Brachyturricephaly

A congenital condition characterized by a short and broad skull

Brachyturricephaly

Illustration of brachyturricephaly

Brachyturricephaly is a congenital condition characterized by a short and broad skull. It is a type of craniosynostosis, a condition where one or more of the cranial sutures close prematurely, affecting the shape of the skull and potentially impacting brain development.

Pathophysiology

Brachyturricephaly results from the premature fusion of the coronal suture, which runs from ear to ear over the top of the skull. This early fusion restricts the growth of the skull in the anterior-posterior direction, leading to a compensatory growth in the vertical and lateral dimensions. The result is a skull that is short from front to back but tall and wide.

Clinical Features

Individuals with brachyturricephaly often present with a high, tower-like skull. The condition may be associated with other craniofacial abnormalities, such as hypertelorism (increased distance between the eyes), midface hypoplasia, and proptosis (protrusion of the eyes). In some cases, brachyturricephaly can lead to increased intracranial pressure, which may cause headaches, visual disturbances, and developmental delays.

Diagnosis

Another view of brachyturricephaly

Diagnosis of brachyturricephaly is typically made through clinical examination and imaging studies. Computed tomography (CT) scans are often used to assess the extent of suture fusion and to plan surgical intervention if necessary. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be used to evaluate the brain and surrounding structures.

Treatment

The primary treatment for brachyturricephaly is surgical intervention. The goal of surgery is to correct the shape of the skull, relieve any increased intracranial pressure, and allow for normal brain growth. Surgical techniques may include cranial vault remodeling and fronto-orbital advancement. The timing of surgery is crucial and is often performed in infancy or early childhood to optimize outcomes.

Prognosis

With timely and appropriate surgical intervention, many individuals with brachyturricephaly can achieve normal brain development and lead healthy lives. However, the prognosis can vary depending on the presence of associated syndromes or additional craniofacial anomalies.

Related pages

• Craniosynostosis
• Cranial sutures
• Hypertelorism
• Proptosis

• 
•