Article
Ultrasound in the diagnosis of craniosynostosis
Ultraschall in der Diagnose der Kraniosynostose
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Published: | April 11, 2007 |
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Objective: Diagnosis of craniosynostosis is based on clinical aspects but may be difficult in some cases where characteristic features are missing and radiographic imaging is necessary. In this context near-field high-frequency ultrasound has been used to evaluate the sonographic characteristics of synostotic sutures and its potential confirming the correct diagnosis.
Methods: Sutures of 26 infants, aged 2-7 months, were investigated by ultrasound (Siemens Elegra, 7.5MHz linear scanner). Sonographic features of synostotic sutures were correlated to CT-imaging and compared to the sonographic and histopathological findings of normal cranial sutures.
Results: Hyperechogenic bridging of sutures with or without ridging were the characteristic aspects of synostotic sutures. All 26 patients could be reliably diagnosed showing partial (n=21) or total fusion (n=5) of one or more sutures consisting with craniosynostosis. Length of synostosis was identified exactly by sonography and imaging found to enable a classification of ultrastructural details of bony and soft tissue next to the synostotic suture.
Conclusions: Ultrasound is a less expensive, non-radiating and easy to handle tool ensuring the diagnosis of craniosynostosis. Sonography offers the potential to be a standard investigation for infants with head deformities suspecting a suture pathology and has been therefore integrated in our craniofacial outpatient clinic as a daily routine method.