Imaging the course of a hypoplastic cerebellum in a spina bifida newborn.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

We report about a spina bifida patient with myelomeningocele at the lumbar level L5, extensive Chiari malformation type II with vermal herniation reaching to C6 with downward pontine shift, and a severe hypoplastic cerebellum. Chromosomal diagnostic tests showed no abnormalities.

CASE REPORT:

The infant experienced severe central apneas successfully treated with oxygen therapy and caffeine medication; functional motor level was established at L5 with sparse anal sphincter function.

DISCUSSION:

After surgical intervention (myelomeningocele repair and ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement), these abnormalities significantly improved on radiological imaging; the preoperative hypoplastic, almost undetectable, cerebellum developed to a fair sized cerebellum. Apneas disappeared over time and the patient showed further developmental improvement. Herein, we illustrate and discuss the changes of the cerebellar volume before and after neurosurgical intervention.

• Authors: Annick Kronenburg, Kuo Sen Han, Rob Gooskens, Giuseppe Esposito, Douglas Cochrane, Peter Woerdeman
• Journal: Child's nervous system : ChNS : official journal of the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery (Childs Nerv Syst) Vol. 29 Issue 11 Pg. 2131-5 (Nov 2013) ISSN: 1433-0350 [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 23686389 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Arnold-Chiari Malformation (pathology, surgery)
• Cerebellum (abnormalities, pathology, surgery)
• Developmental Disabilities (pathology, surgery)
• Female
• Gestational Age
• Humans
• Infant, Newborn
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Meningomyelocele (pathology, surgery)
• Microcephaly (pathology)
• Nervous System Malformations (pathology, surgery)
• Neural Tube Defects (pathology, surgery)
• Neurosurgical Procedures (methods)
• Spinal Dysraphism (pathology, surgery)
• Treatment Outcome
• Ultrasonography, Prenatal
• Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt