Question:
An image shows an infant with an asymmetrical skull shape. Premature fusion of one cranial suture is suspected. What is the most likely diagnosis?
An image shows an infant with an asymmetrical skull shape. Premature fusion of one cranial suture is suspected. What is the most likely diagnosis?
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Match the shape to the suture:
- Sagittal = Scaphocephaly (Boat shape).
- Metopic = Trigonocephaly (Triangle shape).
- Unilateral Coronal/Lambdoid = Plagiocephaly (Asymmetrical).
- Bilateral Coronal = Brachycephaly (Broad/short shape).
- Sagittal = Scaphocephaly (Boat shape).
- Metopic = Trigonocephaly (Triangle shape).
- Unilateral Coronal/Lambdoid = Plagiocephaly (Asymmetrical).
- Bilateral Coronal = Brachycephaly (Broad/short shape).
Updated On: Sep 3, 2026
- Scaphocephaly
- Trigonocephaly
- Plagiocephaly
- Brachycephaly
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Concept:
The clinical scenario and image describe craniosynostosis, which is the premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures in an infant.
The specific resultant shape of the skull (asymmetry) directly correlates with the specific suture that has fused prematurely.
Explanation:
• The skull grows perpendicular to its sutures. When a suture fuses prematurely, growth halts in that direction and compensates by growing excessively parallel to the fused suture.
• The image and description highlight a markedly asymmetrical, skewed skull shape (often described as a parallelogram shape when viewed from above).
• This specific asymmetry is termed Plagiocephaly.
• Anterior plagiocephaly is caused by the unilateral premature fusion of one coronal suture, leading to ipsilateral frontal flattening and contralateral frontal bossing.
• Posterior plagiocephaly is caused by unilateral fusion of the lambdoid suture.
• In contrast, Scaphocephaly (boat-shaped skull) results from premature fusion of the sagittal suture and is symmetrical (long and narrow).
• Trigonocephaly (triangle-shaped forehead) results from premature fusion of the metopic suture.
• Brachycephaly (short, broad skull) results from bilateral premature fusion of both coronal sutures.
Final Answer:
An asymmetrical, skewed skull shape due to unilateral suture fusion is clinically diagnosed as Plagiocephaly.
The clinical scenario and image describe craniosynostosis, which is the premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures in an infant.
The specific resultant shape of the skull (asymmetry) directly correlates with the specific suture that has fused prematurely.
Explanation:
• The skull grows perpendicular to its sutures. When a suture fuses prematurely, growth halts in that direction and compensates by growing excessively parallel to the fused suture.
• The image and description highlight a markedly asymmetrical, skewed skull shape (often described as a parallelogram shape when viewed from above).
• This specific asymmetry is termed Plagiocephaly.
• Anterior plagiocephaly is caused by the unilateral premature fusion of one coronal suture, leading to ipsilateral frontal flattening and contralateral frontal bossing.
• Posterior plagiocephaly is caused by unilateral fusion of the lambdoid suture.
• In contrast, Scaphocephaly (boat-shaped skull) results from premature fusion of the sagittal suture and is symmetrical (long and narrow).
• Trigonocephaly (triangle-shaped forehead) results from premature fusion of the metopic suture.
• Brachycephaly (short, broad skull) results from bilateral premature fusion of both coronal sutures.
Final Answer:
An asymmetrical, skewed skull shape due to unilateral suture fusion is clinically diagnosed as Plagiocephaly.
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