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.

Aicardi syndrome in a Nigerian female child: A case report and literature review of a rare neuro-developmental disorder from North-Western Nigeria.

Aicardi syndrome is a very rare neurodevelopmental disorder, inherited as an X-linked dominant condition with a triad of infantile spasm, partial or complete agenesis of the corpus callosum, and chorio-retinal "lacunae." We report a case of a female infant with the classical triad of Aicardi syndrome. A female infant presented to the Paediatric Neurology Clinic of the Federal Medical Centre Birnin-Kebbi, North-western Nigeria, at the age of two months with complaints of recurrent afebrile convulsions typical for infantile spasms. The patient was delivered at term with normal Apgar scores and anthropometry. Examination revealed an infant with no dysmorphic features and normal systemic examination. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain however, showed complete agenesis of the corpus callosum and dilatation of the posterior horn of the lateral and third ventricles. Fundoscopy showed multiple yellowish spots along the vascular arcades in the right eye. The left eye had a one-disc diameter lacuna in the superior nasal quadrant adjacent to the optic disc with multiple yellowish spots. A diagnosis of Aicardi syndrome was made. The child was placed on oral phenobarbital and followed up. At the age of 18 months, the child can only sit without support, hold an object in each hand, smile socially, and babble. The frequency of the seizures had also reduced from >100 episodes per day to 2-3 episodes per day, but the child had developed right-sided spastic hemiparesis. The patient was commenced on physiotherapy and the anti-epileptic drugs were maintained. We recommend clinicians consider Aicardi syndrome in the differential diagnosis of any child presenting with infantile spasms.

Aicardi Syndrome Is a Genetically Heterogeneous Disorder.

Aicardi Syndrome (AIC) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder recognized by the classical triad of agenesis of the corpus callosum, chorioretinal lacunae and infantile epileptic spasms syndrome. The diagnostic criteria of AIC were revised in 2005 to include additional phenotypes that are frequently observed in this patient group. AIC has been traditionally considered as X-linked and male lethal because it almost exclusively affects females. Despite numerous genetic and genomic investigations on AIC, a unifying X-linked cause has not been identified. Here, we performed exome and genome sequencing of 10 females with AIC or suspected AIC based on current criteria. We identified a unique de novo variant, each in different genes: KMT2B, SLF1, SMARCB1, SZT2 and WNT8B, in five of these females. Notably, genomic analyses of coding and non-coding single nucleotide variants, short tandem repeats and structural variation highlighted a distinct lack of X-linked candidate genes. We assessed the likely pathogenicity of our candidate autosomal variants using the TOPflash assay for WNT8B and morpholino knockdown in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos for other candidates. We show expression of Wnt8b and Slf1 are restricted to clinically relevant cortical tissues during mouse development. Our findings suggest that AIC is genetically heterogeneous with implicated genes converging on molecular pathways central to cortical development.

Therapeutic positioning to address neuromuscular scoliosis on an adolescent child with Aicardi syndrome: a case study.

Among persons with neuromuscular mobility limitations, therapeutic positioning has been implemented to improve body function, avoid secondary complications such as contractures and body shape distortions, and optimize body energy through restorative sleep. This case study describes the application of a 24-hour posture care management intervention for a preadolescent girl with Aicardi syndrome. The intervention was administered by adding therapeutic bed positioning to use of a custom molded wheelchair seating system. Over the 6-year intervention period overlapping with the subject's adolescent years (age 11-17), marked improvement was observed in thoracic shape and symmetry. Moreover, the subject's mother reported regular full-nights of uninterrupted sleep, relaxed muscle tone upon waking, a stronger cough with less audible congestion, more efficient swallowing and zero hospitalizations. The 24-hour posture care management intervention offers an alternative option for families and caregivers of persons with neuromuscular mobility impairments who wish to use a low-risk, noninvasive, locally available approach to improve body symmetry, increase hours of restorative sleep, and ease caregiving routines. Further research in 24-hour posture care management, including positioning for sleep and rest, should be explored in individuals with complex movement limiting disabilities who are at risk of developing neuromuscular scoliosis.

A case of Aicardi syndrome associated with duplication event of Xp22 including SHOX.

BACKGROUND: Aicardi syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a triad of partial or complete agenesis of the corpus callosum, infantile spasms, and pathognomonic chorioretinal lacunae. METHODS: Examination, multimodal imaging, and genetic testing were used to guide diagnosis. RESULTS: We report a case of a pediatric patient who was initially diagnosed with refractory infantile spasms. The patient was unresponsive to conventional antiepileptic therapy, and genetic testing with whole exome and mitochondrial genome sequencing could not identify the underlying cause, so vigabatrin was initiated. The ophthalmic examination under anesthesia for vigabatrin toxicity screening revealed chorioretinal atrophy in the retinal periphery of both eyes, with two 3-disc diameter chorioretinal lacunae superotemporal and inferonasal to the optic nerve in the left eye. Given the neuroimaging findings of corpus callosum hypoplasia with polymicrogyria and ocular findings, the patient was diagnosed with Aicardi syndrome. Genetic testing revealed a novel duplication event at the Xp22 locus. CONCLUSIONS: Aicardi syndrome, albeit a rare condition, should always be considered in the differential diagnosis when investigating a female child with refractory seizures in early childhood. Genetic testing may help further our understanding of AIS and the search for a genetic etiology.

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.

EEG at onset and MRI predict long-term clinical outcome in Aicardi syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Descriptions of electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns in Aicardi syndrome (AIC) have to date referred to small cohorts of up to six cases and indicated severe derangement of electrical activity in all cases. The present study was conducted to describe the long-term EEG evolution in a larger AIC cohort, followed for up to 23 years, and identify possible early predictors of the clinical and EEG outcomes. METHODS: In a retrospective study, two experienced clinical neurophysiologists systematically reviewed all EEG traces recorded in 12 AIC cases throughout their follow-up, from epilepsy onset to the present. Clinical outcome was assessed with standardized clinical outcome scales. RESULTS: Analysis of the data revealed two distinct AIC phenotypes. In addition to the "classical severe phenotype" already described in the literature, we identified a new "mild phenotype". The two phenotypes show completely different EEG features at onset of epilepsy and during its evolution, which correspond to different clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Data from our long-term EEG and clinical-neuroradiological study allowed us to describe two different phenotypes of AIC, with different imaging severity and, in particular, different EEG at onset, which tend to remain constant over time. SIGNIFICANCE: Together, these findings might help to predict long-term clinical outcomes.

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.

Ocular features in Aicardi syndrome: A case report.

RATIONALE: Aicardi syndrome is a genetic malformation syndrome with a triad of dysgenesis or agenesis of the corpus callosum, distinctive chorioretinal lacunae and infantile spasms. It is a rare developmental disorder first described in 1965. The disease affects 1 in 100,000 live births. PATIENT CONCERNS: We describe a 34-month-old girl diagnosed with Aicardi Syndrome. DIAGNOSIS: Based on the results of color images of the fundus, medical history as well as the analysis of karyotype and DNA microarrays, the patient was diagnosed with Aicardi's syndrome. INTERVENTIONS: Additionally an B-scan ultrasonography and an electrophysiological test was performed. OUTCOME: Fundoscopic examination revealed optic disc colobomas in both eyes, extensive chorioretinal lacunae at the posterior pole with retinal pigment epithelium regrouping and atrophy. Flash visual evoked potentials (FVEP) P2 amplitude was lower than normal range. B-scan ultrasonography revealed an optic disc lesion consistent with optic disk coloboma. LESSONS: Children with congenital central nervous system malformations should undergo regular ophthalmic checkups to facilitate diagnosis and determine prognosis of visual function development.

Ketogenic Diet Therapy for Epilepsy Associated With Aicardi Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Aicardi syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder associated with epilepsy in females. Ketogenic diet therapy represents a possible nonpharmacologic treatment in Aicardi syndrome patients. METHODS: All patients with Aicardi syndrome seen at Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore, MD) and Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital (St Petersburg, FL) treated with ketogenic diet therapy since 1994 were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Fifteen patients, ages 4 months to 34 years, were identified. Ten (67%) patients experienced a ≥50% seizure reduction after 3 months, with 3 (20%) having a ≥90% reduction. Only 1 patient was seizure-free for a short period of time. The number of drugs tried prior to ketogenic diet therapy initiation was correlated with ≥50% seizure reduction at 3 months, 5.8 vs 2.6 in responders versus nonresponders (P = .01). In addition, the mean number of drugs actively received also correlated, 3.0 vs 1.2, P = .005. Ketogenic diet therapy was slightly more successful in those without infantile spasms, 78% vs 50%, P = .33. CONCLUSION: Ketogenic diet therapy was helpful in Aicardi syndrome, although seizure freedom was rare. It was especially helpful for those who were more drug-resistant and did not have infantile spasms at ketogenic diet therapy onset.

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.

Síndrome de Aicardi-Goutières: un caso familiar por alteración del gen RNASEH2B / Aicardi-Goutières syndrome: a family case due to alteration of the RNASEH2B gene

Introducción: El síndrome de Aicardi-Goutières es una encefalopatía progresiva de inicio en el primer año de vida que condiciona retraso psicomotor, microcefalia y disfunción piramidal. Tiene una prevalencia de 1-5 de cada 10.000 recién nacidos vivos. La mayoría de los casos tiene transmisión autosómica recesiva, por alteración en siete genes implicados en el metabolismo del interferón, lo cual condiciona un aumento de sus niveles en la sangre y el líquido cefalorraquídeo, y afecta al cerebro (leucodistrofia, atrofia corticosubcortical, calcificaciones en los núcleos basales…), la piel y el sistema inmunitario. Caso clínico: Se trata de dos hermanos que presentan la variante p.Ala177Thr en homocigosis en el gen RNASEH2B; ambos progenitores, consanguíneos, son portadores. El primer hermano comenzó a los 10 meses con hipotonía axial, hipertonía de las extremidades, regresión psicomotriz y movimientos distónicos. El segundo hermano presentó desde el nacimiento tono axial bajo con hipertonía de las extremidades, a los 4 meses se hallaron calcificaciones en los núcleos lenticuloestriados mediante ecografía transfontalar y a los 6 meses inició movimientos distónicos y nistagmo intermitente. Ambos han desarrollado tetraparesia espástica y permanecen estables con 8 y 10 años, pese a las complicaciones propias del síndrome. Conclusiones: El síndrome de Aicardi-Goutières es una entidad rara que debe tenerse presente ante situaciones que cursen con alteración del desarrollo psicomotor y calcificaciones intracraneales; destacamos la importancia del diagnóstico genético tanto para conocer el pronóstico de nuestros pacientes en función de su alteración genética como para ofrecer consejo genético a sus familias.(AU)

Introduction: Aicardi-Goutières syndrome is a progressive encephalopathy with onset in the first year of life that conditions psychomotor retardation, microcephaly and pyramidal dysfunction. It has a prevalence of 1-5 in 10,000 newly live births. Most cases have autosomal recessive transmission, due to alteration in seven genes involved in the metabolism of interferon, which causes an increase in its levels in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid, and affects the brain (leukodystrophy, corticosubcortical atrophy, calcifications in the basal ganglia…), the skin and the immune system. Clinical case: They are two brothers who present the homozygous p.Ala177Thr variant in the RNASEH2B gene; both of them parents, consanguineous, are carriers. The first sibling started at 10 months with axial hypotonia, hypertonia of the extremities, psychomotor regression and dystonic movements. The second brother presented from the birth low axial tone with hypertonia of the extremities, at 4 months calcifications were found in the nuclei lenticulostriated by transfontalar ultrasound and, at 6 months, she started dystonic movements and intermittent nystagmus. Both have developed spastic tetraparesis and remain stable at 8 and 10 years, despite complications typical of the syndrome. Conclusions: The Aicardi-Goutières syndrome is a rare entity that should be taken into account in situations that occur with altered psychomotor development and intracranial calcifications; we highlight the importance of diagnosis both to know the prognosis of our patients based on their genetic alteration and to offer genetic counseling to their families.(AU)

Morning glory optic nerve in Aicardi syndrome: Report of a case with fluorescein angiography.

BACKGROUND: Aicardi syndrome is an X-linked condition that is associated with multiple ophthalmic malformations. Here, we report the first published fluorescein angiography (FA) study of a morning glory optic nerve in a patient with Aicardi syndrome and contralateral persistent fetal vasculature (PFV). CASE DESCRIPTION: A 12-day old full-term baby girl with a normal neurological exam was referred for evaluation of microphthalmia. The posterior segment of the right eye demonstrated chorioretinal lacunae typical of Aicardi syndrome and microphthalmos with a stalk consistent with PFV. The right eye imaging could not be captured due to the severe microphthalmos and cataract, however, fluorescein angioscopy was performed. The left eye demonstrated a morning glory appearing optic disc with peripapillary chorioretinal lacunae. Fluorescein angiography of the eye showed and late staining in the areas of ellipsoid chorioretinal lacunae emanating from the optic nerve and extensive peripapillary staining and late leakage of the optic nerve. CONCLUSION: Patients with Aicardi syndrome can have morning glory optic nerve anomaly and PFV. Using FA under anesthesia to detect these abnormalities help in estimating the extend of the disease and its complications, which allows for better management of the complications.

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.

Hypercalcemia in Children Using the Ketogenic Diet: A Multicenter Study.

CONTEXT: The ketogenic diet is associated with progressive skeletal demineralization, hypercalciuria, and nephrolithiasis. Acute hypercalcemia has been described as a newly recognized complication of this treatment. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical characteristics of acute hypercalcemia in children on the ketogenic diet through analysis of the presentation, response to treatment, and natural history in a large cohort of patients. DESIGN: A multicenter case series was performed including children who developed acute hypercalcemia while treated with the ketogenic diet. Information on clinical presentation, treatment, and course of this complication was collated centrally. RESULTS: There were 14 patients (median (range) age 6.3 (0.9 to 18) years) who developed hypercalcemia 2.1 (range, 0.2-12) years after starting the ketogenic diet. All had low levels of parathyroid hormone and levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D were low in all except one. Seven (50%) had impaired renal function at presentation. All except the 2 oldest had low alkaline phosphatase levels for age. Once normocalcemia was achieved, hypercalcemia recurred in only 2 of these patients over observation of up to 9.8 years. One patient discontinued the ketogenic diet prior to achieving normocalcemia while 4 more stopped the diet during follow-up after resolution of hypercalcemia. CONCLUSIONS: Ketotic hypercalcemia can occur years after starting the ketogenic diet, especially in the setting of renal impairment. The mechanism is unknown but appears to be due to reduced osteoblast activity and impaired bone formation. We recommend close attention to optimizing bone health in these children, and screening for the development of ketotic hypercalcemia.

Aicardi syndrome with peripapillary staphyloma: A case report and review of literature

@#<p style="text-align: justify;">Aicardi Syndrome (AS) is a rare X-linked congenital disorder traditionally characterized by a triad of dysgenesis of corpus callosum, seizures, and chorioretinal abnormalities. Patients often have severe psychomotor delay and shortened life expectancy. However, Aicardi syndrome is a clinically heterogeneous disorder. We present a case of a 14-year-old with the traditional triad of history of infantile spasm, complete agenesis of the corpus callosum, and chorioretinal abnormality but with peripapillary staphyloma and with no psychomotor delays. Based on the review of literature, this is the first reported case of AS in the Philippines, the first reported case of AS with peripapillary staphyloma, and is one of the 3 reported cases of AS with normal psychomotor development. There remains no factor that can prognosticate cognitive function in AS at present including genetic testing.</p>

Aicardi syndrome in a prematurely born baby with retinopathy of prematurity: eye as a window to a systemic pathology.

Many of the ophthalmic pathologies can co-exist and when taken together can at times give a clue to a life-threatening systemic condition. Presented here is a case of Aicardi syndrome in a prematurely born baby with retinopathy of prematurity . Early diagnosis by the ophthalmologist helped the baby for a timely neurological attention.