Diagnosis of isolated cranioynostosis: clinical vs radiological evaluation

Craniosynostosis, a premature fusion of cranial sutures, can happen as an isolated defect (nonsyndromic) or as part of a syndrome. Nonsyndromic craniosynostosis is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous condition that has the characteristics of a multifactorial trait. It is believed that each sutural synostosis (e. g. sagittal, coronal) represents a different disease. It may lead to raised intracranial pressure and deformity of both the cranial and facial skeletons. For a precocious diagnosis and for a good prognosis, it is important to establish the correct approach to these patients on the bases of clinical and neuroradiological investigation. It is fundamental to identify the different form of craniosynostosis and to distinguish the types that need surgical intervention and which not. We report on the different forms of nonsyndromic craniosynostosis, their clinical and neuroradiological diagnosis.