Semilobar holoprosencephaly

Last revised by Yaïr Glick on 30 Oct 2022

Semilobar holoprosencephaly is a subtype of holoprosencephaly characterized by incomplete forebrain division. It is intermediate in severity, being worse than lobar holoprosencephaly and better than alobar holoprosencephaly.

Please refer to the general article of holoprosencephaly.

In contrast to alobar holoprosencephaly, facial malformations are usually mild or absent 5.

As with all types of holoprosencephaly, it is a rare congenital brain malformation in which there is failure of complete separation of the two hemispheres and failure of transverse cleavage into diencephalon and telencephalon.

For a general discussion of epidemiology, clinical presentation and pathology, please refer to the article on holoprosencephaly.

As will most cerebral structural congenital abnormalities, semilobar holoprosencephaly is visible on all modalities, but in general is identified on antenatal ultrasound, and best characterized by MRI.

The basic structure of the cerebral lobes are present, but are fused most commonly anteriorly and at the thalami and there is partial diverticulation of brain (dorsal cyst). Features include 1-4:

An easier approach might be to assess fusion of more than 50% of the frontal lobes which might be suggestive of semilobar holoprosencephaly​ 5.

In addition, this condition is associated with a mild degree of facial abnormalities such as hypotelorism and cleft lip.

General imaging differential considerations include:

ADVERTISEMENT: Supporters see fewer/no ads

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.