An unusual presentation of bilateral optic pathway glioma in Crouzon Syndrome

Crouzon Syndrome is a genetic craniosynostosis disorder associated with a high risk of ophthalmologic sequelae secondary to structural causes. However, ophthalmologic disorders due to intrinsic nerve aberrations in Crouzon Syndrome have not been described. Optic pathway gliomas (OPGs) are low grade gliomas that are intrinsic to the visual pathway, frequently associated with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1). OPGs involving both optic nerves without affecting the optic chiasm are rarely seen outside of NF-1. We report an unusual case of bilateral optic nerve glioma without chiasmatic involvement in a 17-month-old male patient with Crouzon Syndrome without any clinical or genetic findings of NF-1. This case suggests that close ophthalmologic follow up and orbital MRIs may benefit patients with Crouzon Syndrome.

Clinical assessment and FGFR2 mutation analysis in a Chinese family with Crouzon syndrome: A case report

RATIONALE

Crouzon syndrome is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder caused by mutations in fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) and one of the most common types of craniosynostosis. Here we report the detection of FGFR2 mutation and its related clinical findings in 2 patients with Crouzon syndrome from a Chinese family.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We report a case of a 28-year-old male patient presented with the chief complaint of gradually blurring of his eyes over the last 6 months before visiting our clinics. History revealed low visual acuity in his right eye since childhood. Physical examination showed that both the patient and his mother have the appearance of craniofacial dysostosis, mandibular prognathism, ocular proptosis, short superior lip, scoliosis, and thoracic deformity.

DIAGNOSIS

Auxiliary examinations lead to the diagnosis of Crouzon syndrome with binocular optic atrophy, myelinated retina nerve fibers, and ametropia in both eyes, and amblyopia in the right eye of the male patient. The molecular genetic analysis confirmed the diagnosis by detecting a heterozygous pathogenic mutation c.1026C > G (C342W) in exon 10 of FGFR2 in both the patient and his mother, but not in any of the unaffected family members.

INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES

None.

LESSONS

Our study confirms the presence of optic nerve atrophy in patients with Crouzon syndrome carrying FGFR2 C342W mutations and indicates that MRI and funduscopy should be performed to examine the optic nerve changes for patients with Crouzon syndrome.

Severe Dehydration and Acute Renal Failure Associated with External Ventricular Drainage of Cerebrospinal Fluid in Children

We report three paediatric cases of severe dehydration and hyponatraemia with circulatory compromise associated with the use of external ventricular drainage of cerebrospinal fluid. Two of the children had cardiac arrests. All were successfully resuscitated. While there were additional factors that contributed to other fluid losses, and fluid balance data are incomplete, these cases highlight a need for increased vigilance when managing children with external ventricular drains.

Optic Nerve Hypoplasia and Crouzon Syndrome

Crouzon syndrome is the most common cause of syndromic craniosynostosis. The authors present a previously unreported association between Crouzon syndrome and optic nerve hypoplasia. A male infant was transferred to the center for treatment of respiratory distress. He was diagnosed as having dysmorphic features, a membranous choanal stenossi bilaterally, and bilateral optic nerve hypoplasia. Genetic testing confirmed a molecular diagnosis of Crouzon syndrome. He had a complicated course in relation to choanal stenosis management, and was discharged home at 10 weeks of age. Although uncommon in Crouzon syndrome, the association with optic nerve hypoplasia changes the initial work-up and the management of parental expectations. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2018;55:e45-e48.].

A Case of Freeman-Sheldon Syndrome: Anesthetic Challenges

Patients with Freeman-Sheldon Syndrome (FSS) often need multiple surgical procedures. We present a case of FSS and discuss the anesthetic challenges associated with the case.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 10-week-old female with FSS presented for elective Nissen fundoplication and gastrostomy tube insertion. She had a history of difficult intubation at birth. General anesthesia with inhalational anesthetic and spontaneous respirations technique was used. Fiber optic bronchoscope (FOB)-assisted nasal intubation was successful after failed attempts with a Miller blade, GlideScope, and intubation through a laryngeal mask airway (LMA). She did not exhibit any signs of malignant hyperthermia (MH) during or immediately after the procedure.

DISCUSSION

Challenges to the anesthesiologist in a case with FSS include establishing IV access, intubating the trachea, risk of MH and MH-like symptoms, and postoperative pulmonary complications. Proper multidisciplinary preoperative planning is essential for optimum care of these patients, preferably in a tertiary care center.

Freeman-Sheldon syndrome: a case report

Freeman-Sheldon syndrome is a rare hereditary disorder characterised by three basic abnormalities, namely microstomia, camptodactyly with ulnar deviation of the fingers, and clubfoot. The majority of these patients have microstomia and dental crowding, making oral hygiene difficult and increasing the risk of caries. Treatment of these patients requires a coordinated effort by a team of specialists, including a paediatrician, an anaesthesiologist, a plastic surgeon, a paediatric dentist, and an orthodontist. Herein, we describe dental problems of a child with Freeman-Sheldon syndrome and the treatment procedures performed.

Surgical Treatment of V-pattern Exotropia in Crouzon Syndrome

PURPOSE

Strabismus affects as many as 60% to 70% of patients with Crouzon syndrome. V-pattern strabismus is common and is thought to be secondary to severe oblique muscle dysfunction. The complex motility disorders produced by abnormal extraocular muscles in this syndrome can be difficult to manage. Few studies have reported findings regarding the extraocular muscles or how to plan and adapt the required surgery for this condition.

METHODS

The surgical management and outcomes of four patients with Crouzon syndrome who had undergone craniofacial reconstruction surgery were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

All patients showed significant improvement in the primary eye position, but had residual ocular motility dysfunction postoperatively, especially relating to the up gaze position. During surgery it was noted that the lateral rectus muscle or superior oblique tendons were absent or anomalous in one of the four patients. In two of the patients, there was an absence of both inferior rectus muscles. The extraocular muscles were examined pathologically and revealed evidence of tendon capsule and mild fiber degeneration.

CONCLUSIONS

Strabismus in Crouzon syndrome is complex and the absence of certain extraocular muscles is unpredictable. It is not possible to perform strabismus surgery according to a defined surgical plan; one needs to adapt according to the patient's individual anatomy. Also, the strabismus is difficult to completely correct. However, improving ocular motility in the most functional fields of gaze will benefit the quality of life for both children and their families.

Variation of the upper airways in pediatric patients with OSAS and retrusion of the midface

In pediatric patients, the incidence of Sleep-Disorder breathing (SDB) is 2% for OSAS and 7-8% for snoring. Snoring, sleep apnea and the development of neurocognitive and behavioral disorders represent the main symptoms. In these children, snoring is noisy and is present for the greater part of sleep. Accurate diagnosis and treatment protocol is critical for a child with OSAS as it is associated to complications as: pulmonary hypertension, chronic pulmonary heart disease, low height-weight development, behavioral problems, reduced school performance, bedwetting and daytime sleepiness or irritability. For this reason, over the years different surgical techniques were developed to solve the clinical symptoms evident on the polysomnographic test. In this paper, the authors report the experience at the Department of Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Policlinico Umberto I, "Sapienza" Università di Roma, in the treatment of pediatric patients with OSAS and midface retrusion.

[Changes of different section area at different parts of upper-airway after Le Fort III osteotomy]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the therapeutic effects of Le Fort III osteotomy and midface distraction osteogenesis (DO) on the upper-airway narrow.

METHODS

Since 2000, 11 cases (10 cases of Crouzon syndrome and 1 case of Apert syndrome) with severe midface deficiency were treated with Le Fort III osteotomy and midface DO. The section area of different parts of upper-airway were tested by computer assistants image measurement preoperatively and postoperatively. Some patients received sleep function monitoring.

RESULTS

The face appearance and the function of upper-airway improved significantly after Le Fort III osteotomy and Midface DO. The section area at the level of posterior nasal spine and uvula increased obviously after treatment (P < 0.05), however the section area at the level of epiglottis and separation between airway and esophagus were not obviously enlarged (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Midface DO after Le Fort III osteotomy can effectively improve the upper-airway narrow, especially the upper part from uvula.

[Experience of midfacial distraction osteogenesis in upper airway stenosis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the therapeutic effects of upper airway stenosis after Le Fort III osteotomy and midfacial distraction osteogenesis (DO).

METHODS

Eleven cases (age, 5-16 yrs) with severe midface dysostosis complicated with exophthalmos, anterior crossbite and upper airway stenosis were treated by using Le Fort III osteotomy and midfacial DO from August 2000 to February 2007. The 3D reconstruction of the upper-airway from CT data was used to evaluate the upper airway volume before and after the operation. And meanwhile polysomnography was carried out to demonstrate the upper airway functional changes.

RESULTS

There was a 64.3% mean increase [mean, (9.13 +/- 6.94) ml, P < 0.05] in upper airway volume in the 11 cases after the operations. It showed that there was significant improvements in the indexes of polysomnography after the operations, such as apnea and hypopnea index, average SaO2, minimum oxygen saturation and snore index.

CONCLUSIONS

The Le Fort III osteotomy and midfacial distraction osteogenesis can efficiently relieve the symptoms of upper-airway stenosis in severe midfacial dysostosis.

Monoblock craniofacial internal distraction in a child with Pfeiffer syndrome: a case report

A 7-yr-old boy visited our surgical center with Pfeiffer syndrome type 1, presenting with macrocrania, broad big toe and thumb, exophthalmos, tongue protrusion, malocclusion with midfacial retrusion, mild respiratory difficulty due to minor upper airway obstruction, and developmental delay. He also exhibited anthrophobia with a passive character. The patient was treated with internal monoblock distraction osteogenesis to increase the intracranial and intraorbital volumes, and the nasal and pharyngeal airway spaces using two modular mid-facial internal distractors. For distraction, the latency period was 1 week, the daily activation of 1.0 mm was 20 days (total advancement 20 mm at the midline), and the consolidation period was 3 months. The follow-up computed tomography 12 months after surgery showed expansion of the brain and proper ossification in the distracted area. The patient also showed aesthetically good cranial contours, improved tongue and eyeball protrusion, no respiratory difficulty, and improved learning. We suggest that the internal distraction may last longer than an external type, resulting in a better bone fusion rate and successful expansion of craniofacial bones.

Brain malformation in syndromic craniosynostoses, a primary disorder of white matter: a review

BACKGROUND

Syndromic craniosynostoses (Saethre-Chotzen, Pfeiffer 1, 2, 3, Apert, Crouzon, mainly) are particular in this that a single gene defect (mostly fibroblast growth factor receptor [FGFR] 2) generates different clinical phenotypes that characterize these syndromes. Significant brain abnormalities have been reported in all syndromes. However, whether these abnormalities are secondary to the bone disease or primary (e.g. callosal agenesis) is still controversial. Recent evidence suggests that the white matter defect might be a primary disorder.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

From the review of the literature and the analysis of our cases, it appears that three categories of brain abnormalities can be found. (1) The global distortion of the brain is likely mechanical and in keeping with the deformity of the skull. (2) The chronic tonsillar herniation (Chiari I deformity) is likely mechanical also and a consequence of the small size of the posterior fossa, especially after an early closure (before 24 m) of the lambdoid suture. (3) On the contrary, the constellation of abnormalities that selectively involve the white matter (non-progressive, non-destructive ventriculomegaly, callosal agenesis or thinning, agenesis of septum pellucidum, paucity of the antero-mesial temporal white matter, pyramidal hypoplasia) is much more likely to constitute a primary disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

Recent neurobiological evidence supports this point of view. L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) gene plays a major role in the development of the white matter and its mutation in humans (callosal agenesis, retardation, adducted thumbs, spasticity, and hydrocephalus syndrome, Bickers-Adams syndrome) or in mice causes similar defects of the corpus callosum, septum pellucidum, centrum semi-ovale, and cortico-spinal tracts. To operate, L1CAM need interactions with FGFRs, whose defects are causal to the syndromic craniosynostoses. It seems logical to assumes that the FGFR defects generate both the skull abnormalities and, by lack of interaction with L1CAM, the primary defect of the white matter. The mental deficiency that is common in these patients therefore is likely to be part of the disease (through the L1CAM-FGFR interaction) rather than a consequence of the skull size or of the associated hydrocephalus.

A Novel Model Surgery Technique for LeFort III Advancement

Current techniques for model surgery and occlusal splint fabrication lack the ability to mark, measure and plan the position of the orbital rim for LeFort III and Monobloc osteotomies. This report describes a model surgery technique for planning the three dimensional repositioning of the orbital rims. Dual orbital pointers were used to mark the infraorbital rim during the facebow transfer. These pointer positions were transferred onto the surgical models in order to follow splint-determined movements. Case reports are presented to illustrate how the model surgery technique was used to differentiate the repositioning of the orbital rim from the occlusal correction in single segment and combined LeFort III/LeFort I osteotomies.

Visual manifestations of craniofrontonasal dysplasia

In this sample of craniofrontonasal dysplasia, a 44.4% prevalence of visual impairment was observed, with more than half being due to potentially correctable causes of visual loss, including amblyopia and anisometropia. High prevalences of strabismus (88.9%) and V-pattern (55.5%) in craniofrontonasal dysplasia were also demonstrated. All three patients who underwent strabismus surgery showed improvement in ocular alignment postoperatively. This group needs regular eye examinations to assess for visual impairment and provide timely intervention for modifiable causes of visual loss.

Síndrome de crouzon: fatores envolvidos no desenvolvimento neuropsicologico e na qualidade de vida

A síndrome de Crouzon é caracterizada por deformidade craniana, alterações faciais e exoftalmia. O retardo no desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor é observado em alguns casos. Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar a influência do momento da cirurgia, da classe sócio-econômica associada ao nível educacional dos pais e da ocorrência de malformações do sistema nervoso central no desenvolvimento cognitivo destes pacientes correlacionando estes achados à qualidade de vida deles e de suas famílias. Foram estudados 11 pacientes com diagnóstico de síndrome de Crouzon com idade entre um ano e quatro meses e treze anos. A avaliação multidisciplinar dos pacientes incluiu, avaliação social, avaliação cognitiva, estudo do encéfalo por ressonância magnética e avaliação da qualidade de vida. O quociente de inteligência variou de 46 a 102 (m=84,2) e foi correlacionado de forma inversa com o Fator 4 do Questionário de Recursos e Estresse Simplificado (incapacidade da criança); não se correlacionou com as alterações encefálicas, com a condição sócio-econômica dos pais e nem com o momento do tratamento neurocirúrgico.

Sinus Pericranii Associated With Craniosynostosis

Sinus pericranii is a vascular tumor of the head having communication with the dural venous system. The tumor enlarges with increased intracranial pressure when the patient is in the lateral recumbent position. Since Stromeyer used the term "sinus pericranii" in his report in 1850, approximately 170 cases have been reported. However, relatively few cases of sinus pericranii have been reported in association with craniosynostosis or by plastic surgeons. In this study, we report seven cases of sinus pericranii associated with craniosynostosis. There were two patients with Apert syndrome, two with Crouzon syndrome, two with oxycephaly, and one with trigonocephaly. The sites of occurrence were the parietal region in six patients and the frontal region in one patient. In either type of case, the tumor was clinically a soft subcutaneous mass of the head. The clinical characteristics of the tumor were its disappearance when the patient was in a sitting position and its appearance when the patient was in a recumbent position or crying. The patients were preoperatively diagnosed with sinus pericranii from imaging test findings, such as from magnetic resonance imaging and aforementioned clinical findings. In all cases, treatment for sinus pericranii was performed during the surgery for craniosynostosis. For patients with lesions in either site, we did not perform craniotomy, and we used a minimally invasive method of tumor excision and resection of the sites of communication using electrocoagulation. Perioperatively, heavy hemorrhage was not observed, and, postoperatively, no recurrence has been observed in any patient. In this study, we examine the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of sinus pericranii, in particular for patients with craniosynostosis.

Morphology and Growth of the Mandible in Crouzon, Apert, and Pfeiffer Syndromes

The purpose of this study was to examine mandibular morphology and growth in patients with Crouzon, Pfeiffer, and Apert syndromes using posteroanterior cephalograms. Fifteen patients with Apert (n = 2), Crouzon (n = 11), and Pfeiffer (n = 2) (11 female, 4 male) syndrome were included in this study. All patients had serial posteroanterior cephalograms at 5, 10, and 15 years of age. The bicondylar width, bigonial width, bicondylar/bigonial ratio, and ramus to intercondylar plane angle for each patient were measured on the cephalograms and compared with age-match controls. An analysis of variance analysis was carried out to detect differences between patients and controls and sex differences between patients. In both male and female patients, there was a statistically significant reduction in bicondylar width compared with age-matched controls. Male patients also had a statistically significant increase in bigonial width compared with controls and female patients at 10 and 15 years. The resulting bicondylar/bigonial ratios were significantly reduced, and the ramus to intercondylar plane angles were significantly increased in both male and female patients compared with controls. Unlike previous reports of patients with syndromic synostosis, this study demonstrates that the mandible has significant morphologic and growth abnormalities, including constriction of bicondylar width with near normal bigonial width in female patients. These findings suggest a narrowing at the cranial base with resulting restriction of normal transverse mandibular growth at the condyle. The secondary nature of the mandibular finding is suggested by the near normal or increased transverse growth at the gonion in females and males, respectively. Consequently, the ramus appears torqued inward, forming a greater angle with the cranial base.

Frontal Lobe Atrophy After Prolonged Frontal Bone Defect

After a frontofacial monobloc in a 12-year-old Crouzon patient, the frontal bone was lost to infection. The patient did not attend postoperative appointments and was lost to follow-up. Nine years later, he reappeared requesting surgical reconstruction. This was performed satisfactorily with a titanium plate; however, it became apparent later that he had considerable atrophy of the frontal lobes and had developed the unstable behavior of patients who have undergone a frontal lobotomy. The atrophy would appear to be the consequence of the long-term absence of the frontal bones and the resultant repetitive frontal lobe microtrauma. Frontal infection and subsequent loss of the frontal bone is a recognized complication of monobloc advancement for faciocraniosynostosis and is mainly caused by the communication between the oronasal cavities and the cranial base. The frontal bone defect would normally be repaired after a delay of 6 months to a year with no significant sequelae. We present the unusual case of a patient whose frontal defect was not reconstructed for 9 years and who, as a result, developed frontal lobe atrophy and subsequent severe psychologic and behavioral difficulties.

Nager acrofacial dysostosis: an unusual association with both upper and lower eyelid colobomas

Nager acrofacial dysostosis comprises defects of cranio facial region and limbs (mostly upper) with variable associated anomalies. The cranio- facial complex is indistinguishable from the mandibulo facial dysostosis (Treacher Collins syndrome). About 80 cases have been described in the literature. We describe the case of a one-day-old male neonate who presented with the typical features of the disease complex. Although normal life span has been reported, our patient died on the second day due to cardio respiratory failure. We report this case because of its rarity and an unusual associated feature of bilaterally symmetrical upper and lower eyelid colobomas.

Crouzon syndrome

BACKGROUND

Crouzon syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by distinctive malformations of the skull and facial region. Premature cranial suture closure is the most common skull abnormality. Optic disc edema and proptosis are among the most common ocular findings.

CASE REPORT

We present a case of a 5-year-old girl with Crouzon syndrome displaying classic facial abnormalities along with proptosis and papilledema. The child's condition was improved dramatically after a monoblock advancement procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

The differential diagnosis of the condition and treatment options are discussed. The referring optometrist can play an integral role in the multidisciplinary care the patients require.

Changes in Anthropometric Values of Paired Craniofacial Measurements of Patients With Right Coronal Synostosis

Quantitative changes of the 5 paired (right and left) projective linear measurements of the craniofacial complex were analyzed by anthropometric methods in 26 patients (9 males and 17 females) with right coronal synostosis, 16 in infancy (0-5 and 6-12 months) and 10 in early childhood (1-10 years). Measurements were taken from 3 regions: the supraorbital rim length of the head (t-g), the length (en-ex) and height (ps-pi) of the eye fissures in orbits, and the width (pra-pa) and length (sa-sba) of the ears. None of the patients had undergone corrective surgery.Anthropometric analysis of patients in infancy showed a large percentage of subnormal supraorbital rim lengths (t-g) on the right side of the head, with a higher frequency in females (90.9%) than in males (80.0%). Eye fissure lengths (en-ex) were subnormal more often in males than in females on both sides, while heights were generally normal bilaterally in both sexes (72.7-100% of cases). Ears of normal width (pra-pa) and length (sa-sba) were more frequent in females. In males, the frequency of subnormal ear widths and lengths surpassed those in females. The most remarkable changes between infancy and early childhood were noted in the orbital region, in which subnormal eye fissure lengths became bilaterally normal in both sexes.

Oral health status of children with syndromic craniosynostosis

OBJECTIVE

To gain more information on the oral health status of subjects with syndromic craniosynostosis.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study took place at the Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies of University of São Paulo (HRAC-USP). The sample was 19 patients with syndromic craniosynostosis (10 Apert, 5 Crouzon, 2 Pfeiffer and 2 Saethre-Chotzen), aged 5 to 15 years. An assessment of plaque, caries and gingival indices, and evaluation of the efficacy of toothbrushing was carried out. The measurements included PHP index, dmft and DMFT indices, gingival index, comparison of PHP before and after non-supervised toothbrushing and between individuals with and without severe syndactyly.

RESULTS

The patients displayed high plaque index and poor efficacy of toothbrushing, regardless of the presence of severe syndactyly; despite the plaque accumulation, the gingival index was not proportionally high. There was predominance of the D component for the DMFT index, which combined with the need for restorative treatment in 42.1% of the patients indicates poor access to dental care by these patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show the need for a dental follow-up programme for these patients. Carers should be informed of the importance in aiding these patients during accomplishment of oral hygiene at home.

Halo distraction of the Le Fort III in syndromic craniosynostosis: a long-term assessment

BACKGROUND

Little is known about long-term outcomes after Le Fort III halo distraction, such as indications for distraction, amount of relapse, and long-term maxillary growth.

METHODS

During a 5-year period, 51 Le Fort III osteotomies were performed; 41 of these were by halo distraction for the treatment of craniofacial dysostosis (Apert syndrome, 25; Crouzon syndrome, nine; Pfeiffer syndrome, four; other, three). Patient records were reviewed and 104 cephalograms were analyzed.

RESULTS

The average treatment age was 8 years, and the average hospitalization was 5.3 days (3.6 days for the second half of this series). The average distraction was 26 mm (range, 14 to 44 mm), the sella-nasion-subspinale angle increased from 70 degrees to 87 degrees, the upper incisal edge advanced 18 mm, and the vertical distance between nasion and point A increased by 7 mm. There was no maxillary relapse at 1 year and no measurable forward maxillary growth for up to 5 years, although the maxilla did grow vertically (p < or = 0.001). Three patients underwent tracheostomy removal; sleep studies showed the average respiratory disturbance index improved from 24 to 11 (p = 0.004) and the minimum oxygen saturation increased from 81 to 89 (p = 0.006). Three early patients had incomplete advancements.

CONCLUSIONS

The maxilla remained stable after Le Fort III halo distraction without any relapse, and no anterior growth was observed up to 5 years postoperatively. This procedure effectively eliminated sleep apnea in most children, and had a low overall complication rate that declined with experience. Most distracted patients will likely avoid the traditional second Le Fort III.

Intracranial space, brain, and cerebrospinal fluid volume measurements obtained with the aid of three-dimensional computerized tomography in patients with and without Crouzon syndrome

OBJECT

The authors attempt to provide a standard for volumes of the intracranial space, brain, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in healthy control individuals by using in vivo three-dimensional (3D) computerized tomography (CT) data and to compare these data with those obtained from a group with Crouzon syndrome.

METHODS

Fifty-seven individuals underwent 3D head CT scanning for nonintracranial-related disease to produce a set of normal volumes for the intracranial space, brain, and CSF. Prediction limits of 95% were obtained to provide a range of acceptable volumes throughout the growing period and early adulthood. Eleven patients (seven boys and four girls, age range 2.2 months-13.4 years) with Crouzon syndrome underwent identical measurements, which were compared with those of the control patients. The control group comprised 35 boys and 22 girls who ranged in age from 0.26 months to 24.4 years. Intracranial space and brain volume showed a progressive increase with age, with three different slopes from birth to adulthood. Male patients were found to have larger volumes than female patients in the same age group. Volume patterns for CSF were not significantly different within a given age or sex. Six patients with Crouzon syndrome had intracranial and brain volumes within the 95% prediction limit, three patients measured above the limit, and two measured below.

CONCLUSIONS

A standard for volumes of intracranial space and structures provides a guideline for the evaluation of patients with intracranial disease. Volumes in patients with Crouzon syndrome can be matched to their normal age- and sex-matched counterparts.

Otologic and audiologic features of Nager acrofacial dysostosis

OBJECTIVE

To describe the otologic and audiologic characteristics of pediatric patients with Nager acrofacial dysostosis.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

SETTING

Multidisciplinary clinic in a tertiary care children's hospital.

SUBJECTS

Patients less than 18 years of age with Nager acrofacial dysostosis.

METHODS

Nager syndrome is a mandibulofacial dysostosis associated with preaxial limb abnormalities and multiple craniofacial anomalies. Ten patients with Nager syndrome were reviewed. Relevant literature, 1966 to the present, was reviewed with the assistance of Medline.

RESULTS

External and middle ear abnormalities are common in Nager syndrome. All non-atretic ears had significant difficulty with otitis media, requiring an average of two sets of tympanostomy tubes. Cholesteatoma was diagnosed in one patient. Pure conductive hearing loss was identified in eight patients with mixed hearing loss noted in two patients. Conductive hearing loss greater than 30 dB HL was noted in 90% (9/10) of patients, with 40% (4/10) having 55-70 dB HL loss. Although amplification was effective, results of surgical interventions to correct conductive hearing loss were inconsistent. Two patients with mixed hearing loss developed the sensorineural component in later childhood, indicating that progressive or fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss is also possible in this population.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric patients with Nager acrofacial dysostosis exhibit conductive hearing loss due to middle and external ear pathology. Prolonged ventilation of the middle ear via tympanostomy tubes and amplification with hearing aids are often required. Some patients also demonstrate mixed hearing loss that may be progressive and should be monitored carefully. Early and aggressive management in a multidisciplinary team approach is recommended.

Ophthalmic sequelae of Crouzon syndrome

PURPOSE

To document the frequency of ophthalmic sequelae in patients with Crouzon syndrome before the influence of craniofacial surgery.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Seventy-one consecutive patients with a clinical diagnosis of Crouzon syndrome assessed before craniofacial or ophthalmic surgery at the Australian Craniofacial Unit between 1984 and 2000.

METHODS

Review of clinical records with documentation of patient age, gender, visual acuity, refractive error, diagnosis of amblyopia, squint, eye movement dysfunction, nystagmus, fundus examination, examination of the anterior segment, interpupillary distance, and intercanthal distance.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The frequency of ophthalmic signs and visual impairment, defined as a visual acuity of 6/12 or less.

RESULTS

Visual impairment in at least 1 eye occurred in 35% of patients and was bilateral in 9%. The most common cause of visual impairment was amblyopia, which was present in 21% of patients, followed by optic atrophy in 7%. Ametropia occurred in 77% of patients; 57% had hypermetropia of > or =+2 diopters (D) and 20% had myopia of > or =-0.5 D. Strabismus occurred in 39% of patients. Although exposure keratopathy was observed in 15% of patients, this complication was well managed and caused no reduction in visual acuity.

CONCLUSIONS

Early detection to reduce amblyopia by correction of refractive errors, timely treatment of strabismus, and patching should be a priority for ophthalmologists and a goal of the craniofacial teams managing patients with Crouzon syndrome. Optic atrophy remains an important cause of visual impairment in these patients before decompressive craniectomy.

[CAS in rhino-surgical procedures in the growing age]

BACKGROUND

Rhinosurgery in children and adolescents meets special requirements: Limited cooperation and reduced limits for the organ dose for ionizing radiological examinations aggravate diagnostics. On the other side, bone sutures and bone growth areas have to be respected intraoperatively, and regions of bones not yet calcified have to be distinguished from possible tumor infiltration. Computer assisted surgery (CAS) can help to identify these areas safely.

METHOD

5 patients, from the first to the 20 (th) year of life, suffering from tumors, malformation syndromes or therapy resistant nasal polyposis were treated with CAS in rhinosurgery.

RESULTS

In addition to radiological diagnostics, we performed 3D computed tomography of the skull for CAS. CAS enabled us to intraoperatively respect possible areas of bone growth, to identify regions with thin, not bonily developed cranial vault and to safely distinguish bone sutures from ethmoidal cells. CAS helped the surgeon to navigate in the not yet developed paranasal sinus system.

CONCLUSIONS

CAS is a useful complementary method in rhinosurgery of the developing skull of the child. In spite of the additional 3D computed tomography, the calculated organ dose of the ocular lense amounted to 5 millisievert, so a recommended maximal organ dose for the ocular lense of 15 millisievert was not exceeded.

Undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children with syndromal craniofacial synostosis

Children with syndromal craniofacial synostosis have a high risk for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Early diagnosis and treatment can relieve symptoms and morbidity. Little is known about the development and natural history of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome through life. The aim of this study was to investigate our experience of clinical history and treatment modalities concerning obstructive sleep apnea syndrome from birth until the current age in children with syndromal craniofacial synostosis. Children with one of the three syndromal craniofacial synostoses (Apert, Crouzon, or Pfeiffer) born between 1984 and 2001 were evaluated. The medical history and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome were assessed by retrospective analysis of the medical records. The present and past complaints were explored by means of a questionnaire. Retrospective analysis of the medical records showed a suspicion for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in 26% of the children compared with 53% in the questionnaire. The severity and presentation of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome were not related to the age of the child. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome symptoms occurred in almost half of the children during colds. Several symptoms were significantly more common in children with a high suspicion for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Treatment modalities consisted of adenotonsillectomies, continuous positive airway pressure, and Le Fort III surgery. Use of a standard questionnaire showed that the suspicion for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children with syndromal craniofacial synostosis is much higher than reported in the medical records. Regular screening for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome with a standard questionnaire could be of additional value for the detection of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children with syndromal craniofacial synostosis.

A Reflectable Case of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in an Infant With Crouzon Syndrome

Obstructive sleep apnea has recently drawn attention as a cause of sudden death among infants. Life-threatening obstruction of the upper airway is encountered in patients with syndromic craniosynostosis. Early definitive management of obstructive sleep apnea can conquer this critical situation. Although early tracheostomy can solve the problem, successful early midfacial distraction has been reported. In this report, a reflectable case of sudden death caused by a severe obstructive sleep apnea attack at home just before the midfacial distraction, during the waiting period for the surgery of midfacial distraction, is described. The authors stress the importance of preoperative care of the upper airway and the early definitive treatment using distraction osteogenesis for midfacial hypoplasia in infantile syndromic craniosynostosis.

[Surgical correction of exophthalmos in craniofacial synostosis]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the efficacy and complications of the surgical correction of exophthalmos in craniofacial synostosis.

METHODS

Three different procedures were used in exophthalmos patients with different ages. In patients aged 1 - 3 years old, the fronto-orbital advancing osteotomy to deepen the upper part of orbital cavity was employed. In patients aged 4 - 15 years old, Le Fort III osteotomy and distraction osteogenesis were selected. In patients aged 16 years old or more, Le Fort III osteotomy or monobloc craniofacial osteotomy with immediately advancement of the midface segments were selected.

RESULTS

Good results were achieved for all 18 patients. The proptosis reduced 7.8 mm postoperatively. The depth of the skull base increased 8.2 mm and inferior orbit margin was advanced 7.8 mm as compared with the preoperative measurements. The angle between the maxilla and skull base (SNA) increased 9 degree. All of these measurements indicated that the proptosis and craniofacial contouring were approached to the normal situation after surgical intervention.

CONCLUSION

Both immediate advancement and gradual distraction after frontal, orbital, and maxillar osteotomy to enlarge the orbital cavities are the best approaches for the treatment of exophthalmos in craniofacial synostosis.

Pyknodysostosis: visceral manifestations and simian crease

Pyknodysostosis is a rare autosomal recessive osteosclerosing skeletal disorder caused by mutations in the CTSK gene situated at 1q21 that codes for cathepsin K - a lysosomal cysteine protease. Mutations in this gene affect the metabolism of skeletal system. This causes problems in bone resorption and remodelling and craniofacial abnormalities. In this article we report a case of 12 year old female from Punjab with pyknodysostosis having hepatosplenomegaly and simian crease.

Subtrochanteric fracture managed by intramedullary nail in a patient with pycnodysostosis

A rare case of a 54-year-old man with pycnodysostosis having subtrochanteric fracture of right femur is being reported. This patient had this fracture after a trivial fall while walking. He had typical facial features, short stature, open fontenella, short stubby hands, high arched furrowed palate and radiological features including open cranial sutures, obtuse angle of mandible, dysplasia of lower end of radius and ulna, notching of lumbar vertebra and generalized skeletal sclerosis. The fracture was treated with an intramedullary nail; the surgery was quite a tedious procedure where we faced per-operative difficulty in reaming. The fracture united in 12 weeks. Extramedullary osteosynthesis might offer a better alternative in such patients as marrow is narrow but healing is normal.

Crouzonodermoskeletal syndrome

Crouzon craniostenosis [MIM 123500], is identified on the basis of the additional phenotypical manifestations of acanthosis nigricans, vertebral changes and cementomas of the jaws. Choanal atresia and hydrocephalus are other features. The molecular defect in CDSS is a point mutation in the FGFR3 gene on chromosome 4p, whereas, the mutation in the Crouzon syndrome is in the FGFR2 gene at 10q25.3-26. An affected girl aged 2 years presented at the UWC dental genetics unit with a prior diagnosis of Crouzon syndrome. Choanal atresia had necessitated a permanent tracheostomy, and hydrocephalus was managed by a shunt operation. Clinical examination revealed acanthosis nigricans in the axilliary regions, a diagnosis confirmed by a biopsy of the lesion. Eruption of the primary dentition was delayed with only six out of twenty teeth present. Radiographic examination conducted shortly after birth revealed the presence of several tooth buds in both the maxillae and the mandible. The delayed eruption of the teeth will be of significance in future orthodontic and maxillofacial measures for the improvement of the patient's facial Crouzonodermoskeletal syndrome (CDSS) was separated from the classical appearance. Molecular investigations in the girl and her parents are underway. If the specific mutation in FGFR3 is observed, a positive diagnosis of CDSS will be confirmed and the status of her parents and other family members will be determined. On this basis, appropriate genetic management can be offered to the kindred.

Crouzon Syndrome: Phenotypic Signs and Symptoms of the Postnatally Expressed Subtype

In a retrospective study, the characteristics of a group of patients (n = 9) with a postnatally expressed Crouzon syndrome were described. Although they do not always display the physical signs of craniosynostosis, such patients are highly at risk of developing symptoms secondary to multiple suture synostosis. By reviewing the hospital files, radiographs, and three-dimensional computed tomography scans of these patients, it was possible to describe the pattern of suture obliteration chronologically. Furthermore, certain phenotypic signs and symptoms such as skull shape and development of digital impressions, a bulge at the bregma, and intracranial hypertension were inventoried as well as patients' genotypes. Interestingly, ossification started at the lambdoid sutures in at least four patients and most likely in three additional ones. The coronal sutures were the last to ossify in at least three of the patients. Various skull shapes were encountered. Furthermore, all nine patients developed digital impressions, starting occipitally in eight of them. Seven patients developed a bulge at the bregma, and four of them exhibited intracranial hypertension. The genotype varied in our patients. To recognize patients with postnatal Crouzon syndrome as soon as possible, special attention must be paid to 1) occipital development of digital impressions and/or ossification of sutures, 2) development of a prominent bregma, 3) development of intracranial hypertension, and/or 4) progressive characteristic "crouzonoid" features. Such patients can be considered as representing a subtype of Crouzon syndrome. To prevent or treat intracranial hypertension and/or loss of vision, surgical intervention should be performed at the onset of progressive craniosynostosis between 1 and 2 years of age.

Foster-type modification of the Knapp procedure for anomalous superior rectus muscles in syndromic craniosynostoses

PURPOSE

To describe the surgical management of anomalous superior rectus muscles in patients with syndromic craniosynostoses.

METHODS

Retrospectively reviewed were case notes of 3 patients with vertical deviations that were thought to have anomalous superior rectus muscles.

RESULTS

All 3 patients had hypotropia preoperatively, and 2 had coexisting exotropia. Two patients exhibited massive subconjunctival fibrosis intraoperatively, but none had undergone previous strabismus surgery, although they had undergone craniofacial procedures. Orbital imaging (either computed tomographic or magnetic resonance imaging scans) confirmed an absent or thinned superior rectus muscle in all 3 patients. All 3 underwent a Knapp procedure with appropriate recession and resection of the transposed horizontal rectus muscles if indicated. A nonabsorbable suture was placed in the sclera at the upper border of each horizontal rectus muscle to draw this border closer to the vertical midline, approximately 16 to 18 mm from the limbus (Foster-type modification). In each case, the hypotropia and upgaze were improved but not completely normalized.

CONCLUSIONS

A Foster-type modification of the Knapp procedure satisfactorily corrected the hypotropia in these patients. Orbital imaging can confirm the presence of an anomalous superior rectus muscle. The massive subconjunctival fibrosis may be explained by the type of previous craniofacial surgery the patients had undergone.

Parathyroid function and growth in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequency and expression of hypoparathyroidism and the factors of short stature in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome to optimize clinical care.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study of 39 patients 9.7 +/- 0.8 (2.5-20) years of age.

RESULTS

The congenital abnormalities were cardiac defects in 33 of 39, thymus hypoplasia in 15 of 18 evaluated, and craniofacial dysmorphy in all; 15 patients (39%) had had one or more seizures. Before evaluation, 12 patients were hypocalcemic, with (n = 4) or without clinical manifestations, diagnosed before 1 month in 10 cases, at 3 months or 12 years in two others. At evaluation, 9 patients were hypocalcemic, 5 of 9 had been hypocalcemic, and 8 others had parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations low for their ionized calcium. One had high PTH without hypocalcemia and 2 were hypercalcemic. The values were below -2 SD at birth for weight and/or height in 26% of cases and at evaluation for height and body mass index in 23% and for insulin-like growth factor-I in 37%.

CONCLUSIONS

Parathyroid function was abnormal in 27 of 39 (69%) patients. This was not diagnosed in the majority. Short stature was probably due to intrauterine growth restriction, underweight, and growth hormone deficiency, as suggested by low insulin-like growth factor I.

Crouzon syndrome: association with absent pulmonary valve syndrome and severe tracheobronchomalacia

Airway obstruction is common among patients with craniosynostosis. We describe an infant with a clinical and genetic diagnosis of Crouzon syndrome who presented with respiratory distress and heart murmur in early neonatal life. Cardiac evaluation revealed absent pulmonary valve syndrome. She needed intubation at age 1 month, and repeated trials of extubation failed because of marked respiratory distress, stridor, and severe expiratory obstruction and wheezing. Correction of her cardiac anomaly did not relieve her respiratory distress; only after endobronchial stenting and tracheostomy was it possible to gradually wean her from mechanical ventilation. This case report demonstrates and discusses the different causes of airway obstruction in Crouzon syndrome and the morbidity and mortality that can result from pulmonary involvement in this craniosynostotic syndrome. It also demonstrates the difficult therapeutic challenge created by the combination of cardiopulmonary abnormalities in Crouzon patients.

Surgical management of macroglossia: discussion of 7 cases

OBJECTIVE

We present an overview of international literature concerning macroglossia-related etiology, clinical and instrumental diagnoses, surgical treatments, complications, and recurrences. Moreover, we present a series of cases of patients affected by macroglossia who have been treated surgically at the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery of the University of Rome "La Sapienza".

METHODS

Between 1990 and 1999, only after attempts to solve this pathologic condition with medical and orthodontic treatment, we treated surgically a total of 7 patients (4 male and 3 female). The surgical techniques used were Köle glossectomy and Dingman and Grabb glossectomy. We analyzed the clinical and instrumental study and the surgical treatment, including possible complications and recurrences.

RESULTS

After follow-up of a period from 2 to 9 years, macroglossia recurrences were absent, showing that the Köle and the Dingman and Grabb glossectomies are viable surgical options for treatment of macroglossia.

CONCLUSION

The best therapy for each case macroglossia must be carefully evaluated, with the right medical therapy and orthodontic therapy attempted first and surgical treatment performed only when the first and second therapy fail. Moreover, surgical techniques must be chosen in accordance with the functional results that one wants to achieve and must be the most conservative technique to preserve the vascular-nerve bundle.

Tracheal cartilaginous sleeve in Crouzon syndrome

Tracheal cartilaginous sleeve (TCS) is a congenital malformation characterized by fusion of the tracheal arches that may be isolated to a few tracheal arches, include the entire trachea, or extend beyond the carina into the bronchi. TCS has been reported only in children with craniosynostosis. Seven cases of TCS and Crouzon syndrome (CS) are mentioned in the literature. In addition to our case study, a review of the literature on TCS in CS, a classification of TCS and treatment options will be provided. Tracheotomy and frequent airway endoscopy coupled with a keen understanding of the shifting sites of obstruction will permit longterm survival in patients with TCS and CS.

[Deletion 11q23 --> qter (Jacobsen Syndrome) associated with duodenal atresia and annular pancreas]

Jacobsen syndrome is a rare chromosomal disorder due to terminal 11q deletion. Prominent features are growth and psychomotor retardation, trigonocephaly and a characteristic facial dysmorphism, but many different abnormalities have been reported. We present the case of a preterm male. Prenatal ultrasonography was suspicious for duodenal atresia. At birth, the boy presented the craniofacial features typical of Jacobsen syndrome, together with diffusely spread petechiae and talipes equinovarus. Hemogram revealed pancytopenia. Ultrasound examination showed left renal agenesis and confirmed the duodenal atresia. Cerebral computed tomography scan, electroencephalogram and cardiac studies showed no abnormalities. Annular pancreas was found during surgery to correct the duodenal atresia. The karyotype was 46,XY,del(11)(q23.2 --> qter), which confirmed Jacobsen syndrome.A wide spectrum of clinical features is described in Jacobsen syndrome, with phenotype-karyotype correlation. This is the first report of duodenal atresia and annular pancreas.

Clinical findings precede objective diagnostic testing in the identification of increased ICP in syndromic craniosynostosis

Crouzon syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder resulting in facial dysmorphism and craniosynostosis involving multiple cranial sutures. A common but often unrecognized early complication associated with craniosynostosis is a finding of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). This increase in ICP can lead to optic atrophy, neuronal damage, and mental deficits. The case of a 21-month-old girl with Crouzon syndrome is described. Although the child was clinically asymptomatic, a routine ophthalmic exam revealed papilledema and subsequently increased intracranial pressure and craniosynostosis were found. Cranial expansion and bicanthal advancement were performed to relieve the increased pressure. In cases such as these, long-term follow-up is essential because of the progressive nature of the disorder as well as the possibility of a recurrence of elevated intracranial pressure and a need for secondary decompressive surgery.