Analysis of Lateral Ventricular Volume Changes in Patients With Nonsyndromic Sagittal Craniosynostosis and Slit Ventricle Syndrome Following Posterior Vault Distraction

Purpose: The purpose of this case series was to investigate the impact of posterior vault distraction osteogenesis (PVDO) on lateral ventricle volume in 2 patients presenting with nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis and concurrent slit ventricle syndrome (SVS). PVDO may benefit patients with SVS by reducing postoperative shunt revisions and other complications related to elevated intracranial pressure. However, comprehensive volumetric analyses of the lateral ventricles and their implications in predicting long-term outcomes for SVS within the broader context of craniosynostosis have yet to be described. Methods: The authors conducted a case series involving 2 patients with nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis and SVS. Syngo.Via imaging software was used to conduct volumetric analysis of the lateral ventricles on preoperative and postoperative CT imaging. Two age and sex-matched patients were chosen as controls. Postoperative volumetric analyses were performed using follow-up CT imaging after completion of the activation phase of distraction. Results: The data demonstrate significant differences in preoperative lateral ventricular volume between patients with SVS and their respective controls. Preoperatively, patients with SVS had an average lateral ventricular volume of 2.10 cm³, compared with 8.21 cm³ in age-matched and sex-matched controls. Following posterior vault distraction, the lateral ventricular volume in SVS patients significantly increased to an average of 6.11 cm³, while the controls showed only a slight increase to 8.68 cm³. Conclusions: This case study highlights the notable change in volume of the lateral ventricles in a patient with SVS and nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis after undergoing PVDO. Further investigation and more extensive studies are warranted to confirm these findings and explore the potential for therapeutic management of patients with concurrent craniosynostosis and SVS.