Craniosynostosis with metopic involvement: Classifications, therapies, and further details
Metopic craniosynostosis is a relatively common condition that affects approximately 1 in every 2,000 live births[1]. This condition occurs when the metopic suture, a fibrous tissue that separates the frontal bones in the skull, fuses prematurely[2].
Symptoms and Identification
The most noticeable symptom of metopic craniosynostosis is a triangular or keel-shaped forehead (trigonocephaly), accompanied by a hard, raised ridge along the metopic suture[1][5]. As the condition progresses, the head may become more elongated and narrow, and the eyes may appear closer together due to the narrowing of the forehead[1][3][4][5].
A doctor can diagnose metopic craniosynostosis during a physical examination and may order imaging studies or genetic testing to confirm the diagnosis[3][4][5].
Causes
In many cases, the cause of metopic craniosynostosis is unknown, but it can be linked to genetic syndromes affecting skull development, such as Apert, Pfeiffer, and Crouzon syndromes[3][4][5]. In isolated cases, the exact cause is often unknown but involves premature fusion of the suture during brain growth[3][4][5].
Treatment
The main treatment for metopic craniosynostosis is surgery, which is typically performed in infancy to allow proper brain growth and correct skull shape[2]. Surgical techniques vary, with traditional open cranial vault remodeling being used to reshape the forehead and skull, and minimally invasive endoscopic suturectomy being used in infants diagnosed early (before 4-6 months), often followed by helmet therapy to gradually mold the skull shape over several months[2][5].
In mild cases, surgery may not be necessary if brain growth and shape are not severely affected[2]. Treatment is often multidisciplinary, involving neurosurgeons, craniofacial surgeons, ophthalmologists, and other specialists[2][3][5].
It's important to note that early diagnosis and surgical intervention optimize outcomes, allowing normal brain development and improved cosmetic results[2][3][5].
Rare Types of Craniosynostosis
While metopic craniosynostosis is the most common type, other types of craniosynostosis have names corresponding to the suture that prematurely fuses. For example, Lambdoid craniosynostosis causes the back of the head to appear flat (posterior plagiocephaly), Coronal craniosynostosis causes a flattened forehead, raised eye socket, and nose pull to the affected side (anterior plagiocephaly), and Bicoronal craniosynostosis causes the head to grow broad and short (brachycephaly)[1].
Post-Surgery Care
After surgery for metopic craniosynostosis, infants may wear a cranial orthotic helmet to help reshape the skull as it grows[1]. Calvarial vault remodeling, an open surgery performed on infants aged 6 months and older, involves an incision, bone correction, and a blood transfusion[1].
In conclusion, metopic craniosynostosis is a condition that requires careful monitoring and early intervention. With proper treatment, affected infants can grow up with normal brain development and improved cosmetic results. It's essential for parents to be aware of the symptoms and seek medical advice if they suspect their child may have this condition.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Metopic craniosynostosis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/metopic-craniosynostosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20370502
[2] American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2021). Craniosynostosis. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/craniosynostosis
[3] National Organization for Rare Disorders. (2021). Metopic craniosynostosis. https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/metopic-craniosynostosis/
[4] Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2021). Craniosynostosis. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/craniosynostosis
[5] Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. (2021). Craniosynostosis. https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/craniosynostosis
- A pediatrician might diagnose infant health issues related to birthdefects, such as metopic craniosynostosis, during a physical examination and refer to medical-conditions like neurology for further investigation.
- Science has made significant strides in the treatment of various health-and-wellness conditions, including craniosynostosis, with surgeries like calvarial vault remodeling offering improved cosmetic results and ensuring normal brain development.
- The effects of untreated birthdefects on infanthealth could be severe, with conditions like craniosynostosis potentially leading to abnormal skull shape, eye alignment, and disorders within the neurology domain.
- In the field of pediatrics, neurology specialists work together with craniofacial surgeons and ophthalmologists to manage complex medical-conditions, like metopic craniosynostosis, ensuring timely and effective treatment for infanthealth.
