ERF-related craniosynostosis and surgical management in the paediatric cohort

Introduction ERF mutation is one of the most recently identified genetic aberrations associated with syndromic craniosynostosis. Data on the pattern of craniosynostosis, surgical management of ERF-related craniosynostosis and outcomes is limited. We report on our single-centre experience in paediatric cohort of patients with syndromic craniosynostosis secondary to ERF mutation. Methods A retrospective review of all paediatric craniofacial cases was performed over an 8-year period (2014–2022). All patients with genetically confirm ERF-related craniosynostosis were identified, and clinical parameters including, age, sex, pattern of craniosynostosis, associated tonsillar herniation and follow-up period were further analysed from electronic clinical and imaging systems. All patients were selected and discussed in multidisciplinary craniofacial meeting (composed of neurosurgical, maxillofacial, plastics and genetics teams) prior to any surgical intervention. Results Overall, 10 patients with ERF-related craniosynostosis were identified with a male-to-female ratio of 4:1 with mean age at the time of surgery of 21.6 months with a mean follow-up period of 5.2 years. ERF-confirmed cases led to variable craniosynostosis pattern with multi-sutural synostosis with concurrent sagittal and bilateral lambdoid involvement as the most common pattern (7/10). No patient pre-operatively had evidence of papilloedema on ophthalmological assessment. Eight out of 10 patients had associated low-lying tonsils/hind brain hernia pre-operatively. Eight out of 10 patients required surgery which included 2 fronto-orbital advancement, 3 calvarial remodelling, 2 posterior calvarial remodelling/release and 1 insertion of ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Conclusion Involvement of sagittal and lambdoid sutures is the most common pattern of craniosynostosis. ERF-related craniosynostosis can have variable pattern of suture fusion, and management of each patient requires unique surgical planning and execution based on clinical needs for the optimal outcomes.