CT - CT brain
Axial non-contrast
What aetiologies are recognised?
Infarction is by far the most common. Other rare causes include: leukomalacia; diffuse hypoxic-ischemic brain necrosis; infection; thromboplastic material from a deceased co-twin (see related article for further information)
What is the differential?
Severe hydrocephalus, alobar holoprosencephaly, large open lip schizencephaly.
What feature is useful in distinguishing this condition from alobar holoprosencephaly?
Presence of the falx.
Non contrast CT demonstrates marked enlargement of the skull with no anterior circulation cerebral cortex identified. Parts of the occipital lobes, the thalami and the posterior fossa appear preserved. The falx is present.