An Evaluation by CT scanning of Intracranial Volume after Correction of Craniosynostosis

ABSTRACT

Craniosynostosis is the premature fusion of one or more sutures of either cranial vault or base. Fused sutures may impede normal growth of the calvaria, leading to characteristic skull deformities; Morphological craniosynostosis is classified descriptively. Being craniosynostosis uncorrected the deformity progresses continuously and causes an increase of intracranial pressure. The surgical involvement aims at the expansion of intracranial space as well as satisfactory achievement of craniofacial shape. Early surgical correction in infancy prevents the deformity from the further progression and possible associated complication of high intracranial pressure. A long period of follow-up is essential to asses the outcome of an effectiveness of the surgery. measurement of intracranial volume has been concerned in medical personnel and anthropologists for many years. A reliable and accurate measurements of the intracranial volume facilitates to make a diagnosis and treatment of craniosynostosis. Pre-and postoperative change of intracranial volume was evaluated with 3D CT scanning in 12 cases of craniosynostosis who underwent frontal advancement and total cranial vault remodeling. Increased intracranial volume is attributed to surgical release of craniosynostosis and natural growth.