How ultrasonography can contribute to diagnosis of craniosynostosis

M Proisy (1) , B Bruneau (1) , L Riffaud (2)

1 CHU Pontchaillou [Rennes]
2 LTSI - Laboratoire Traitement du Signal et de l'Image

Introduction - The aim of this article was to provide an overview of ultrasound (US) techniques for the investigation of cranial sutures in infants. Material and methods - We first describe a high-resolution sonography technique and its limitations. We then analyze the reliability, effectiveness and role of ultrasonography in routine practice using a PubMed literature review. Results - Ten studies reported excellent correlations between ultrasonography and 3D-CT. Cranial US for the diagnosis of a closed suture had 100% sensitivity in 8 studies and 86-100% specificity before the age of 12 months. Negative findings mean imaging investigation can be stopped. If ultrasonography confirms diagnosis, neurosurgical consultation is required. Thus, 3D-CT can be postponed until appropriate before surgery. Conclusion - Cranial suture ultrasound is an effective and reliable technique for the diagnosis of craniosynostosis. It has many advantages: it is fast and non-irradiating, and no sedation is required. It should be used as first-line imaging in infants below the age of 8-12 months when craniosynostosis is clinically suspected.

Keywords: Craniosynostosis; Infant; Skull; Suture; Ultrasound

Domains: Life Sciences [q-bio]; Bioengineering; Imaging; Life Sciences [q-bio]; Neurons and Cognition [q-bio.NC]; Life Sciences [q-bio]; Human health and pathology; Pediatrics

M Proisy, B Bruneau, L Riffaud. How ultrasonography can contribute to diagnosis of craniosynostosis. Neurochirurgie, 2019, 65 (5), pp.228-231. ⟨10.1016/j.neuchi.2019.09.019⟩. ⟨hal-02364100⟩