Nodular Gray Matter Heterotopia

Findings:

Multiple MR images demonstrate nodules of cortical signal extending along the ependymal surface of the left lateral ventricle, with no abnormal enhancement

Differential diagnosis:

gray matter heterotopia, subependymal nodules of Tuberous Sclerosis, neoplasm primary or metastatic

Discussion:

Gray matter heterotopia is a migrational anomaly of variable severity which occurs between 2-5 months of gestation. It is the most common migrational anomaly. Heterotopia may be divided into nodular and band types, the nodular type being much more common than band heterotopia. Other migrational anomalies include lissencephaly, pachygyria, schizencephaly, and polymicrogyria. Nodular heterotopias are often detected incidentally, as in this case, with no detectible clinical manifestation. The severity of clinical symptoms generally correlates with the extent of anomaly, for example lissencephalic patients have seizures and profound developmental delay/mental retardation.

BACK TO MAIN PAGE