Plagiocephaly due to Frontosphenoidal Suture Synostosis: Report of 2 Cases and Literature Review
Atef Ben Nsir, Mehdi Darmoul, Maroua Zemmali, Abdelhafidh Slimane, Nejib Hattab
Abstract
Atef Ben Nsir, Mehdi Darmoul, Maroua Zemmali, Abdelhafidh Slimane, Nejib Hattab
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS: The most common cause of anterior plagiocephaly is the fusion of the unilateral coronal suture. In some rare cases, however, the fusion of the frontosphenoidal suture may lead to a resembling pattern with specific clinical and radiological features. The aim of the present study is to further enlighten this entity as it is misdiagnosed most of the time. METHODS: A report of 2 cases of plagiocephaly due to frontosphenoidal synostosis with a review of the literature. RESULTS: One female and one male baby were identified. The mean age at presentation was 11.5 months (range: 1-22). Head circumference was normal in each patient. The two fusions were on the left side. Unilateral frontal flattening and recession of the supraorbital rim were the most important physical findings. Computed tomography confirmed the patency of the frontoparietal suture and the closure of the frontosphenoidal suture. Fronto-orbital advancement was performed in both cases with good cosmetic outcome. CONCLUSION: Frontosphenoidal synostosis should be suspected and carefully searched when dealing with plagiocephaly with patent coronal suture. Good outcome requires a prompt diagnosis and early correction.
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BACKGROUND/AIMS: The most common cause of anterior plagiocephaly is the fusion of the unilateral coronal suture. In some rare cases, however, the fusion of the frontosphenoidal suture may lead to a resembling pattern with specific clinical and radiological features. The aim of the present study is to further enlighten this entity as it is misdiagnosed most of the time. METHODS: A report of 2 cases of plagiocephaly due to frontosphenoidal synostosis with a review of the literature. RESULTS: One female and one male baby were identified. The mean age at presentation was 11.5 months (range: 1-22). Head circumference was normal in each patient. The two fusions were on the left side. Unilateral frontal flattening and recession of the supraorbital rim were the most important physical findings. Computed tomography confirmed the patency of the frontoparietal suture and the closure of the frontosphenoidal suture. Fronto-orbital advancement was performed in both cases with good cosmetic outcome. CONCLUSION: Frontosphenoidal synostosis should be suspected and carefully searched when dealing with plagiocephaly with patent coronal suture. Good outcome requires a prompt diagnosis and early correction.
Key concepts: Medicine, Synostosis, Fibrous joint, Craniosynostosis, Plagiocephaly, Coronal plane, Surgery, Sagittal suture