (ICP), together with a negligible skull deformity. We have termed these cases as occult craniosynostosis. Differential diagnosis in our patients was established against known causes of benign intracranial hypertension. Bilateral expanding craniotomies afforded total relief from the symptoms and signs of raised ICP. Neurosurgeons treating children with symptoms and signs of benign intracranial hypertension should be aware of the possibility of minimal forms of craniosynostosis evolving with marked manifestations of raised ICP.

Child↗

Venous intracranial haemodynamics in children undergoing operative treatment for the repair of craniosynostosis. A prospective study using transcranial colour-coded duplex sonography.

To evaluate intracranial venous haemodynamics in craniosynostosis noninvasively, we measured the blood flow velocities and pulsatility indices in the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) and the middle and the anterior cerebral artery during the perioperative course in 21 children undergoing repair of craniosynostosis involving the midline sutures, using transcranial colour-coded duplex sonography (TCCS). An age-matched group of 12 healthy children was examined in like manner for comparison. In the healthy group, the mean pulsatility index (PI) in the SSS was 0.22 and the mean resistance index (RI) 0.20. The mean preoperative PI and RI in the synostosis group were significantly higher [0.41 and 0.34, respectively (P<0.01)], but fell to 0.19 and 0.17 (P<0.01) in the postoperative course. Our results indicate that in craniosynostosis there is an altered venous haemodynamics in the SSS, which can be observed noninvasively by TCCS.

Blood Flow Velocity↗

Congenital torticollis in association with craniosynostosis.

The incidence of congenital torticollis in association with plagiocephaly is 1 in 300 newborns, with the torticollis resulting from pathologically sustained contraction of the sternocleidomastoid. Such conditions as facial asymmetries, craniovertebral anomalies, cervical hemivertebra, and mono- or polydysostoses may also be associated with torticollis diagnosed during the neonatal period. With particular reference to synostotic (coronal and/or lambdoidal) plagiocephaly, a clear distinction is made in this paper between posterior neurocranial flattening secondary to the sustained rotation of the skull resulting from torticollis and that seen in synostotic plagiocephaly. The rarity of torticollis with sustained contraction of the sternocleidomastoid muscle relative to the frequency of occipital-parietal flattening in newborn kept in the supine position has not been discussed in the literature and is therefore of clinical importance. In light of the fact that the prognosis and, consequently, the treatment plan vary directly with the presence or absence of synostoses, clinical evaluation also includes cephalometrics, plain skull X-rays, and CT imaging. If the torticollis is associated with neurocranial deformity but synostosis is absent, cervical traction and physiotherapy resolve the symptoms. When, however, the clinical picture is complicated by synostotic plagiocephaly, corrective surgery is necessary, though cervical traction and physiotherapy are essential to provide early and complete cure of the torticollis.

Craniosynostoses↗

Fibroblast growth factor receptor mutational screening in newborns affected by metopic synostosis.

A number of craniosynostotic disorders have recently been ascribed to mutations in genes coding for the fibroblast growth factor receptors(FGFRs). The common feature of these FGFR-associated conditions is the unilateral or bilateral premature ossification of the coronal suture. One distinct craniosynostotic condition is trigonocephaly, which results from the premature fusion of the metopic suture. Trigonocephaly mostly occurs as isolated cranial defect; however, the premature closure of the metopic suture may represent a feature of more complex craniosynostotic conditions in which a progressive involvement of other cranial sutures with age is observed. The possible involvement of mutated FGFRs in trigonocephaly was investigated in nine newborns affected by isolated premature synostosis of the metopic suture. All except one of these cases carried no mutations in the FGFR1-3 domains indicated as hot spots for craniosynostosis-associated mutations. A T(978)C transition in the FGFR2 exon IIIa was found in a patient who had a phenotype that apparently fitted the trigonocephalic condition at birth, but showed additional facial anomalies, which worsened progressively with age towards a Crouzon-like profile. The present finding points out the importance, from both diagnostic and prognostic points of view, of early FGFR mutational screening in craniosynostotic conditions, even in forms that apparently do not involve closure of the coronal suture at birth.

Craniofacial Abnormalities↗

Mechanisms of premature closure of cranial sutures.

Craniosynostosis is defined as premature closure of the sutures of the skull, resulting in cranial deformity. Since Virchow's original paper describing the relationship between premature suture closure and skull morphology, we have learned much about the underlying mechanisms and consequences of premature suture closure. In this paper we will describe the biology of suture closure, the rules governing the resulting phenotypes seen clinically, and a prospective study of skull growth during the 1st year of life.

Case-Control Studies↗

Comparison between pediatric and adult neurosurgery: management and future perspectives. Tethered cord syndrome, hydrocephalus, craniosynostosis.

With creation of the many subdivisions within the field of neurosurgery, neurosurgeons have taken on different roles. It is important for neurosurgeons to understand all the different subjects involved to enable them to build up long-term goals in patient management and research. As pediatric neurosurgeons, the authors give accounts of three characteristic diseases encountered in pediatric patients: spinal dysraphism with tethered cord syndrome, hydrocephalus, and craniosynostosis. Drawing on their personal experience of tethered cord syndrome, the authors stress the pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical characteristics and proper management of the pediatric disease. Because pediatric neurosurgeons cover the whole range of neurosurgical diseases of infancy and childhood, the authors emphasize that their actions can be the basis for the management of general neurosurgical patients. A comparison between pediatric and adult neurosurgery is also drawn, with special reference to the interaction between pediatric and adult neurosurgeons.

Adult↗

Cloverleaf skull and multiple congenital anomalies in a girl exposed to cocaine in utero: case report and review of the literature.

The case of a girl with cloverleaf skull (CLS) and multiple congenital anomalies is reported. Both parents have a history of drug use. Maternal cocaine abuse during the first trimester of pregnancy was obvious, and other drugs, such as marihuana and alcohol, were also taken by the mother. Many central nervous system malformations have been reported in association with cocaine abuse, the most severe being midline defects and neural tube defects. To our knowledge this is the first case reported of CLS anomaly associated with drug exposure. We also describe other anomalies not previously reported in association with CLS.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗

Diagnostic strategies for the evaluation of asymmetry in infancy-a review.

UNLABELLED: Asymmetry in infancy is a diagnosis with a large spectrum of features, expressing an abnormal shape of parts of the body or unequal postures and movements. Symptoms may be structural and/or functional, with localised or generalised expression. Within the last decade, many professionals have focused on the adverse consequences on motor performance of infants, associated with the recommendations on the prevention of sudden infant death. The purpose of the present study was to highlight different aspects of asymmetry in infancy based on best available evidence in the current literature and to present a flow chart illustrating different diagnostic pathways of asymmetry in infancy. CONCLUSION: We conclude that asymmetry in infancy is a diagnosis with a large spectrum of features and a multifactorial aetiology without consensus in definition, nomenclature and classification. Systematic diagnostic management of asymmetry in infancy is indicated. The presented diagnostic flow chart might serve as a basis.

Congenital Abnormalities↗

Features of Antley-Bixler syndrome in an infant born to a mother with pregnancy luteoma.

UNLABELLED: We report a female newborn with characteristic signs of Antley-Bixler syndrome (ABS) such as midface hypoplasia, radiohumeral synostosis and multiple joint contractures. The newborn also presented ambiguous genitalia, stage Prader V, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. The mother experienced midterm virilization due to a pregnancy luteoma. Her elevated androgen levels and virilization symptoms normalized post partum without treatment. The newborn had elevated serum testosterone and 17-OH-progesterone levels which remained elevated because of a 21-hydroxylase deficiency. The child's treatment in order of priority was: hydrocortisone substitution, craniofacial/skeletal anomaly management and surgical correction of the external genitalia. Mutations in the genes for fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 8 and receptors FGFR1, FGFR2, and FGFR3 were not detected. CONCLUSION: A newborn girl with manifestations of the Antley-Bixler syndrome showed severe virilization probably caused by the association of a mild 21-hydroxylase deficiency and maternal hyperandrogenism due to a pregnancy luteoma. Abnormalities of androgen metabolism may be responsible for virilization reported in other cases of the Antley-Bixler syndrome.

Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital↗

Paternal origin of FGFR3 mutations in Muenke-type craniosynostosis.

Muenke syndrome, also known as FGFR3-associated coronal synostosis, is defined molecularly by the presence of a heterozygous nucleotide transversion, c.749C>G, encoding the amino acid substitution Pro250Arg, in the fibroblast growth factor receptor type 3 gene (FGFR3). This frequently occurs as a new mutation, manifesting one of the highest documented rates for any transversion in the human genome. To understand the biology of this mutation, we have investigated its parental origin, and the ages of the parents, in 19 families with de novo c.749C>G mutations. All ten informative cases originated from the paternal allele (95% confidence interval 74-100% paternal); the average paternal age at birth overall was 34.7 years. An exclusive paternal origin of mutations, and increased paternal age, were previously described for a different mutation (c.1138G>A) of the FGFR3 gene causing achondroplasia, as well as for mutations of the related FGFR2 gene causing Apert, Crouzon and Pfeiffer syndromes. We conclude that similar biological processes are likely to shape the occurrence of this c.749C>G mutation as for other mutations of FGFR3 as well as FGFR2.

Adult↗