The Skull Vault In Neonates And Infants

Abstract

SUMMARY The interpretation of the neonatal skull often presents considerable difficulties to the general radiologist. Two requirements are essential; firstly, satisfactory films and secondly, a knowledge of the variability of normal. Until this is appreciated the differentiation of normal fissures from fractures, and a critical appraisal of sutures is not possible. The common variabilities seen in the newborn skull are demonstrated.

Normal Sagittal and Coronal Suture Widths by Using CT Imaging

“…Although case reports of cephalomegaly predominate in the literature, few studies have undertaken a systematic analysis to quantify normal suture widths based on CT. 13,14 To date, radiologists have largely relied on gestalt and experience to assess sutures for pathology based on knowledge that there may be a large variation in suture width during the first month of life with sutures eventually closing at 22-24 years of age. 15 Given the lack of standard normal values on CT, this study was proposed to assist the interpreting radiologist in diagnosing cranial suture abnormalities.…”

Normal Width of Cranial Sutures in the Neonate and Infant

“…Increased width of the sutures may occur also in other conditions than increased intracranial pressure. Ossification anomalies and destruction of the bone along the sutures have been mentioned (STOKES & CREMIN 1974, SWISCHUK 1972, 1974. However, particularly the latter condition is extremely rare in the neonate.…”