CT Imaging in Pediatric Nasofrontal Cephaloceles

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the use of cranial computerized tomography (CT) imaging in children with nasofrontal cephaloceles. We report the results in six children, four females and two males, aged day 1 to ten years. We include clinical notes, photographs and CT images collected over 2 years in Burkina Faso. We found various aspects of facial dysmorphisms and cranial CT associated with nasofrontal cephaloceles as observed in five children; the sixth showed a complex form of mixed nasofrontal and nasoorbital defects. Other common malformations were interhemispheric cysts and agenesis of the corpus callosum. The joint description of facial dysmorphism and cranial CT features in nasofrontal cephaloceles emphasizes the importance of making the correct diagnosis in developing countries. This allows planning for reconstructive surgery, which can have a favorable impact on the family’s and society’s attitude towards these children.

Keywords

Cephaloceles - nasal fistula - corpus callosum agenesis - cranial computed tomography