Diagnóstico prenatal de quistes interhemisféricos asociados a agenesia del cuerpo calloso / Prenatal diagnosis of callosal agenesis with interhemispheric cyst

Introducción: Los quistes interhemisféricos asociados a agenesia del cuerpo calloso constituyen un grupo infrecuente y heterogéneo de anomalías del SNC. Objetivo: Reportar nuestra experiencia en quistes interhemisféricos asociados a agenesia del cuerpo calloso (QIH/ACC), haciendo énfasis en sus características en la neurosonografía (NSG), su comparación con la resonancia magnética (RM) y su evolución clínica posterior. Método: Se incluyeron todas las pacientes con QIH/ACC evaluadas desde el año 2008. En todos los casos se consignaron los datos clínicos, de NSG y de RM cuando se realizó. Se entrevistó telefónicamente a los padres. Resultados: Fueron seleccionados 9 casos con QIH/ACC. De ellos, 5 fueron quistes tipo 1, 3 tuvieron anomalías asociadas y en los 3 hubo una anomalía genética patogénica. Cuatro casos fueron quistes tipo 2, 3 de ellos con un patrón NSG sugerente de síndrome de Aicardi. Hubo una excelente correlación entre NSG y RM, ya fuera esta última realizada ante- o posnatal, particularmente con relación a las malformaciones del desarrollo cortical asociadas al QIH/ACC. Conclusiones: En comparación con la RM y el resultado final, hubo alta concordancia con lo diagnosticado en la NSG, en especial en cuanto a malformaciones del desarrollo cortical asociadas, lo que añade valor al método diagnóstico que ofrecemos a nuestra población consultante.

Background: Callosal agenesis associated with interhemispheric cysts correspond to a rare and heterogenous group of CNS anomalies. Objective: To report our experience in interhemispheric cysts associated with agenesis of the corpus callosum (QIH/ACC), emphasizing its characteristics in neurosonography (NSG), its comparison with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and its subsequent clinical evolution. Method: All patients with QIH/ACC evaluated since 2008 were included. In all cases, clinical, NSG and MRI data were recorded when performed. The parents were interviewed by telephone. Results: A total of 9 cases were selected with QIH/ACC. 5 cases were type 1 cysts, 3 of them had associated abnormalities and in all 3 there was a pathogenic genetic anomaly. 4 cases were type 2 cysts, 3 of them with an NSG pattern suggestive of Aicardi syndrome. There was an excellent correlation between NSG and MRI, either before or postnatally, particularly in relation to cortical developmental malformations associated with QIH/ACC. Conclusions: Compared to MRI and the final result, there was high agreement with what was diagnosed in NSG, especially in what corresponds to associated cortical developmental malformations, which adds value to the diagnostic method we offer to our consulting population.

Imaging Similarities Between Oral-Facial-Digital Syndrome Type 1 and Aicardi Syndrome: Prenatal and Postnatal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Findings in 4 Patients.

Prenatal identification by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of callosal anomalies, particularly with accompanying intracranial abnormalities, poses a challenge for accurate prognostication and fetal counseling as outcome can vary widely depending on underlying etiology. In female patients, Aicardi syndrome is an important consideration, and prompt postnatal ophthalmologic assessment to identify ocular stigmata of Aicardi syndrome can aid with anticipatory guidance and greater vigilance for seizures. We present a case of a female with fetal and postnatal MRI findings of agenesis of corpus callosum and type 2b interhemispheric cysts, characteristically found in Aicardi syndrome, but was found to have oral-facial-digital syndrome type 1 (OFD1). We also present 3 other companion cases with pre- and postnatal imaging of patients with Aicardi syndrome. These cases highlight the importance of widening the differential diagnosis to also include OFD1 for female patients with callosal anomalies.

Prenatal diagnosis of Aicardi syndrome based on a suggestive imaging pattern: A multicenter case-series.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize a suggestive prenatal imaging pattern of Aicardi syndrome using ultrasound and MR imaging. METHODS: Based on a retrospective international series of Aicardi syndrome cases from tertiary centers encountered over a 20-year period (2000-2020), we investigated the frequencies of the imaging features in order to characterize an imaging pattern highly suggestive of the diagnosis. RESULTS: Among 20 cases included, arachnoid cysts associated with a distortion of the interhemispheric fissure were constantly encountered associated with complete or partial agenesis of the corpus callosum (19/20, 95%). This triad in the presence of other CNS disorganization, such as polymicrogyria (16/17, 94%), heterotopias (15/17, 88%), ventriculomegaly (14/20, 70%), cerebral asymmetry [14/20, 70%]) and less frequently extra-CNS anomaly (ocular anomalies [7/11, 64%], costal/vertebral segmentation defect [4/20, 20%]) represent a highly suggestive pattern of Aicardi syndrome in a female patient. CONCLUSION: Despite absence of genetic test to confirm prenatal diagnosis of AS, this combination of CNS and extra-CNS fetal findings allows delineation of a characteristic imaging pattern of AS, especially when facing dysgenesis of the corpus callosum.

Current medico-psycho-social conditions of patients with West syndrome in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: To unveil current medical and psychosocial conditions of patients with West syndrome in Japan. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was performed in patients with West syndrome registered in the Rare Epilepsy Syndrome Registry (RES-R) of Japan. Furthermore, new-onset patients registered in the RES-R were observed prospectively and their outcomes after one and two years of follow-up were compared with data at onset. RESULTS: For the cross-sectional study, 303 patients with West syndrome were included. Seizures (such as spasms, tonic seizures and focal seizures) occurred daily in 69.3% of the patients at registration. Seizure frequency of less than one per year was observed in cases of unknown etiology (22.6%), genetic etiology (23.8%) and malformation of cortical development (MCD; 19.1%). Neurological findings were absent in 37.0%, but a high rate of abnormality was seen in patients with Aicardi syndrome, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), genetic etiology and MCD other than focal cortical dysplasia, accompanied by a >50% rate of bedridden patients. Abnormal EEG was found in 96.7%, and CT/MRI was abnormal in 62.7%. Treatments included antiepileptic drug therapy (94.3%), hormonal therapy (72.6%), diet therapy (8.3%) and surgery (15.8%). Intellectual/developmental delay was present in 88.4%, and was more severe in patients with Aicardi syndrome, genetic etiology and HIE. Autism spectrum disorder was found in 13.5%. For the longitudinal study, 27 new-onset West syndrome patients were included. The follow-up study revealed improved seizure status after two years in 66.7%, but worsened developmental status in 55.6%, with overall improvement in 51.9%. SIGNIFICANCE: The study reveals the challenging neurological, physical and developmental aspects, as well as intractable seizures, in patients with West syndrome. More than a half of the children showed developmental delay after onset, even though seizures were reduced during the course of the disease.

Basal Ganglia Dysmorphism in Patients With Aicardi Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Aiming to detect associations between neuroradiologic and EEG evaluations and long-term clinical outcome in order to detect possible prognostic factors, a detailed clinical and neuroimaging characterization of 67 cases of Aicardi syndrome (AIC), collected through a multicenter collaboration, was performed. METHODS: Only patients who satisfied Sutton diagnostic criteria were included. Clinical outcome was assessed using gross motor function, manual ability, and eating and drinking ability classification systems. Brain imaging studies and statistical analysis were reviewed. RESULTS: Patients presented early-onset epilepsy, which evolved into drug-resistant seizures. AIC has a variable clinical course, leading to permanent disability in most cases; nevertheless, some cases presented residual motor abilities. Chorioretinal lacunae were present in 86.56% of our patients. Statistical analysis revealed correlations between MRI, EEG at onset, and clinical outcome. On brain imaging, 100% of the patients displayed corpus callosum malformations, 98% cortical dysplasia and nodular heterotopias, and 96.36% intracranial cysts (with similar rates of 2b and 2d). As well as demonstrating that posterior fossa abnormalities (found in 63.63% of cases) should also be considered a common feature in AIC, our study highlighted the presence (in 76.36%) of basal ganglia dysmorphisms (never previously reported). CONCLUSION: The AIC neuroradiologic phenotype consists of a complex brain malformation whose presence should be considered central to the diagnosis. Basal ganglia dysmorphisms are frequently associated. Our work underlines the importance of MRI and EEG, both for correct diagnosis and as a factor for predicting long-term outcome. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class II evidence that for patients with AIC, specific MRI abnormalities and EEG at onset are associated with clinical outcomes.

Aicardi Syndrome: Key Fetal MRI Features and Prenatal Differential Diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to investigate the prenatal findings in Aicardi syndrome (AIC) by intrauterine magnetic resonance imaging (iuMRI) suggesting possible diagnostic criteria and differential diagnosis. METHODS: The iuMRI features of nine AIC confirmed cases were described and then compared with those of postnatal MRI. Furthermore, all iuMRI cases with both corpus callosum (CC) agenesis-dysgenesis and cortical malformation (AIC mimickers) were retrospectively reviewed and compared with iuMRI AIC cases, in order to identify possible neuroradiological predictors of AIC syndrome. For this purpose, Chi-square statistic and binary logistic regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: In all AIC cases, iuMRI was able to detect CC agenesis-dysgenesis and cortical development anomalies. Postnatal MRI revealed some additional findings mainly including further cystic lesions and in two cases small coloboma. A statistically significant difference between AIC and AIC mimicker were found regarding sex, nodular heterotopias, posterior fossa abnormalities, coloboma, and cortical gyration abnormalities. The most predictive variables in the logistic regression model were cortical gyration abnormalities, coloboma, and sex. CONCLUSION: The iuMRI findings may suggest prenatal diagnosis of AIC syndrome with significant impact on parental counseling. Among possible differential diagnoses, tubulinopathies emerged.

Agenesis of the corpus callosum and hepatoblastoma.

Agenesis of the corpus callosum is a congenital brain malformation that can occur in isolation or as a component of a congenital syndrome. Hepatoblastoma (HB) is a rare tumor that comprises two thirds of primary hepatic neoplasms in children and adolescents. Up to 20% of children with HB have associated congenital anomalies. In addition to defined genetic syndromes such as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, Trisomy 13, and Trisomy 18, HB is significantly associated with kidney/bladder abnormalities. We present two children with multiple congenital anomalies, including agenesis of the corpus callosum, who were subsequently diagnosed with HB. Review of the literature revealed two patients with clinically-diagnosed Aicardi syndrome and HB. Due to the rarity of both agenesis of the corpus callosum and HB, this is likely a true association. Further investigation into the underlying genetic and molecular basis of this probable association is warranted.

Yolk Sac Tumors of the Head and Neck in Aicardi Syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To understand that yolk sac tumors (YSTs) of the head and neck (H&N) are exceedingly rare and typically carry a poor prognosis. To acknowledge the possibility of increased incidence in patients with Aicardi Syndrome and the ramifications this has on early diagnosis and treatment in this population. METHODS: To date, four germ cells tumors of the H&N have been reported in patients with Aicardi Syndrome. This report presents the second known case of a H&N YST in a patient with Aicardi syndrome. In both cases, the patient was initially misdiagnosed given unconvincing radiologic evidence. However, tissue diagnosis and elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels were suggestive of a YST. RESULTS: In contrast to the poor prognosis previously described, both patients with Aicardi syndrome had an excellent chemotherapeutic response exhibited by normalization of AFP levels and imaging. CONCLUSIONS: Rare germ cell tumors of the H&N, such as YSTs, have now been documented in several patients with Aicardi syndrome, indicating a possible association given the rarity of these tumors in the population. YSTs should be considered in the differential diagnosis of H&N masses in these patients, with emphasis on early tissue diagnosis and treatment.

Aicardi syndrome: a case report / Síndrome de Aicardi: relato de caso

Abstract Introduction: the Aicardi syndrome (SA) is characterized as a rare syndrome identified in the presence of three classic characteristics: corpus callosum agenesis, chorioretinal lacunaeand infantile spasms. Description: data collection involved information reported by the mother and the accompanying physiotherapist describing the patient's clinical history andmajor complications according to clinical evolution, treatment, and therapeutic response. At two months of age, the child presented a delayed neuropsychomotor development and infantile spasms.However,the diagnosis of the syndrome was only performed at six months of life, involving brain magnetic resonance imaging where corneal body agenesis was observed. A multidisciplinary treatment was assembledwith a neuropediatrician, a physiotherapist, a psychologist, a nutritionistand a speech therapist, besides drug treatment with baclofen and phenobarbital. Discussion: through the established treatment, the child displayedmotor gain, cervical control, improvement of the respiratory condition, and no need forhospital admissions;these outcomescharacterizea good clinical evolution associated with the physiotherapeutic intervention focused on prevention and minimization of respiratory alterationsthatare frequently associated with morbidity and mortality in these cases. The results obtained point out the fundamental role of multidisciplinary intervention in coping with this condition.

Resumo Introdução: a Síndrome de Aicardi (SA), caracteriza-se como uma síndrome rara identificada na presença das três características clássicas: agenesia de corpo caloso, lacunas coriorretinianas e espamos infantis. Descrição: a coleta de dados envolveu informações relatadas pela genitora e pelo fisioterapeuta acompanhante da paciente, descrevendo assim a história clínica da paciente, as principais complicações de acordo com a evolução clínica, o tratamento e resposta terapêutica. Aos dois meses de idade a criança apresentou atraso no desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor e espasmos infantis, porém o diagnóstico da síndrome foi realizado somente aos seis meses de vida envolvendo um exame de ressonância magnética de encéfalo onde foi observada agenesia de corpo caloso, iniciando-se tratamento multidisciplinar com neuropediatra, fisioterapeuta, psicólogo, nutricionista e fonoaudiólogo, além do tratamento medicamentoso com baclofeno e fenobarbital. Discussão: através do tratamento estabelecido, a criança obteve ganho motor, controle cervical, melhora da condição respiratória e sem internações hospitalares, caracterizando uma boa evolução associada particularmente à intervenção fisioterapêutica que teve enfoque na prevenção e minimização de alterações respiratórias frequentemente associadas à morbidades e mortalidade nestes casos. Os resultados obtidos apontam o papel fundamental da intervenção multidisciplinar para o enfrentamento desta condição.

High-dose Chemotherapy is Efficacious and Well Tolerated in a Toddler With Aicardi Syndrome and Malignant Sacrococcygeal Teratoma.

Aicardi syndrome (AS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder, predominantly seen in female individuals, which appears to have an increased risk of both benign and malignant neoplasia. We report the case of a child with AS who presented with metastatic malignant sacrococcygeal tumor (with yolk sac elements) which recurred and then was treated with 3 cycles of high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell rescue. The patient tolerated therapy with acceptable toxicity and remains in clinical remission 3 months after the completion of therapy. Her neurological status remains similar to that before diagnosis with the exception of chemotherapy induced hearing loss. This is the first description a sacrococcygeal teratoma in a patient with Aicardi, as well as the first use of intensified consolidation chemotherapy in a patient with Aicardi, which was well tolerated and resulted in remission. The use of chemotherapy should be considered for all patients with AS and malignancy.

Adenocarcinoma of Pigmented Ciliary Epithelium in a Child With Aicardi Syndrome and Congenital Microphthalmia With Cyst.

A 5-year-old girl with Aicardi syndrome and microphthalmia with cyst of the OD presented with progressive enlargement of the cyst causing pain. Microophthalmia with inferior cyst (35 × 25 × 12 mm) was noted at birth, and Aicardi syndrome was diagnosed at 10 months by the presence of the classic triad of callosal agenesis, infantile spasms, and chorioretinal lacunae. She underwent enucleation with cyst resection, and subsequent reconstruction with a dermis fat graft. Histopathologic study revealed adenocarcinoma of the pigmented ciliary epithelium. Full-body metastatic workup was negative. Adenocarcinoma of the pigmented ciliary epithelium is an extremely rare eye tumor with only 4 documented cases in the literature, none arising in a microophthalmic eye with cyst. Aicardi syndrome is also a rare disease that has been associated with increased incidence of malignancy and ocular abnormalities, but has never been described in association with microophthalmia with cyst or with adenocarcinoma of the pigmented ciliary epithelium. Herein, the authors present a review of the case and relevant literature.

[Epileptic encephalopathies in infancy. How do we treat them? Does the aetiology influence the response to treatment?] / Encefalopatias epilepticas del lactante. Como las tratamos? Influye la etiologia en la respuesta al tratamiento?

INTRODUCTION: Resistance to treatments is a common feature of Ohtahara, Aicardi, West and Dravet syndromes, as well as malignant migrating epilepsy in infancy. AIMS: To update the therapeutic management and to analyse whether the aetiology somehow determines the treatment. DEVELOPMENT: Convulsive seizures in the first year of life may be due to a potentially treatable aetiology, which makes it essential to carry out a complete evaluation so as to be able to begin, as early as possible, the most suitable and the non-specific symptomatic treatments to control the seizures, which prevents or minimises their deleterious effects. Metabolic disease must be ruled out and it is also essential to try a therapeutic regimen of vitamins and cofactors, as well as antiepileptic drugs. In Ohtahara and Aicardi syndromes, the first-order treatment is phenobarbital and phenytoin, and the most commonly used second-order drugs are midazolam, levetiracetam, lidocaine and valproate. In West's syndrome, the first-order treatment consists of adrenocorticotropic hormone and vigabatrine for the case of tuberous sclerosis; if there is no response, other pharmaceuticals, a ketogenic diet and surgery must be considered. For Dravet's syndrome, the main treatment consists in valproate with clobazam and stiripentol, and as the second order, other drugs and a ketogenic diet should be considered. In epilepsy with migrating seizures, the most effective treatment is with bromides, stiripentol, clonazepam and levetiracetam. CONCLUSIONS: Today there is little consensus on the therapeutic approach to be able to establish specific indications. The aetiology has an influence on the treatment, both in cases in which a curative treatment exists (metabolic diseases) and in the symptomatic management with antiepileptic drugs or other treatments (ketogenic diet or surgery).

TITLE: Encefalopatias epilepticas del lactante. Como las tratamos? Influye la etiologia en la respuesta al tratamiento?Introduccion. La refractariedad es una caracteristica comun del tratamiento de los sindromes de Ohtahara, Aicardi, West, Dravet y epilepsia maligna del lactante con crisis migrantes. Objetivo. Actualizar el manejo terapeutico y analizar si la etiologia determina de alguna manera el tratamiento. Desarrollo. Las crisis convulsivas en el primer año de vida pueden deberse a una etiologia potencialmente tratable, por lo que es imperativo una completa evaluacion para instaurar de manera precoz el tratamiento adecuado y el sintomatico no especifico para el control de las crisis, que evite o minimice el efecto deletereo de estas. Es obligado hasta descartar metabolopatia y ensayar pauta de vitaminas y cofactores, ademas de antiepilepticos. En los sindromes de Ohtahara y Aicardi, la primera linea es fenobarbital y fenitoina, y en segunda linea, los mas habituales son midazolam, levetiracetam, lidocaina y valproato. En el sindrome de West, la primera linea la constituye la hormona adrenocorticotropa y la vigabatrina para el caso de esclerosis tuberosa; si no hay respuesta, considerar otros farmacos, dieta cetogenica y cirugia. Para el sindrome de Dravet, los principales son valproato con clobazam y estiripentol, y de segunda linea, considerar otros farmacos y dieta cetogenica. En la epilepsia con crisis migrantes, los mas eficaces son bromuros, estiripentol, clonacepam y levetiracetam. Conclusiones. Actualmente existe poco consenso en el abordaje terapeutico para establecer indicaciones taxativas. La etiologia influye en el tratamiento, tanto en el caso de disponer de tratamiento curativo (metabolopatias) como en el abordaje sintomatico con antiepilepticos u otros tratamientos (dieta cetogenica o cirugia).

Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum and Aicardi Syndrome: A Neuroimaging and Clinical Comparison.

BACKGROUND: Agenesis of the corpus callosum can occur in individuals with epilepsy, either in isolation or as part of various neurological conditions, such as Aicardi syndrome. In this study, we evaluated the clinical and neuroradiological differences between children with nonsyndromic agenesis of the corpus callosum and those with Aicardi syndrome. METHODS: We evaluated 31 children with epilepsy and agenesis of the corpus callosum (11 males, 20 females), 14 of whom had Aicardi syndrome (all females). We compared their clinical evaluations, radiological and electrophysiological findings, treatments, and their outcome. RESULTS: Median age at seizure onset was lower in the Aicardi syndrome group compared with nonsyndromic agenesis of the corpus callosum (two versus five months, P = 0.006). The developmental impairment in terms of verbalization and ambulation was significantly worse in patients with Aicardi syndrome. The severity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and glucose metabolism positron emission tomography (PET) involvement was more extensive in children with Aicardi syndrome than in nonsyndromic agenesis of the corpus callosum. In both groups, the PET scan showed a much more extensive area of involvement than suggested by the MRI scan. Four children underwent epilepsy surgery with significant improvement, but were not seizure free. Outcome was worse in those with PET showing abnormalities in the nonsurgical hemisphere despite normal appearance on MRI. All children who did not undergo surgery also continued to have seizures at last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Children with Aicardi syndrome have earlier seizure onset, worse developmental outcome, and larger areas of brain abnormalities on neuroimaging compared with nonsyndromic agenesis of the corpus callosum patients. PET reveals larger area of abnormalities, compared with MRI. Although epilepsy surgery in agenesis of the corpus callosum may offer some palliative benefit in seizure frequency, none of our patients became seizure free.

Aicardi syndrome: epilepsy surgery as a palliative treatment option for selected patients and pathological findings.

The optimal treatment for medically refractory epilepsy in Aicardi syndrome (AS) is still unclear. Palliative surgical treatment, including vagus nerve stimulation and corpus callosotomy, has therefore been used. There is limited data on the role of resective epilepsy surgery as a treatment choice in patients with AS. Here, we describe the seizures, anatomo-pathological findings, and neurodevelopmental outcome of palliative epilepsy surgery in two children with AS who had resective epilepsy surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. The related literature is also reviewed. Case 1 had a left functional hemispherectomy and was free of seizures and hypsarrhythmia for six months after surgery. Her gross motor skills improved after surgery. Outcome at 43 months was 1-3 isolated spasms per day. Case 2 had a right fronto-parietal lobectomy. Her seizures improved in frequency and severity, but remained daily after epilepsy surgery. Neurodevelopment changes included improved alertness and recognition of caregivers. This patient died 21 months after epilepsy surgery of unclear causes. Surgical pathology in both cases showed focal cortical dysplasia associated with other findings, such as nodular heterotopia and polymicrogyria. Epilepsy surgery could be an alternative palliative treatment choice in selective cases of AS, but studies on a larger patient cohort are needed to identify the possible role of surgery in children with AS. The complexity of the pathological findings may offer an explanation for the severity of seizures in AS.

Iris cyst in a child with Aicardi syndrome: a novel association.

Aicardi syndrome is a rare X-linked cerebro-retinal disorder characterized by agenesis or dysgenesis of the corpus callosum, seizures, and chorioretinal lacunae; microphthalmia or optic nerve coloboma may also be observed. We report the case of an infant born with severe ocular malformations, including an anterior chamber cyst in one eye, which was surgically removed.

A clinical study of Aicardi syndrome in Northern Ireland: the spectrum of ophthalmic findings.

PurposeAicardi syndrome is a rare disorder, affecting ~1 in 100 000 live births. Chorioretinal lacunae feature alongside agenesis of the corpus callosum and spasms in flexion to make up a diagnostic triad. Recently ophthalmic findings such as microphthalmia and optic disc anomalies have been recognised in association with Aicardi syndrome. This population study aims to determine the presence of ocular findings and identifies some novel associations in these patients.MethodsA retrospective review of charts for seven patients with Aicardi syndrome was carried out.ResultsThe incidence of Aicardi syndrome in Northern Ireland was found to be 1 in 110 000 live births. Four patients who had microphthalmus also had iris abnormalities; two patients with bilateral microphthalmus had partial aniridia and two patients with unilateral microphthalmus had iris coloboma in the same eye. Optic disc abnormalities were found in 11 eyes of six patients. Two patients were found to have areas of fibrovascular proliferation with a thickened white ridge and avascular zone beyond. Both of these patients developed retinal detachments.ConclusionsOur review of patients with Aicardi syndrome in Northern Ireland has revealed some novel clinical findings, including aniridia in two cases. We also found a higher than previously reported rate of excavated disc anomalies of 50% in our cohort. We found two cases of peripheral retinal dysplasia, which has not been previously reported. This finding was associated with microphthalmus and severe optic disc abnormalities, and we feel this warrants early EUA to enable early treatment and hopefully result in better visual prognosis.

Síndrome de aicardi: presentación de un caso clínico y revisión de la literatura / AicardiÆs syndrome: a case report and literature review

El síndrome de Aicardi (SA), es una rara enfermedad neurogenética, diagnosticada clínicamente por la triada clásica de agenesia del cuerpo calloso, espasmos infantiles y lagunas corioretinales. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo fue presentar el espectro clínico y la evolución de este trastorno en un caso. Reportamos una lactante de dos meses, de malformaciones cerebrales múltiples, que ingresa a emergencia por presentar crisis convulsivas. Durante la hospitalización, los hallazgos clínicos û electroencefalográficos, neuroimágenes y evaluación oftalmológica confirman el diagnóstico de SA. Se resalta la importancia de conocer las manifestaciones clínicas del síndrome, para tenerlo en cuenta como diagnóstico diferencial, sobre todo en aquellos casos que presenten espasmos infantiles asociados a agenesia del cuerpo calloso.

AicardiÆs syndrome (SA) is a rare genetic disease, clinically characterized by the classic triad of agenesis of the corpus callosum, infantile spasms and chorioretinal lacunae. The aim of this presentation is to describe the clinical spectrum and evolution of the disorder. We report the case of a 2-month old female infant with a prenatal diagnosis of multiple brain malformations, brought into the Emergency Room while experiencing seizure spells. During her hospitalization, electroencephalography, neuroimaging and ophthalmologic evaluations confirmed the diagnosis of SA. The importance of knowing the clinical manifestations of the syndrome is emphasized, in order to keep it in mind as part of the differential diagnosis for cases presenting infantile spasms associated with agenesis of the corpus callosum.

Severe CNS involvement in WWOX mutations: Description of five new cases.

Recently, mutations in WWOX have been identified in the setting of central nervous system (CNS) disorders, highlighting a previously unrevealed role of this gene in the normal development and function of the CNS. In this report, we add five patients from two seemingly unrelated families presenting with a primarily neurological phenotype. All the children were product of consanguineous marriages. Whole exome sequencing revealed the same homozygous mutation (NM_016373.3:c.606-1G>A) of WWOX in all five patients. All patients and carriers in the family share the same haplotype indicating the families are in fact related to one another. The clinical presentation included progressive microcephaly, early onset of spasticity in the first 3 months of life, intractable epilepsy, severe failure to thrive, and profound developmental delay. Retinopathy was observed in two patients. All five patients died before their third birthday. Neuroimaging showed extensive neurodegeneration characterized by periventricular white matter volume loss and atrophy of the corpus callosum. Additional degeneration selectively affecting the mediodorsal nucleus of the thalamus was observed in one patient. Our findings in five new patients affected by WWOX mutation with early infantile phenotype confirm the features of the disease represented by early infantile epileptic encephalopathy. We suggest that neuroimaging in these patients reveals a characteristic pattern of neurodegeneration in which the cerebellum is spared that could help with early diagnosis in the appropriate clinical setting.

[Aicardi syndrome with Dandy-Walker type malformation]. / Síndrome de Aicardi con malformación tipo Dandy-Walker.

INTRODUCTION: Aicardi syndrome (OMIM 304050) was first described in 1965. Its classic triad consists of infantile spasms, partial or total agenesis of the corpus callosum and ocular disorders, such as chorioretinal lacunae. It has been posited that it is due to a mechanism involving X-linked dominant inheritance. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a full-term female, with no pathological familial history or parental consanguinity, with a prenatal diagnosis of Dandy-Walker type malformation, who presented convulsions, coloboma of the optic nerve, thoracic vertebral block with presence of scoliosis, transfontanellar ultrasound imaging showing agenesis of the corpus callosum and karyotype 46,XX. She was diagnosed with Aicardi syndrome and died at the age of one and a half months. The autopsy revealed supratentorial hydrocephalus with the presence of choroid plexus papilloma, a cyst in the posterior fossa (fourth ventricle), hypoplasia of the cerebellar vermis, agenesis of the left hemisphere of the corpus callosum and cerebellum, characteristic facial features of the syndrome, ogival palate, pectus excavatum, scoliosis, paraovarian cyst and hepatomegaly. CONCLUSIONS: Few cases of an association between the pathology and the presence of Dandy-Walker malformation have been described. We report a new case of the association, bearing in mind that the related disorders, mainly agenesis or hypoplasia of the corpus callosum, suggest the existence of an underlying genetic component. A study of the search for the aetiology must be focused on evaluating those genes that are related with neurodevelopment and its activation in the organogenesis stage. The definitive diagnosis establishes the prognosis, management and genetic counselling of the family.

TITLE: Sindrome de Aicardi con malformacion tipo Dandy-Walker.Introduccion. El sindrome de Aicardi (OMIM 304050) fue descrito en 1965. Su triada clasica esta compuesta por espasmos infantiles, agenesia parcial o total del cuerpo calloso y alteraciones oculares, como lagunas coriorretinianas. Se postula un mecanismo de herencia ligado a X dominante. Caso clinico. Niña nacida a termino, sin antecedentes familiares patologicos ni consanguinidad parental, con diagnostico prenatal de malformacion tipo Dandy-Walker, quien presento episodios convulsivos, coloboma del nervio optico, bloque vertebral toracico con presencia de escoliosis, ecografia transfontanelar con agenesia del cuerpo calloso y cariotipo 46,XX. Se diagnostico de sindrome de Aicardi y fallecio con mes y medio de edad. En la autopsia se evidencio hidrocefalia supratentorial con presencia de papiloma de los plexos coroideos, quiste en la fosa posterior (cuarto ventriculo), hipoplasia del vermis cerebeloso, agenesia del hemisferio del cuerpo calloso y cerebeloso izquierdo, rasgos faciales caracteristicos del sindrome, paladar ojival, pectus excavatum, escoliosis, quiste paraovarico y hepatomegalia. Conclusiones. Pocos casos han descrito la asociacion de la patologia y la presencia de malformacion de Dandy-Walker. Se comunica un nuevo caso con esta asociacion, teniendo en cuenta que las alteraciones relacionadas, principalmente agenesia o hipoplasia del cuerpo calloso, sugieren que tiene un componente genetico de base. El estudio de busqueda de la etiologia de centrarse en evaluar aquellos genes que tengan relacion con el neurodesarrollo y su activacion en la etapa de organogenia. El diagnostico definitivo establece el pronostico, manejo y asesoria genetica a la familia.