Three-dimensional CT maximum intensity projections of the calvaria: a new approach for diagnosis of craniosynostosis and fractures.

Three-dimensional CT maximum intensity projection (MIP) can depict suture patency, extent of synostosis (ie, complete versus incomplete bone bridging), fracture extent and conspicuity, and 3D calvarial deformity as a single set of projections in children with suspected craniosynostosis or skull fracture. Three-dimensional CT MIP may provide, in only eight views, all the required information to make the diagnosis of craniosynostosis and calvarial fracture extent currently requiring the combined information of 3D CT shaded surface displays and 2D axial CT images (a total of 58 views), and in some cases complementary skull radiographs. Three-dimensional MIP can be added to calvarial helical (spiral) CT imaging with only 5 minutes of additional postprocessing time.