ASSESSMENT OF INTRACRANIAL VOLUME PRIOR AND AFTER SURGICAL CORRECTION IN PATIENTS WITH CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS

Abstract

Background: Craniosynostosis (Craniostosis) is a congenital defect that causes ≥1 suture to fuse prematurely. Cranial expansion surgery is done to correct the skull to a more normal shape of the head as well as to increase the intracranial volume (ICV).

Aim and Objectives: To assess the intracranial volume (ICV) in craniosynostosis patients after the cranial reshaping surgeries and comparing the preoperative values with the postoperative and normal values.

Patients and Methods: This study included a list of all 130 patients who underwent craniosynostosis corrective surgeries and identified retrospectively and prospectively at Abu El-Rish Hospital during a 4-year window from 2017 to 2021.

Results:- There is a highly significant difference between the variables Pre and Post ICV, where p=0.002, p<0.01. for Males, ICV was 850, 1150, 1250 and 1350 cm3 at age of <12 months, 12 to 24, 24 to 36 and > 36 months respectively. For females, ICV was at lower values being at 790, 1000, 1200 and 1230 cm3 respecting the same age groups. “Pre ICV, Post ICV” are not significant, where (p = 0.990, p = 0.153) > 0.05, “Normal volume” is significant, where (p = 0.003).

Conclusions:- Measuring intracranial volume in early-presenting cases of craniosynostosis would be the cornerstone in determining the optimal time for surgery on clinical terms. Also, in late-presenting cases, recurrence would be predicted. Increased ICV allows better neurodevelopment and denies any delay.