Three-dimensional CT imaging in pediatric calvarial pathologies

Abstract

In children with suspected cranial pathologies, three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) imaging is superior to other modalities. It can help differentiate actual pathology from normal or variant appearances. Sutures and fontanelles, synostosis, abnormalities of head shape without craniosynostosis, congenital calvarial defects, cranial fractures, bone tumors, and postoperative cranial vault can be assessed easily with 3D CT imaging. We aimed to discuss the common normal, variant, and pathological findings that 3D CT imaging can aid to diagnose as well as explain the usefulness of 3D CT imaging in the diagnosis of calvarial pathologies.

CT of Normal Developmental and Variant Anatomy of the Pediatric Skull: Distinguishing Trauma from Normality

“…deformity most often consists of posterior and superior displacement of the parietal bones and elevation of the occipital bone. The overlapping or displacement of skull bones is known as molding and can be seen at CT in a neonate, usually disappearing by day 7 (Fig 27) (19). Molding can occasionally be associated with intracerebral injuries.…”

Uncovering the hidden: trivial trauma reveals congenital defects in frontal bone with underlying extradural hematoma

“…The absence of sequestrum, periosteal reaction, surrounding sclerosis, and associated soft tissue component helps it to differentiate from acquired lytic lesions of calvaria like eosinophilic granuloma, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, pott's puffy tumor, metastasis, multiple myeloma, and hyperparathyroidism. 6 MRI is useful for evaluating the soft tissues and can help to identify any associated neurological deficits and anomalies like neural tube defects or sinus pericrania.…”

Sutural bones: a literature review

“…Sutural bones have been found in a diversity of congenital disorders like hypophosphatasia, imperfect osteogenesis, progeria, craniosynostosis, hypothyroidism (cretinism), cleidocranial dysostosis, rickets, pyknodysostosis (osteopetrosis acro-osteolytica), pachydermoperiostosis and others. [22,30] Among the more common congenital disorders with presence of sutural bones are imperfect osteogenesis and craniosynostosis, which are bone dysplasia. Imperfect osteogenesis commonly occurs owing to genetic mutations.…”