Central tegmental tract T2 hyperintensity

Case contributed by Ali Alsmair
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Spastic hypotonic child with delayed milestones.

Patient Data

Age: 2 years
Gender: Male
This study is a stack
Axial
T1
This study is a stack
Axial
T2
This study is a stack
Axial
FLAIR
This study is a stack
Sagittal
T2
This study is a stack
Coronal
T2
This study is a stack
Oblique
FLAIR
This study is a stack
Axial
ADC
This study is a stack
Axial
DWI
Download
Info

There are bilateral symmetrical T2 hyperintensities, with diffusion restriction of the central tegmental tracts, consistent with central tegmental tract T2 hyperintensity

Mild atrophic changes of bilateral cerebral hemispheres, mainly the bilateral frontal lobes.
Diffuse thinning of the corpus callosum.

Incidental findings of retained fluid filling the left middle ear and left mastoid air cells.

Case Discussion

One of the earliest parts of brain myelination is called central tegmental tract, which is an extrapyramidal tract between the red nucleus (superiorly) and the inferior olivary nucleus (inferiorly). 

These tracts are seen as T2/FLAIR/DWI high signal intensity, and can be seen in multiple conditions; most importantly in epilepsy and antiepileptic drugs (vigabatrin), but also can be seen in hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy, cerebral palsy, metabolic disorders and others 1.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

:

Updating… Please wait.

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

 Thank you for updating your details.