Hyperostosis Frontalis Interna: Irregular Skull Ossification in Cadaveric Dissection

Hyperostosis Frontalis Interna (HFI) is an unusual condition characterized by the thickening of the frontal bone of the skull. HFI has been found most often in post-menopausal women, with incidence rates surpassing men by nearly nine times. This abnormal thickening of the skull may compress the cerebrum leading to atrophy, frequent headaches, and cognitive impairment. In this case report, we describe an 88-year-old Caucasian female cadaver that originated with the Body Donor Program of PCOM Georgia with an extensive presentation of HFI. A distinct irregular ossification of the internal surface of the frontal bone was noted bilaterally with visibly demarcated borders. Furthermore, it is of interest to note that HFI may be linked to conditions of kidney disease and this cadaver also displayed another unusual anatomical defect, commonly referred to as a “horse-shoe” kidney. Despite being labeled as a benign entity with no clinical significance, the etiopathology of HFI is not well established. Our group aims to investigate these relationships further with the hopes of providing insight into a condition that may affect as many as 12 percent of the female population