Displaced cortical vein sign on CT in infants: a reliable predictor to distinguish low-attenuation subdural collections from benign enlargement of subarachnoid spaces

Differentiating benign enlargement of subarachnoid spaces (BESS) from low-attenuation subdural collections on CT imaging of infants can be challenging. This distinction is crucial in infants, as subdural collections may raise the concern for abusive head trauma (AHT). To evaluate the utilization of the displaced cortical vein sign on CT as a predictor of pathological subdural collections confirmed by MRI and to assess the reproducibility of this finding among radiologists with different levels of clinical experience. A total of 104 imaging exams were independently reviewed by junior- and senior-level radiologists (52 head CTs and 52 corresponding brain MRI exams). These exams included 43 MRI-confirmed cases of subdural collections and 9 MRI-confirmed cases of BESS from patients aged 0-2 years. The presence of pathological collections and sulcal flattening, and the displaced cortical vein sign were recorded for both reviewers along with attenuation and signal characteristics of the collections. Confirmed diagnosis of AHT was determined by chart review. The sensitivity, specificity, and inter-observer reliability were analyzed between reviewers. The average patient age was 6.4 months with a median age of 4 months. The sensitivity values of the displaced cortical vein sign on CT for the presence of subdural collections were 69.6% and 79.0% for the two reviewers, respectively. The specificity of this finding was 100% for both reviewers, with no false negative cases. Interobserver reliability was the highest for the depiction of the displaced cortical vein sign on CT (κ=0.63, 95% CI 0.45-0.82) and MRI (κ=0.96, 95% CI 0.87-1.00). All cases where at least 1 reviewer noted the displaced cortical vein sign on CT and were later confirmed to be traumatic subdural collection on MRI were concluded to have high concern for AHT upon chart review. In total, 23.3% (11 out of 52) of cases confirmed to have subdural collections on MRI were found to have calvarial fractures associated with their presentation. The displaced cortical vein sign on head CT is a specific and reproducible finding associated with subdural collections. Our data suggest that this sign is a more reliable and readily identifiable indicator of pathological subdural collections compared to other traditional imaging findings, such as flattening of the cerebral sulci.

Epidemiology of Macrocephaly in the Texas Birth Defects Registry, 1999-2019

BACKGROUND

Macrocephaly is a clinical observation denoted as an occipitofrontal head circumference exceeding two standard deviations above same age and sex norms. By its definition, macrocephaly occurs in approximately 3% of the population. Descriptive epidemiologic evaluations of macrocephaly are lacking in the literature. The primary objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of macrocephaly captured by the Texas Birth Defects Registry (TBDR) by infant sex, rural/urban residence, and select maternal characteristics.

METHODS

Cases of TBDR between 1999 and 2019 with a six-digit Centers for Disease Control modified-British Pediatric Association (BPA) code of 742.400 (enlarged brain/head, large head, macrocephaly, megalencephaly) were identified. All pregnancy outcomes and diagnostic certainties were included. Prevalence (per 10,000 live births) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a Poisson table by rural/urban residence, infant sex, maternal age, education, race/ethnicity, history of diabetes, and body mass index (BMI). Prevalence calculations were repeated across multiple sensitivity analyses including (1) definite, isolated cases excluding those with indication of being either "benign" or "familial", (2) definite, non-isolated cases, (3) definite non-isolated cases excluding chromosomal and syndromic cases, and (4) definite, proportionate (at birth) cases. A secondary objective was to describe the most common co-occurring congenital defects among definite, non-isolated cases.

RESULTS

Overall, between 1999 and 2019, 14,637 cases of macrocephaly were identified in the TBDR resulting in a prevalence of 18.12/10,000 live births (95% CI: 17.83-18.42). Most cases were live born (99%), had a definite diagnosis (87%), and were non-isolated (57%). Prevalence was significantly higher among males, among those with an urban residence, and among mothers who were older, Non-Hispanic White, who had greater than high school education, who had a history of diabetes, and who were obese. Prevalence patterns remained consistent across all sensitivity analyses. The most common co-occurring congenital defects among definite, non-isolated cases were minor and primarily included skull and facial bone anomalies (e.g., plagiocephaly [18%]).

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first epidemiologic evaluation of macrocephaly in a birth defects registry. The long-term clinical impact of isolated macrocephaly is not well understood and should be the focus of future investigations.

Aplastic Anemia With Non-Occlusive Mesenteric Ischemia

This case highlights the multifaceted challenges of managing aplastic anemia, especially when complicated by non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI). The patient's clinical course underscores the importance of a conservative, multidisciplinary approach in balancing the risks of invasive procedures with the need for effective diagnostics and treatment. Recognizing the risks associated with pancytopenia, including life-threatening bleeding and infections, is critical in managing such patients. Careful monitoring and timely interventions, particularly in an intensive care setting, are essential to improve outcomes in complex cases like this one.

Efficacy of Child Abuse Evaluations for Infants With Possible Subdural Hemorrhage Identified on Cranial Ultrasound Completed for Macrocephaly

Abusive head trauma (AHT) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality for infants. Determining when to pursue a complete physical abuse evaluation can be difficult, especially for nonspecific findings or when a child appears clinically well. This retrospective study of 7 cases sought to describe the presentation, evaluation, and diagnoses for infants with abnormal subdural collections identified on cranial ultrasound for macrocephaly, and to determine how frequently AHT is diagnosed. The results of this study showed that while each patient presented due to asymptomatic macrocephaly, the extent of the workup varied greatly. In addition, no infants had suspicious injuries for abuse during the initial evaluation or the year following. In summary, among the 7 patients seen for asymptomatic macrocephaly with possible subdural hemorrhage, there were very inconsistent child abuse workups. There needs to be a standardized clinical guideline for this specific patient population involving a child abuse pediatric evaluation.

Diagnostic Pitfalls of Macrocephaly and Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: Connecting the Dots With the Red Flags

Macrocephaly is defined as an abnormal increase in head circumference greater than two standard deviations above the mean for a given age and sex. We present the case of a 16-month-old boy with congenital progressive macrocephaly, who was referred to our hospital for a ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement for external hydrocephalus diagnosed at 13 months of age. The patient had a febrile seizure 12 hours after the shunt was placed and the emergency CT exam revealed collapsed ventricles and a right frontal subdural collection, suggestive of an over-drainage and intracranial hypotension. A subsequent electroencephalogram (EEG) revealed some anomalies, but the patient was discharged two days later due to having no neurological symptoms after being placed on anticonvulsants. The patient returned to the hospital one week later due to recurrent seizures. Further clinical examination revealed prominent and tortuous veins of the skull, palpated in the left occipital region. A thrill and a left carotid murmur were heard during auscultation. A subsequent brain MRI with MR arteriography and venography was performed in search of an explanation for hydrocephaly. The sequences were suggestive of a dural arteriovenous fistula, which was confirmed and then treated using coils during an interventional angiography. A second procedure was performed two months later to complete the embolization, with subsequent imaging follow-ups showing the procedure to have been successful. The measurement of the cranial circumference, its regular evaluation, and its evolution allow a hierarchical diagnosis strategy by distinguishing primary and secondary macrocephaly, progressive or not. Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF) are an under-appreciated cause of macrocephaly, with which they are associated in 35% of cases. Intracranial DAVFs are pathologic shunts between dural arteries and dural venous sinuses, meningeal veins, or cortical veins. Patients with DAVFs may be completely asymptomatic. Symptoms, when present, may range from neurological deficits, seizures, and hydrocephaly to fatal hemorrhage. The symptoms depend on the location and venous and drainage patterns of the DAVF. They can be difficult to identify on routine MRIs unless specifically searched for, especially in cases of technically suboptimal examinations. We aim to give a practical approach to identify the clinical clues that warrant further investigation. Several specific protocols exist regarding the management of macrocephaly and should be followed carefully once a diagnosis has been reached, but further studies are needed to integrate more clinical and neuroimaging findings to permit an early diagnosis.

Clinical factors associated with need for neurosurgical care in young children with imaging for macrocephaly: a case control study

BACKGROUND

Macrocephaly is present in 2.3% of children with important neurosurgical conditions in the differential diagnosis. The objective of this study was to identify clinical associations with actionable imaging findings among children with head imaging for macrocephaly.

METHODS

We conducted a case-control study of head imaging studies ordered for macrocephaly among children 24 months and younger in a multistate children's health system. Four neurosurgeons reviewed the images, determining cases to be a 'concern' if neurosurgical follow-up or intervention was indicated. Electronic health records were reviewed to collect patient-level data and to determine if surgery was performed. Controls were matched 3:1 to cases of 'concern' in a multivariate model using conditional logistic regression.

RESULTS

In the study sample (n = 1293), 46 (4%) were concern cases, with 15 (1%) requiring surgery. Significant clinical factors associated with neurosurgical concern were bulging fontanel [aOR 7.47, (95% CI: 2.28-24.44), P < 0.001], prematurity [aOR 21.26, (95% CI: 3.76-120.21), P < 0.001], any delay [aOR 2.67, (95% CI: 1.13-6.27), P = 0.03], and head-weight Z-score difference (W_diff, defined as the difference between the Z-scores of head circumference and weight) [aOR 1.70, (95% CI: 1.22-2.37), P = 0.002].

CONCLUSIONS

Head imaging for macrocephaly identified few patients with findings of concern and fewer requiring surgery. A greater head-weight Z-score difference appears to represent a novel risk factor for neurosurgical follow-up or intervention.

Examining diagnostic variability among pediatric subspecialists using case examples of infant head injury

BACKGROUND

Although there is research regarding the diagnosis and timing of abusive head trauma, there remains practice variation among pediatric subspecialists.

OBJECTIVES

To examine diagnostic variability among pediatric subspecialists using case examples of infant head injury. Secondary objectives were timing variability among subspecialists, and diagnostic and timing variability among Child Abuse Pediatricians (CAPs).

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

Pediatric subspecialists were recruited from Child Abuse Pediatrics, Hospital Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care, and Neurosurgery to complete a research instrument. Participants qualified for the study if they evaluated at least 1 case of possible abusive head trauma during their career.

METHODS

This multi-institutional, mixed-methods study used a research instrument with 4 case examples of infant head injury: severe retinal hemorrhages (RH), mass-effect subdural hemorrhage (SDH), SDH membrane formation, and sepsis. The response selected by most CAPs was reference and compared across subspecialties and among CAPs using Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests. A Bonferroni correction (p < 0.01) was used for subspecialty comparisons.

RESULTS

There were 288 participants who completed at least 1 case example. Diagnostic variability was observed in all case examples. Significantly fewer Hospital Medicine (34.9 % vs. 57.9 %, p < 0.01), Emergency Medicine (28.0 % vs. 57.9 %, p < 0.0001), and Neurosurgery (24.0 % vs. 57.9 %, p < 0.01) participants selected the reference response for the mass-effect SDH case example. Timing variability was statistically significant for all case examples (p < 0.01). Significantly fewer CAPs aged 44-64 years selected the reference response for timing (p < 0.01) for the severe RH case example.

CONCLUSIONS

Additional peer review processes and consensus guidelines for challenging issues in abusive head trauma may be beneficial.

Quantitative assessment of cerebrospinal fluid flow and volume in enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces of infancy using MRI

BACKGROUND

The etiology of enlarged subarachnoid spaces of infancy is unknown; however, there is radiologic similarity with normal pressure hydrocephalus. Adults with normal pressure hydrocephalus have been shown to have altered cerebrospinal (CSF) flow through the cerebral aqueduct.

OBJECTIVE

To explore potential similarity between enlarged subarachnoid spaces of infancy and normal pressure hydrocephalus, we compared MRI-measured CSF flow through the cerebral aqueduct in infants with enlarged subarachnoid spaces of infancy to infants with normal brain MRIs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was an IRB approved retrospective study. Clinical brain MRI examinations including axial T2 imaging and phase contrast through the aqueduct were reviewed for infants with enlarged subarachnoid spaces of infancy and for infants with a qualitatively normal brain MRI. The brain and CSF volumes were segmented using a semi-automatic technique (Analyze 12.0) and CSF flow parameters were measured (cvi42, 5.14). All data was assessed for significant differences while controlling for age and sex using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients with enlarged subarachnoid spaces (mean age 9.0 months, 19 males) and 15 patients with normal brain MRI (mean age 18.9 months, 8 females) were included. Volumes of the subarachnoid space (P < 0.001), lateral (P < 0.001), and third ventricles (P < 0.001) were significantly larger in infants with enlarged subarachnoid spaces of infancy. Aqueductal stroke volume significantly increased with age (P = 0.005), regardless of group.

CONCLUSION

CSF volumes were significantly larger in infants with enlarged subarachnoid spaces of infancy versus infants with a normal MRI; however, there was no significant difference in CSF flow parameters between the two groups.

Systematic Approach to Pediatric Macrocephaly

Macrocephaly, defined as a head circumference greater than 2 standard deviations above the mean, is a relatively common presenting symptom in the pediatric population at routine well-child examinations and a common indication for neuroimaging. Multiple imaging modalities are complementary in evaluating macrocephaly, including US, CT, and MRI. The differential diagnosis for macrocephaly is broad, and many disease processes lead to macrocephaly only when the sutures are open. In patients with closed sutures, these entities instead lead to increased intracranial pressure, according to the Monroe-Kellie hypothesis, which states that there is an equilibrium between intracranial constituents due to the fixed intracranial volume. The authors describe a useful paradigm for classifying macrocephaly by identifying which of the four components of the cranium (ie, cerebrospinal fluid, blood and vasculature, brain parenchyma, or calvarium) has an increased volume. Patient age, additional imaging findings, and clinical symptoms are also useful features. Most cases in the pediatric population are due to increased cerebrospinal fluid spaces, such as benign enlargement of the subarachnoid space, which must be carefully distinguished from subdural fluid collections in patients with accidental or nonaccidental trauma. Other common causes of macrocephaly are discussed, including hydrocephalus secondary to an aqueductal web, hemorrhage, or a neoplasm. The authors also provide information on some of the rarer diseases for which imaging may provide the impetus for genetic testing (eg, overgrowth syndromes and metabolic disorders). ©RSNA, 2023 Quiz questions for this article are available through the Online Learning Center.

Benign enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces and subdural collections-when to evaluate for abuse

In infants without a history of trauma, subdural haemorrhages should raise the concern for an abusive head injury, particularly when they are associated with bridging vein clotting/rupture or with septations. However, non-haemorrhagic, fluid-appearing subdural collections (also called hygromas) may also be the result of abuse. Subdural collections have also been uncommonly observed in patients with benign enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces (BESS) and a few large-scale studies accurately investigate the incidence and the significance. Currently, there is a wide variation of practices in children with BESS and subdural collections. Due to the social risks associated with abuse evaluation and the perceived risk of radiation exposure, there might be a reluctance to fully evaluate these children in some centres. The diagnosis of physical abuse cannot be substantiated nor safely excluded in infants with BESS and subdural collection(s), without investigation for concomitant traumatic findings. The exact prevalence of occult injuries and abuse in these infants is unknown. In macrocephalic infants with subdural collections and imaging features of BESS, thorough investigations for abuse are warranted and paediatricians should consider performing full skeletal surveys even when fundoscopy, social work consult, and detailed clinical evaluation are unremarkable.

Rare CNVs and Known Genes Linked to Macrocephaly: Review of Genomic Loci and Promising Candidate Genes

Macrocephaly frequently occurs in single-gene disorders affecting the PI3K-AKT-MTOR pathway; however, epigenetic mutations, mosaicism, and copy number variations (CNVs) are emerging relevant causative factors, revealing a higher genetic heterogeneity than previously expected. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of rare CNVs in patients with macrocephaly and review genomic loci and known genes. We retrieved from the DECIPHER database de novo <500 kb CNVs reported on patients with macrocephaly; in four cases, a candidate gene for macrocephaly could be pinpointed: a known microcephaly gene-TRAPPC9, and three genes based on their functional roles-RALGAPB, RBMS3, and ZDHHC14. From the literature review, 28 pathogenic CNV genomic loci and over 300 known genes linked to macrocephaly were gathered. Among the genomic regions, 17 CNV loci (~61%) exhibited mirror phenotypes, that is, deletions and duplications having opposite effects on head size. Identifying structural variants affecting head size can be a preeminent source of information about pathways underlying brain development. In this study, we reviewed these genes and recurrent CNV loci associated with macrocephaly, as well as suggested novel potential candidate genes deserving further studies to endorse their involvement with this phenotype.

Imaging of Macrocephaly

Macrocephaly is a common diagnosis in the pediatric population, particularly in the infantile time period. There is a wide range of causes of macrocephaly, from benign to malignant, for which imaging plays a key role in the diagnosis and clinical guidance. Our aim is to review the distinct and prevalent neuroimaging findings in the evaluation of the macrocephalic infant.

In-depth characterization of neuroradiological findings in a large sample of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and controls

BACKGROUND

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental conditions associated with quantitative differences in cortical and subcortical brain morphometry. Qualitative assessment of brain morphology provides complementary information on the possible underlying neurobiology. Studies of neuroradiological findings in ASD have rendered mixed results, and await robust replication in a sizable and independent sample.

METHODS

We systematically and comprehensively assessed neuroradiological findings in a large cohort of participants with ASD and age-matched controls (total N = 620, 348 ASD and 272 controls), including 70 participants with intellectual disability (47 ASD, 23 controls). We developed a comprehensive scoring system, augmented by standardized biometric measures.

RESULTS

There was a higher incidence of neuroradiological findings in individuals with ASD (89.4 %) compared to controls (83.8 %, p = .042). Certain findings were also more common in ASD, in particular opercular abnormalities (OR 1.9, 95 % CI 1.3-3.6) and mega cisterna magna (OR 2.4, 95 % CI 1.4-4.0) reached significance when using FDR, whereas increases in macrocephaly (OR 2.0, 95 % CI 1.2-3.2), cranial deformities (OR 2.4, 95 % CI: 1.0-5.8), calvarian / dural thickening (OR 1.5, 95 % CI 1.0-2.3), ventriculomegaly (OR 3.4, 95 % CI 1.3-9.2), and hypoplasia of the corpus callosum (OR 2.7, 95 % CI 1.1-6.3) did not survive this correction. Furthermore, neuroradiological findings were more likely to occur in isolation in controls, whereas they clustered more frequently in ASD. The incidence of neuroradiological findings was higher in individuals with mild intellectual disability (95.7 %), irrespective of ASD diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

There was a subtly higher prevalence of neuroradiological findings in ASD, which did not appear to be specific to the condition. Individual findings or clusters of findings may point towards the neurodevelopmental mechanisms involved in individual cases. As such, clinical MRI assessments may be useful to guide further etiopathological (genetic) investigations, and are potentially valuable to fundamental ASD research.

Features of Visually AcceSAble Rembrandt Images: Interrater Reliability in Pediatric Brain Tumors

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

At present, no evidence-based lexicon exists for pediatric intracranial tumors. The Visually AcceSAble Rembrandt Images terminology describes reproducible MR imaging features of adult gliomas for prediction of tumor grade, molecular markers, and survival. Our aim was to assess the interrater reliability of the pre-resection features of Visually AcceSAble Rembrandt Images in pediatric brain tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty consecutive pre-resection brain MR imaging examinations of pediatric intracranial neoplasms were independently reviewed by 3 neuroradiologists. The intraclass correlation coefficient for continuous variables and the Krippendorf alpha were used to evaluate the interrater agreement. Subgroup analysis was performed for 30 gliomas.

RESULTS

Parameters with almost perfect agreement (α > .8) included tumor location (F1) and proportion of enhancing tumor (F5). Parameters with substantial agreement (α = .61-.80) were side of tumor epicenter (F2), involvement of eloquent brain (F3), enhancement quality (F4), proportion of non-contrast-enhancing tumor (F6), and deep white matter invasion (F21). The other parameters showed either moderate (α = .41-.60; n = 11), fair (α = .21-.40; n = 5), or slight agreement (α = 0-.20; n = 1). Subgroup analysis of 30 gliomas showed almost perfect agreement for tumor location (F1), involvement of eloquent brain (F3), and proportion of enhancing tumor (F5); and substantial agreement for side of tumor epicenter (F2), enhancement quality (F4), proportion of noncontrast enhancing tumor (F6), cysts (F8), thickness of enhancing margin (F11), and deep white matter invasion (F21). The intraclass correlation coefficient for measurements in the axial plane was excellent in both the main group (0.984 [F29] and 0.982 [F30]) and the glioma subgroup (0.973 [F29] and 0.973 [F30]).

CONCLUSIONS

Nine features of Visually AcceSAble Rembrandt Images have an acceptable interrater agreement in pediatric brain tumors. For the subgroup of pediatric gliomas, 11 features of Visually AcceSAble Rembrandt Images have an acceptable interrater agreement. The low degree of reproducibility of the remainder of the features necessitates the use of features tailored to the pediatric age group and is likely related to the more heterogeneous imaging morphology of pediatric brain tumors.

Imaging in the study of macrocephaly: Why?, when?, how?

Macrocephaly is a clinical term defined as an occipitofrontal circumference more than two standard deviations above the mean. It is present in 5% of children and is a common indication for imaging studies. There are multiple causes of macrocephaly; most of them are benign. Nevertheless, in some cases, macrocephaly is the clinical manifestation of a condition that requires timely medical and/or surgical treatment. The importance of imaging studies lies in identifying the patients who would benefit from treatment. Children with macrocephaly associated with neurologic alterations, neurocutaneous stigmata, delayed development, or rapid increase of the circumference have a greater risk of having disease. By contrast, parental macrocephaly is predictive of a benign condition. Limiting imaging studies to patients with increased risk makes it possible to optimize resources and reduce unnecessary exposure to tests.

Macrocephaly in the Primary Care Provider's Office

Macrocephaly is commonly encountered in the primary care provider's office. It is defined as an occipitofrontal circumference that is greater than 2 standard deviations above the mean for the child's given age. Macrocephaly is a nonspecific clinical finding that may be benign or require further evaluation. An algorithmic approach is useful for aiding in the clinical decision-making process to determine if further evaluation with neuroimaging is warranted. Abnormal findings may signify a harmful underlying cause, requiring referral to a genetic specialist or neurosurgeon.

Neuroimaging for the Primary Care Provider: A Review of Modalities, Indications, and Pitfalls

When evaluating a child with a potential neurologic or neurodevelopmental disorder, identifying indications for imaging and the correct imaging modality to order can be challenging. This article provides an overview of computed tomography, MRI, ultrasonography, and radiography with an emphasis on indications for use, pitfalls to be avoided, and recent advances. A discussion of the appropriate use of ionizing radiation, intravenous contrast, and sedation is also provided.

Physical Growth and Neurodevelopment of a Cohort of Children after 3.5 Years of Follow-up from Mothers with Zika Infection during Pregnancy-Third Report of the ZIKERNCOL Study

INTRODUCTION

In utero Zika virus (ZIKV) exposure has been related to a group of congenital structural abnormalities called the congenital Zika syndrome, which also has been related to neurodevelopment alterations even in normocephalic children. Physical growth has been less explored, and delayed growth and malnutrition have been reported.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to describe the growth and neurodevelopment features of normocephalic infants born from a cohort of mothers with RT-PCR confirmed ZIKV during pregnancy in Risaralda, Colombia.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort, including normocephalic children born from mothers with RT-PCR confirmed ZIKV infection during pregnancy in Risaralda, Colombia. Physical growth was measured using WHO standards, and neurodevelopment was measured with the abbreviated neurodevelopment scale 2 validated for Colombia.

RESULTS

After verifying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 16 children were followed during a median time of 28 months (IQR 23-31 months); for a total of 116 visits, 87.5% (n = 14) of the patients developed a growth alteration. Five presented post-natal microcephaly, and among them, four presented malnutrition or low height. Six patients developed macrocephaly. Patients with a normal head circumference had normal neurodevelopment. Only one patient with microcephaly persisted with impairment of the neurodevelopment at the end of follow-up. All the patients with macrocephaly had normal neurodevelopment.

DISCUSSION

Our study suggests that growth could be altered in infants with in utero Zika exposure. We found a high proportion of patients with overgrowth and macrocephaly. Future studies should consider endocrine follow-up of children born with in utero Zika exposure to explore these findings' possible aetiologies.

CONCLUSION

We found a high proportion of growth alterations, particularly with overgrowth features and macrocephaly. Our study suggests that in addition to neurodevelopment impairment, growth could be altered in infants and children with in utero Zika exposure, even in those patients born without CZS.

Asymptomatic macrocephaly: to scan or not to scan

BACKGROUND

Macrocephaly is a common finding in infants and is often idiopathic or familial. In the absence of clinical signs and symptoms, it can be difficult to determine when concern for underlying pathology is justified.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to determine the utility of screening head ultrasound (US) in asymptomatic infants with macrocephaly and to identify clinical factors associated with significant US findings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 20-year retrospective review was performed of infants undergoing head US for macrocephaly or rapidly increasing head circumference. Data collected included age, gender, head circumference at birth and at the time of US, specialty of the ordering physician, US findings, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and clinical course including interventions.

RESULTS

Four hundred and forty infants met inclusion criteria. Two hundred and eighty studies (64%) were found to be normal, 137 (31%) had incidental findings, 17 (3.8%) had indeterminate but potentially significant findings, and 6 (1.4%) had significant findings. Twenty of the 23 infants with indeterminate or significant findings had subsequent CT or MRI. This confirmed significant findings in eight infants (1.8%): three subdural hematomas, two intracranial tumors, two aqueductal stenoses, and one middle fossa cyst. Five of the eight infants required surgical procedures. The only statistically significant association found with having a significant finding on head US was head circumference at birth.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound is a useful initial study to evaluate infantile macrocephaly, identifying several treatable causes in our study and, when negative, effectively excluding significant pathology.

Necessity of Intracranial Imaging in Infants and Children With Macrocephaly

BACKGROUND

Macrocephaly is frequently encountered in pediatrics and often leads to imaging. There are no recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics or the American College of Radiology providing imaging guidelines for macrocephaly. The goal of this study is to identify risk factors for pathologic macrocephaly and to aid the clinician in identifying patients that would benefit from imaging.

METHODS

We conducted a medical record review throughout a multistate health care system, Sanford Health, from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2016. Patients with macrocephaly were identified by problem list in children aged less than 36 months. Data collection included basic demographics, imaging modality, developmental delay, prematurity, seizures, focal neurological symptoms, family history of macrocephaly, sedation used, and sedation complications.

RESULTS

A total of 169 patients were included in the analysis. Imaging modalities included 39 magnetic resonance imagings (23.1%), 47 cranial computed tomographies (27.8%), and 83 head ultrasounds (49.1%). Imaging results demonstrated 13 abnormal studies with five of those studies being abnormal with high clinical yield. Patients with abnormal studies were more likely to have developmental delay (P = 0.04) or neurological symptoms (P = 0.015). Positive family history of macrocephaly was predictive of normal imaging (P = 0.004). There were no sedation complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Intracranial imaging does not appear to be necessary in children with no risk factors and or a positive family history of macrocephaly. Risk factors such as developmental delay or neurological symptoms could identify children at risk for imaging abnormalities that require further management.