Dolichocephaly

Scaphocephaly is the term used to describe the narrow and long abnormal skull shape in sagittal craniosynostosis due to the premature fusion of the sagittal suture forming an osseous ridge. The head shape is described as a "boat-shaped" head, which is called dolichocephaly. It is the most common type of craniosynostosis. The cranial index (ratio of width to length of the skull) is less than 75%.

The study of choice is the head computed tomographic (CT) scan with 3D reconstruction. (2)

Treatment of sagittal craniosynostosis is usually surgical to correct head shape and prevent psychological effects on the parents and patient. In most cases, surgery involves the removal of the affected suture.

Note - positional dolichocephaly in preterm infants is common and benign.

Reference

1. Dempsey RF et al. Nonsyndromic Craniosynostosis. Clin Plast Surg. 2019 Apr;46(2):123-139
2. Montoya JC et al. Low-Dose CT for Craniosynostosis: Preserving Diagnostic Benefit with Substantial Radiation Dose Reduction. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2017 Apr;38(4):672-677