Bilateral Squamosal Suture Craniosynostosis Presenting with Abducens Nerve Palsy and Severe Papilledema.

BACKGROUND

Patients with single-suture or minor suture craniosynostosis are typically asymptomatic at early presentation; intervention is aimed at reducing the risk of elevated intracranial pressure and associated developmental sequelae. Patients may be symptomatic in cases of major multisuture syndromic synostoses or delayed diagnosis. Clinical presentation in this context may include headaches, papilledema, cognitive delay, or behavioral issues. Cranial nerve palsies are atypical symptoms of intracranial hypertension in this patient population.

CASE DESCRIPTION: An 11-month-old, otherwise healthy girl presented with bilateral severe papilledema and left abducens nerve palsy owing to nonsyndromic near-complete bilateral squamosal suture synostosis with associated incomplete sagittal and right lambdoid synostoses. The patient underwent urgent open cranial expansion, with resolution of her papilledema and improvement in eye position and motility.

CONCLUSIONS

Cranial nerve palsies may be presenting symptoms of intracranial hypertension in patients with craniosynostosis. Multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment is paramount for appropriate management.