Malformations of cortical development comprise a clinically and etiologically heterogeneous
group of distinct structural abnormalities of the cerebral cortex, commonly identified
during MR imaging of patients with seizure disorders and/or developmental delay. MR
imaging is crucial for further classification and together with additional clinical
information and family history guiding specific genetic testing, which today is an
integral part of the interdisciplinary diagnostic work-up and allows identification
of an underlying genetic alteration in a significant subset of patients. Results of
genetic testing may provide important prognostic information and subsequently support
prospective therapeutic decisions. Furthermore, genetic forms of cortical malformations
may be associated with a significantly increased recurrence risk for further siblings
or other relatives and require genetic counselling of the family on individual risks
and the options of prenatal or even preimplantation genetic diagnosis.
Key words
cortical malformations - genetic testing - lissencephaly - subcortical band heterotopias
- nodular heterotopias - polymicrogyria