Subependymal Gray Matter Heterotopia With Seizure in a 6-Month-Old Child

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Radiology
• Developmental Neuroscience

Background:

• Neuronal migration disorders are a group of congenital abnormalities resulting from the disruption of neuronal precursor cell migration during embryonic development.
• These disorders can lead to a wide spectrum of neurological deficits, including epilepsy, intellectual disability, and motor impairments.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management and prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case of a rare neuronal migration disorder diagnosed in infancy.
• To illustrate the utility of non-contrast computed tomography (CT) in identifying complex structural brain abnormalities associated with these disorders.
• To highlight the diagnostic value of neuroimaging in rare pediatric neurological conditions.

Main Methods:

• A 6-month-old male infant presented with seizures.
• Non-contrast computed tomography (CT) of the brain was performed.
• Radiological findings were analyzed for evidence of neuronal migration abnormalities and associated structural changes.

Main Results:

• Non-contrast CT revealed several significant brain malformations:
• Subependymal gray matter heterotopia
• Corpus callosum dysgenesis
• Colpocephaly
• Suspicious closed-lip bilateral parieto-occipital schizencephaly
• Benign findings included posterior fossa and subarachnoid space enlargement.

Conclusions:

• This case underscores the critical role of neuroimaging in diagnosing rare neuronal migration disorders.
• The identified structural abnormalities, including schizencephaly and heterotopia, are indicative of a complex developmental brain anomaly.
• Early and accurate diagnosis through imaging facilitates appropriate clinical management and genetic counseling.