Aicardi syndrome

Imaging of Pediatric Orbital Diseases

This article reviews a variety of congenital and developmental disorders of the pediatric orbit with particular emphasis on ocular lesions, followed by a description of developmental and neoplastic orbital and ocular masses. The relationship of these diseases to various syndromes and/or known genetic mutations is also highlighted.

Two Hundred Thirty-Six Children With Developmental Hydrocephalus: Causes and Clinical Consequences

Few systematic assessments of developmental forms of hydrocephalus exist. We reviewed magnetic resonance images (MRIs) and clinical records of patients with infancy-onset hydrocephalus. Among 411 infants, 236 had hydrocephalus with no recognizable extrinsic cause. These children were assigned to 1 of 5 subtypes and compared on the basis of clinical characteristics and developmental and surgical outcomes. At an average age of 5.3 years, 72% of children were walking independently and 87% could eat by mouth; in addition, 18% had epilepsy. Distinct patterns of associated malformations and syndromes were observed within each subtype. On average, children with aqueductal obstruction, cysts, and encephaloceles had worse clinical outcomes than those with other forms of developmental hydrocephalus. Overall, 53% of surgically treated patients experienced at least 1 shunt failure, but hydrocephalus associated with posterior fossa crowding required fewer shunt revisions. We conclude that each subtype of developmental hydrocephalus is associated with distinct clinical characteristics, syndromology, and outcomes, suggesting differences in underlying mechanisms.

Scoliosis in Children With Aicardi Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Aicardi syndrome (ACS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder that was classically characterized by the triad of agenesis of corpus callosum, infantile spasms, and chorioretinal lacunae. As new cases emerge and new common phenotypic features are being described in subsequent reports, new modified diagnostic criteria have been proposed that now classify the observed costovertebral abnormalities as supporting diagnostic features. To our knowledge there are no previous studies focusing and describing the scoliosis observed in children with ACS.

METHODS

We screened billing lists to identify patients seen in the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery at our institution with a diagnosis of ACS that were treated for scoliosis after 2001. A total of 5 patients were identified. Medical records and radiographs were retrospectively reviewed in all cases. In all of the patients the diagnosis of ACS had been confirmed through complete genetic evaluation and advanced imaging.

RESULTS

The mean age when scoliosis was first noticed was 3.9±4.2 years (range, 0.5 to 10.5 y) with a mean Cobb angle of 22.5±6.7 degrees (range, 10 to 27 degrees). The mean age at the first orthopedic visit was 5.8±5.0 years (range, 1.5 to 13 y) with a progressed mean Cobb angle of 39.5±17.3 degrees (range, 15 to 57 degrees). Congenital vertebral anomalies were observed in 1 patient. Three patients were treated surgically; 1 of the 3 patients had a surgical complication with loss of intraoperative neuromonitoring signals. Two patients had not undergone surgery at the last visit with a mean Cobb angle of 75.5 degrees. The mean postoperative follow-up for the surgical group (cases 1 to 3) was 3±3.6 years (range, 0.6 to 7.2 y) and the mean total follow-up for both groups was 6.6±2.5 years (range, 2.6 to 8.6 y).

CONCLUSIONS

Scoliosis in ACS can represent a clinically significant problem that is underdiagnosed and overshadowed by the other severe medical complications associated with the syndrome. Our data suggest that scoliosis in patients with ACS is rapidly progressive and bracing is ineffective; early screening, close observation, and low threshold for referral to an orthopedic surgeon are crucial.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV-case series.

Genomic variants and variations in malformations of cortical development

Malformations of cortical development (MCDs) are a common cause of neurodevelopmental delay and epilepsy and are caused by disruptions in the normal development of the cerebral cortex. Several causative genes have been identified in patients with MCD. There is increasing evidence of role of de novo mutations, including those occurring post fertilization, in MCD. These somatic mutations may not be detectable by traditional methods of genetic testing performed on blood DNA. Identification of the genetic cause can help in guiding families in future pregnancies. Research has highlighted how elucidation of key molecular pathways can also allow for targeted therapeutic interventions.

Aicardi syndrome: an epidemiologic and clinical study in Norway

BACKGROUND

Aicardi syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder. The main diagnostic features are agenesis of corpus callosum, chorioretinal lacunae, and infantile spasms. The outcome is in general severe, with poor cognitive development and difficult-to-treat epilepsy. The aim of this study was to perform a nationwide epidemiologic survey of patients with Aicardi syndrome and describe their clinical features. Norway is a small country with a well-developed health system, making epidemiologic studies of rare diseases feasible and reliable.

METHODS

We aimed at identifying all patients diagnosed with Aicardi syndrome in Norway. Prevalence of Aicardi syndrome was calculated for January 1, 2011. All available patients were examined, and their medical records were scrutinized.

RESULTS

Six females aged 7 to 27 years with the diagnosis of Aicardi syndrome were identified. With a female population of 949,578 in ages 0 to 29 years, we found an age-adjusted prevalence of 0.63 per 100,000 females. One patient never had epileptic seizures. The other five had all experienced infantile spasms, all had at some point hypsarrhythmia in electroencephalography, two had a clear picture of suppression burst, whereas three had periods of suppression. Four of the five patients with seizure disorders experienced a marked improvement with time.

CONCLUSION

We found an age-adjusted prevalence of 0.63 per 100,000 females with Aicardi syndrome and that their seizure disorder appeared to improve with age.

Propofol and sevoflurane induce distinct burst suppression patterns in rats

Burst suppression is an EEG pattern characterized by alternating periods of high-amplitude activity (bursts) and relatively low amplitude activity (suppressions). Burst suppression can arise from several different pathological conditions, as well as from general anesthesia. Here we review current algorithms that are used to quantify burst suppression, its various etiologies, and possible underlying mechanisms. We then review clinical applications of anesthetic-induced burst suppression. Finally, we report the results of our new study showing clear electrophysiological differences in burst suppression patterns induced by two common general anesthetics, sevoflurane and propofol. Our data suggest that the circuit mechanisms that generate burst suppression activity may differ among general anesthetics.

Choroidal coloboma in a case of tay-sachs disease

Coloboma as an ocular finding has been documented in various syndromes. Here we have a case of infantile Tay-Sachs disease associated with unilateral choroidal coloboma. To the best of our knowledge, such an association has not been documented in the literature. Whether such an association is a matter of chance or signifies the involvement of ganglioside metabolism in ocular embryogenesis remains to be elucidated.

Aicardi syndrome: Neonatal diagnosis by means of transfontanellar ultrasound

Aicardi syndrome is a rare genetic disease characterized by a characteristic classical trio of neurological clinical abnormalities (spasms), agenesis of the corpus callosum and ophthalmological abnormalities (chorioretinal lacunae). The diagnosis can be suspected by prenatal ultrasound with color Doppler identifying the agenesis of the corpus callosum. Usually, the diagnosis is confirmed in the neonate period by transfontanellar ultrasound and ophthalmological examination. We present a case of newborn with Aicardi syndrome, being the transfontanellar identified partial dysgenesis of the corpus callosum and a cyst in the inter-hemispheric fissure. Ophthalmological examination showed bilateral chorioretinal lacunae.

Ophthalmologic features of Vici syndrome

PURPOSE

To report and compile the ophthalmological features critical to diagnosis of Vici syndrome, a rare congenital disorder characterized principally by agenesis of the corpus callosum, cataracts, cardiomyopathy, immune defects, and hypopigmentation.

METHODS

A child with Vici syndrome (OMIM 242840) is reported with emphasis on the ophthalmologic evaluation. Ophthalmologic assessments including fundus examination, visual evoked potentials (VEPs), and ocular coherence tomography are presented. These findings are compared with those identified in other published cases of children with Vici syndrome.

RESULTS

Ophthalmologic findings included bilateral nuclear and anterior polar cataracts, bilateral optic nerve atrophy, and mild fundus hypopigmentation. Evoked potentials recorded across the mid-occipital scalp demonstrated misrouting of optic pathways typical of albinism. Optical coherence tomography exhibited a poorly defined fovea demonstrating a lesser degree of foveal depression also consistent with ocular albinism. Review of reported children with Vici syndrome identifies bilateral cataracts, nystagmus, fundus hypopigmentation, visual impairment, and optic nerve hypoplasia as common ophthalmologic features.

CONCLUSIONS

Ophthalmologic findings are critical to the diagnosis of Vici syndrome. Most common are bilateral cataracts and relative fundus hypopigmentation. VEPs can identify misrouting of optic pathways typical of ocular albinism, thereby establishing the diagnosis in challenging cases.

Aicardi syndrome in a 47 XXY male - a variable developmental phenotype?

BACKGROUND

Aicardi syndrome (AS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the triad of corpus callosum agenesis, chorioretinal lacunae, and infantile spasms. Most patients with AS also have intractable epilepsy, moderate to severe learning disability, and a reduced life expectancy. An X-linked dominant inheritance caused by de novo mutations pattern, lethal in males, is postulated, but the gene has not yet been isolated. There are three case reports of 47 XXY males with classic features of AS who all had severe developmental disability.

CASE REPORT

We report a case of a 3.5-year old 47 XXY male with the classic triad of Aicardi syndrome but with good seizure control and mild learning disability.

Systemic abnormalities in children with congenital optic disc excavations

PURPOSE

Together with optic disc hypoplasia, excavated optic disc anomalies represent the most frequent congenital abnormality involving the optic nerve head. The purpose of the present study was to retrospectively review the results of a screening for extraocular abnormalities in children presenting with congenital optic disc excavations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The medical records of 37 patients diagnosed with a unilateral or bilateral non glaucomatous optic disc excavation were retrospectively reviewed to analyze the result of the extra ocular evaluation and to report the associated ocular abnormalities.

RESULTS

An ocular abnormality was observed in conjunction with the excavated optic disc in 31% of the eyes. The systematic investigations revealed the presence of at least one extra-ocular disorder in 48% of the cases, and the optic disc excavation could be considered as syndromic in 30% of patients. The prevalence of extraocular malformations was significantly higher in infants presenting with associated ocular malformations or abnormal vision/development.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggests that a systematic approach to search for any associated systemic abnormalities could be envisioned in patients presenting with congenital excavated optic discs, and particularly those presenting with abnormal vision, associated ocular defects or abnormal development.

Update on the management of pineal cysts: Case series and a review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

The natural history of pineal cysts still remains unclear. Incidental pineal cysts have become more common which raises the question of their management. Symptomatic pineal cysts may require a surgical solution but therapeutic indications have not yet been clearly established.

METHOD

From 1986 to 2012, 26 patients with pineal cysts were identified. Their medical records were retrospectively assessed focusing on the initial symptoms, imaging characteristics of the cyst, management strategy, operative technique and their complications, as well as the latest follow-up. A systematic review of the literature is also presented.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients with pineal cysts were identified. The mean age was 23.5 years ranging from 7 to 49 years. Symptoms included intracranial hypertension with obstructive hydrocephalus in 18 cases and oculomotor anomalies in 12 cases. Two adult cases presented with non-specific headaches and did not require surgery. Twenty patients were operated via a suboccipital transtentorial approach with total removal of the cyst in 70% of the cases, while the remaining 4 cases were treated with an intraventricular endoscopic marsupialization associating a third ventriculostomy. Four patients required a preoperative ventriculo-peritoneal shunt due to life-threatening obstructive hydrocephalus. Overall, peri-operative mortality was nil. In the two non-operated patients, the cyst remained stable and no recurrences were observed in all operated patients with a mean follow-up of 144 months.

CONCLUSION

In the majority of incidental pineal cysts, a clinical and imaging follow-up is sufficient but occasionally not required especially in adults as very rare cases of increase in size have been reported.

Serial fetal MRI for the diagnosis of Aicardi syndrome

Aicardi syndrome (AS) is defined by the triad of corpus callosum agenesis, chorioretinal "lacunae" and infantile spasms. Additional neuroimaging findings including migrational abnormalities are common. We report on serial neuroimaging findings of a female fetus with ventriculomegaly, corpus callosum agenesis and focal migrational abnormalities, suggestive of AS. Postnatal neuroimaging follow-up as well as ophthalmological evaluation and occurrence of infantile spasms confirmed the prenatally suspected diagnosis of AS. This case points out the key role of serial fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting the full spectrum of pathologies associated with fetal ventriculomegaly. The associated neuroimaging findings may go undetected on prenatal ultrasound, but are important in terms of diagnosis and counseling of the parents. Additionally, this case emphasizes the importance of serial fetal MRI studies to more accurately delineate the progression of findings during brain development.

Aicardi syndrome associated with autosomal genomic imbalance: coincidence or evidence for autosomal inheritance with sex-limited expression?

Aicardi syndrome (AIS), a rare neurodevelopmental disorder thought to be caused by an X-linked dominant mutation, is characterized by 3 main features: agenesis of corpus callosum, infantile spams and chorioretinal lacunae. A genome-wide study of a girl with AIS lead us to identify a 6q deletion;12q duplication, derived from a maternal 6q;12q translocation. The two intellectually impaired brothers of the proband showed the same genomic anomalies, but not the constellation of features characterizing the AIS. This could be either a coincidental observation of 2 rare conditions, but can also suggest an alternative hypothesis for the genetic etiology of AIS, indicating the existence of a subset of autosomal genes whose mutation could act in a sex-confined manner.

Diffusion tensor imaging and fiber tractography in brain malformations

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is an advanced MR technique that provides qualitative and quantitative information about the micro-architecture of white matter. DTI and its post-processing tool fiber tractography (FT) have been increasingly used in the last decade to investigate the microstructural neuroarchitecture of brain malformations. This article aims to review the use of DTI and FT in the evaluation of a variety of common, well-described brain malformations, in particular by pointing out the additional information that DTI and FT renders compared with conventional MR sequences. In addition, the relevant existing literature is summarized.

Aicardi syndrome in two Turkish children

Aicardi syndrome (AS) is an X-linked inherited disorder characterized by infantile spasms, chorioretinal lacunae, and agenesis or hypogenesis of the corpus callosum. The syndrome is more frequently seen in females but is observed in XXY male patients. Central nervous system, ocular, and costovertebral malformations may also seen in AS. Eye findings are of a considerable diagnostic importance; the chorioretinal lacunae are pathognomonic for AS and are generally bilateral. The outcome of the disease is generally severe, with a high mortality rate and poor developmental outcome. It is not clear which characteristics of the syndrome are related to a good prognosis in terms of psychomotor development, epileptic seizures, and survival. The purpose of this report was to demonstrate the spectrum of the clinical findings and the course of AS in two Turkish patients with different ocular and cranial MRI findings.

Choroid plexus papillomas: advances in molecular biology and understanding of tumorigenesis

Choroid plexus papillomas are rare, benign tumors originating from the choroid plexus. Although generally found within the ventricular system, they can arise ectopically in the brain parenchyma or disseminate throughout the neuraxis. We sought to review recent advances in our understanding of the molecular biology and oncogenic pathways associated with this disease. A comprehensive PubMed literature review was conducted to identify manuscripts discussing the clinical, molecular, and genetic features of choroid plexus papillomas. Articles concerning diagnosis, treatment, and long-term patient outcomes were also reviewed. The introduction of atypical choroid plexus papilloma as a distinct entity has increased the need for accurate histopathologic diagnosis. Advances in immunohistochemical staining have improved our ability to differentiate choroid plexus papillomas from other intracranial tumors or metastatic lesions using combinations of key markers and mitotic indices. Recent findings have implicated Notch3 signaling, the transcription factor TWIST1, platelet-derived growth factor receptor, and the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand pathway in choroid plexus papilloma tumorigenesis. A combination of commonly occurring chromosomal duplications and deletions has also been identified. Surgical resection remains the standard of care, although chemotherapy and radiotherapy may be considered for recurrent or metastatic lesions. While generally considered benign, these tumors possess a complex biology that sheds insight into other choroid plexus tumors, particularly malignant choroid plexus carcinomas. Improving our understanding of the molecular biology, genetics, and oncogenic pathways associated with this tumor will allow for the development of targeted therapies and improved outcomes for patients with this disease.

Seizure characteristics in Pallister-Killian syndrome

Pallister-Killian syndrome (PKS) is a congenital disorder attributed to supernumerary isochromosome 12p mosaicism. Craniofacial dysmorphism, learning impairment and seizures are considered cardinal features. However, little is known regarding the seizure and epilepsy patterns in PKS. To better define the prevalence and spectrum of seizures in PKS, we studied 51 patients (39 male, 12 female; median age 4 years and 9 months; age range 7 months to 31 years) with confirmed 12p tetrasomy. Using a parent-based structured questionnaire, we collected data regarding seizure onset, frequency, timing, semiology, and medication therapy. Patients were recruited through our practice, at PKS Kids family events, and via the PKS Kids website. Epilepsy occurred in 27 (53%) with 23 (85%) of those with seizures having seizure onset prior to 3.5 years of age. Mean age at seizure onset was 2 years and 4 months. The most common seizure types were myoclonic (15/27, 56%), generalized convulsions (13/27, 48%), and clustered tonic spasms (similar to infantile spasms; 8/27, 30%). Thirteen of 27 patients with seizures (48%) had more than one seizure type with 26 out of 27 (96%) ever having taken antiepileptic medications. Nineteen of 27 (70%) continued to have seizures and 17/27 (63%) remained on antiepileptic medication. The most commonly used medications were: levetiracetam (10/27, 37%), valproic acid (10/27, 37%), and topiramate (9/27, 33%) with levetiracetam felt to be "most helpful" by parents (6/27, 22%). Further exploration of seizure timing, in-depth analysis of EEG recordings, and collection of MRI data to rule out confounding factors is warranted.

Counseling in fetal medicine: agenesis of the corpus callosum

In this Review, we aim to provide up-to-date and evidence-based answers to common questions regarding the diagnosis and prognosis of prenatally detected agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC). A systematic literature search was performed to identify all reports of ACC and reference lists of articles were identified. ACC involves partial or complete absence of the main commissural pathway that connects the two cerebral hemispheres, and can be isolated (with no other abnormalities) or complex (coexisting with other abnormalities). It is a rare finding and the prevalence is difficult to estimate because of selection bias in reported series. The corpus callosum (CC) can be assessed on ultrasound by direct visualization, but indirect features, such as ventriculomegaly, absence of the cavum septi pellucidi or widening of interhemispheric fissure, are often the reason for detection in a screening population. Careful imaging in a center with a high level of expertise is required to make a full assessment and to exclude coexisting abnormalities, which occur in about 46% of fetuses. When available, magnetic resonance imaging appears to be an important adjunct as it allows direct visualization. It can reduce false-positive rates on ultrasound and can confirm ACC, it can assess whether this is complete or partial and it can help in detecting coexisting brain abnormalities not seen on ultrasound. The overall rate of chromosomal abnormality in fetuses with ACC is 18%, but this high rate includes both isolated and complex ACC; more recent studies suggest that chromosomal abnormalities are rare in isolated cases. Nevertheless, postnatal follow-up studies suggest that about 15% of cases thought to be isolated prenatally were found to have associated abnormalities after birth. Neurodevelopmental outcome in isolated ACC was recently reported in a systematic review and suggested normal outcome in about 65-75% of cases. Findings need to be considered in light of the several limitations of existing studies, in terms of study design, selection bias, varying definitions and imaging protocols, ascertainment bias and lack of control groups. These uncertainties mean that antenatal counseling is difficult and further large prospective studies are needed.

Ophthalmologic findings in Aicardi syndrome

BACKGROUND

Aicardi syndrome is a rare X-linked disorder that has been characterized classically by agenesis of the corpus callosum, seizures, and the finding of chorioretinal lacunae. This triad has been augmented more recently by central nervous system and ocular findings. The goal of this study was to determine how frequently other ophthalmologic findings are associated with Aicardi syndrome.

METHODS

A single ophthalmologist recorded the ocular and adnexal findings of 40 girls with this disorder at the annual meeting of an Aicardi syndrome family support group. For each subject, the examiner performed facial anthropometrics, portable biomicroscopy, and, where feasible, indirect ophthalmoscopy.

RESULTS

The most common findings were chorioretinal lacunae in 66 (88%) of 75 eyes and optic nerve abnormalities in 61 (81%) of 75 eyes. Other less common findings included persistent pupillary membrane in 4 (5%) of 79 eyes and anterior synechiae in 1 of 79 eyes (1%).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the ophthalmic hallmark and defining feature of Aicardi syndrome is the cluster of distinctive chorioretinal lacunae surrounding the optic nerve(s), the spectrum of ocular, papillary, and retinal anomalies varies widely, from nearly normal to dysplasia of the optic nerve and to severe microphthalmos.

A developmental and genetic classification for malformations of cortical development: update 2012

Malformations of cerebral cortical development include a wide range of developmental disorders that are common causes of neurodevelopmental delay and epilepsy. In addition, study of these disorders contributes greatly to the understanding of normal brain development and its perturbations. The rapid recent evolution of molecular biology, genetics and imaging has resulted in an explosive increase in our knowledge of cerebral cortex development and in the number and types of malformations of cortical development that have been reported. These advances continue to modify our perception of these malformations. This review addresses recent changes in our perception of these disorders and proposes a modified classification based upon updates in our knowledge of cerebral cortical development.

An unusual case of aicardi syndrome

PURPOSE

Report of an unusual case of Aicardi syndrome.

METHODS

Case report of an infant with severe chorioretinal lacunae and Aicardi syndrome.

RESULTS

Despite severe chorioretinal lacunae, a 25-month-old white girl with infantile spasms/seizures had better visual acuity than expected.

CONCLUSION

The extent of chorioretinal lesions is not necessarily a prognostic factor for visual function.

Genetic and biologic classification of infantile spasms

Infantile spasms constitute an age-dependent epilepsy, highly associated with cognitive impairment, autism, and movement disorders. Previous classification systems focused on a distinction between symptomatic and cryptogenic etiologies, and have not kept pace with recent discoveries of mutations in genes in key pathways of central nervous system development in patients with infantile spasms. Children with certain genetic syndromes are much likelier to manifest infantile spasms, and we review the literature to propose a genetic classification of these disorders. Children demonstrating genetic associations with infantile spasms also manifest phenotypes beyond epilepsy that may be explained by recent advances in the understanding of underlying biological mechanisms. Therefore we propose a biologic classification of genes highly associated with infantile spasms, and articulate models for infantile spasms pathogenesis based on those data. The two best described pathways of pathogenesis involve abnormalities in the gene regulatory network of gamma-aminobutyric acidergic forebrain development and abnormalities in molecules expressed at the synapse. These genetic and biologic classifications are flexible, and they should encourage much needed progress in syndrome recognition, clinical genetic testing, and the development of new therapies targeting specific pathways of pathogenesis.

Laterality of brain and ocular lesions in Aicardi syndrome

This study reports a large case series of children with Aicardi syndrome. A new severity scoring system is established to assess sidedness of ocular and brain lesions. Thirty-five children were recruited from Aicardi syndrome family conferences. All children received dilated ophthalmologic examinations, and brain magnetic resonance images (MRIs) were reviewed. Ocular and brain MRI Aicardi lesion severity scores were devised. A linear mixed model was used to compare each side for the ocular and brain MRI severity scores of Aicardi-associated disease. Twenty-six children met the inclusion criteria for the study. All subjects were female, ages 3 months to 19 years. Rates per child of optic nerve coloboma, severe lacunae, and microphthalmos in one or both eyes (among those with complete fundus examinations available) were 10/24 (42%), 8/22 (36%), and 7/26 (27%), respectively. Ocular and brain MRI asymmetry was found in 18% (4/22) and 58% (15/26) of subjects, respectively, with more right-sided brain lesions than left-sided ones (V = 52, P = 0.028). A significant correlation between sidedness of brain disease and microphthalmos was noted (T = 2.54, P = 0.02). This study substantiates the range and severity of Aicardi syndrome-associated ophthalmologic and brain MRI lesions from prior smaller case series.

Congenital macular dystrophy, corpus callosum agenesis, hippocampi hypoplasia--a novel neuro-ophthalmic syndrome: case report

INTRODUCTION

Macular dystrophy is a cause of childhood and adult visual handicap and has been associated with multiple gene defects. Syndromic macular dystrophy is rare and a novel congenital form of syndromic macular dystrophy is presented. The authors report on a consanguineous family in which the 5-year-old female proband presented with nystagmus and low vision due to congenital macular dystrophy visible on fundus examination associated with complete corpus callosum agenesis, hippocampi hypoplasia and recurrent illnesses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients signed informed consent forms to participate in the research. Proband was screened for 18 recessive macular dystrophy genes and ABCA4 and had a G banded karyotype on peripheral blood lymphocytes. Patients were evaluated using ocular biomicrosopy, fluorescein retinal angiograms, electroretinograms, visual evoked potentials, retinal optical coherence tomography, brain MRI and multifocal electroretinograms.

RESULTS

The older brother presented with subclinical findings of bilateral absence of foveal macular peak on multifocal electroretinograms and minimal corpus callosum hypoplasia. The younger sister was recently discovered to have a similar macular dystrophy. The father showed subclinical unilateral decreased foveal macular peak and the mother showed a granular-appearing fundus. No mutations were identified in the RP and macular dystrophy genes screened.

DISCUSSION

A review of the literature confirms that this is the first report of a congenital and possibly developmental macular dystrophy, with neurologic syndromic features and possible autosomal recessive inheritance but varying penetrance.

[Aicardi syndrome associated with severe congenital ptosis]

Aicardi syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by corpus callosum agenesis, chorioretinal lacunae and early-onset infantile spasms. We report a particular case of Aicardi syndrome characterized by the association of the classical triad of severe bilateral ptosis, pontocerebellar hypoplasia, and perisylvian polymicrogyria in a girl born to non-consanguineous parents, but whose mother suffered from idiopathic generalized epilepsy.

Prevalence and natural history of pineal cysts in adults

OBJECT

We reviewed our experience with pineal cysts to define the natural history and clinical relevance of this common intracranial finding.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 48,417 consecutive patients who underwent brain MR imaging at a single institution over a 12-year interval and who were over 18 years of age at the time of imaging. Patient characteristics, including demographic data and other intracranial diagnoses, were collected from cases involving patients with a pineal cyst. We then identified all patients with pineal cysts who had been clinically evaluated at our institution and who had at least 6 months of clinical and imaging follow-up. All inclusion criteria for the natural history analysis were met in 151 patients.

RESULTS

Pineal cysts measuring 5 mm or larger in greatest dimension were found in 478 patients (1.0%). Of these, 162 patients were male and 316 were female. On follow-up MR imaging of 151 patients with pineal cyst at a mean interval of 3.4 years from the initial study, 124 pineal cysts remained stable, 4 increased in size, and 23 decreased in size. Cysts that were larger at the time of initial diagnosis were more likely to decrease in size over the follow-up interval (p = 0.004). Patient sex, patient age at diagnosis, and the presence of septations within the cyst were not significantly associated with cyst change on follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Follow-up imaging and neurosurgical evaluation are not mandatory for adults with asymptomatic pineal cysts.

Distinguishing 3 classes of corpus callosal abnormalities in consanguineous families

OBJECTIVE

We sought to create a classification system for pediatric corpus callosal abnormalities (CCA) based upon midline sagittal brain MRI. We used the term CCA for patients with structural variants of the corpus callosum, excluding patients with interhemispheric cyst variant or pure dysplasia without hypoplasia. Currently, no system exists for nonsyndromic forms of CCA, and attempts to create such a system have been hampered by highly variable morphology in patients with sporadic CCA. We reasoned that any useful strategy should classify affected family members within the same type, and that phenotypic variability should be minimized in patients with recessive disease.

METHODS

We focused recruitment toward multiplex consanguineous families, ascertained 30 patients from 19 consanguineous families, and analyzed clinical features together with brain imaging.

RESULTS

We identified 3 major CCA classes, including hypoplasia, hypoplasia with dysplasia, and complete agenesis. Affected individuals within a given multiplex family usually displayed the same variant of the class of abnormality and they always displayed the same class of abnormality within each family, or they displayed complete agenesis. The system was validated among a second cohort of 10 sporadic patients with CCA.

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggest that complete agenesis may be a common end-phenotype, and implicate multiple overlapping pathways in the etiology of CCA.

Abnormalities of the optic disc

The optic disc represents the anterior end of the optic nerve, the most forward extension of the central nervous system (CNS). The optic disc gives a rare glimpse into the CNS. Hence, diseases of the CNS are often manifested on fundus examination. Abnormalities of the optic disc may reflect eye disease (such as glaucoma), problems in development (as in various syndromes), or CNS disease (such as increased intracranial pressure). Each optic nerve is composed of about 1.2 million axons deriving from the retinal ganglion cells of one eye. Optic atrophy is a morphological sequela reflecting the loss of many or all of these axons. Myriad diseases such as hereditary, metabolic, tumor, and increased intracranial pressure can lead to optic atrophy. Some diseases, such as optic disc drusen, intracranial masses, orbital tumors, ischemic optic neuropathies, inflammations, and infiltrations, can produce optic disc edema before leading to optic atrophy. A number of new imaging modalities, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), quantitate the thickness of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer as an indirect measure of axonal loss or swelling. OCT can therefore be used to quantitate pathology or the response to therapy in various generalized CNS conditions, such as multiple sclerosis.

Anesthetic management of a child with Aicardi syndrome undergoing laparoscopic Nissen's fundoplication: a case report

Aicardi syndrome (AS) is a rare congenital syndrome and is characterized by the triad of infantile spasm, agenesis of the corpus callosum, and anomaly of chorioretinal lacunae. We here report a case of a patient with AS under general anesthesia. Although there is no report in which muscle relaxants were used in AS patients, vecuronium bromide was used for artificial pneumoperitoneum in this case. Careful management is important for AS patients during an operation that significantly affects respiratory function. In addition, it is possible that muscle relaxants be administered safely in AS patients. Careful monitoring such as epileptiform electroencephalogram and bispectral index monitors may be needed for the early detection of epileptic activities.

Prenatal diagnosis and successful postnatal therapy of an atypical choroid plexus papilloma-Case report and review of literature

This report describes the perinatal management of a prenatally detected choroid plexus papilloma in an otherwise unaltered singleton pregnancy of a healthy woman. After elective Caesarean section, a successful embolization of the feeding vessel followed by a craniotomy and complete removal of the remaining tumor were performed. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis. One-, 2-, and 3-year follow-up showed a normal development of the girl with a regular neuropediatric status. A review of literature including related papers listed in PubMed between 1985 and 2009 are included.

Diffusion tensor imaging of Aicardi syndrome

Aicardi syndrome is a congenital neurodevelopmental disorder associated with significant cognitive and motor impairment. Diffusion tensor imaging was performed on two subjects with Aicardi syndrome, as well as on two matched subjects with callosal agenesis and cortical malformations but not a clinical diagnosis of Aicardi syndrome. Whole-brain three-dimensional fiber tractography was performed, and major white matter tracts were isolated using standard tracking protocols. One Aicardi subject demonstrated an almost complete lack of normal corticocortical connectivity, with only the left inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus recovered by diffusion tensor tractography. A second Aicardi subject exhibited evidence of bilateral cingulum bundles and left uncinate fasciculus, but other corticocortical tracts were not recovered. Major subcortical white matter tracts, including corticospinal, pontocerebellar, and anterior thalamic radiation tracts, were recovered in both Aicardi subjects. In contrast, diffusion tensor tractography analysis on the two matched control subjects with callosal agenesis and cortical malformations recovered all major intrahemispheric cortical and subcortical white matter tracts. These findings reveal a widespread disruption in the corticocortical white matter organization of individuals with Aicardi syndrome. Furthermore, such disruption in white matter organization appears to be a feature specific to Aicardi syndrome, and not shared by other neurodevelopmental disorders with similar anatomic manifestations.

Chorioretinal lacunae: pathognomonic findings for Aicardi syndrome

Aicardi syndrome is characterized by agenesis of the corpus callosum, chorioretinal lacunae, and infantile spasms. The authors describe the case of a girl with chorioretinal lacunae, seizures, and cerebral cyst, but a normal corpus callosum. Incomplete forms of Aicardi syndrome are reported in the literature, but typical choroidal lacunae are always present and are pathognomonic.

Optic nerve aplasia in Aicardi syndrome

Aicardi syndrome, first described by French neurologist Jean François Marie Aicardi in 1965, is a constellation of features characterized mainly by the triad of early infantile spasms, chorioretinal lacunae, and agenesis of the corpus callosum. The authors describe a 1-year-old child with Aicardi syndrome with previously unreported ophthalmic features of aplasia of the right optic nerve and bilateral iris colobomas.

Congenital tumors of the central nervous system

Congenital tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) are often arbitrarily divided into "definitely congenital" (present or producing symptoms at birth), "probably congenital" (present or producing symptoms within the first week of life), and "possibly congenital" (present or producing symptoms within the first 6 months of life). They represent less than 2% of all childhood brain tumors. The clinical features of newborns include an enlarged head circumference, associated hydrocephalus, and asymmetric skull growth. At birth, a large head or a tense fontanel is the presenting sign in up to 85% of patients. Neurological symptoms as initial symptoms are comparatively rare. The prenatal diagnosis of congenital CNS tumors, while based on ultrasonography, has significantly benefited from the introduction of prenatal magnetic resonance imaging studies. Teratomas constitute about one third to one half of these tumors and are the most common neonatal brain tumor. They are often immature because of primitive neural elements and, rarely, a component of mixed malignant germ cell tumors. Other tumors include astrocytomas, choroid plexus papilloma, primitive neuroectodermal tumors, atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors, and medulloblastomas. Less common histologies include craniopharyngiomas and ependymomas. There is a strong predilection for supratentorial locations, different from tumors of infants and children. Differential diagnoses include spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage that can occur in the presence of coagulation factor deficiency or underlying vascular malformations, and congenital brain malformations, especially giant heterotopia. The prognosis for patients with congenital tumors is generally poor, usually because of the massive size of the tumor. However, tumors can be resected successfully if they are small and favorably located. The most favorable outcomes are achieved with choroid plexus tumors, where aggressive surgical treatment leads to disease-free survival.

Clinical and imaging heterogeneity of polymicrogyria: a study of 328 patients

Polymicrogyria is one of the most common malformations of cortical development and is associated with a variety of clinical sequelae including epilepsy, intellectual disability, motor dysfunction and speech disturbance. It has heterogeneous clinical manifestations and imaging patterns, yet large cohort data defining the clinical and imaging spectrum and the relative frequencies of each subtype are lacking. The aims of this study were to determine the types and relative frequencies of different polymicrogyria patterns, define the spectrum of their clinical and imaging features and assess for clinical/imaging correlations. We studied the imaging features of 328 patients referred from six centres, with detailed clinical data available for 183 patients. The ascertainment base was wide, including referral from paediatricians, geneticists and neurologists. The main patterns of polymicrogyria were perisylvian (61%), generalized (13%), frontal (5%) and parasagittal parieto-occipital (3%), and in 11% there was associated periventricular grey matter heterotopia. Each of the above patterns was further divided into subtypes based on distinguishing imaging characteristics. The remaining 7% were comprised of a number of rare patterns, many not described previously. The most common clinical sequelae were epileptic seizures (78%), global developmental delay (70%), spasticity (51%) and microcephaly (50%). Many patients presented with neurological or developmental abnormalities prior to the onset of epilepsy. Patients with more extensive patterns of polymicrogyria presented at an earlier age and with more severe sequelae than those with restricted or unilateral forms. The median age at presentation for the entire cohort was 4 months with 38% presenting in either the antenatal or neonatal periods. There were no significant differences between the prevalence of epilepsy for each polymicrogyria pattern, however patients with generalized and bilateral forms had a lower age at seizure onset. There was significant skewing towards males with a ratio of 3:2. This study expands our understanding of the spectrum of clinical and imaging features of polymicrogyria. Progression from describing imaging patterns to defining anatomoclinical syndromes will improve the accuracy of prognostic counselling and will aid identification of the aetiologies of polymicrogyria, including genetic causes.

Current concepts of polymicrogyria

Polymicrogyria is one of the most common malformations of cortical development. It has been known for many years and its clinical and MRI manifestations are well described. Recent advances in imaging, however, have revealed that polymicrogyria has many different appearances on MR imaging, suggesting that is may be a more heterogeneous malformation than previously suspected. The clinical and imaging heterogeneity of polymicrogyria is explored in this review.

Infantile spasms: review of the literature and personal experience

This epileptic disorder has become a classic topic for neuropediatricians and the interest is documented by the large number of publications on this subject.The relative frequency among the epileptic syndromes is an another reason why not only neuropediatricians but also general pediatricians must be fully informed about diagnostic, clinical, imaging and genetic aspects.Early diagnosis is of paramount importance in order to obtain even complete results in patients with so called idiopathic situations. A number of problems are still to be solved. There is no agreement on the type and the schedule of treatment. A common denominator about this problem is not jet available even if some advances in this regard have been accomplished. Of paramount importance is an accurate clinical and laboratory examination as a prerequisite regarding prognosis and results of therapy in every single case.However, even if more than 170 years have elapsed since the first communication of dr. West on the peculiar syndrome that his child was suffering of, the interest of scientists on this subject has now been enriched and rewarded.