Journal of Pediatric Neurology 2024; 22(05): 332-340
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1786790
Review Article

Lissencephaly, Pachygyrias, Band Heterotopias, RELN Pathway, and ARX Mutations (Incomplete Neuron Migration)

Laura Sciuto*
1   Pediatrics Postgraduate Residency Program, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
,
Valeria Fichera*
1   Pediatrics Postgraduate Residency Program, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
,
Antonio Zanghì*
2   Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, Research Center for Surgery of Complex Malformation Syndromes of Transition and Adulthood, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
,
Michele Vecchio
3   Rehabilitation Unit, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
,
Raffaele Falsaperla
4   Neonatal Intensive Care unit and Neonatology, University Hospital “Policlinico Rodolico-San Marco,” Catania, Italy
,
Sebastiano Galioto
5   Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, University Hospital Policlinico “G. Rodolico-San Marco,” Catania, Italy
,
Stefano Palmucci
6   Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, IPTRA Unit, University Hospital Policlinico “G. Rodolico-San Marco,” Catania, Italy
,
Giuseppe Belfiore
7   Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, Unit of Radiology 1, University Hospital Policlinico “G. Rodolico-San Marco,” Catania, Italy
,
Claudia Di Napoli
8   Chair of Genetics, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Kore University, Enna, Italy
,
Agata Polizzi
9   Chair of Pediatrics, Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
,
Andrea D. Praticò
10   Chair of Pediatrics, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Kore University, Enna, Italy
› Institutsangaben
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Abstract

Lissencephaly (LIS) is a group of malformations of cortical development consisting of a defective neuronal migration that results in lack of formation of the normal cerebral convolutions. It includes a spectrum of defect with varying degrees of severity, from agyria and pachygyria to subcortical band heterotopia. The etiopathogenesis of LIS includes both genetic and environmental factors. Although nongenetic forms of LIS have been reported, genetic causes are certainly more frequent and to date 19 LIS-SBH-associated genes have been identified. Most common mutations involve LIS1, DCX, ARX, and RELN genes. Clinically affected individuals present with early hypotonia, which can progress to limb spasticity, seizures, and psychomotor retardation. Convulsive episodes usually appear early (first months of life) and include infantile spasms, akinetic or myoclonic seizures, up to the development of complex epileptic syndromes, including atypical absences, myoclonia, and partial or tonic–clonic seizures. Several clinical entities are associated with classical LIS, including the following: isolated lissencephaly sequence (ILS); Miller–Dieker syndrome (MDS; OMIM 247200); subcortical band heterotopia (OMIM 300067); X-linked LIS with abnormal genitalia; and LIS with cerebellar hypoplasia. Diagnosis primarily depends on genetic and neuroimaging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard, and it detects the presence of thick cortical cortex, its location, and the layers' architecture. Based on neuroimaging, it is possible to distinguish six subtypes of gyral malformations. Clinical and therapeutic management of these patients is challenging, considering the necessity to face drug-resistant epilepsy, intellectual disability, spasticity, and dysphagia and feeding problems. At the present moment, no gene-specific treatment for LIS is available.

* These authors contributed equally to the article.




Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 27. November 2023

Angenommen: 04. April 2024

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
11. Mai 2024

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