Pediatric Skull Xray Heather Patterson August 2, 2007
Objectives • Brief review of anatomy • Approach to pediatric skull xray • Examples
Skull fractures • Common in non-accidental trauma – 80% in first year – Rare after 2 y of age
Anatomy
Anatomy
Skull Xray • Full series 3 -4 views – AP – Towne’s view (AP with neck flexed) – Lateral x 2
Skull Xray
Skull Xray
Skull Xray
Skull Xray
Approach • Follow cortex • Identify suture lines • Identify abnormal lines
What is the big deal? • Risk of “growing fracture” – Leptomeningeal cysts – Long term sequelae
Growing fracture/Leptomeningeal Cyst • Rare – <1% of skull fractures • Pathophys – Dural deal with herniation of pia and arachnoid through tear – CSF pulsations lead to erosion of bone – Diastasis of fracture over time
Growing fracture/Leptomeningeal Cyst • Imaging – Angular, linear lytic lesion – Scalloped margins • Management – f/u with neurosurgery – Early intervention as needed
Case 1
Case 1
Case 1 • Linear fracture R posterior parietal and occipital bones • Extends through lambdoid suture
Case 2
Case 2 • R parietal skull fracture
Case 3
Case 3
Case 3 • Linear fracture R occiput
Case 4
Case 4
Case 4 • Depressed skull fracture posterior right parietal bone
Case 5
Case 5 • R parietal fracture • Communicates with lamboidal suture
Case 6
Case 6
Case 6 • R parietal fracture
Case 7
Case 7
Case 7 • L parietal fracture
Case 8
Case 8 • Persistent skull defect • Encephalomalacic cystic defect – Consistent with leptomeningeal cyst
Uganda
Uganda
Uganda
Uganda
Uganda
Uganda
Uganda