Radiological colpocephaly: a congenital malformation or the result of intrauterine and perinatal brain damage

Brain Dev. 1989;11(5):313-6. doi: 10.1016/s0387-7604(89)80059-2.

Abstract

The term colpocephaly, meaning disproportional enlargement of the occipital horns of the lateral ventricles, was considered in the past to be a distinct congenital malformation acquired in early intrauterine life. During the last few years several cases were reported in whom a variety of intrauterine and perinatal causes could be associated with this radiological picture. We report on 9 children with radiological colpocephaly in whom intrauterine and/or perinatal injury to the developing brain seemed to be the cause of colpocephaly. It is evident from our observations that "radiological colpocephaly" is a non-specific finding caused frequently by CNS damage acquired during intrauterine and perinatal life.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brain Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain Diseases / etiology*
  • Brain Diseases / genetics
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Fetal Growth Retardation / complications*
  • Fetal Hypoxia / complications*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Occipital Lobe / abnormalities*
  • Occipital Lobe / diagnostic imaging
  • Pregnancy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed