The human brain undergoes four phases of development: (1) dorsal induction (primary and secondary neurulation), (2) ventral induction (patterning of the forebrain), (3) neuronal proliferation and migration, and (4) myelination. During the third week of embryogenesis, initiation of the central…
Congenital Depressions Congenital depressions of the calvaria result from mechanical factors that occur before or during birth. During labor, calvarial depressions are caused by excessive localized pressure on the head by the bony prominences in the maternal pelvis, including the…
Anatomy At birth, the mandible consists of two lateral halves united in the midline at the symphysis by a bar of cartilage ( Fig. 22.1 , e-Fig. 22.2 , and Fig. 22.3 ). Bony fusion of the symphysis usually occurs…
Primary Neoplasms Primary neoplasms of the skull are rare. The most common lesions in children with a solitary nontraumatic lump on the head are dermoid tumors (61%), cephalhematomas (9%), Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) (7%), and occult meningoceles and encephaloceles (4%).…
The clinical and radiologic features of craniosynostosis result from lack of sutural formation or premature fusion across membranous sutures. The premature sutural closure prevalence is displayed in e-Table 20.1 . Normal sutures permit skull growth perpendicular to their long axes.…
The fetal abnormalities described in this chapter are those most likely to be assessed by a pediatric radiologist who primarily performs fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), radiography, and ultrasound. These additional modalities are particularly useful for acquiring…
Anatomy of the Skull The skull is divided into three portions: the neurocranium, the face, and the base. The neurocranium is composed of the membranous portions of the occipital, parietal, frontal, and temporal bones, and is bounded inferiorly by the…
Thyroid Gland Embryology The name “thyroid” is derived from the Greek word for shield due to the gland's shape and relationship with the laryngeal thyroid cartilage. The human thyroid gland has a dual embryonic origin. The two thyroid cell types,…
Cancer is a leading cause of death during childhood, second only to trauma in children between the ages of 5 and 14 years. Head and neck involvement can be seen in up to 12% of childhood cancers. Lymphoma (50%) and…
Primary inflammatory processes in the pediatric neck are common, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) allows for characterization of the involved spaces, detecting complications, and determining appropriate clinical management. Pharyngotonsillitis and Peritonsillar Abscess Overview. Acute infectious pharyngitis and tonsillitis are common…