multicystic encephalomalacia

Multicystic encephalomalacia corresponds to a variant of encephalomalacia commonly seen in neonates in which numerous loculated lacy pseudocysts within the white matter and cortex are present as a result of an extensive brain insult.

Pathology

It is a common feature observed in the neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in a term neonate, including as a sequela of severe postnatal non-accidental head injury .

Radiographic features

Multicystic encephalomalacia can be appreciated on both CT and MRI. Classic features generally include:

• multiple cysts of varying size and shape located bilaterally within the cerebral white matter and inner layers of the cortex
• relative sparing infratentorially, including of the cerebellum and spinal cord, except from Wallerian degeneration of the corticospinal tracts
• relative sparing of some supratentorial structures including the basal ganglia, inferior temporal lobes, and orbital surfaces of the frontal lobes
• ex vacuo dilatation of the lateral ventricles with intact ventricular walls

In cases secondary to severe postnatal non-accidental head injury, there may be evidence of chronic subdural hemorrhage, among other traumatic injuries.

See also

• patterns of neonatal hypoxic–ischemic brain injury

Siehe auch:

• Enzephalomalazie
• neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy

und weiter:

• multizystische Encephalopathie nach Meningitis
• zystische Läsionen des Gehirns