Accessory occipital suture simulating fracture in pediatric head trauma: A case report

The development of the occipital bone is complex and the presence of accessory sutures, such as the mendosal suture, represent a diagnostic challenge in pediatric imaging. This report describes a rare case of a 3-year-old boy with a persistent mendosal suture, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing these sutures from fractures in head trauma cases. A CT scan revealed linear bone defects, which were identified as atypical cranial sutures rather than fractures. This case underlines the important role of high-resolution imaging and gives a thorough understanding of occipital bone development for an accurate diagnosis and management of pediatric head trauma. Awareness of such rare anatomical variations is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate patient care.