Craniosynostosis: diagnostic value of three-dimensional CT reconstruction.

Abstract

Three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) has an important role in determining the presence and extent of congenital and acquired craniofacial deformities. The authors compared the sensitivity and specificity of three-dimensional CT in the detection and characterization of craniosynostosis with that of planar CT and skull radiography. Eighty-two patients with isolated and syndromal synostoses were imaged with CT and three-dimensional CT, and 42 with skull radiography. Three-dimensional CT scan processing was performed by shaded-surface reconstruction, volumetric, and depth-coded methods. Two trained observers read each scan series in a blinded fashion. Diagnostic utility of the images was determined with receiver operating characteristic analysis. The observers ranked three-dimensional shaded images higher than the other types, with three-dimensional volumetric images second and three-dimensional surface images ranked third. Results of this study demonstrate that three-dimensional shaded-surface reconstruction from CT scans is superior to conventional plain radiographs and CT scans in diagnosing craniosynostosis.

Incidence of Cranial Asymmetry in Healthy Newborns

“…5,24 At the same time, radiologists began reinterpreting plain films and using computed tomography to determine the correct diagnosis. [25][26][27] Furthermore, clinical studies showed that deformational plagiocephaly could be corrected by positioning in the crib and use of a molding helmet. [3][4][5] In fact, the incidence of true lambdoid synostosis is very rare (Ͻ4% of craniosynostosis).…”

Three Dimensional Spiral CT Imaging of the Musculoskeletal System: Application and Advantages

“…These patients also underwent surgery to relieve the narrowing of the superior orbital fissures and optic foramina. 3-D CT imaging in congenital and developmental craniofacial anomalies is important in the pre-operative evaluation and therapy planning than in diagnosis and the results are much better than plain radiographs and 2-D CT scans [5].…”

Assimetria Craniana: Cranioestenose ou Plagiocefalia Posicional?

“…Já foi demonstrado como um instrumento válido e reprodutível para fornecer dados objetivos do formato craniano. Importante considerar ainda que mesmo sendo rotineira a obtenção do perímetro cefálico para acompanhamento clinico, a fita métrica não pode ser usada como critério diagnóstico das assimetrias cranianas, uma vez que as mesmas medidas podem ser obtidas em diferentes formatos cranianos 12,14,17 .…”