AN infrequently reported complication of shunting operations for hydrocephalus is premature closure of the cranial sutures. Because of the increasing number of shunting procedures being performed, it is likely that this situation will be recognized more frequently.
A total of 188 surgical procedures for hydrocephalus have been performed at the Children's Hospital of Akron. No cases of craniosynostosis have occurred in association with these other than the one being reported. During this same period, 102 cases of craniosynostosis have been seen. Ninety cases were primary in origin and 12 were proven secondary to cerebral atrophy. Various single sutures or suture combinations were found involved, and no particular pattern proved typical of the cerebral atrophy group. Of the patients, 83 had no unusual symptoms and presented only with a change in appearance of the head. Thirteen patients presented with altered skull shape and retarded development, and 11 of the 13 patients