Brain abnormalities in myelomeningocele patients

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Radiology

Background:

• Myelomeningocele (MMC) is frequently associated with hydrocephalus and Chiari malformation type II.
• However, a broader spectrum of central nervous system abnormalities exists in MMC patients.
• Understanding these additional brain anomalies is crucial for comprehensive patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and quantify the prevalence of forebrain abnormalities in patients with myelomeningocele (MMC).
• To analyze magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from both in utero and postnatal MMC repair cohorts.
• To characterize the range and incidence of supra- and infratentorial brain abnormalities in MMC.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of brain MRI scans from 37 patients with myelomeningocele (MMC) treated between January 2014 and March 2017.
• Inclusion criteria comprised patients undergoing either in utero or postnatal MMC repair.
• Two experienced neuroradiologists independently reviewed MRI scans to identify and classify brain abnormalities.

Main Results:

• Hydrocephalus (94.5%) and Chiari malformation type II (89.1%) were the most common findings, as expected.
• A significant incidence of corpus callosum abnormalities was observed in 86.4% of patients, predominantly corpus callosum dysplasia (46%).
• The study identified a wide range of both supratentorial and infratentorial brain abnormalities in the MMC cohort.

Conclusions:

• Brain abnormalities in MMC encompass both infratentorial and supratentorial structures, affecting cortical and subcortical regions.
• These findings underscore the complex neurodevelopmental impact of MMC.
• Further research is necessary to correlate these forebrain abnormalities with long-term functional outcomes and prognostic value.