What is "dolichocephaly"

Dolichocephaly \Dol`i*cho*ceph"a*ly\ (d[o^]l`[i^]*k[-o]*s[e^]f"[.a]*l[y^]), Dolichocephalism \Dol`i*cho*ceph"a*lism\ (d[o^]l`[i^]*k[-o]*s[e^]f"[.a]*l[i^]z'm), n. [Cf. F. dolichc['e]phalie.] The quality or condition of being dolichocephalic.

n. (context medicine English) The quality or condition of being dolichocephalic.

Dolichocephaly (derived from the ancient Greek, δολιχός meaning long) is a condition where the head is longer than would be expected, relative to its width. The skulls of Neanderthals show a marked dolichocephaly compared to other humans, past or present. In humans, scaphocephaly is a form of dolichocephaly.

Dolicocephalic dog breeds (such as German Shepherd Dogs) have an elongated nose. This makes them vulnerable to fungal diseases of the nose such as aspergillosis. In human the anierior posterior diameter (length) of dolichocephaly head is more than transverse diameter (width). It has an incidence of 1 in every 4200 babies.

It can present be in cases of Sensenbrenner syndrome, Crouzon syndrome, Sotos syndrome, as well as Marfan syndrome.

Although dolichocephaly may be associated with some other abnormalities, alone it is just a normal variation; unless symptomatic, it is nothing to worry about. Early diagnosis can be made by X-ray or ultrasonography. Treatment is not essential.