Louisiana Via Research Day Book 2026

Community / Public Health

126 HYPEROSTOSIS FRONTALIS INTERNA IN A MODERN CADAVERIC POPULATION

Alexis Merchant-Hill; Melanie K. Johnson; Francesca Le; Jenna Dittmar, PhD VCOM-Louisiana

Introduction: Hyperostosis frontalis interna (HFI) is characterized by abnormal accumulation of bone growth within the frontal bone. Historically, this pathology has been primarily documented in postmenopausal female cadavers. Although prevalence has been reported, HFI remains an underreported phenomenon with an unclear etiological basis. Given its increased prevalence and severity in postmenopausal female specimens, HFI has been hypothesized to be associated with endocrine changes related to menopause. Objective: To better characterize the prevalence and potential etiological factors of HFI by analyzing the endocranial surfaces of willed body donors that have been dissected at VCOM-Louisiana between 2023-2026. These findings will be contextualized by undertaking a systematic review of the current literature. Methods: The endocranial surfaces of 74 willed body donors (40 male, 34 female) from North America were examined for the presence of HFI. Frontal bones were macroscopically assessed using a hexant to assess both the extent and severity of HFI within each region. Parietal

bones were also examined. Overall HFI scores were assigned using a modified Hershkovitz classification system. A systematic review of published cadaveric studies focusing on HFI was conducted, excluding individual case reports. The literature review provided reported HFI prevalence rates from studies published between 1944 and 2018. Results: Thus far, 43 (20 males, 23 females) donors have been analyzed. Findings demonstrated an overall HFI prevalence of 55.81%, with a female prevalence of 69.56% and a male prevalence of 40%. These results were compared with findings from the systematic review, which demonstrated an average reported HFI prevalence of 10.07% across previously published studies. Final statistical significance testing and confidence interval calculations will be completed following full analysis of the remaining donors and incorporation of additional specimens. Conclusions: This study highlights a markedly higher prevalence of HFI in a modern cadaveric population compared to historical reports, underscoring the need for continued

investigation into its demographic patterns and underlying etiology. As data collection and analysis continue, the findings from this study may contribute to a better understanding of the prevalence, demographic distribution, ancestral associations, and potential etiological basis of hyperostosis frontalis interna.

Simulation / Education

IN THE PHOTO: Kyrillos Guirguis, Class of 2028, and Stephen DiGiuseppe, PhD

143

142

2026 Research Recognition Day