Contribution to the study of craniostenosis: disturbance of the cerebrospinal fluid flow in oxycephaly.

In 6 cases of oxycephaly, isotope (RIHSA) cisternography showed an altered CSF circulation with ventricular reflux or cisternal block and accumulation of the contrast at lumbosacral level. These changes express increased absorption of the CSF by the spinal arachnoid villi to compensate for reduced or nonexistent absorption by the subarachnoid villi of the vault, obstructed by chronic intracranial hypertension secondary to craniosynostosis. The possible clinical implications are outlined.