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

The use of OCT to detect signs of intracranial hypertension in patients with sagittal suture synostosis: Reference values and correlations

PURPOSE

To obtain pediatric normative reference values and determine whether optical coherence tomography (OCT) corresponds better with clinical signs of intracranial hypertension (ICH) compared to the traditional screening method fundoscopy in a large cohort of one type of single suture craniosynostosis.

METHODS

Control subjects without optic nerve diseases and isolated sagittal synostosis patients aged 3-10 years who underwent fundoscopy and OCT were included in this prospective cohort study. Normative reference values were obtained through bootstrap analysis. Main outcome was the association between peripapillary total retinal thickness (TRT) and total retinal volume (TRV) and appearance on fundoscopy. Signs and symptoms suggestive of ICH, including skull growth arrest, fingerprinting, and headache, were scored.

RESULTS

Sixty-four healthy controls and 93 isolated sagittal synostosis patients were included. Normative cut-off values for mean TRT are < 256 μm and > 504 μm and for mean TRV < 0.21 mm³ and > 0.39 mm³. TRT was increased in 16 (17%) and TRV in 15 (16%) of 93 patients, compared to only 4 patients with papilledema on fundoscopy (4%). Both parameters were associated with papilledema on fundoscopy (OR = 16.7, p = 0.02, and OR = 18.2, p = 0.01). Skull growth arrest was significantly associated with abnormal OCT parameters (OR = 13.65, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The established cut-off points can be applied to screen for ICH in pediatrics. The present study detected abnormalities with OCT more frequent than with fundoscopy, which were associated with skull growth arrest. Therefore, a combination of OCT, fundoscopy, and skull growth arrest can improve clinical decision-making in craniosynostosis.

Severity of Unilateral Coronal Synostosis Linked to Intracranial Volume

ABSTRACT

Severity of unilateral coronal synostosis (UCS) varies and can affect intracranial volume (ICV), and intracranial pressure. Correlation between ICV and severity according to Utrecht Cranial Shape Quantifier and presence of papilledema as sign of raised intracranial pressure is determined. The authors included patients with UCS (≤18 months). Intracranial volume was calculated on preoperative CT scans by manual segmentation (OsiriX [Fondation OsiriX, Geneva, Switzerland]). Calculated ICV was compared to Lichtenberg normative data for control patients. When present, papilledema was noted. Utrecht Cranial Shape Quantifier was used to quantify severity using the variables: asymmetry ratio of frontal peak and ratio of frontal peak gradient. Severity of UCS was correlated to ICV using Pearson correlation coefficient. Mean age at CT scan of patients with UCS was 7 months (1-18 months). Mean calculated ICV was 870.96 mL (617.31-1264.46 mL). All patients had ICV between ± 2 SD curves of Lichtenberg; 10 had an ICV between -1 SD and +1 SD. Majority of ICV in girls was at or larger than normative mean, in boys ICV was mostly lower than normative mean. Pearson correlation coefficient between severity of UCS and ICV was negligible (r = -0.28). Preoperative papilledema during fundoscopy was found in 4.5% (1/22; ICV 1003.88 mL; severe UCS). Therefore, severity of UCS does not correlate to ICV. Despite varying severity of UCS, ICV remains within normal ranges.

Persistent fontanelles in Chihuahuas. Part I. Distribution and clinical relevance

Background

The Chihuahua dog breed is known for frequent occurrence of a bregmatic fontanelle on the dorsal skull. A common conception is that this skull defect is a clinically irrelevant finding. No studies, however, describe its prevalence or whether it is accompanied by other persistent fontanelles (PFs). Although Chihuahuas are predisposed to Chiari‐like malformation (CM) and syringomyelia (SM), it is unknown whether PFs occur more commonly in dogs with clinical signs that are caused by CM or SM.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To describe the number and location of PFs at cranial sutures (CSs) and to compare the occurrence of these PFs in dogs with and without CM/SM‐related clinical signs. We hypothesized that PFs also occur commonly at lateral and caudal cranial surfaces, affect a higher number of CSs, and are larger in dogs with CM/SM‐related clinical signs.

Animals

Fifty client‐owned Chihuahuas with or without CM/SM‐related clinical signs.

Results

Of the 50 dogs evaluated, 46 (92%) had either 1 or several PFs. The mean ± SD number of PFs was 2.8 ± 3.0 (range, 0‐13). A total of 138 PFs occupied 118 CSs with 57 (48%) located dorsally, 44 (37%) caudally, and 17 (14%) laterally. The number of CSs affected by PFs was significantly higher (P ≤ .001) and total PF area was significantly larger (P = .003) in dogs with CM/SM‐related clinical signs.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Persistent fontanelles are very common in this group of Chihuahuas and appear at dorsal, lateral, and caudal cranial surfaces. They are more numerous and larger in Chihuahuas with CM/SM‐related clinical signs.

Safety and efficacy of independent allied healthcare professionals in the assessment and management of plagiocephaly patients

BACKGROUND

The incidence of positional plagiocephaly has increased significantly over the last two decades, which has caused a service delivery challenge for pediatric neurosurgeons. As a potential solution to the long waitlists for abnormal head shape, a plagiocephaly clinic was established at BC Children's Hospital (BCCH) in Vancouver, Canada. This clinic was supervised by an occupational therapist who had been trained by a neurosurgeon to independently assess and manage patients with a referring diagnosis of positional plagiocephaly.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the efficiency of the BCCH Plagiocephaly Clinic in the management of positional plagiocephaly patients and to investigate the clinic's ability to appropriately identify and refer patients with craniosynostosis to pediatric neurosurgeons for further assessment.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify patients who were assessed and managed at the BCCH Plagiocephaly Clinic between 2008 and 2014. Data on patient demographics, head shape measurements, and treatment recommendations were collected, and the BC Children's neurosurgical database was cross-referenced to identify craniosynostosis cases missed by the Plagiocephaly Clinic. A descriptive analysis of the clinic's average wait times, severity of the patients' plagiocephaly, and recommended interventions was conducted. In addition, the sensitivity and specificity of the clinic's ability to appropriately refer craniosynostosis patients to pediatric neurosurgery were calculated.

RESULTS

Of 1752 patients seen in the BC Children's Plagiocephaly Clinic between 2008 and 2014, 66% of patients received counseling about repositioning, 34% were referred for head banding, 19% were referred to physiotherapy for torticollis, and 1.4% were referred to the BC Children's Pediatric Neurosurgery Clinic for suspicion of craniosynostosis. The mean time from referral to first assessment by the Plagiocephaly Clinic was 41 days, and time from referral by the plagiocephaly clinic to diagnosis of craniosynostosis by a pediatric neurosurgeon was 8 days. Pediatric neurosurgeons requested imaging for 6 of the referred patients (25% ). The sensitivity and specificity of the plagiocephaly clinic for referral of craniosynostosis patients to the Pediatric Neurosurgery Clinic were 100 and 99%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The BC Children's Plagiocephaly Clinic is efficient and safe for the initial evaluation and treatment of patients with positional plagiocephaly. The clinic's model decreases wait times, appropriately manages patients with positional plagiocephaly, screens for craniosynostosis with high sensitivity and specificity, and takes pressure off outpatient neurosurgical clinics. This model for assessment of plagiocephaly could be considered in other medical centers.

The role of ICP overnight monitoring (ONM) in children with suspected craniostenosis

PURPOSE

Secondary craniostenosis is a relevant problem pediatric neurosurgeons are confronted with and poses challenges regarding reliable diagnosis of raised ICP, especially in case of absent or questionable papilledema. How to identify children with elevated ICP is still controversial and diagnostics vary. We report on our experience with computerized ICP ONM in relation to imaging derived parameters.

METHODS

Thirty-four children with primary or secondary craniostenosis and clinical suspicion of raised ICP were investigated. We compared clinical signs, history, and radiographic assessment with the results of computerized ICP ONM. Differences were significant at a p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Baseline ICP was significantly higher in patients with combined suture synostosis, who also had a higher rate of questionable papilledema. Children with narrowed external CSF spaces in MRI had significantly higher ICP levels during REM sleep. Mean RAP was significantly elevated in patients with multi-suture synostosis, indicating poor intracranial compensatory reserve. Syndromal craniostenosis was associated with elevated ICP, RAP was significantly lower, and skull X-rays showed more impressions (copper beaten skull). RAP increased with more severe impressions only to decline in most severe abnormalities, indicating exhaustion of cerebrovascular reserve at an upper ICP breakpoint of 23.9 mmHg. Headaches correlated to lower ICP and were not associated with more severe X-ray abnormalities.

CONCLUSION

Narrowed external CSF spaces in MRI seem to be associated to elevated ICP. Skull X-rays can help to identify patients at risk for chronically elevated ICP. Severe X-ray changes correlate with exhausted cerebrovascular reserve as indicated by RAP decline. Only ICP monitoring clearly identifies raised ICP and low brain compliance. Thus, in cases with ambiguous imaging, ONM constitutes an effective tool to acquire objective data for identification of surgical candidates.

Intracranial Volume Post Cranial Expansion Surgery Using Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Scan Imaging in Children With Craniosynostosis

BACKGROUND

Craniosynostosis is a congenital defect that causes ≥1 suture to fuse prematurely. Cranial expansion surgery which consists of cranial vault reshaping with or without fronto-orbital advancement (FOA) is done to correct the skull to a more normal shape of the head as well as to increase the intracranial volume (ICV). Therefore, it is important to evaluate the changes of ICV after the surgery and the effect of surgery both clinically and radiologically.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the ICV in primary craniosynostosis patients after the cranial vault reshaping with or without FOA and to compare between syndromic and nonsyndromic synostosis group, to determine factors that associated with significant changes in the ICV postoperative, and to evaluate the resolution of copper beaten sign and improvement in neurodevelopmental delay after the surgery.

METHODS

This is a prospective observational study of all primary craniosynostosis patients who underwent operation cranial vault reshaping with or without FOA in Hospital Kuala Lumpur from January 2017 until Jun 2018. The ICV preoperative and postoperative was measured using the 3D computed tomography (CT) imaging and analyzed. The demographic data, clinical and radiological findings were identified and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 14 cases (6 males and 8 females) with 28 3D CT scans were identified. The mean age of patients was 23 months. Seven patients were having syndromic synostosis (4 Crouzon syndromes and 3 Apert syndromes) and 7 nonsyndromic synostosis. The mean preoperative ICV was 880 mL (range, 641-1234 mL), whereas the mean postoperative ICV was 1081 mL (range, 811-1385 mL). The difference was 201 mL which was statistically significant (P < 0.001). In comparison, the mean volume increment for syndromic synostosis and nonsyndromic synostosis was 282 mL and 120 mL, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.004). Three months post-operation, the copper beaten sign was still present in the CT scan which was statistically not significant in this study (P > 1.0). However, there was 100% (n = 13) improvement of this copper beaten sign. However, the neurodevelopmental delay showed no improvement which was statistically not significant (P > 1.0).

CONCLUSION

Surgery in craniosynostosis patient increases the ICV besides it improves the shape of the head. From this study, the syndromic synostosis had better increment of ICV compared to nonsyndromic synostosis.

Is There an Advantage to Minimizing Surgery in Scaphocephaly? A Study on Extended Strip Craniectomy Versus Extensive Cranial Vault Remodeling

BACKGROUND

Different techniques have been described to correct scaphocephaly. In authors' institution, total cranial vault remodeling (TCVR) was the standard of care. To limit the extent of surgery and the need for transfusion, the technique was minimized to extended strip craniectomy (ESC) without helmet therapy. This retrospective study compares outcome and morbidity between ESC and TCVR.

METHODS

Twenty-seven scaphocephalic patients were included. The ESC was performed in 9 patients between 2012 and 2014, and TCVR in 17 patients between 2008 and 2016. Data on blood loss and transfusion rate, duration of surgery, length of hospital stay (LOS), head circumference, and cephalic index (CI) were collected retrospectively. A cosmetic outcome score (COS) was developed to rate esthetic outcome since CI is a limited and crude measurement of cosmetic outcome.

RESULTS

The LOS was identical in both groups, but duration of surgery was significantly shorter in ESC (P < 0.0001). Transfusion rate appeared higher in the TCVR group, but differences were not significant (P = 0.11). Cosmetic outcome appeared slightly worse in the ESC group, but results were not significantly different (P = 0.66). There was, however, a significant improvement in postoperative CI in the TCVR group (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The only advantage of ESC was the reduced duration of surgery, but this could not prevent the need for transfusion in this group of patients. The improvement of the CI was significantly less pronounced after ESC, but the COS was not significantly worse in the ESC group. The scar and LOS were similar in both groups. Therefore, our findings indicate that minimizing TCVR to ESC without helmet therapy does not provide significant advantages.

Progressive postnatal pansynostosis: an insidious and pernicious form of craniosynostosis

OBJECT Progressive postnatal pansynostosis (PPP) is a rare form of craniosynostosis that is characterized by a normal head shape, insidious decrease in percentile head circumference, and high rates of elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). This investigation describes the clinical, radiographic, and genetic features of this entity. METHODS The authors' craniofacial database for the period 1997-2013 was retrospectively culled to identify patients who had a normal or near-normal head shape and CT-confirmed multiple-suture synostosis. Patients with kleeblatt-schädel or previous craniofacial surgery were excluded. All demographic information was collected and analyzed. RESULTS Seventeen patients fit the inclusion criteria. Nine patients had a syndromic diagnosis: Crouzon syndrome (n = 4), Pfeiffer syndrome (n = 2), Saethre-Chotzen syndrome (n = 1), Apert syndrome (n = 1), and achondroplasia (n = 1). With the exception of 3 patients with mild turricephaly, all patients had a relatively normal head shape. Patients were diagnosed at an average age of 62.9 months. Nearly all patients had some combination of clinical, radiographic, or ophthalmological evidence of increased ICP. CONCLUSIONS PPP is insidious; diagnosis is typically delayed because the clinical signs are subtle and appear gradually. All normocephalic infants or children with a known or suspected craniosynostotic disorder should be carefully monitored; any decrease in percentile head circumference or signs/symptoms of increased ICP should prompt CT evaluation.

The incidence of raised intracranial pressure in nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis following primary surgery

OBJECT Raised intracranial pressure (ICP) is recognized to occur in patients with nonsyndromic isolated sagittal craniosynostosis (SC) prior to surgery. However, the incidence of raised ICP following primary surgery is rarely reported and there appears to be a widely held assumption that corrective surgery for SC prevents the later development of intracranial hypertension. This study reports the incidence of postoperative raised ICP in a large cohort of patients with SC treated by 1 of 2 surgical procedures in a single craniofacial unit. METHODS A retrospective review was performed of all patients with SC who underwent either a modified strip craniectomy (MSC) or calvarial remodeling (CR) procedure under the care of the Oxford Craniofacial Unit between 1995 and 2010 and who were followed up for more than 2 years. The influence of patient age at surgery, year of surgery, sex, procedure type, and the presence of raised ICP preoperatively were analyzed. RESULTS Two hundred seventeen children had primary surgery for SC and were followed up for a mean of 86 months. The overall rate of raised ICP following surgery was 6.9%, occurring at a mean of 51 months after the primary surgical procedure. Raised ICP was significantly more common in those patients treated by MSC (13 of 89 patients, 14.6%) than CR (2 of 128 patients, 1.6%). Also, raised ICP was more common in patients under 1 year of age, the majority of whom were treated by MCS. No other factor was found to have a significant effect. CONCLUSIONS Postoperative raised ICP was found in more than 1 in 20 children treated for nonsyndromic SC in this series. It was significantly influenced by the primary surgical procedure and age at primary surgery. Careful long-term follow-up is essential if children who develop raised ICP following surgery are not to be overlooked.

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.

Copper Beaten Skull! Can It be a Usual Appearance?

‘Copper beaten’ skull refers to the prominent convolutional markings seen in multiple bones of the skull. Underlying cause is thought to be related to increased intracranial pressure resulting from such processes as craniosynostosis, obstructive hydrocephalus and/or intracranial masses. However, the copper beaten appearance of the skull has poor sensitivity in detecting increased intracranial pressure as such an appearance can also be seen in normal patients. In this article, we have reported a case of a 5 years old child with classical features of beaten silver skull.

How to cite this article: Desai V, Priyadarshini SR, Sharma R. Copper Beaten Skull! Can It be a Usual Appearance? Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2014;7(1):47-49.

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.