Introduction: Craniostenosis is a complex association of syndromes and isolated diseases characterized by premature closure of cranial sutures. Three-dimensional (3D) Computed Tomography (CT) reconstructions have been widely used for years in the preoperative assessment and postoperative follow-up of craniostenosis, because of their effectiveness and diagnostic accuracy. Our study concerns the acquisition and reconstruction techniques of spiral CT images. This technique provides optimal diagnostic results allowing reduction of the radiation dose to the patient and of the sedation time.
Material and methods: May, 1995, to September, 1996, twelve patients with abnormal cranial growth or suspected craniostenosis underwent spiral CT examinations, with 3D reconstructions. Fourteen examinations were performed, including two postoperative investigations. Our diagnostic protocol consisted of images with 3 mm slice thickness, 3 mm slice interval, 2 s scan time, with 180 mAs, 120 kV. The images were reconstructed at 1 mm intervals.
Results: According to the literature, this technique is safe enough relative to the dose to the patient (12.2 mSv) and permits to obtain good quality 3D reconstructions and adequate images of the brain and liquor spaces. Simple sedation was sufficient in all cases, using pentobarbital, 2-3 mg/kg.
Conclusions: The Authors emphasize the diagnostic effectiveness and accuracy of spiral CT with 3D reconstruction in the study of craniostenosis, which also permits imaging of the brain and liquor spaces with minimal loss of information.