Occult Pancraniosynostosis Masquerading as Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension in a Normocephalic Patient during Late Childhood

Craniosynostosis refers to premature fusion of a cranial suture, potentially causing characteristic deformations of the skull in a pattern originally described by Virchow. Often, craniosynostosis presents early in infancy or childhood due to anomalous skull shape, associated facial anomalies, developmental delay, or signs and symptoms of neurologic impairment or elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). Here we report a case of secondary occult pancraniosynostosis masquerading as idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) in 10-year-old girl with a history of Graves Disease and otherwise normal development, resulting in rapid and severe vision loss. The purpose of this case report and search of relevant literature is to determine if occult craniosynostosis is an under-recognized cause of secondary intracranial hypertension or altogether misdiagnosed as IIH, leading to delayed diagnosis and visual impairment.