MACROCEPHALY FROM A NORMAL VARIANT TO A THREATENING CONDITION. A SINGLE CENTER RETROSPECTIVE STUDY ON 189 SUBJECTS

Abstract

Introduction: Macrocephaly, defined as a head circumference more than two standard deviations from the normal distribution, is among the most frequently requested neuropediatric consultations. Materials: we conducted a retrospective study on 189 subjects with macrocephaly, from birth to 18 years old, enrolled from October 2001 to December 2019, for diagnostic definition and/or neurodevelopmental assessment. Brain sonography has been performed in all infants and CT or MR in selected patients. Results: macrocephaly was prevalent in males (62.4%), a head circumference >3SD (8.5%) has been associated with a neurodevelopmental impairment. A genetic and/or concomitant malformation were present in 11.1% of the sample. A male prevalence for impaired outcome has been ascertained. Conclusions: early identification of pathological macrocephaly is necessary to plan a possible treatment, an individualized and multidisciplinary follow up and an effective genetic counseling.