Purpose or Case Report: The calvarium and overlying scalp is a uniquely changing entity in childhood that presents a dynamic source of pathologies in early life as the child grows and the sutures fuse. Various “lumps and bumps,” both symptomatic and not, may be discovered by the parents or detected by pediatricians. Although some may be diagnosed clinically, others may require imaging for diagnosis. Ultrasound offers a simple and often definitive alternative to CT and MRI for evaluation of calvarial lesions, avoiding unnecessary radiation and expense; however, it requires a sonologist with thorough understanding of the various calvarial and scalp entities. The purpose of this exhibit is to describe the progression of calvarial and scalp lesions encountered from the neonatal period through young adulthood.
Methods & Materials: Normal development of the skull and overlying scalp is presented from birth through fusion of the sutures and scalp maturation. Concomitant common calvarial pathology at various ages is described with supplemental sonographic images.
Results: Knowledge of the growth and development of the skull and superficial soft tissues is fundamental to the accurate interpretation of findings therein. Ultimately, the age of the patient dictates the differential diagnosis of calvarial lesions and their manifestations on ultrasound.
Conclusions: This presentation highlights the various lesions encountered on sonographic evaluation of the head in a chronologic manner, with parallel description of the skull and scalp maturation, whereby the reader can formulate a reasonable differential at each stage of development.