Dandy-Walker Malformation Masking the Molar Tooth Sign: An Illustrative Case With Magnetic Resonance Imaging Follow-up

作者:Sartori Stefano*; Ludwig Kathrin; Fortuna Manuela; Marzocchi Cinzia; Calderone Milena; Toldo Irene; Salviati Leonardo; Laverda Anna Maria; Tenconi Romano
来源:Journal of Child Neurology, 2010, 25(11): 1419-1422.
DOI:10.1177/0883073810370477

摘要

Joubert syndrome is a disorder characterized by ataxia, developmental delay, oculomotor anomalies, and breathing irregularities, with cerebellar vermian and midbrain dysgenesis. The molar tooth sign, reflecting the midbrain dysgenesis of Joubert syndrome, is the neuroradiological hallmark and is an essential sign in the identification of this condition. Variable vermian agenesis, an expanded fourth ventricle, and a large posterior cranial fossa with a normal brainstem are typical of Dandy-Walker malformation. The authors report a case in which a Dandy-Walker malformation coexisted with Joubert syndrome, but initially prevented the "molar tooth sign" from being recognized because of an important cystic dilatation of the fourth ventricle. In this article, they discuss the importance of the re-examination of brain magnetic resonance features after decompression of the posterior cranial fossa in a patient with Dandy-Walker malformation and additional clinical neurological or systemic abnormalities typical of Joubert syndrome, to not miss the correct diagnosis.

  • 出版日期2010-11