Hyperostosis Frontalis Interna in a Dry Indian Human Skull: A Case Report

Abstract

Hyperostosis Frontalis Interna (HFI), a condition that has been sparsely explained till now, is a benign, asymptomatic, and irregular thickening of the endocranium of the frontal bone. It is found to be predominantly present in post-menopausal women during incidental X-ray or CT/MRI of the skull. The prevalence of HFI is documented in different populations, but in the Indian population, it is comparatively rare. Thus, we discuss a serendipitous finding of HFI in an Indian skull. This rare variation was noted in dry Indian human skulls. Gross features of the skull were noted, and it was an adult female skull. The area was decalcified, paraffin-embedded, and stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin. The skull bone was also subjected to plain X-ray/CT investigation. The X-ray skull of 50+ year female type features in anteroposterior and lateral view showed widening of the diploic spaces 8-10 mm with ill-defined hyperdense areas in the frontal region. Changes in computed tomography were noted. HFI often has nonspecific and benign symptoms. However, in severe cases, widespread clinical implications starting from headache, motor aphasia, parkinsonism, and depression can occur, and thus we all should be aware of it.