MRI findings in a neonate with cerebellar agenesis.
Cerebellar agenesis is a rarely observed malformation that is frequently associated with other defects. We describe a neonate with an isolated cerebellar agenesis. In addition to the absence of recognizable cerebellar tissue, cranial magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a hypoplastic base of the pons and absence of the normal outline of the inferior olives. Other major cerebral malformations were not found. As a developmental defect, cerebellar agenesis is heterogeneous because it occurs either as an anatomically isolated anomaly or as part of a more complex cerebral malformation. The pathogenesis and molecular basis of isolated cerebellar agenesis is unknown.
Van Coster
R N
RN
Division of Pediatric Neurology, University Hospital Gent, Belgium.
De Praeter
C M
CM
Vanhaesebrouck
P J
PJ
Leroy
J G
JG
D002531:Cerebellum / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000473:pathology*; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011149:Pons / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000473:pathology