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[Symmetrical cortical calcification of the cerebrum following pre-natal encephalitis (author's transl)]
Insights
Extensive symmetrical cortical calcification in an infant, without cerebellar involvement, correlated with severe neurodevelopmental issues. This pattern suggests a potential viral cause during fetal development, dependent on gestational age at infection.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cerebral calcifications can result from various insults during fetal development.
- Herpes encephalitis is a known cause of neurological damage and calcification in infants.
- The specific pattern and extent of calcification can provide clues to the etiology and timing of insult.
Abstract:
Purely cortical cerebral calcification without involvement of the cerebellum was observed radiologically in a 3-month old girl; the calcification was extensive and symmetrical. During a three year period of observation, she showed severe psychomotor retardation, spasticity, microcephaly, a secondary scoliosis, subluxation of the hips and fits. These changes have only been observed so far following pre-natal herpes encephalitis. Following this condition there may also be periventricular calcification. Therefore it is assumed that the extensive cortical calcification is due to a virus, but not necessarily a specific one and that it depends on the age of the foetus at the time of the infection.