The importance of anthropometry and cranial semiology for the early diagnosis of Trigonocephaly: Case report

Abstract

Trigonocephaly is a type of craniosynostosis in which there is premature closure of the metopic suture, in order to determine an abnormal growth of the skull. In a minority of cases, trigonocephaly can cause increased intracranial pressure and the onset of neurological disorders. When present, these complications can be prevented or mitigated if the diagnosis and treatment occur between 6 and 12 months of life. The objective of the study is to report a case of craniosynostosis in an infant and reaffirm the importance of anthropometry and cranial semiology. On physical examination, a 4-month-old infant had a head circumference: 41 cm, metopic suture mounted, biparietal diameter: 23 cm, fronto-occipital diameter: 28 cm. Cranial computed tomography with 3D reconstruction confirmed the diagnosis of trigonocephaly, and he was referred to pediatric surgery. The study was submitted to the Human Research Ethics Committee approved under CAAE number 53607821.7.0000.5237. The diagnosis of trigonocephaly is made through the analysis of anthropometric measurements of the skull, represented by the head circumference, anteroposterior distance and binaural distance, and confirmed through computed tomography with 3D reconstruction. In pediatric practice, it is common to only measure the head circumference, which is often normal, with changes only in the anteroposterior and binaural distances. Consequently, there is a delay in the diagnosis of craniosynostosis. Thus, the importance of routinely measuring the three anthropometric measurements of the skull is emphasized for Residência Pediátrica; 2023: Ahead of Print. Nota aos leitores: pode haver informações pendentes, por se tratar de um artigo em “visualização pré-publicação”. the early diagnosis of craniosynostosis and for the prevention and reduction of its complications, even though they are rare.