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Multicystic encephalomalacia

Case contributed by Ammar Haouimi
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Delayed milstones with microcephaly.

Patient Data

Age: 10 months
Gender: Male
mri

The MRI sequences demonstrate:

  • decreased volume of the cerebral hemispheres
  • numerous cystic cavities of various size and shape within the cortex and white matter of low signal on T1, high signal on T2 with no restricted duffusion
  • relative sparing of some supratentorial structures (basal ganglia, inferior temporal lobes)
  • ex vacuo dilatation of the lateral ventricles with intact ventricular walls
  • atrophy of the corpus callosum
  • preserved posterior fossa

Case Discussion

MRI features of a multicystic encephalomalacia representing the result of an extensive brain insult in term neonate from ischemia, infection or developmental insults in the antenatal or early postnatal period.

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