Congenital dysplastic microcephaly and hypoplasia of the brainstem and cerebellum with diffuse intracranial calcification

J Child Neurol. 2012 Feb;27(2):218-21. doi: 10.1177/0883073811416239. Epub 2011 Sep 21.

Abstract

Congenital microcephaly with intracranial calcification is a rare condition presented in heterogeneous diseases. Here, we report the case of a 1-year-old boy with severe congenital microcephaly and diffuse calcification. Neuroimaging studies showed a diffuse simplified gyral pattern; a very thin cortex; ventricular dilatation; very small basal ganglia, thalamus, and brainstem; and cerebellar hypoplasia with diffuse calcification. Clinical features of intrauterine infections, such as neonatal jaundice, hepatomegaly, and thrombocytopenia, were not found. Serological tests, cultures, and polymerase chain reaction analysis were negative for viral infections. The etiology of pseudo-toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex syndrome is still unknown. This study describes the most severe form of pseudo-toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex syndrome reported to date, with the patient showing microcephaly and calcification or band-like intracranial calcification with simplified gyration and polymirogyria.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brain Diseases / congenital*
  • Brain Diseases / pathology
  • Brain Stem / abnormalities*
  • Brain Stem / pathology
  • Calcinosis / congenital*
  • Calcinosis / pathology
  • Cerebellum / abnormalities*
  • Cerebellum / pathology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Microcephaly / pathology

Supplementary concepts

  • Baraitser Brett Piesowicz syndrome