OBJECTIVE: To measure radiologically obtained skull diameters and, based on these data, calculating the cranial index and size to compare with diameter measurements and indices reported in the literature, particularly those reported by Haas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study evaluated 732 individuals with no cranial disease, whose skull diameters were measured, Subsequently, the authors calculated the cranial index and size which demonstrate the different phases of the skull growth by inner-table to inner-table measurements. RESULTS: The comparative study of diameters averages by inner-table measurements has demonstrated a clearly progressive skull growth in the first year of life for both genders, and a slower growth as from the second year. Overall diameters averages did not present any significant difference between male and female individuals. CONCLUSION: Cranial index and size are good skull growth indicators, especially in the first four years of life, a period characterized by an accelerated growth in the first year and a moderate growth until the fourth year. After this age, a slight and stable growth occurs with a decrease in the statistical value. No statistically significant difference was found for both genders. It is recommended that mean diameters are utilized for both genders; and it is suggested that the cranial index is utilized until four years of age, and the cranial size after the age of four, as the ideal parameter for following up the skull growth.

Keywords: Cranial diameters, Cranial size, Cranial index, Childhood, Radiography

Thoracic asymmetries characterized by increased radiolucency of the lungs are important causes of morbidity in infants and children. Evaluation of affected patients frequently requires multiple imaging methods to diagnose the abnormality and to plan the surgical correction. The authors review and illustrate the characteristics of both common and rare thoracic asymmetries with emphasis on the radiological findings. The usefulness of different imaging methods in the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions is evaluated. The differential diagnosis as well the pitfalls and diagnostic difficulties are also discussed.

Keywords: Thoracic diseases, Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation, Congenital lobar emphysema, Congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Currently, computed tomography is the method of choice for assessment of paranasal sinuses, nasal fossae and their anatomical variations. Presumably, these variations may induce osteal obstruction, preventing mucus drainage and predisposing to chronic rhinosinusitis. However, this concept is still controversial and the presence of any anatomic variation does not necessarily establish an etiology for rhinosinusitis. Among three subtypes of concha bullosa, just the bulbous type seems to be strongly associated with symptoms. Size and obliteration of osteomeatal complex drainage pathways may be relevant as well. Variations and tomographic signs of sinusal disease occurring on the same side reinforce the likelihood of interference with the mucus drainage process. Computed tomography offers detailed study of anatomical variations and is an invaluable tool for managing clinical decisions and planning surgical strategies. Imaging assessment must be based on identification of variants, definition of their dimensions, as well as on their association with obstruction of drainage ostia and tomographic signs of sinus disease.

Keywords: Anatomical variations, Paranasal sinuses, Sinusitis, Computed tomography