Sagittal Synostosis vs. Bathrocephaly

Sagittal Synostosis vs. Bathrocephaly

Left picture: Clinically, the diagnosis is a sagittal synostosis. Right picture: We are looking at a so-called bathrocephalus which is a racial, not pathological variety of the skull shape. Because the prominence may also be caused by a partial synostosis of the posterior sagittal syostosis, for the differential diagnosis a view from the side is not sufficient. Only the tools mentioned above allow a reliable differentiation. Bathrocephaly can also occur at the occiput behind the former posterior fontanel, which calls for other differential diagnoses.

Both infants have an elongated skull if looked at from the side. Left picture: In this pathology the contour of the skull is well-proportioned and longitudinal-oval with a distinct bossing in the front and the back. Right picture: In this abnormality only the back head is prominent; in addition there is a harmonious prominence of the posterior vertical region.