Report on 4 cases of a rare syndrome known as Currarino triad. The features of this triad consist of constipation, anorectal malformations, presacral masses and a curved defect of the os sacrum (scimitar defect). Currarino was the first to detect autosomal-dominant hereditary transmission in about 50 per cent of the patients. Each congenital or chronic constipation should prompt an early radiological examination including x-ray films of the os sacrum and the anorectum to exclude or to find a Currarino triad. The finding of a "scimitar sacrum" makes it essential to perform a contrast enema of the anorectum and a CT of the pelvic structures in the patient and his family. The possibilities of management depending on the nature of the presacral masses and their communication to the rectum and/or to the spinal channel are described. It is emphasised that a subtitle division of the rectal and spinal tissues has to be the first aim of operation to prevent a dangerous and life-threatening infection of the meningeal sac.
Thirteen out of 25 cystic lesions of the infantile skull, radiographically classified as epidermoids or dermoids of the calvarian bones, disappeared spontaneously during early childhood. A further six lesions showed involution. In all, 19/25 lesions were involutive. In no case did we find an enlargement which could be attributed with certainly, to growth after the age of 3 years. These findings strongly support the opinion of Fauré that by far most of these lesions are non-evolutive and generally do not need surgical treatment. Only lesions which do persist beyond the third year of life and grow continuously or begin to grow again need to be operated. Thus, we recommend a conservative attitude and a radiographic follow-up at long intervals.
For some reasons skull findings in Jansen's Metaphyseal Dysplasia have been largely neglected. A survey of the seven known cases (three of them being primarily observed and described by two of the authors) disclose important and constant alterations, namely pronounced basilar thickening and sclerosis, prominent supraorbital and zygomatic arches, underdevelopment of the paranasal sinuses with sclerosis of the adjacent bone, and hypoplasia of the mandible. These alterations give rise to distinct and fairly specific features. The relationship to other craniotubular disorders, such as craniodiaphyseal dysplasia, craniometaphyseal dysplasia, and frontometaphyseal dysplasia is discussed.
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