Differential Diagnosis for Newborn Head Shape Overlapping

• Single most likely diagnosis
  • Molding: This is the most common cause of overlapping skull bones in newborns, resulting from the pressure exerted on the infant's head during a vaginal delivery. The bones of the skull are pliable and can overlap, especially if the delivery was difficult or prolonged.
• Other Likely diagnoses
  • Caput succedaneum: This condition involves swelling of the scalp, which can cause the bones of the skull to appear overlapping due to the increased pressure and fluid accumulation.
  • Cephalohematoma: A collection of blood between the skull and its covering, which can cause the skull bones to appear overlapping or misshapen.
• Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
  • Craniosynostosis: A condition where the bones of the skull fuse together prematurely, which can lead to increased intracranial pressure and brain damage if left untreated.
  • Intrauterine constraint or deformation: This can occur due to various factors such as oligohydramnios or multiple gestations, leading to abnormal head shapes.
• Rare diagnoses
  • Osteogenesis imperfecta: A genetic disorder that affects the production of collagen, leading to fragile bones and potential skull deformities.
  • Thanatophoric dysplasia: A rare genetic disorder that affects bone growth, leading to severe skull and limb abnormalities.