Intracranial pressure in single-suture craniosynostosis

Evaluation of Complications and Outcomes in Craniosynostosis by Age of Operation: Analysis of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric

Considerable controversy exists around the optimal age on which to operate for craniosynostosis. This study aims to use data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric to assess the impact of operative age on hospital stay and outcomes. After excluding patients who underwent endoscopic cranial vault remodeling, a total of 3292 patients met inclusion criteria in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric between 2012 and 2019. Median age at surgery was 300 days (interquartile range: 204-494). Patients between 0 and 6 months underwent the highest proportion of complex cranial vault remodeling, Current Procedural Terminology 61,558 ( n =44, 7.7%) and Current Procedural Terminology 61,559 ( n =317, 55.1%). White blood cell counts peaked in the 12 to 18 months group, and were lowest in the 24± months group. Hematocrit was lowest in the 0 to 6 months group and rose steadily to the 24± months group; the inverse pattern was found in platelet concentration, which was highest in the youngest patients and lowest in the oldest. Prothrombin time, international normalized ratio, and partial thromboplastin time were relatively consistent across all age groups. Younger patients had significantly shorter operating room times, which increased with patient age ( P <0.001). Younger patients also had significantly shorter length of stay ( P =0.009), though length of stay peaked between 12 and 18 months. There was a significantly lower rate of surgical site infection in younger patients, which occurred in 0.7% of patients 0 to 12 months and 1.0 to 3.0% in patients over 12 to 24± months. There was no significant difference in the average number of transfusions required in any age group ( P =0.961).

Long-term Outcomes of Non-syndromic and Syndromic Craniosynostosis: Analysis of Demographic, Morphologic, and Surgical Factors

In this study, we analyzed the outcomes of patients (followed for 5–38 years, average 17.3 years) with craniosynostosis and evaluated their long-term prognosis. In all, 51 patients who underwent surgery for craniosynostosis between 1982 and 2015, including 12 syndromic and 39 non-syndromic cases, were included. The average age at the initial surgery was significantly lower in the syndromic group than that in the non-syndromic group (9.8 months old vs. 19.9 months, respectively). The surgical procedures did not significantly differ between the two groups, but repeat surgery was significantly more common in the syndromic group than in the non-syndromic group (4 children [30.8%] and 3 children [7.7%], respectively). The children requiring repeat surgery tended to be younger at the initial surgery than those who did not. Those patients who required repeat surgery did not have significantly different surgical procedures initially. The incidence of developmental retardation was 49.0% (43.5% in the non-syndromic group and 66.7% in the syndromic group), and only two children in the non-syndromic group displayed recovery. This study is the first to analyze the prognosis for patients who were followed for at least 5 years after cranioplasty. Repeat surgery was common, especially in syndromic patients. Severity of skull deformity and early initial surgery may be important factors determining the need for repeat surgery. Developmental retardation was also common, and improvement was rare even after surgery.

Part 1: Surgical Correction in 231 Trigonocephaly Patients - The Alder Hey Experience

ABSTRACT

Isolated metopic synostosis presents with a range of severity, from a palpable ridge as the sole presenting feature to a constellation of features resulting in trigonocephaly. At our unit, patients on the moderate to severe end of the phenotypic spectrum of trigonocephaly are offered fronto-orbital advancement and remodeling. The authors present our series of trigonocephaly patients who have undergone surgical correction. From January 2000 to January 2020, the authors operated on 231 patients with trigonocephaly. The average age at surgery was 18 months, with an average follow-up of 77.4 months. Seventy-nine percent of patients had no comorbidity. Ten percent of patients sustained a dural tear with no long-term consequences. The total early complication rate was 12.1%. The most common early complications were wound infection and wound dehiscence at 7.4% and 3.9% respectively. The total reoperation rate was 6.5%. The introduction of infection prevention and control measures over the 2 decades at our unit reduced the reoperation rate to 1.1%. The most common late complication was temporal recession in 20.8% of patients, none of whom required aesthetic correction. The recurrence rate of a metopic ridge was 2.3% with no patients requiring further surgery. None of our patients required calvarial remodeling for raised intracranial pressure after the primary fronto-orbital advancement and remodeling. There were no life-threatening complications or mortalities in our cohort. The authors present recommendations which include an infection control care bundle, cessation of surgical drains, and practice adjustments to reduce risks of infection and risk of requiring further calvarial remodelling for raised intracranial pressure.

Outcomes of Surgical Management of Metopic Synostosis : A Retrospective Study of 18 Cases

Objective

To describe the surgical management and postoperative outcomes in infants with metopic synostosis.

Methods

We conducted a 5 years retrospective chart review of patients who underwent surgical correction of metopic synostosis at two university hospitals in Egypt during the period between June 2014 and June 2019. The study is conducted to 18 children. The type of surgical procedures and postoperative outcomes were assessed in all patients.

Results

Five cases (27.8%) underwent endoscopic-assisted suturectomy, 10 cases (55.6%) underwent craniofacial reconstruction, and three cases (16.6%) underwent open burring of the metopic ridge. Fifteen patients underwent one surgery and three patients (16.6%) who need second operation. Ten patients (55.6%) had class I Whitaker classification.

Conclusion

Regardless of type of surgery, the outcomes of surgical correction of metopic synostosis are excellent with only a few patients require revision or develop major complications.

Evaluation of fronto-orbital reconstruction surgery for the treatment of metopic synostosis in Chinese population

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of fronto-orbit reconstruction surgery on pediatric metopic synostosis via an image-based 3D reconstruction in Chinese population.

METHODS

Thirty pediatric metopic synostosis patients who received fronto-orbital reconstruction surgery in the Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Department of Neurosurgery, from January 2007 to December 2018 were analyzed in the study. Here we use the Mimics 20.0 software to reconstruct patients' cranial thin-section CT scan images from pre- and post-operation and control groups. Then the data of intracranial volume, frontal volume, orbital hypertelorism, ECA, ZF, and ORA were analyzed using the paired t-test or Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks test.

RESULTS

The age of these patients was 15.83 ± 16.12 months. After surgery, the mean frontal volume was enlarged from 92.75 ± 26.97 to 138.62 ± 47.97 cm³ (P < 0.0001), and the intracranial volume was enhanced from 976.87 ± 230.83 to 1059.44 ± 217.98 cm³ (P < 0.0001). In the meantime, the ECA was changed from 108.02 ± 8.17 to 134 ± 5.59° (P < 0.0001). In line with the alteration of the parameters mentioned above, the head shapes in all patients were also significantly improved after the surgery with no obvious complications.

CONCLUSION

Fronto-orbit reconstruction surgery is a safe and effective treatment for pediatric metopic synostosis. Computer-aided 3D reconstruction could serve as a quantitative strategy to evaluate the efficacy of craniofacial surgery.

Distinguishing craniomorphometric characteristics and severity in metopic synostosis patients

The decision about which metopic synostosis patients should undergo surgery remains controversial. Multiple measures for radiographic severity have been developed in order to determine the optimal criteria for treatment. The aim of this study was to perform an extensive craniomorphometric analysis of patients who underwent surgery for metopic synostosis to validate and compare the various severity scales developed for this non-syndromic craniosynostosis. A comparative morphometric analysis was performed using computed tomography scans of preoperative metopic synostosis patients (n=167) and normal controls (n=44). Measurements included previous and newly developed metopic severity indices. Volumetric and area analyses were used to determine the degree of anterior cranial area and potential volume restrictions. Of the severity indices measured, the frontal angle, endocranial bifrontal angle (EBF), adjusted EBF (aEBF), anterior cranial fossa angle, horizontal cone angle, and bitemporal/biparietal distance ratio were significantly different in the metopic subjects relative to controls overall. However, metopic index, orbital rim angle, foramen ovale distance, and cranial volume exhibited no significant difference from controls. Only the frontal angle and aEBF correlated with the changes in anterior cranial dimensions observed in metopic synostosis. In conclusion, the frontal angle and aEBF provide the most accurate measures of severity in metopic synostosis.

Cranial Suture Evaluation on Routine Pediatric MRI

PURPOSE

The efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for evaluating sutures has not been well studied. CT with 3-dimensional reformats is currently the preferred modality for imaging the major cranial sutures. The role of MRI is primarily is for evaluating the brain for any concurrent malformations. Our objective was to evaluate the reliability of MRI when compared to CT for evaluation of cranial sutures.

METHODS

A list of 500 consecutive patients who underwent an MRI as well as a CT study was obtained. Studies were done between January 2011 and December 2016. The inclusion criteria required the 2 studies to be performed within 3 months of each other. All MRI studies were reviewed by a pediatric neuroradiologist to determine whether the sagittal, coronal, and lambdoid sutures were patent, fused or could not be assessed with confidence. In cases where a confident determination could not be made, the studies were reviewed with another pediatric neuro-radiologist and a decision made in concurrence. The CT scans were then evaluated in a similar fashion, after the MRI review was completed. The CT and MRI results were then compared to determine the accuracy of the MRI in assessing the sutures.

RESULTS

Mean age of the studied children was 8.54 years. Seventy-two percent of the sagittal sutures were seen. When seen the sagittal suture was correctly identified in 98% of cases as either fused or patent. The lambdoid suture was seen in 94.3% of studies and was correctly designated as patent or fused in 99.6% of that subset of cases. The coronal suture was seen in 66.3% of the cases and when seen was always (100%) correctly designated. The probability of agreement between MRI and CT increased with age. The probability of sutures which were not seen decreased with age. The false negative and positives remained low for all ages.

CONCLUSIONS

MRI is a viable tool for detection of cranial sutures. The 3-dimensional T1 Weighted sequence was particularly useful in suture evaluation. Although the visibility of sutures is inferior to that on a CT scan, if detected, the accuracy scan is fairly accurate in establishing fusion vs patency. It should be a part of routine surveillance on every pediatric neuro MRI study given the neurocognitive implications of incidental sutural synostosis.

A Novel Sand Dollar and Staves Technique for Unilateral Lambdoid Craniosynostosis

BACKGROUND

Unilateral lambdoid synostosis (ULS) is the rarest form of craniosynostosis. Due to the associated cranio-caudal shift seen in ULS, surgical correction is technically challenging from a morphological standpoint. Herein, the authors present a novel "Sand-Dollar and Staves" technique for the repair of ULS.

METHODS

A zigzag coronal incision is performed, and an anteriorly-based pericranial flaps are elevated. Prefabricated cutting guides are placed and the calvarium is marked. To treat the flattening on the ipsilateral side, a wedged suturectomy is performed with additional barrel staves. A large circle centered over the bulging on the contralateral side is cut out above the open lambdoid suture. This piece is barrel staved in a radial fashion, leaving the center intact and creating a Sand-Dollar appearance. This disk is then flattened and trimmed. The modified Sand-Dollar is fixed using an absorbable plating system. While gentle pressure is applied to the Sand-Dollar piece as it is being secured, the ipsilateral side demonstrates compensatory filling. Results are evaluated using the Whitaker Classification.

RESULTS

Four patients underwent surgical correction with this technique. The procedure was performed at mean age of 11.7 months. The mean operative time was 2.5 hours. Intraoperative blood loss was 50 to 100 ml. Total hospitalization time was 2 to 3 days. No post-operative complications were encountered. Whitaker scores ranged from 1 to 1.5. The mean follow-up was 10 months.

CONCLUSION

The Sand-Dollar and Staves procedure is a novel, single-stage approach for the management of ULS with decreased operative time, blood loss, and hospital stay with satisfactory aesthetic outcomes.

Sagittal Craniosynostosis with Uncommon Anatomical Pathologies in a 56-Year-Old Male Cadaver

Sagittal craniosynostosis (CS) is a pathologic condition that results in premature fusion of the sagittal suture, restricting the transverse growth of the skull leading in some cases to elevated intracranial pressure and neurodevelopmental delay. There is still much to be learned about the etiology of CS. Here, we report a case of 56-year-old male cadaver that we describe as sagittal CS with torus palatinus being an additional anomaly. The craniotomy was unsuccessful (cephalic index, CI = 56) and resulted in abnormal vertical outgrowth of the craniotomized bone strip. The histological analysis of the latter revealed atypical, noncompensatory massive bone overproduction. Exome sequencing of DNA extracted from the cadaveric tissue specimen performed on the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) platform yielded 81 genetic variants identified as pathologic. Nine of those variants could be directly linked to CS with five of them targeting RhoA GTPase signaling, with a potential to make it sustained in nature. The latter could trigger upregulated calvarial osteogenesis leading to premature suture fusion, skull bone thickening, and craniotomized bone strip outgrowth observed in the present case.

Signaling Mechanisms Underlying Genetic Pathophysiology of Craniosynostosis

Craniosynostosis, is the premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures which is the second most common cranial facial anomalies. The premature cranial sutures leads to deformity of skull shape and restricts the growth of brain, which might elicit severe neurologic damage. Craniosynostosis exhibit close correlations with a varieties of syndromes. During the past two decades, as the appliance of high throughput DNA sequencing techniques, steady progresses has been made in identifying gene mutations in both syndromic and nonsyndromic cases, which allow researchers to better understanding the genetic roles in the development of cranial vault. As the enrichment of known mutations involved in the pathogenic of premature sutures fusion, multiple signaling pathways have been investigated to dissect the underlying mechanisms beneath the disease. In addition to genetic etiology, environment factors, especially mechanics, have also been proposed to have vital roles during the pathophysiological of craniosynostosis. However, the influence of mechanics factors in the cranial development remains largely unknown. In this review, we present a brief overview of the updated genetic mutations and environmental factors identified in both syndromic and nonsyndromic craniosynostosis. Furthermore, potential molecular signaling pathways and its relations have been described.

The Etiology of Neuronal Development in Craniosynostosis: A Working Hypothesis

Craniosynostosis is one of the most common craniofacial conditions treated by neurologic and plastic surgeons. In addition to disfigurement, children with craniosynostosis experience significant cognitive dysfunction later in life. Surgery is performed in infancy to correct skull deformity; however, the field is at a crossroads regarding the best approach for correction. Since the cause of brain dysfunction in these patients has remained uncertain, the role and type of surgery might have in attenuating the later-observed cognitive deficits through impact on the brain has been unclear. Recently, however, advances in imaging such as event-related potentials, diffusion tensor imaging, and functional MRI, in conjunction with more robust clinical studies, are providing important insight into the potential etiologies of brain dysfunction in syndromic and nonsyndromic craniosynostosis patients. This review aims to outline the cause(s) of such brain dysfunction including the role extrinsic vault constriction might have on brain development and the current evidence for an intrinsic modular developmental error in brain development. Illuminating the cause of brain dysfunction will identify the role of surgery can play in improving observed functional deficits and thus direct optimal primary and adjuvant treatment.

Quantifying Craniometric Change Early After Fronto-Orbital Advancement in Metopic Synostosis

Frontal orbital advancement (FOA) for metopic synostosis results in cranial vault expansion, supporting underlying growth of the developing brain and improving head shape. Previous studies have shown that FOA in younger infants leads to a greater incidence of long-term growth restriction of intracranial volume; however, it is still unknown as to whether this is due to undercorrection at the time of surgery versus primary suture pathology. The purpose of our study is to provide a method for objective analyses of intracranial volumes in the early post-FOA period. A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients who underwent FOA over a 10-year period by a single surgeon. Data collected included patient characteristics and clinical outcomes. Radiological analysis of intracranial volumes pre- and post-FOA was determined using Amira volume-rendering software. Average increase in intracranial volume at 6 weeks post-FOA was 139.27 mL (80.01-225.25 mL) with average relative cranial vault expansion of 18.1% (3.3-48%). Patients who underwent FOA older than 12 months of age had an average increase in intracranial volume of 8.5% (3.3-13.1%). Patients younger than 12 months had a statistically higher average increase of 25% (12.8-48%). Frontal orbital advancement effectively increases intracranial volume in patients with metopic synostosis. When compared with older patients, patients younger than 1 year of age have a greater relative increase in intracranial volume in the immediate postoperative period. Quantifying cranial vault expansion after FOA can assist surgeons in surgical planning as well as in measuring and monitoring clinical outcomes within and across craniofacial centers regardless of technique.

Intracranial hypertension after surgical correction for craniosynostosis: a systematic review

OBJECT

The authors’ aim was perform a systematic review on the incidence of intracranial hypertension (IH) after surgery for craniosynostosis.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed to assess the rate of postoperative IH in studies published between 1985 and 2014. Inclusion criteria were 1) English-language literature; 2) human subjects; 3) pediatric cases; and 4) postoperative IH confirmed with invasive intracranial pressure monitoring.

RESULTS

Seven studies met inclusion criteria. IH was reported to be present in 5% of patients postoperatively with sagittal synostosis and 4% of patients with all forms of nonsyndromic craniosynostosis. Inadequate numbers were available to determine the incidence of postoperative IH for syndromic and individual nonsyndromic sutural synostosis based on the inclusion criteria. Surgical groups were subdivided into cranial remodeling procedures without orbital advancement and craniofacial procedures with orbital advancement. IH was reported to be present in 5% of patients with all forms of nonsyndromic sutural stenosis after cranial remodeling procedures and 1% after craniofacial advancement.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative development of elevated intracranial pressure has been described by multiple institutions, but the variation in how IH is determined and the multiple surgical procedures to correct craniosynostosis has limited the number of studies subject to a meta-analysis. Nonetheless, this entity deserves special attention, and further studies are required to determine the true incidence of postoperative IH, including the role of various surgical procedures on its incidence. The long-term consequences of chronic IH in this group of patients also need to be evaluated.

Predicting developmental delay in a longitudinal cohort of preschool children with single-suture craniosynostosis: is neurobehavioral assessment important?

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine whether neurobehavioral assessment before and after cranial vault surgery can improve prediction of developmental delay in children with single-suture craniosynostosis (SSC), after accounting for 'baseline' demographic and clinical variables (SSC diagnosis and surgery age).

METHOD

Children with SSC were referred by the treating surgeon or pediatrician before surgery. Neurobehavioral assessments were performed at ages of approximately 6, 18, and 36 months. Iterative models were developed to predict delay, as determined by one or more tests of cognitive, motor, and language skills at 36 months. We selected from groups of variables entered in order of timing (before or after corrective surgery), and source of information (parent questionnaire or psychometric testing).

RESULTS

Good predictive accuracy as determined by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), was obtained with the baseline model (AUC=0.66), which incorporated age at surgery, sex, and socio-economic status. However, predictive accuracy was improved by including pre- and post-surgery neurobehavioral assessments. Models incorporating post-surgery neurobehavioral testing (AUC=0.79), pre-surgery testing (AUC=0.74), or both pre- and post-surgery testing (AUC=0.79) performed similarly. However, the specifity of all models was considered to be moderate (≤0.62).

INTERPRETATION

Prediction of delay was enhanced by assessment of neurobehavioral status. Findings provide tentative support for guidelines of care that call for routine testing of children with SSC.

The preoperative incidence of raised intracranial pressure in nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis is underestimated in the literature

OBJECT

The presence of raised intracranial pressure (ICP) in untreated nonsyndromic, isolated sagittal craniosynostosis (SC) is an important functional indication for surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of all 284 patients presenting with SC to the Oxford Craniofacial Unit between 1995 and 2010.

RESULTS

Intraparenchymal ICP monitoring was performed in 39 children following a standard unit protocol. Monitoring of ICP was offered for all patients in whom nonoperative management was considered on the basis of minimal deformity or in cases in which parents were reluctant to agree to corrective surgery. These patients presented at an older age than the rest of the cohort (mean age 56 months), with marked scaphocephaly (16/39, 41%), mild scaphocephaly (11, 28%), or no scaphocephalic deformity (12, 31%). Raised ICP was found in 17 (44%) patients, with no significant difference in its incidence among the 3 different deformity types. Raised ICP was not predicted by the presence of symptoms of ICP or developmental delay or by ophthalmological or radiological findings.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of raised ICP in SC reported here is greater than that previously published in the literature. The lack of a reliable noninvasive method to identify individuals with elevated ICP in SC mandates consideration of intraparenchymal ICP monitoring in all patients for whom nonoperative management is contemplated.

Frame-based cranial reconstruction

The authors report on the first experiences with the prototype of a surgical tool for cranial remodeling. The device enables the surgeon to transfer statistical information, represented in a model, into the disfigured bone. The model is derived from a currently evolving databank of normal head shapes. Ultimately, the databank will provide a set of standard models covering the statistical range of normal head shapes, thus providing the required template for any standard remodeling procedure as well as customized models for intended overcorrection. To date, this technique has been used in the surgical treatment of 14 infants (age range 6-12 months) with craniosynostosis. In all 14 cases, the designated esthetic result, embodied by the selected model, has been achieved, without morbidity or mortality. Frame-based reconstruction provides the required tools to precisely realize the surgical reproduction of the model shape. It enables the establishment of a self-referring system, feeding back postoperative growth patterns, recorded by 3D follow-up, into the model design.

A National Study on Craniosynostosis Surgical Repair

Objective

Our study aimed to use national data to assess the perioperative outcomes of craniosynostosis surgical repair.

Design

Data were obtained from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids Inpatient Database from 1997, 2000, 2003, and 2006.

Setting

Community hospitals in the United States.

Patients

The cohort was identified using the ICD-9-CM procedure codes for craniosynostosis surgical repair (2.01, 2.03, 2.04, 2.06).

Main Outcome Measures(s)

We determined patient and hospital characteristics. We clustered patients by age group (7 months, 7 to 12 months, 1 to 3 years) and assessed mortality, comorbidities, mean length of stay (LOS), and total charge. We performed logistic regression with our dependent variable being longer average hospital stay: LOS > 4.2 days.

Results

We found 3426 patients. Average age at the time of surgery was 181 days (SD 84). Average length of stay was 4.2 days. The majority of the patients were boys (66%), white (71%), and insured (93%). Nearly all patients underwent surgery in a teaching hospital (98%) in urban centers (99%). Approximately 10% of patients experienced an acute complication, most commonly hemorrhages or hematomas and airway or respiratory failure. Patients ages 1 to 3 years had the highest rates of comorbidities and a longer LOS. Mortality rate was <1%.

Conclusions

Craniosynostosis surgery is safe with low rates of mortality and acute complications. LOS >4.2 appears to be associated more with comorbidities than with complications. Higher rates of comorbidities and LOS >4.2 days for patients age 1 to 3 years warrant addition research to assess potential barriers to care.

On Bernard Sarnat's 100th birthday: pathology and management of craniosynostosis

The focus on nonsyndromic craniosynostosis, the most common type of isolated craniosynostosis, is sagittal, followed by unilateral coronal, bilateral coronal, metopic, and lambdoid, in order of decreasing frequency. Certain forms of craniosynostosis display a sex predilection. For example, boys outnumber girls in a 4:1 ratio in sagittal synostosis, but girls outnumber boys in a 3:2 ratio in unilateral coronal synostosis. Other forms, such as metopic, lambdoid, and bilateral coronal synostosis, demonstrate no sex dominances tract.

Serial Head Circumference and Neurodevelopmental Screening after Surgical Correction for Single- and Multiple-Suture Craniosynostosis

Objective

To evaluate serial head circumference (HC) measurements and neurodevelopmental (ND) screening before and after surgical revision for craniosynostosis.

Design

Retrospective assessment.

Setting

Tertiary institutional.

Patients, Participants

All children treated with single-stage frontal-orbital advancement or total calvarial expansion for single-suture (SS) or multiple-suture (MS) craniosynostosis over a 7-year period.

Main Outcome Measures

Changes in ND and HC were measured over postoperative visits after the primary surgery. More importantly, ND and HC changes were measured prerevision and postrevision.

Results

Of 183 patients undergoing primary surgery, complete records and adequate follow-up were available for 112 patients. The overall revision rate was 21% (n = 23). Postrevision follow-up was adequate for 18 of the 23 revisions. After primary surgery, but prior to revision, children demonstrated a larger decline in HC(z-score, median = -1) along with higher ND findings (median = 2) from one postoperative visit to the next than those who did not go on revision (HC z-score median = 0, ND median = 0). After revision, patients demonstrated a significant improvement in ND screening findings (median AND findings = -2) compared with prerevision ND (p < .001). Head circumference also significantly increased by a z-score of +1 postrevision (p = .001).

Conclusions

Patients chosen for revision surgery display not only a larger decline in HC but also more ND findings prior to revision. Furthermore, surgical revision has a significant association with both improved ND screening and HC.

Craniofacial reconstruction as a treatment for elevated intracranial pressure

INTRODUCTION

Craniofacial procedures may be needed to address symptomatic intracranial hypertension. The authors review their institutional experience in the treatment of children with symptomatic increased intracranial pressure (ICP) utilizing craniofacial reconstructive procedures.

METHODS

The senior authors' (HSM, SRC) craniofacial experience of 222 patients over a 7-year period from 2000 to 2007 at a single institution (Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego) is reviewed. Seventeen patients were identified who were felt to be candidates for craniofacial surgery with symptomatic increased ICP.

RESULTS

Patient diagnoses included single-suture craniosynostosis, craniofacial dysostoses, shunt-induced craniostenosis, and shunt-associated intracranial hypertension (slit-ventricle syndrome). Seventeen patients underwent 21 craniofacial procedures. Age at surgery ranged from 3 months to 13 years with a mean of 5 years. Preoperative symptoms and signs included headaches, unexplained irritability, seizures, papilledema, and visual loss. All patients had diagnostic neuroimaging. Seven patients had preoperative invasive ICP measurements. Surgery was deferred on three of these patients based on these measurements. The mean total operative (including anesthetic preparation) and surgical times were 3 h 12 min and 2 h 20 min, respectively. Percentage operative blood loss averaged 11.3%. In six procedures, no transfusions were required. Average hospital stay was 4 days. There was no perioperative mortality or significant surgery associated morbidity. All patients have had postoperative clinical improvement in signs and symptoms of increased ICP.

CONCLUSIONS

Using modern diagnostic and surgical techniques, including invasive ICP monitoring, increased intracranial pressure can be successfully managed by an experienced, multidisciplinary, craniofacial team. Our treatment paradigm and operative management scheme is discussed.

Deficient language acquisition in children with single suture craniosynostosis and deformational posterior plagiocephaly

PURPOSE

This study examined early language acquisition in children with single suture craniosynostosis (SSC) and in children with deformational posterior plagiocephaly. Our purpose was to determine whether infants with SSC have normal language acquisition at the age of 3 years, and whether infants with deformational posterior plagiocephaly demonstrate parallel development when compared with children with SSC.

METHODS

The study population includes 61 infants. Twenty of them had synostosis of the sagittal suture, 12 synostosis of other suture and 29 deformational posterior plagiocephaly. Forty-nine of them were operated on a mean age of 10.6 months, and 12 were non-operated children with deformational posterior plagiocephaly. Language skills of participants were prospectively evaluated at the mean age of 3 years 4 months.

RESULTS

About one half of the subjects (49%) had normal linguistic development, 30% had slight developmental problems and 21% had severe disorders in speech-language-related skills. These figures showed the prevalence of severe language disorders to be three times higher in our study population when compared with the general population. Children with sagittal synostosis managed better in all language skills compared with other types of SSC. Defective language development was found in deformational posterior plagiocephaly, both operated and non-operated.

CONCLUSIONS

We found a noticeable developmental risk for specific language impairment in children with nonsyndromic SSC, and that the deviant language development is observable already in early infancy. Contrary to previous beliefs, the developmental risk for defective language development in deformational posterior plagiocephaly was found in both operated and non-operated subjects.

Pediatric Craniofacial Surgery: A Review for the Multidisciplinary Team

Pediatric craniofacial surgery is a specialty that grew dramatically in the 20th century and continues to evolve today. Out of the efforts to correct facial deformities encountered during World War II, the techniques of modern craniofacial surgery developed. An analysis of the relevant literature allowed the authors to explore this historical progression.

Current advances in technology, tissue engineering, and molecular biology have further refined pediatric craniofacial surgery. The development of distraction osteogenesis and the progressive study of craniosynostosis provide remarkable examples of this momentum. The growing study of genetics, biotechnology, the influence of growth factors, and stem cell research provide additional avenues of innovation for the future. The following article is intended to reveal a greater understanding of pediatric craniofacial surgery by examining the past, present, and possible future direction. It is intended both for the surgeon, as well as for the nonsurgical individual specialists vital to the multidisciplinary craniofacial team.

Genetic basis of potential therapeutic strategies for craniosynostosis

Craniosynostosis, the premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures, is a common malformation of the skull that can result in facial deformity and increased intracranial pressure. Syndromic craniosynostosis is present in ∼15% of craniosynostosis patients and often is clinically diagnosed by neurocranial phenotype as well as various other skeletal abnormalities. The most common genetic mutations identified in syndromic craniosynostosis involve the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) family with other mutations occurring in genes for transcription factors TWIST, MSX2, and GLI3, and other proteins EFNB1, RAB23, RECQL4, and POR, presumed to be involved either upstream or downstream of the FGFR signaling pathway. Both syndromic and nonsyndromic craniosynostosis patients require early diagnosis and intervention. The premature suture fusion can impose pressure on the growing brain and cause continued abnormal postnatal craniofacial development. Currently, treatment options for craniosynostosis are almost exclusively surgical. Serious complications can occur in infants requiring either open or endoscopic repair and therefore the development of nonsurgical techniques is highly desirable although arguably difficult to design and implement. Genetic studies of aberrant signaling caused by mutations underlying craniosynostosis in in vitro calvarial culture and in vivo animal model systems have provided promising targets in designing genetic and pharmacologic strategies for systemic or adjuvant nonsurgical treatment. Here we will review the current literature and provide insights to future possibilities and limitations of therapeutic applications.

Preoperative craniofacial dysmorphology in isolated sagittal synostosis: a comprehensive anthropometric evaluation

Although clinical descriptions of altered calvarial shape in isolated sagittal synostosis abound in the literature, systematic quantitative assessment of the total morphologic pattern of preoperative craniofacial dysmorphology remains limited in this population. To address this deficit, a retrospective study was undertaken of 256 preoperative patients younger than 6 years with isolated sagittal synostosis who were seen at the Dallas Craniofacial Center. Patients were examined using a battery of 23 anthropometric measurements of the head and face, from which 10 proportion indices were calculated. The measurements and proportions for each patient were compared with sex- and age-matched norms and converted to standard (Z) scores. The pooled data for each variable were analyzed using 1-sample t-tests. The patients were then separated into 2 age groups--younger than 6 months (n = 162) and 6 months or older (n = 94)--and compared via 2-sample t-tests to examine age-related differences. To further elucidate craniofacial growth patterns, standardized anthropometric measures were then correlated against age. Results indicated that the head was enlarged and elongated with compensatory transverse growth of the anterior cranial vault and reduction in the height of vertex. The face was enlarged, especially along the sagittal axis. The head and face were significantly larger relative to age in children younger than 6 months and show a general decrease in size relative to age in all dimensions except cranial length. The data indicate a complex pattern of dysmorphology, which involves the entire craniofacial complex, not just the cranial vault.

Intracranial volume and whole brain volume in infants with unicoronal craniosynostosis

OBJECTIVE

Craniosynostosis has been hypothesized to result in alterations of the brain and cerebral blood flow due to reduced intracranial volume, potentially leading to cognitive deficits. In this study we test the hypothesis that intracranial volume and whole brain volume in infants with unilateral coronal synostosis differs from those in unaffected infants.

DESIGN

Our study sample consists of magnetic resonance images acquired from 7- to 72-week-old infants with right unilateral coronal synostosis prior to surgery (n  =  10) and age-matched unaffected infants (n  =  10). We used Analyze 9.0 software to collect three cranial volume measurements. We used nonparametric tests to determine whether the three measures differ between the two groups. Correlations were calculated between age and the three volume measures in each group to determine whether the growth trajectory of the measurements differ between children with right unicoronal synostosis and unaffected infants.

RESULTS

Our results show that the three volume measurements are not reduced in infants with right unicoronal synostosis relative to unaffected children. Correlation analyses between age and various volume measures show similar correlations in infants with right unicoronal synostosis compared with unaffected children.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that the relationship between brain size and intracranial size in infants with right unicoronal synostosis is similar to that in unaffected children, suggesting that reduced intracranial volume is not responsible for alterations of the brain in craniosynostosis.

Surgical treatment of single-suture craniosynostosis: an argument for quantitative methods to evaluate cosmetic outcomes

The traditional reasons for surgical intervention in children with single-suture craniosynostosis (SSC) are cosmetic improvement and the avoidance/treatment of intracranial hypertension, which has been thought to contribute to neurocognitive deficits. Despite considerable work on the topic, the exact prevalence of intracranial hypertension in the population of patients with SSC is unknown, although it appears to be present in only a minority. Additionally, recent neuropsychological and anatomical literature suggests that the subtle neurocognitive deficits identified in children with a history of SSC may not result from external compression. They may instead reflect an underlying developmental condition that includes disordered primary CNS development and early suture fusion. This implies that current surgical techniques are unlikely to prevent neurocognitive deficits in patients with SSC. As such, the most common indication for surgical treatment in SSC is cosmetic, and most patients benefit from considerable subjective cosmetic normalization following surgery. Pediatric craniofacial surgeons have not, however, agreed upon objective means to assess postoperative cranial morphological improvement. We should therefore endeavor to agree upon objective craniometric tools for the assessment of operative outcomes, allowing us to accurately compare the various surgical techniques that are currently available.

Implications of a vertex bulge following modified strip craniectomy for sagittal synostosis

BACKGROUND

Modified strip craniectomy is a common treatment for early isolated sagittal synostosis. The authors assessed the significance of the development of a progressive vertex bulge following strip craniectomy as a predictor of raised intracranial pressure or multiple suture synostosis.

METHODS

All cases of sagittal synostosis treated by modified strip craniectomy (removal of the sagittal suture with lateral barrel staving) at the authors' institution were reviewed. Eighty-nine patients with isolated sagittal synostosis were treated by modified strip craniectomy, usually before 6 months of age, between 1995 and 2005. Seven patients were noted to have developed a progressive vertex bulge. The vertex bulge was noted an average of 8 months postoperatively (range, 2 to 25 months). The clinical records of these seven patients were evaluated with regard to their clinical course, radiologic investigations, genetics testing, intracranial pressure monitoring, and the need for further surgery.

RESULTS

Computed tomographic scanning demonstrated new synostosis involving other calvarial sutures in five patients. Five patients underwent intracranial pressure monitoring, and this was elevated in four patients. One patient required a ventriculoperitoneal shunt for hydrocephalus. All patients underwent genetic screening, and two were found to have fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) mutations (one FGFR2 and one FGFR3 mutation). All patients required reoperation (calvarial remodeling) for either raised intracranial pressure, deteriorating head shape, or both.

CONCLUSIONS

A progressive vertex bulge after modified strip craniectomy is a sign of possible raised intracranial pressure, the development of progressive multiple suture synostosis, or both. It is an indication for genetic testing for FGFR mutations.

Comparison of craniofacial phenotype in craniosynostotic rabbits treated with anti-Tgf-beta2 at suturectomy site

OBJECTIVE

Overexpression of transforming growth factor-beta 2 has been associated with craniosynostosis and resynostosis following surgery. We examined the effects of localized transforming growth factor-beta 2 inhibition on craniofacial phenotype in rabbits with craniosynostosis.

DESIGN

Twenty-five New Zealand white rabbits with bilateral coronal craniosynostosis were divided into three treatment groups: (1) suturectomy control (n=8); (2) suturectomy with nonspecific, control immunoglobulin G antibody (n=6); and (3) suturectomy with anti-transforming growth factor-beta 2 antibody (n=11). At 10 days of age, a coronal suturectomy was performed on all rabbits. The sites in groups 2 and 3 were immediately filled with a slow-resorbing collagen gel mixed with either immunoglobulin G or anti-transforming growth factor-beta 2 antibody. Computed tomography scans of each rabbit were acquired at ages 10, 25, and 84 days. Craniofacial landmarks were collected from three-dimensional computed tomography reconstructions, and growth and form were compared among the three groups.

RESULTS

Rabbits treated with anti-transforming growth factor-beta 2 antibody differed in form at 84 days of age compared with suturectomy control rabbits, specifically in the snout and posterior neurocranium. Growth in some areas of the skull was greater in rabbits from the anti-transforming growth factor-beta 2 group than in suturectomy control rabbits, but not significantly greater than in IgG control rabbits.

CONCLUSIONS

We find support for the hypothesis that transforming growth factor-beta 2 inhibition alters adult form, but these changes do not appear to be localized to the suturectomy region. Slight differences in form and growth between the two control groups suggest that the presence of the collagen vehicle itself may affect skull growth.

Significance of beaten copper appearance on skull radiographs in children with isolated sagittal synostosis

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The significance of beaten copper appearance (BCA) on skull radiographs in children following surgery for isolated sagittal craniosynostosis has not been studied. This study was designed to look for any correlation between BCA and symptoms suggestive of intracranial hypertension in this group of patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-eight consecutive children, who were operated for isolated sagittal synostosis from 1987 to 2000 and had postoperative skull radiographs, were included. Patients were divided into: (a) BCA group (n = 20), consisting of children who had beaten copper appearance on skull radiographs at last follow up, and (b) Non-BCA group (n = 28), consisting of children who did not have this finding. Records were reviewed to look for symptoms suggestive of intracranial hypertension, such as headache, head banging, and irritability.

RESULTS

Median age at surgery was 4.8 months for BCA group and 4 months for the non-BCA group. Follow up ranged from 4 to 156 months with a mean of 36.2 months. Total of 28.6% (n = 6) of the children with follow up radiographs done at < or =18 months of age had BCA. The incidence of BCA increased to 83.3% in children with skull radiographs performed after 48 months of age. In 18 (90%) children, the BCA was 'diffuse' with 5 (25%) children having the maximum possible score of 8. In the BCA group, 45% (n = 9) had symptoms compared to 10.7% (n = 3) in the control group (p = 0.0068).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests a significant number of children with BCA on radiographs develop symptoms suggestive of raised ICP following surgical treatment in infancy and prolonged follow up may be warranted in this group of patients.

Severity of skull malformation is unrelated to presurgery neurobehavioral status of infants with sagittal synostosis

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between severity of scaphocephalic skull malformation and neurodevelopmental status prior to cranioplasty.

DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS

Seventy-five infants with single-suture sagittal craniosynostosis (median age, 4.5 months) referred to the Infant Learning Project, a prospective, multisite, longitudinal study to evaluate neurocognitive development.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Scaphocephaly severity indices were used to quantify synostotic skull shape from computed tomography scans. Infants were assessed with the mental (MDI) and motor scales (PDI) of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development and the receptive (PLS-AC) and expressive (PLS-EC) language scales of the Preschool Language Scale.

RESULTS

No association between skull shape and neurodevelopmental status was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Lack of association between skull shape and neurodevelopment in infancy may indicate that the presurgical degree of scaphocephaly has little or no direct effect on brain development. Alternatively, such relationships, if they exist, may be evident only at older ages. Finally, it also is possible that aspects of skull malformation not measured in this study may be related to neuropsychological functioning.

'Z-Pattern' Craniosynostosis

The majority of infants with multiple sutural craniosynostosis have identifiable syndromes, which affect both coronal sutures (Apert, Crouzon, Pfeiffer, and so on), and multiple sutural fusions not involving both these sutures are exceeding rare. We report a highly unusual pattern of trisutural fusion, which to our knowledge has not been previously described. A retrospective clinical review was performed of all cases of craniosynostosis, which had presented to the Craniofacial Center in Dallas, over a 15-year period. Two patients were identified with a unique pattern of craniosynostosis involving the left coronal, sagittal, and right lambdoid sutures creating a "Z-pattern." Both patients were treated with staged cranial vault reconstructive procedures with an initial posterior remodeling (3 to 4 months) followed by an anterior repair (7 to 8 months). Both patients developed cerebellar tonsillar herniation, and one symptomatic patient required surgical decompression. With a follow up of greater than 2 years, normocephaly has been maintained with growth, and both children appear to have normal intellectual development. A unique pattern of trisutural "Z-patterned" craniosynostosis is presented. This distinctive pattern of craniosynostosis appears to be associated with cerebellar tonsillar herniation. In this small series, a two-staged procedure successfully normalized the calvarial dysmorphism, and early growth and development appear normal.

Reformation of the sagittal suture following surgery for isolated sagittal craniosynostosis

OBJECT

Data from animal studies have shown that in experimentally induced craniosynostosis, removal of the involved calvaria results in the formation of new calvaria with time, and sutures redevelop in their normal anatomical positions. However, the pattern of suture reformation following surgery in humans with craniosynostosis remains ill-defined. The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of postoperative suture reformation in children who have undergone surgery for isolated sagittal synostosis and assess possible factors related to suture reformation.

METHODS

Records were retrospectively reviewed for 42 consecutive infants who had surgery for isolated sagittal synostosis between 1987 and 2000 and for whom postoperative skull radiographs were available. The radiographs were evaluated for sagittal suture morphology and patency of the coronal and lambdoid sutures. Surgery involved at a minimum 1) a vertex craniectomy, characterized by removal of the sagittal suture and a 1.5- to 2.5-cm piece of adjacent parietal bone with the attached pericranium bilaterally, and 2) parietal osteotomies and/or craniectomies. The median age at surgery was 3.9 months (range 1.9-7.6 months). The mean duration of follow up was 32.2 months (range 6-144 months). The sagittal suture had reformed in only seven (16.7%) of the children at follow up. In the other 35 (83.3%), the craniectomized bone defects had reossified without any part of the sagittal suture being visible on the radiographs.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a very low incidence of suture reformation in children after surgery for isolated sagittal craniosynostosis. Genetic predisposition, inclusion of undiagnosed syndromic patients, and current operative techniques may be some of the factors responsible for the low incidence of suture reformation seen in this series.

Relationship of brain and skull in pre- and postoperative sagittal synostosis

Models of vertebrate skull evolution stress the coordinated developmental relationship between the skull and the brain that it houses. This study investigates the relationship between altered skull morphology and brain morphology in premature fusion of the cranial sagittal suture (isolated sagittal synostosis; ISS), a condition associated with dysmorphology of both neurocranium and brain. Although the skull displays a more normal shape following reconstructive cranial vault surgery, effects of this surgery on the brain have not been investigated. Landmark coordinate data were collected from three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging reconstructions of the brain in a sample of ISS patients and an age-matched unaffected cohort. These data were analysed using Euclidean distance matrix analysis (EDMA). Results show that the brain in ISS is dysmorphic preoperatively, displaying a posteriorly directed neural expansion that does not 'worsen' with growth. Postoperatively, the brain in ISS displays a more globular shape overall as compared with the preoperative morphology, but differs from normal in its subcortical morphology. These results show that the ISS brain is altered following neurocranial surgery, but does not more closely approximate that of unaffected individuals. This suggests that although the brain is affected by manipulation of the skull, it retains a growth pattern that is, at least in part, independent of the skull.

Age-related changes in intracranial pressure in rabbits with uncorrected familial coronal suture synostosis

OBJECTIVE

Chronic, elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) in craniosynostotic infants may result in ocular and neurocapsular problems; however, not all infants exhibit elevated ICP. Clinical ICP studies are further confounded by small and heterogeneic samples, multiple-suture involvement, and varying surgical management protocols. The present study was designed to describe longitudinal changes in ICP in a large, homogenous sample of rabbits with uncorrected familial, nonsyndromic coronal suture synostosis.

METHODS

Ninety-one rabbits were divided into four groups: (1) normal rabbits (n = 28), (2) rabbits with delayed-onset coronal suture synostosis (DOCS; n = 25), (3) rabbits with unilateral coronal suture synostosis (UCS; n = 12), and (4) rabbits with bilateral coronal suture synostosis (BCS; n = 26). ICP was measured at 24 and 42 days of age using a Codman epidural microtransducer.

RESULTS

Rabbits with BCS had a significantly (p < .05) higher mean ICP at 25 days of age than rabbits in the other three groups by approximately 146%. However, by 42 days of age, mean ICP in normal control rabbits and rabbits with DOCS was significantly (p < .01) increased compared with their mean ICP values seen at 25 days of age, while mean ICP in BCS rabbits significantly (p < .01) decreased (by 32%) over the same time period. ICP in rabbits with UCS was between that seen in normal control rabbits and rabbits with BCS and did not significantly (p > .05) change over time.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the degree of suture involvement may be related to early increases in ICP. Possible multifactorial explanations for intracranial decompression and compensation in the craniosynostotic rabbit model are discussed.