Purpose or Case Report: Cranial venous anomalies including the collateral intraosseous emissary veins are commonly identified in patients with craniosynostosis, especially in syndromic cases. Our purpose was to describe the incidence and the type of abnormal venous drainage in sporadic and syndromic craniosynostosis, to demonstrate the typical imaging findings, the associated abnormalities as well as the post surgical changes.
Methods & Materials: We retrospectively evaluated the exams (CT & MRI) of children with
suspected craniosynostosis during the past years in our department. We
categorized the imaging findings and correlated them with the type of
craniosynostosis and the concomitant findings. Post surgical imaging evaluation
was included in the study.
Results: Occipital prominent emissary veins were the most common
type of abnormal venous outflow seen on both CT and MRI images. Abnormalities
were more often associated with syndromic cases and especially Crouzon
Syndrome. Increased prevalence was associated with coexisting findings (e. g.
small posterior fossa, Chiari syndrome etc). Skull base vascular imaging is
essential for the optimal surgical planning in cases of craniosynostosis.
Conclusions: Knowledge of the specific patterns of abnormal venous outflow associated with craniosynostosis is of great importance when planing surgery.