Cloverleaf skull syndrome is an abnormal configuration of the calvaria classified as craniosynostosis

craniosynostosis

Craniosynostosis is a developmental craniofacial anomaly, resulting in impairment of brain development and abnormally shaped skull. The main cause of craniosynostosis is premature closure of one or more cranial sutures.

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, consisting of premature ossification of cranial sutures. It is a deformity characterized by a remarkable enlargement of the head, with a trilobed configuration of the frontal view, resembling a threeleaved clover⁽¹⁾.

What does cloverleaf skull mean?

Cloverleaf deformity is an extremely rare skull deformity that happens when several joints (sutures) between a baby's skull bones begin to fuse too early. Also known as Kleeblattschädel syndrome, the cloverleaf deformity causes bulging at the front and sides of the skull, resembling a cloverleaf shape.

Is Cloverleaf syndrome fatal?

Type 2: cloverleaf-shaped skull, severe proptosis, finger and toe deformities, elbow ankylosis, neurologic complications with delay in development, and various visceral anomalies; has a poor prognosis, with death by 2 years.