Incidental Massive Hydrocephalus Associated With an Unruptured Choroid Plexus Arteriovenous Malformation and Complete Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum Found in an Adult at Autopsy

Am J Forensic Med Pathol. 2020 Dec;41(4):327-330. doi: 10.1097/PAF.0000000000000562.

Abstract

Undiagnosed significant hydrocephalus is an uncommon finding at forensic autopsy as many cases present in life with complex neurological symptoms. We present a case of a 46-year-old man with no neurological deficits or history of head trauma that was incidentally found to have a massive hydrocephalus at autopsy. This was found to be associated with an unruptured arteriovenous malformation completely confined to the choroid plexus as well as complete agenesis of the corpus callosum. The arteriovenous malformation was found to form a calcified obstruction at the foramen of Monro analogous to a mass lesion, such as a colloid cyst of the third ventricle. The association of this malformation and agenesis of the corpus callosum has never been described. Histologic examination of the brain confirmed significant loss of white matter tracts and thinning of the cortical ribbon due to pressure atrophy of the ependymal lining without significant gliosis, cortical dysplasia, or evidence of other developmental malformations. Autopsy is a vital tool in the evaluation of such rare cases, enhances epidemiologic data, and increases the understanding of these pathophysiological associations.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Agenesis of Corpus Callosum / pathology*
  • Angina, Unstable
  • Arteriovenous Malformations / pathology*
  • Choroid Plexus / pathology*
  • Heart Arrest
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus / pathology*
  • Incidental Findings*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged