- A 6-month-old male patient presented with macrocephaly, West syndrome, right-sided hemiplegia and severe developmental delay. MRI showed abnormal enlargement of the left cerebral hemisphere with signs of lissencephaly, pachygyria and heterotopias as well as white matter changes.
- The diagnosis was hemimegalencephaly, a rare congenital brain malformation where one hemisphere is abnormally enlarged. It involves neuronal and glial abnormalities and commonly causes seizures, hemiplegia and developmental delays.
- Hemimegalencephaly is characterized on imaging as asymmetric skull and brain enlargement, cortical dysplasias, and white matter signal changes correlated to poor
Imaging of spinal cord acute myelopathiesNavni Garg
This presentation provides a comprehensive review of imaging of causes of acute myelopathies and a systemic approach for narrowing down the differentials
Imaging of spinal cord acute myelopathiesNavni Garg
This presentation provides a comprehensive review of imaging of causes of acute myelopathies and a systemic approach for narrowing down the differentials
Title: Sense of Smell
Presenter: Dr. Faiza, Assistant Professor of Physiology
Qualifications:
MBBS (Best Graduate, AIMC Lahore)
FCPS Physiology
ICMT, CHPE, DHPE (STMU)
MPH (GC University, Faisalabad)
MBA (Virtual University of Pakistan)
Learning Objectives:
Describe the primary categories of smells and the concept of odor blindness.
Explain the structure and location of the olfactory membrane and mucosa, including the types and roles of cells involved in olfaction.
Describe the pathway and mechanisms of olfactory signal transmission from the olfactory receptors to the brain.
Illustrate the biochemical cascade triggered by odorant binding to olfactory receptors, including the role of G-proteins and second messengers in generating an action potential.
Identify different types of olfactory disorders such as anosmia, hyposmia, hyperosmia, and dysosmia, including their potential causes.
Key Topics:
Olfactory Genes:
3% of the human genome accounts for olfactory genes.
400 genes for odorant receptors.
Olfactory Membrane:
Located in the superior part of the nasal cavity.
Medially: Folds downward along the superior septum.
Laterally: Folds over the superior turbinate and upper surface of the middle turbinate.
Total surface area: 5-10 square centimeters.
Olfactory Mucosa:
Olfactory Cells: Bipolar nerve cells derived from the CNS (100 million), with 4-25 olfactory cilia per cell.
Sustentacular Cells: Produce mucus and maintain ionic and molecular environment.
Basal Cells: Replace worn-out olfactory cells with an average lifespan of 1-2 months.
Bowman’s Gland: Secretes mucus.
Stimulation of Olfactory Cells:
Odorant dissolves in mucus and attaches to receptors on olfactory cilia.
Involves a cascade effect through G-proteins and second messengers, leading to depolarization and action potential generation in the olfactory nerve.
Quality of a Good Odorant:
Small (3-20 Carbon atoms), volatile, water-soluble, and lipid-soluble.
Facilitated by odorant-binding proteins in mucus.
Membrane Potential and Action Potential:
Resting membrane potential: -55mV.
Action potential frequency in the olfactory nerve increases with odorant strength.
Adaptation Towards the Sense of Smell:
Rapid adaptation within the first second, with further slow adaptation.
Psychological adaptation greater than receptor adaptation, involving feedback inhibition from the central nervous system.
Primary Sensations of Smell:
Camphoraceous, Musky, Floral, Pepperminty, Ethereal, Pungent, Putrid.
Odor Detection Threshold:
Examples: Hydrogen sulfide (0.0005 ppm), Methyl-mercaptan (0.002 ppm).
Some toxic substances are odorless at lethal concentrations.
Characteristics of Smell:
Odor blindness for single substances due to lack of appropriate receptor protein.
Behavioral and emotional influences of smell.
Transmission of Olfactory Signals:
From olfactory cells to glomeruli in the olfactory bulb, involving lateral inhibition.
Primitive, less old, and new olfactory systems with different path
These simplified slides by Dr. Sidra Arshad present an overview of the non-respiratory functions of the respiratory tract.
Learning objectives:
1. Enlist the non-respiratory functions of the respiratory tract
2. Briefly explain how these functions are carried out
3. Discuss the significance of dead space
4. Differentiate between minute ventilation and alveolar ventilation
5. Describe the cough and sneeze reflexes
Study Resources:
1. Chapter 39, Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th edition
2. Chapter 34, Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th edition
3. Chapter 17, Human Physiology by Lauralee Sherwood, 9th edition
4. Non-respiratory functions of the lungs https://academic.oup.com/bjaed/article/13/3/98/278874
- Video recording of this lecture in English language: https://youtu.be/kqbnxVAZs-0
- Video recording of this lecture in Arabic language: https://youtu.be/SINlygW1Mpc
- Link to download the book free: https://nephrotube.blogspot.com/p/nephrotube-nephrology-books.html
- Link to NephroTube website: www.NephroTube.com
- Link to NephroTube social media accounts: https://nephrotube.blogspot.com/p/join-nephrotube-on-social-media.html
Best Ayurvedic medicine for Gas and IndigestionSwastikAyurveda
Here is the updated list of Top Best Ayurvedic medicine for Gas and Indigestion and those are Gas-O-Go Syp for Dyspepsia | Lavizyme Syrup for Acidity | Yumzyme Hepatoprotective Capsules etc
The Gram stain is a fundamental technique in microbiology used to classify bacteria based on their cell wall structure. It provides a quick and simple method to distinguish between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, which have different susceptibilities to antibiotics
Tom Selleck Health: A Comprehensive Look at the Iconic Actor’s Wellness Journeygreendigital
Tom Selleck, an enduring figure in Hollywood. has captivated audiences for decades with his rugged charm, iconic moustache. and memorable roles in television and film. From his breakout role as Thomas Magnum in Magnum P.I. to his current portrayal of Frank Reagan in Blue Bloods. Selleck's career has spanned over 50 years. But beyond his professional achievements. fans have often been curious about Tom Selleck Health. especially as he has aged in the public eye.
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Introduction
Many have been interested in Tom Selleck health. not only because of his enduring presence on screen but also because of the challenges. and lifestyle choices he has faced and made over the years. This article delves into the various aspects of Tom Selleck health. exploring his fitness regimen, diet, mental health. and the challenges he has encountered as he ages. We'll look at how he maintains his well-being. the health issues he has faced, and his approach to ageing .
Early Life and Career
Childhood and Athletic Beginnings
Tom Selleck was born on January 29, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Sherman Oaks, California. From an early age, he was involved in sports, particularly basketball. which played a significant role in his physical development. His athletic pursuits continued into college. where he attended the University of Southern California (USC) on a basketball scholarship. This early involvement in sports laid a strong foundation for his physical health and disciplined lifestyle.
Transition to Acting
Selleck's transition from an athlete to an actor came with its physical demands. His first significant role in "Magnum P.I." required him to perform various stunts and maintain a fit appearance. This role, which he played from 1980 to 1988. necessitated a rigorous fitness routine to meet the show's demands. setting the stage for his long-term commitment to health and wellness.
Fitness Regimen
Workout Routine
Tom Selleck health and fitness regimen has evolved. adapting to his changing roles and age. During his "Magnum, P.I." days. Selleck's workouts were intense and focused on building and maintaining muscle mass. His routine included weightlifting, cardiovascular exercises. and specific training for the stunts he performed on the show.
Selleck adjusted his fitness routine as he aged to suit his body's needs. Today, his workouts focus on maintaining flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular health. He incorporates low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking, and light weightlifting. This balanced approach helps him stay fit without putting undue strain on his joints and muscles.
Importance of Flexibility and Mobility
In recent years, Selleck has emphasized the importance of flexibility and mobility in his fitness regimen. Understanding the natural decline in muscle mass and joint flexibility with age. he includes stretching and yoga in his routine. These practices help prevent injuries, improve posture, and maintain mobilit
- Video recording of this lecture in English language: https://youtu.be/lK81BzxMqdo
- Video recording of this lecture in Arabic language: https://youtu.be/Ve4P0COk9OI
- Link to download the book free: https://nephrotube.blogspot.com/p/nephrotube-nephrology-books.html
- Link to NephroTube website: www.NephroTube.com
- Link to NephroTube social media accounts: https://nephrotube.blogspot.com/p/join-nephrotube-on-social-media.html
Hemodialysis: Chapter 3, Dialysis Water Unit - Dr.Gawad
Case record...Hemimegalencephaly
1. CASE OF THE WEEK
PROFESSOR YASSER METWALLY
CLINICAL PICTURE
CLINICAL PICTURE
A 6 months old male patient presented with macrocephaly, west syndrome, right sided hemiplegia, and severe
developmental delay.
RADIOLOGICAL FINDINGS
RADIOLOGICAL FINDINGS
Figure 1, A case of hemimegalencephaly. Precontrast MRI T1 images showing a moderately enlarged left cerebral
hemisphere with diffuse lissencephaly, pachygyria, and cystic white matter changes. Also noted some precontrast white
matter hyperintensity probably due to defective myelination. Subcortical band heterotopias are probably present.
2. Figure 2. A case of hemimegalencephaly. Precontrast MRI T1 images showing a moderately enlarged left cerebral
hemisphere with diffuse lissencephaly, pachygyria, and cystic white matter changes. Also noted some precontrast white
matter hyperintensity probably due to defective myelination. The ventricular system on the left side are enlarged. The
genu of the Corpus callosum is poorly seen in these images. Notice abnormal shape of the brain with bulging on the left
side.
Figure 3. A case of hemimegalencephaly. Precontrast MRI T1 images showing a moderately enlarged left cerebral
hemisphere with diffuse lissencephaly, pachygyria, and cystic white matter changes. Also noted some precontrast white
matter hyperintensity probably due to defective myelination. The ventricular system on the left side are enlarged. The
genu of the Corpus callosum is poorly seen in these images. Notice abnormal shape of the brain with bulging on the left
3. side.
Figure 4. MRI T2 image (A) and MRI FLAIR images (B,C) showing diffuse white matter hyperintensity (which
correlates with histopathologic findings of poor myelination and early cystic changes) and subependymal nodular
heterotopias. Notice abnormal shape of the brain with bulging on the left side.
Figure 5. MRI T2 image (A) and postcontrast MRI sagittal T1 image (B) showing diffuse white matter hyperintensity
(which correlates with histopathologic findings of poor myelination and early cystic changes). Notice agenesis of the
corpus callosum with hypoplasia of the cerebellum and the brain stem (B). The basal ganglia are poorly visualized.
Notice abnormal shape of the brain with bulging on the left side.
4. Summary of radiological findings
Abnormal shape of the skull
Diffuse unilateral hypertrophy of the brain
Migratory disorders (lissencephaly, pachygyria and heterotopias)
White matter signal changes which correlates with histopathologic findings of poor myelination, early cystic
changes and gliosis
Agenesis of the corpus callosum, hypoplasia of the cerebellum and brain stem
Enlargement of the ventricular system
DIAGNOSIS:
DIAGNOSIS: A CASE OF HEMIMEGALENCEPHALY
DISCUSSION
DISCUSSION
Hemimegalencephaly (HME) consists of diffuse unilateral hypertrophy of the brain. This malformation has been the
subject of several reports over the past few years (1).
The malformation is strictly unilateral. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) show a
characteristic appearance of prominent and diffuse enlargement of one hemisphere with a shift of the midline to the
normal side (Fig. 6). In most cases the ventricle on the hypertrophic side is enlarged. T2-weighted MRI sequences
usually show an intense signal in the subcortical white matter (2). The gyral pattern is slightly modified, typically with
widening of the gyri (Fig. 7) and thickening of the cortical ribbon. In a some cases , the brain surface appeared
polymicrogyric.
Hemimegalencephaly or unilateral megalencephaly is a congenital disorder in which there is hamartomatous
overgrowth of all or part of a cerebral hemisphere (20,21). The affected hemisphere may have focal or diffuse neuronal
migration defects, with areas of polymicrogyria, pachygyria, and heterotopia. Hemimegalencephaly is a rare disorder
and was first described by Sims in 1835 after reviewing 253 autopsies (22). Although the cause is unknown, it is
postulated that it occurs due to insults during the second trimester of pregnancy, or as early as the 3rd week of
gestation, as a genetically programmed developmental disorder related to cellular lineage and establishment of
symmetry (20). Hemimegalencephaly may also be considered a primary disorder of proliferation wherein the neurons
that are unable to form synaptic connections are not eliminated and are thus accumulated.
Hemimegalencephaly differs from other cerebral dysgeneses because of its extreme asymmetry not corresponding to
any normal stage of human brain development. No chromosomal abnormalities have been associated with
hemimegalencephaly. There are three types of hemimegalencephaly (20). The isolated form occurs as a sporadic
disorder without hemicorporal hypertrophy or cutaneous or systemic involvement. The syndromic form is associated
with other diseases and may occur as hemihypertrophy of part or all of the ipsilateral body. It has been described in
patients with epidermal nevus syndrome, Proteus syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1, hypermelanosis of Ito, Klippel-
Weber-Trenaunay syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis (21,23). Therefore, the syndromic type may follow a mendelian
pattern of inheritance. The third and least common type is total hemimegalencephaly, in which there is also enlargement
of the ipsilateral half of the brainstem and cerebellum.
Affected patients may have macrocephaly at birth and in early infancy and often present with an intractable seizure
disorder, hemiplegia, and severe developmental delay (21). Males and females are equally affected. Pregnancy is usually
uncomplicated, but cesarean section may be required owing to cephalopelvic disproportion. Therefore, macrocephaly is
often the first presentation at birth (21). Hemimegalencephaly has a high mortality in infancy unrelated to surgery
(24,25). A brain tumor may be suspected when there is rapid enlargement of the head in the first months of life. Patients
have been misdiagnosed as having obstructive hydrocephalus and undergone unnecessary ventriculoperitoneal shunting
(20). In hemimegalencephaly, the clinical signs of intracranial hypertension such as separation of sutures, bulging
fontanels, and the quot;setting-sunquot; sign of the eyes are absent. The latter is characteristic of increased intracranial
pressure in infants, with both ocular globes deviated downward, the upper lids retracted, and the white sclerae visible
5. above the iris. Epilepsy is the most frequent neurologic manifestation, occurring in greater than 90% of patients (20).
Although progressive hemiplegia and hemianopia are common, some patients do not have focal motor deficits (20).
Hemimegalencephaly in association with neurofibromatosis type 1 may be associated with a more favorable clinical
course (21,23).
Figure. 6. CT scan showing the midline shift to the normal side and loss of normal gyral
pattern of the hypertrophic hemisphere.
Figure 7. Gross appearance of hemimegalencephaly: diffuse hypertrophy of the left
hemisphere. The temporal lobe appears macrogyric.
Cortical disorganization characterized as hemilissencephaly has also been reported (3).
HME includes two different histologic abnormalities, neuronal and glial. In the cortex there is lack of alignment in the
horizontal layers and an indistinct demarcation between gray and white matter (Fig. 8). Giant neurons scattered
throughout the cortex and the subcortical white matter are clearly seen in Fig. 9 a,b. The main morphologic changes in
these giant neurons are the abnormal distribution of Nissi bodies and a conspicuous proliferation of the dendritic tree
visible after Golgi impregnation (Fig. 10). Glial abnormalities are present in half of the cases. The glial cytoplasm is
positive for the periodic acid-Schiff, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and vimentin reactions, and contains glial
filaments on electron microscopic examination. This type of cell, sometimes called a quot;balloon cell,quot; belongs to the glial
line and can be extensively distributed throughout the cortex and subcortical white matter. Invasion of the molecular
layer by multinucleated glial cells is observed in many cases. Bundles of glial fibers, sometimes merging with typical
Rosenthal fibers, may also be present (4). Striking demyelination of the centrum semiovale is seen in some cases, giving
an appearance similar to that of Alexander's disease (5). This involvement of white matter appears to be associated with
many Rosenthal fibers throughout the brain (Fig. 11), and may explain the diffuse, hyperintense signal observed in
white matter on T2-weighted MRI images. It also indicates that glial cells are involved in the lesion, a clear difference
between agyriapachygyria, and focal dysplasia and HME.
6. Figure 8. Hemimegalencephaly
Figure 9a. Disappearance of horizontal layering, radial organization of
neurons, and large hyperchromatic neurons scattered throughout the cortex.
It is difficult to decide if HME should be considered a true malformation. Glial and nerve cell abnormalities are so
widespread that this disease has sometimes been regarded as a tumor or hamartoma (6,7). It has also been suggested
that such cases represent an unusually massive unilateral variant of tuberous sclerosis (8,9). The lack of skin or visceral
lesions and the diffuse distribution of neuropathologic changes are the main arguments for distinguishing HME from
tuberous sclerosis. This nosologic issue must be considered speculative without precise genetic data on HME: a gene for
tuberous sclerosis has been localized to chromosome 9 in some tuberous sclerosis families (10).
Figure 9b. Giant neurons and small pyramidal cells
The neuronal pattern after Golgi impregnation shows that the increased size of the giant neurons is associated with
increased size of their dendritic tree and increased number of dendritic branches. Similar findings have recently been
reported in neurons of a tetraploid strain of the frog Xenopus laevis (I 1). This finding lends support to the view that the
7. hypertrophic neurons are polyploid, as suggested by Bignami et al. (12) and by Manz et al. (13), who found an increased
amount of DNA in the cells of the hypertrophic hemisphere. The localization of neuronal anomalies to one hemisphere
and to one part of the neuronal population suggests mosaicism. Interestingly, hypomelanosis of Ito, a neuroectodermal
disease with known mosaicism, can be associated with HME (14,15).
Figure 10. Typical Rosenthal fiber with a dense osmiophilic core surrounded by
many glial filaments, * l3,000.
The classical association between Jadas- sohn's linear naevus sebaceus syndrome (sebaceous adenoma) and HME is
noteworthy (16-19). These cases are different from isolated HME, and the pathologic similarities to tuberous sclerosis
are closer. In our experience, periventricular tumors, including giant cell astrocytomas, can be encountered in
Jadassohn syndrome, as well as in tuberous sclerosis, but not in isolated HME, strongly implying that HME is a
heterogeneous condition.
Figure 11. A case with hemimegalencephaly. (A) Low-power photomicrograph (hematoxylin-eosin stain) of the cerebral
cortex shows a thickened cortex with poor neuronal lamination (between brackets). An increased number of neurons
are present in the subcortical white matter (arrow). Large abnormal blood vessels with prominent perivascular spaces
are also present in the white matter (arrowheads). (B) High-power photomicrograph (hematoxylin-eosin stain) shows
poorly myelinated white matter containing scattered ectopic neurons (solid straight arrow), gliosis with hypertrophic
changes (curved arrow), numerous Rosenthal fibers (arrowheads), and vacuolar changes in the white matter. Focally
scattered calcifications are also present in the white matter (open arrow).
NEUROIMAGING OF HEMIMEGALENCEPHALY
The diagnosis of hemimegalencephaly can usually be made at cross-sectional imaging. At CT, asymmetry of the cranium
may be evident with enlargement of all or part of a cerebral hemisphere and ipsilateral ventricle. There is often focal,
small, or extensive calcification in the white and gray matter, and the white matter may have abnormally low
attenuation representing heterotopia and dysplasia of neurons. MR is the imaging modality of choice. A characteristic
8. finding is straightening of the ipsilateral frontal horn of the enlarged ventricle (21). However, the ipsilateral ventricle
may be small in some patients. In some cases, ventricular enlargement is less severe compared with that of the involved
hemisphere. At MR imaging, the white matter shows heterogeneous but frequently high signal intensity and there is
often distinction of areas of agyria, pachygyria, and/or polymicrogyria. The white matter of the affected hemisphere
may show advanced myelination for age (26). There is a roughly inverse relationship between the severity of the cortical
and white matter abnormalities and the size of the cerebral hemisphere. Patients with agyria tend to have mild to
moderate hemispheric enlargement, while those with polymicrogyria have more severe hemispheric enlargement
(21,23). Prenatal and postnatal cranial sonography may reveal ventricular asymmetry and unilateral ventricular
dilatation. Functional imaging with positron emission tomography has had good correlation with CT and MR imaging
findings and has disclosed functionally abnormal brain regions in the noninvolved hemisphere that appeared
structurally normal at CT and MR imaging (27).
The gross pathologic appearance correlates with the imaging findings of enlargement of the affected cerebral
hemisphere. The brain surface may show pachygyria and polymicrogyria. Microscopically, nerve cells are larger and
less densely packed than in the normal side of the brain, and the number of glial cells is increased. Areas of
polymicrogyria, neuronal heterotopia, and pachygyria occur. Histologically, there is no difference between focal cortical
dysplasia and hemimegalencephaly. However, macroscopically, hemimegalencephaly involves the whole hemisphere,
whereas focal cortical dysplasia is more limited (28). White matter may show areas of poor myelination, cystic change,
and gliosis, which correspond to increased signal intensity on T2-weighted MR images. Some patients have extensive
gliosis, microcystic changes, and Rosenthal fibers in the white matter resembling leukodystrophy. Such extensive white
matter involvement is unusual in hemimegalencephaly. Delayed myelination was the extent of involvement described by
Woo et al (28) in three patients with hemimegalencephaly.
Figure 12. A case with hemimegalencephaly. (A), Axial unenhanced (a) and contrast material-enhanced (B) T1-weighted
MR images show enlargement of the right cerebral hemisphere, cavitation in the region of the centrum semiovale
(arrowhead), and diffuse gyral thickening (arrows) with diminished sulcation, a finding consistent with pachygyria.
There are patchy, linear regions of increased signal intensity in the white matter of the right hemisphere. No pathologic
enhancement is seen on the contrast-enhanced image (B).
9. Figure 13. A case with hemimegalencephaly. (A) Axial unenhanced T1-weighted MR image obtained at the level of the
basal ganglia shows an enlarged and dysmorphic right cerebral hemisphere. The right basal ganglia are poorly
demonstrated. There is moderate mass effect anteriorly (arrow). (B) On a sagittal T1-weighted MR image obtained at
the midline, the corpus callosum is poorly seen (arrowhead).
Figure 14. A case with hemimegalencephaly. Axial (A) and coronal (b) unenhanced T2-weighted MR images show
enlargement of the right cerebral hemisphere. There is diffuse high signal intensity in the white matter, which correlates
with histopathologic findings of poor myelination and early cystic changes. The right lateral ventricle is compressed
(arrow in b). The cerebellum is symmetrical and appears normal (arrowhead in A).
10. Figure 15. A case with hemimegalencephaly. Coronal section through
the right frontal hemisphere shows broad gyri and a thick cortex,
particularly in the frontal lobe (solid straight arrow). The occipital lobe
has a more normal gyral pattern (arrowhead). The white matter is
gliotic and shows areas of mucinous and cystic degeneration (curved
arrow). The gray matter-white matter junction is indistinct. The basal
ganglia and thalami are small and poorly demarcated. Subventricular
gray matter heterotopia is also noted (open arrow).
MANAGEMENT OF HEMIMEGALENCEPHALY
Syndromic hemimegalencephaly has a worse prognosis than the isolated type, and there is generally poor neurologic
function in cases of hemimegalencephaly. Seizure control is the principal goal of therapy, and patients often require
multiple antiepileptic medications that have adverse side effects. Hemispherectomy was first performed for treatment of
refractory epilepsy in 1978 and is considered the best therapeutic choice for patients with intractable seizures (23,24,25).
Anatomic or functional hemispherectomy has also been performed with improvement in quality of life (29).
Nevertheless, there is a high mortality and morbidity rate associated with hemispherectomy (24,25,20). Complications
include subdural hematomas and hydrocephalus, often requiring surgical intervention and ventriculoperitoneal
shunting. The age of the patient at the time of surgical intervention is an important factor in development of secondary
hydrocephalus, with patients younger than 9 months being more at risk (30). The intracranial space left by resection of
a large portion of the brain may be intraoperatively filled with Ringer lactate or may eventually become filled with
cerebrospinal fluid, but it remains vulnerable to infection and hemorrhage.
Table 2. Definition of developmental disorders.
Type Comment
schizencephaly Schizencephaly (cleft in brain) has been regarded by many as a migration abnormality;
however, it is best understood as a disorder of segmentation because one of the genes that is
(disorder of abnormal in the more severe and familial forms is EMX2 [6,7]. Thus, this developmental
segmentation) disorder, at least in the more severe cases, appears to be the result of failure of regional
specification of a clone of cells that are destined to be part of the cortex.
Megalencephaly The terms megalencephaly and hemimegalencephaly refer to disorders in which the brain
volume is greater than normal (not owing to the abnormal storage of material); usually, the
(Non-neoplastic disorder enlarged brain is accompanied by macrocephaly, or a large head.
of neuronal
proliferation)
Microcephaly The term microcephaly refers to disorders in which the brain volume is smaller than
normal
11. (Non-neoplastic disorder
of neuronal
proliferation)
Dysembryoplastic Neoplastic proliferative disorders
neuroepithelial tumor
and ganglioglioma
Lissencephaly Lissencephaly (smooth brain) refers to the external appearance of the cerebral cortex in
those disorders in which a neuronal migration aberration leads to a relatively smooth
(disorder of neuronal cortical surface. One should not consider only agyria in making this diagnosis, rather, the
migration) full spectrum includes agyria and pachygyria.
Agyria Extreme end of lissencephaly (sever lissencephaly) spectrum in which gyri are completely
absent and the brain surface is completely smooth.
(disorder of neuronal
migration)
Pachygyria The other end of lissencephaly spectrum (mild lissencephaly), the brain have a few broad,
flat gyri separated by shallow sulci (pachygyria). The cortex is thick in pachygyria.
(disorder of neuronal
migration)
Polymicrogyria Polymicrogyria (many small gyri) is a disorder often considered to be a neuronal migration
disorder, but alternate theories exist regarding its pathogenesis, The microscopic
(disorder of neuronal appearance of the lesion is that of too many small abnormal gyri. The gyri may be shallow
migration) and separated by shallow sulci, which may be associated with an apparent increased
cortical thickness on neuroimaging. The multiple small convolutions may not have
intervening sulci, or the sulci may be bridged by fusion of overlying molecular layer, which
may give a smooth appearance to the brain's surface.
Heterotopias Heterotopias are collections of normal-appearing neurons in an abnormal location,
presumably secondary to a disturbance in migration. Heterotopias may be classified by
(disorder of neuronal their location: subpial, within the cerebral white matter, and in the subependymal region.
migration)
Tuberous sclerosis Disorders such as tuberous sclerosis, in which both tumor development and areas of
cortical dysplasia are seen, might be a differentiation disorder. The brain manifestations of
(differentiation disorder) this disorder include hamartomas of the subependymal layer, areas of cortical migration
abnormalities (tubers, cortical dysgenesis), and the development of giant-cell astrocytomas
in upwards of 5% of affected patients.
SUMMARY
The terms megalencephaly and hemimegalencephaly refer to disorders in which the brain volume is greater than
normal (not owing to the abnormal storage of material); usually, the enlarged brain is accompanied by macrocephaly,
or a large head. Although considered by some to be a migration disorder, the increase in brain size in these disorders
appears to be attributable to errors in neuroepithelial proliferation, as the microscopic appearance of the brain is that of
an increase in number of cells (both neurons and glia) and in cell size.
Typically, patients are noted to have large heads at birth, and may manifest an accelerated head growth in the first few
months of life. Children with megalencephaly or hemimegalencephaly may come to medical attention when presenting
with seizures, a developmental disorder (mental retardation), hemihypertrophy, or a hemiparesis (opposite the affected
hemisphere). Seizures vary both in onset and in type, and usually are the most problematic symptom. sometimes
necessitating hemispherectomy or callosotomy.
12. Addendum
A new version of this PDF file (with a new case) is uploaded in my web site every week (every Saturday and
remains available till Friday.)
To download the current version follow the link quot;http://pdf.yassermetwally.com/case.pdfquot;.
You can also download the current version from my web site at quot;http://yassermetwally.comquot;.
Screen resolution is better set at 1024*768 pixel screen area for optimum display
REFERENCES
References
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