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Adult-onset neurologic dysfunction associated with cortical malformations.
W H Cho1, D Seidenwurm, A J Barkovich
1Department of Radiology, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|August 13, 1999
Summary
Certain brain malformations, like subependymal heterotopia, can cause adult-onset neurological issues and epilepsy. These conditions may present subtly in adulthood or even remain asymptomatic.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimaging
- Developmental Neuroscience
Background:
- Malformations of cerebral cortical development are common brain anomalies.
- These are typically associated with childhood-onset developmental delay or seizures.
- Adult-onset presentation of these malformations is less commonly recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate clinical and MR imaging findings in patients with adult-onset neurologic dysfunction due to cortical malformations.
- To identify differentiating features of these malformations compared to childhood-onset cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of clinical records and MR imaging studies of 16 patients.
- Patients ranged from 17 to 64 years old (mean 35) at imaging.
- Correlation of imaging findings with seizure history.
Main Results:
- 14 patients had subependymal heterotopia, 2 had closed-lip schizencephalies.
- 11 patients had epilepsy (onset 14-45 years), 4 controlled with medication.
- Most patients had normal intelligence; malformation characteristics did not correlate with seizure presence or frequency.
Conclusions:
- Subependymal heterotopia and small closed-lip schizencephaly can manifest in adulthood.
- These malformations may present with subtle clinical signs or be asymptomatic.