Persistent anterior fontanelle - pathological or normal variant?

Authors

  • Alícia Moreira Rebelo Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Senhora da Oliveira – Guimarães
  • Joana Silva Ferreira Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Senhora da Oliveira – Guimarães
  • Ângela Miguel Dias Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Senhora da Oliveira – Guimarães

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25753/BirthGrowthMJ.v27.i1.10277

Keywords:

Anterior fontanelle, closure

Abstract

Introduction: The evaluation of the anterior fontanelle is crucial in the physical examination of the child. It’s closure occurs by a slow ossification process, frequently between four and 24 months. The delayed closure is rare and there are few cases described in Portugal. It requires etiological study.
Case Report: A previously healthy 30 months child, was brought to the Pediatrics consultation because of an open anterior fontanelle. He presented a 1.5X1.5cm normotensive fontanelle, normal neurological exam and psychomotor development, without further anomalies. The evaluation of the thyroid function and bone metabolism were normal. The skull radiography and ultrasound scan didn’t show other anomalies.
Discussion/Conclusion: In an over 24 months child with an open anterior fontanelle, with normal growth and development, and after excluding pathological causes, it must be considered a normal variant, and the parents should be reinsured.

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Author Biography

Alícia Moreira Rebelo, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Senhora da Oliveira – Guimarães

Mestrado Integrado em Medicina pela Universidade de Coimbra

Interna de Formação Específica de Pediatria do Hospital Senhora da Oliveira - Guimarães

References

Davidson RI, Klineman P. Persistent anterior fontanel in a normal child: case report. Pediatrics. 1982; 69:644-6.

Santa SF, Emilio A, Sequeira J. Fontanela anterior persistente – variante do normal. Acta Pediatr Port. 2006; 1:30-1.

Duc G, Largo RH. Anterior fontanel: size and closure in term and preterm infants. Pediatrics. 1986; 78: 904-8.

De Gaetano HM, De Gaetano JS. Persistent open anterior fontanelle in a healthy 32-month-old-boy. J AM Osteopath Assoc. 2002; 102:500-1.

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Published

2018-04-13

How to Cite

1.
Rebelo AM, Ferreira JS, Dias Ângela M. Persistent anterior fontanelle - pathological or normal variant?. REVNEC [Internet]. 2018Apr.13 [cited 2025Feb.14];27(1):43-5. Available from: https://revistas.rcaap.pt/nascercrescer/article/view/10277

Issue

Vol. 27 No. 1 (2018)

Section

Case Reports

License

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