Craniosynostosis: imaging review and primer on computed tomography

Craniosynostosis is encountered in the pediatric population in isolated or syndromic forms. The resulting deformity depends on the number and type of sutures involved and, in multi-sutural synostosis, the order of suture fusion. Primary craniosynostosis needs to be differentiated from the secondary variety and positional or deformational mimics. Syndromic craniosynostoses are associated with other craniofacial deformities. Evaluation with 3-D CT plays an important role in accurate diagnosis and management; however, implementation of appropriate CT techniques is essential to limit the radiation burden in these children. In this article, the authors briefly review the classification, embryopathogenesis and epidemiology and describe in detail the radiologic appearance and differential diagnoses of craniosynostosis.