The superior surface lesion of the cerebellum in children with myelomeningocele.
The lobular pattern of the superior surface of the cerebellum has been described in 100 children with myelomeningocele. There is a wide range of abnormality. The inferior displaced cerebellar segment shortens with age, but the superior surface deformity probably remains unchanged and is, therefore, useful in indicating the original extent of the caudal part of the defect in the older child. The most severe change showed the cerebellar h emispheres to be separated by a deep midline identation (split cerebellum); this was associated with hypoplasia of the superior vermis which supports an inception during the organogenetic period of development. Other cerebellums showed less severe deformities and their inception was comparatively later in development. Thus the degree of deformity of the cerebellum is probably related to its time of onset. Furthermore, the findings suggest that we are dealing with a secondary disturbance. It is evident that the cerebellar defect is not limited to its caudal aspect; this should increase the specificity of the hindbrain malformation is children with myelomeningocele.
D002531:Cerebellum / Q000473:pathology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008591:Meningomyelocele / Q000473:pathology*