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Cerebrocortical microdysgenesis in neurologically normal subjects: a histopathologic study.
1Dyslexia Neuroanatomical Laboratory, Beth Israel Hospital, Boston, MA 02215.
Neurology
|February 1, 1989
Summary
Cerebro-cortical microdysgenesis, including neuronal ectopias and focal laminar dysplasia, is rare in normal brains. However, these developmental anomalies were found in higher numbers and different locations in dyslexic brains, suggesting significance.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Neuropathology
Background:
- Previous research indicates cerebro-cortical microdysgenesis is present in some normal brains, often in the right inferior frontal region.
- Developmental dyslexic brains exhibit a significantly higher prevalence of these anomalies, primarily in the left perisylvian cortex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a detailed analysis of ten normal male brains processed using serial histologic sections.
- To compare the prevalence and location of cerebro-cortical microdysgenesis in normal brains with those previously observed in developmental dyslexic brains.
Main Methods:
- Serial histologic sectioning of ten normal male brains (ages 3.5 to 87 years).
- Detailed analysis and comparison of the type, number, and location of microdysgenesis foci.
Main Results:
- Three out of ten normal brains exhibited microdysgenesis, but with significantly fewer foci and in different locations compared to dyslexic brains.
- Abnormalities in normal brains included single cingulate foci (left and right) and two right supratemporal foci.
Conclusions:
- The specific type of developmental anomaly studied is infrequent in normal brains.
- The higher incidence and distinct localization of these anomalies in dyslexic brains suggest they may be significant indicators of the condition.