CLINICAL AND IMAGING ASPECTS OF CRANIOCEREBRAL MALFORMATIONS IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Background. Congenital brain malformations have a significant impact on the neurodevelopment of the child, often having a severe prognosis with a mortality rate of 40%, making it important to study this field. Aim of the study: To assess the clinical-imaging manifestations of CCM in chil dren for early identification and prompt detection with sig nificant improvement in prognosis and quality of life. Material and methods: 18 children, aged 1 to 3 years, detected after birth with various types of CCM were evaluated. A neu rological examination by Amiel-Tison method and brain CT and/or MRI imaging was performed. Statistical evaluation: observational method. Results. Of the 18 children with MCC - 12 (66.7%; 95CI 55.59-77.81) were detected in the first year of life by imaging examination, MRI. Types of MCC: neurolational and neural tube formation disorders (5.6%), brainstem anomalies (5.6%), ventral induction anomalies (5.6%), cerebellar malformations (11.1%), Dandy Walker anomaly (11.1%), congenital hydrocephalus (16.7%), anomalies associated with disorders of cortical development (22.2%), corpus callosum agenesis (22.2). Common clinical manifestations: developmental delay, axial and limb hypotonia, epileptic seizures, spastic hemi/tetraplegia, microcephaly, hemianopsia, ataxia. Conclusions. CCM can af fect brain structure and function and can range from minor defects to severe abnormalities incompatible with life. The diagnosis and management of craniocerebral malformations requires a multidisciplinary approach involving pediatricians, neurologists, neurosurgeons and imaging physicians. Early and accurate diagnosis can significantly improve the prognosis and management of affected patients.